Lead-out assembly and relay

Abstract

This application relates to a lead-out assembly and a relay. The lead-out assembly for the relay includes: a lead-out member for connecting to a terminal of the relay, the lead-out member being made of a conductive material; and a locking structure connected to the lead-out member and being a separate structure from the lead-out member, the locking structure being used for locking and fixing to external components. The aforementioned relay can improve the thread installation strength of the locking structure, thereby improving the locking torque between the locking structure and external components, reducing contact resistance and temperature rise, and improving electrical connection performance. Simultaneously, while providing a sufficient number of threads, it does not easily lead to an increase in the thickness of the lead-out member, which helps to reduce space occupation and cost. Furthermore, the absence of threaded holes on the terminals helps to increase the current-carrying area of ​​the terminals, reduce the diameter of the terminals, thereby improving electrical connection performance and reducing manufacturing costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of relay technology, and in particular to a lead-out component and a relay. Background Technology

[0002] As an electronic control device, a relay has a control system (also known as an input circuit) and a controlled system (also known as an output circuit). It is commonly used in automatic control circuits and is essentially an "automatic switch" that uses a smaller current to control a larger current. Therefore, it plays a role in automatic adjustment, safety protection, and circuit switching in circuits.

[0003] In relays, there are often situations where terminals need to be electrically connected to other components. For example, in high-current circuits, the leads of the stationary contact are connected to the circuit via copper busbars. Traditional relays typically use threads to connect the terminals to these components. However, the maximum torque that the threads in traditional relay terminals can withstand is insufficient, which can easily lead to stripping or breakage of the terminals during connection, affecting the reliability of the connection. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a lead-out component and a relay to address the problem that the maximum torque that the threads in traditional relay terminals cannot withstand is insufficient.

[0005] A lead-out assembly for a relay includes:

[0006] Lead-out members, for connection to the terminals of the relay, wherein the lead-out members are made of conductive material; and,

[0007] A locking structure is connected to the lead-out member and is a separate structure from the lead-out member. The locking structure is used to lock and fix external components.

[0008] The aforementioned relay connects to terminals via leads, and a locking structure for screwing into external components is located on the leads. Therefore, when terminals require high-temperature brazing or other processing, the locking structure is less affected by the terminal's processing, improving the thread strength of the locking structure. This, in turn, increases the locking torque between the locking structure and external components, reduces contact resistance and temperature rise, and enhances electrical connection performance. Furthermore, the locking structure is not limited by the terminal height or the lead thickness, allowing for sufficient thread count to improve locking strength. It is also not limited by the terminal shape, making it easier to manufacture standard parts compared to threads on the terminals. Additionally, providing sufficient thread count does not necessarily increase the lead thickness, thus reducing space and cost. Moreover, by using threads on the locking structure for connection to external components, there is no need for threaded holes on the terminals, increasing the current-carrying area and reducing the terminal diameter, thereby improving electrical connection performance and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0009] In one embodiment, the locking structure is a nut, and the locking structure has a threaded hole locking structure; or,

[0010] The side circumferential surface of the locking structure is provided with external threads.

[0011] In one embodiment, the lead-out has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion being connected to the terminal, and the second connecting portion being connected to the locking structure, wherein the width of the first connecting portion is greater than the width of the second connecting portion. This configuration increases the connection area between the first connecting portion and the terminal, accommodating the current-carrying requirements between the lead-out and the terminal, improving the electrical connection performance between the lead-out and the terminal, and also helps reduce the material used in the lead-out, increasing material utilization.

[0012] In one embodiment, the hardness of the locking structure is greater than that of the lead-out member. The material of the locking structure is not limited to the material of the lead-out member; a material with greater hardness can be used to set the threads to improve the thread strength, thereby increasing the locking torque that the threads can withstand. This is beneficial for improving the locking strength between the locking structure and external components, and reducing the contact resistance and temperature rise between the locking structure and external components.

[0013] In one embodiment, the locking structure has a dimension in the thickness direction of the lead-out that is greater than the thickness of the lead-out, and the locking structure protrudes from the lead-out. This allows the number of threads to be independent of the thickness of the lead-out, and while increasing the axial dimension of the locking structure to accommodate more threads does not increase the thickness of the lead-out, thus balancing improved connection reliability with reduced manufacturing costs.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the surface of the lead-out is plated with a conductive layer. This conductive layer is also less susceptible to the effects of high-temperature brazing or other processing methods used in terminal bonding, which helps improve electrical connection performance.

[0015] In one embodiment, the locking structure is installed on the lead-out member using a press-fit or riveting process. This not only improves the connection strength between the locking structure and the lead-out member but also simplifies the assembly process of the locking structure and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0016] In one embodiment, the lead-out has opposing first and second connecting portions, the second connecting portion being connected to the locking structure, and the first connecting portion being used for connection to the terminal by welding.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first connecting portion is provided with a protruding brim on one side facing the terminal, and the terminal is provided with a recessed groove, the protruding brim being embedded in the groove. The method of forming the groove by molding or stamping the terminal is simple, has low processing costs, and does not increase the height of the terminal, which helps reduce the material cost of the terminal. It also avoids reducing the contact area between the lead and the terminal, and the area of ​​the brim is more controllable, which helps to balance improving electrical connection performance and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0018] A relay includes terminals and lead-out components as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein leads of the lead-out components are connected to the terminals.

[0019] In one embodiment, the relay is suitable for high-current scenarios, where the high current is above 300A.

[0020] In one embodiment, the hardness of the locking structure of the lead-out component is greater than the hardness of the terminal. The material of the locking structure is not limited to the material of the terminal; a material with greater hardness can be used to set the threads to improve the thread strength. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the lead-out member and locking structure in some embodiments.

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the lead-out member and locking structure along the AA direction.

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the lead-out element and locking structure from another angle.

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 1The diagram shows the lead-out element and locking structure at another angle.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the lead-out element in some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the locking structure in some embodiments.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a stud as the locking structure in some embodiments.

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The diagram shows the lead-out element and locking structure from another angle.

[0029] Figure 9 for Figure 7 The diagram shows the lead-out element and locking structure at another angle.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 10. Lead-out part; 11. First connecting part; 111. Protrusion; 12. Second connecting part; 121. First crimping hole; 122. Second crimping hole; 20. Locking structure; 21. Threaded body; 211. Thread; 22. Crimping part. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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 application.

[0034] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., 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, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0038] Please see Figures 1-4 As shown, Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The following are schematic diagrams of the lead-out member 10 and the locking structure 20 at different angles in some embodiments. Figure 2 for Figure 1The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the lead-out member 10 and the latching structure 20 along the AA direction. The lead-out member 10 and the latching structure 20 provided in this application can be used in any applicable type of relay, especially relays for high current scenarios, where high current refers to current of 300A or more. Specifically, they can be used to connect any applicable terminal (not shown in the figure) such as the lead-out terminal of the stationary contact in the relay to external components.

[0039] In some embodiments, the relay includes terminals (not shown) and lead-out components. The lead-out components include lead-out members 10 and locking structures 20. Lead-out members 10 and locking structures 20 are separate structures. The terminals can be the leads of the stationary contacts of the relay, or any suitable terminal in the relay that needs to be connected to other components. Lead-out members 10 are connected to the terminals, and locking structures 20 are connected to lead-out members 10 and spaced apart from the terminals. Locking structures 20 are used for locking and fixing with external components, such as screwing into holes on copper busbars provided in external circuits, so as to facilitate electrical connection between the terminals and external circuits or other components through lead-out members 10 and locking structures 20. In some embodiments, lead-out members 10 are made of conductive materials. When locking structures 20 are locked and fixed with external components such as copper busbars, lead-out members 10 contact and are electrically connected to the copper busbars to realize the electrical connection between the terminals and external components. In this application, the description of locking two components can be understood as the two components being fixed together by fasteners such as screws and bolts. The locking structure 20 may be provided with threads 211 for screwing with screws or threaded holes to achieve locking.

[0040] The aforementioned relay connects to terminals via lead-out parts 10, and a locking structure 20 for screwing into external components is mounted on the lead-out parts 10. Therefore, when terminals require high-temperature brazing or other processing, the locking structure 20 is less affected by the terminal processing, improving the installation strength of the threads 211 of the locking structure 20. This enhances the locking torque between the locking structure 20 and external components, meeting the locking requirements of thickened copper busbars in high-current scenarios. It also helps reduce contact resistance and temperature rise, improving electrical connection performance. For example, during relay manufacturing, terminals can be first fixed to components such as ceramic covers using high-temperature brazing, and then the lead-out parts 10 and locking structure 20 can be integrally fixed to the terminals, effectively preventing the locking structure 20 from being affected by high-temperature brazing. Of course, even if the lead-out piece 10 and the locking structure 20 are first fixed to the terminal as a whole, and then the terminal is fixed to the carrier such as a ceramic cover through high-temperature brazing or other processes, the high temperature during terminal fixing can still reduce the impact of the locking structure 20 on the locking structure 20 because the locking structure 20 is separated from the terminal by the lead-out piece 10. At the same time, the setting of the locking structure 20 is not limited by the height of the terminal or the thickness of the lead-out piece 10, which is conducive to providing sufficient number of threads to improve locking strength. It is also not limited by the shape of the terminal. Compared with setting threads on the terminal, the process is less difficult and it is easier to form standard parts. In addition, while providing sufficient number of threads, it is not likely to increase the thickness of the lead-out piece 10, which is conducive to reducing the space occupied and cost. Furthermore, by setting threads 211 on the locking structure 20 to connect with external components, there is no need to set threaded holes on the terminal, which is conducive to increasing the current carrying area of ​​the terminal and reducing the diameter of the terminal, thereby improving electrical connection performance and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0041] The connection method between the locking structure 20 and the lead-out member 10 is not limited, as long as a fixed connection between the locking structure 20 and the lead-out member 10 can be achieved. In some embodiments, the locking structure 20 is disposed on the lead-out member 10 using a press-fit or riveting process, which not only improves the connection strength between the locking structure 20 and the lead-out member 10, but also simplifies the assembly process of the locking structure 20 and reduces manufacturing costs. For example, refer to... Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, in some embodiments, the locking structure 20 includes a threaded body 21 and a crimping portion 22. A thread 211 is provided on the threaded body 21, and the crimping portion 22 is provided on the peripheral side of the threaded body 21 and surrounds it. The lead-out member 10 has crimping holes, with a first crimping hole 121 and a second crimping hole 122 communicating in the thickness direction of the lead-out member 10. The diameter of the second crimping hole 122 is larger than the diameter of the first crimping hole 121. When the locking structure 20 is attached to the lead-out member 10, the threaded body 21 is inserted into the first crimping hole 121 and the second crimping hole 122. The crimping portion 22 is located in the second crimping hole 122 and is tightly fitted to the hole wall of the second crimping hole 122. By applying pressure to the lead-out member 10 and the locking structure 20, the crimping portion 22 is combined with the lead-out member 10, thus achieving a fixed connection between the locking structure 20 and the lead-out member 10. The crimping portion 22 may be provided with knurled teeth or a knurled structure to increase the friction and engagement force between the crimping portion 22 and the lead-out member 10, thereby improving the connection stability between the locking structure 20 and the lead-out member 10. The locking structure 20 and the lead-out member 10 are fixedly connected to form a whole, enabling rapid installation of the lead-out assembly at the relay client, which is beneficial for improving assembly efficiency. In other embodiments, the lead-out member 10 and the locking structure 20 may also be fixedly connected by welding or any other applicable method.

[0042] The specific structural design of the locking structure 20 is not limited, as long as it can be screwed onto external components. (Reference) Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the locking structure 20 is a nut, and the locking structure 20 has a threaded hole. The inner wall of the locking structure 20 corresponding to the threaded hole has an internal thread. External components such as copper busbars can then be equipped with studs. The locking structure 20 is screwed into the threaded hole of the locking structure 20 to achieve a screw connection with the external component. (Reference) Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in some other embodiments, the locking structure 20 is a stud, and the side circumferential surface of the locking structure 20 is provided with external threads. Then, external components such as copper busbars can be provided with nuts. The connection between the locking structure 20 and the external components is achieved by screwing the locking structure 20 into the nut of the external component.

[0043] In some embodiments, the lead-out member 10 can be in any applicable shape, such as a sheet or strip, as long as it can meet the connection requirements with the terminal and the locking structure 20. The lead-out member 10 has a first connecting portion 11 and a second connecting portion 12, the first connecting portion 11 is connected to the terminal, and the second connecting portion 12 is connected to the locking structure 20, and the width of the first connecting portion 11 is greater than the width of the second connecting portion 12. This configuration increases the connection area between the first connecting portion 11 and the terminal, adapts to the current carrying requirements between the lead-out member 10 and the terminal, improves the electrical connection performance between the lead-out member 10 and the terminal, and also helps to reduce the material used in the lead-out member 10 and improve material utilization. In other embodiments, the width of the second connecting portion 12 can also be greater than the width of the first connecting portion 11 to accommodate different configurations such as the shape and number of locking structures 20.

[0044] In some embodiments, the hardness of the locking structure 20 is greater than that of the lead-out member 10 and the terminal. For example, the lead-out member 10 and the terminal can be made of copper or copper alloy with high conductivity, while the locking structure 20 can be made of materials with higher hardness, such as steel. Therefore, by setting the lead-out member 10 and the locking structure 20, the material of the locking structure 20 used to set the thread 211 is not limited to the material of the lead-out member 10. A material with higher hardness can be used to set the thread 211 to increase the setting strength of the thread 211, thereby increasing the locking torque that the thread 211 can withstand. This is beneficial for improving the locking strength between the locking structure 20 and external components, reducing the contact resistance and temperature rise between the locking structure 20 and external components, and allowing the lead-out member 10 and the terminal to adapt to high conductivity requirements by using highly conductive materials such as copper, which is beneficial for balancing electrical connection performance and structural reliability.

[0045] In some embodiments, the locking structure 20 has a dimension in the thickness direction of the lead-out member 10 that is larger than the thickness of the lead-out member 10, and the locking structure 20 protrudes from the lead-out member 10. It is understood that the axial direction of the locking structure 20 is generally parallel to the thickness of the lead-out member 10. The larger the dimension of the locking structure 20 in the thickness direction of the lead-out member 10, the more threads can be provided on the locking structure 20. More threads result in a more reliable connection between the locking structure 20 and external components. Therefore, by providing the locking structure 20 on the lead-out member 10 to perform the function of connecting to external components, the number of threads is not limited by the thickness of the lead-out member 10. Increasing the axial dimension of the locking structure 20 to provide more threads does not increase the thickness of the lead-out member 10, which is beneficial for balancing improved connection reliability and reduced manufacturing costs.

[0046] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the surface of the lead-out member 10 is plated with a conductive layer. For example, the outer surface of the lead-out member 10 is plated with a conductive layer such as a silver plating layer, which has a stronger conductivity than the lead-out member 10 itself. This helps to further reduce the contact resistance of the electrical connection between the lead-out member 10 and the terminal and latching structure 20, reduce temperature rise, and improve electrical connection performance. Simultaneously, by adding the lead-out member 10 to the relay and providing a conductive layer on the lead-out member 10, the conductive layer is less susceptible to the effects of high-temperature brazing or other processing of the terminal, which further improves electrical connection performance. For example, the lead-out member 10 with the conductive layer can be connected to the terminal after the terminal has been fixed to a carrier such as a ceramic cover using a high-temperature brazing or other process.

[0047] In this application, the connection method between the lead-out 10 and the terminal is not limited, as long as it can meet the requirement of a fixed connection between the lead-out 10 and the terminal. (Reference) Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the first connecting portion 11 can be connected to the terminal by welding, for example, the surface of the first connecting portion 11 facing the terminal is connected to the end face of the terminal by welding.

[0048] Further, refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the first connecting portion 11 has a protruding bulge 111 protruding towards the terminal, and the terminal has a recessed groove opposite to the bulge 111. At least a portion of the bulge 111 is embedded in the groove to connect the first connecting portion 11 and the terminal. The groove on the terminal can be formed by forming or stamping, and the bulge 111 on the lead-out member 10 can be formed by stamping. The method of providing a groove on the terminal and engaging and fixing it with the bulge 111 on the lead-out member 10 is simpler and has lower processing costs than forming the groove by forming or stamping the terminal. It also does not increase the height of the terminal, which helps reduce the material cost of the terminal. Furthermore, it is less likely to cause a decrease in the contact area between the lead-out member 10 and the terminal. The area of ​​the bulge 111 is more controllable, avoiding the problem of needing a large radial punch to create a hole in the lead-out member 10, which would result in a large hole and affect the contact area between the lead-out member 10 and the terminal. This approach helps to balance improving electrical connection performance and reducing manufacturing costs. After the protrusion 111 and the groove are fixed together, the terminal is then welded to the lead-out member 10, which can effectively improve the fixing strength between the lead-out member 10 and the terminal. In other embodiments, the lead-out member 10 and the terminal can also be fixedly connected by riveting or other applicable methods.

[0049] In some embodiments, the protrusion 111 is completely embedded in the groove, the surface of the lead-out member 10 facing the terminal abuts against the end face of the terminal, and the end face of the protrusion 111 abuts against the bottom surface of the groove. This helps to increase the contact area between the lead-out member 10 and the terminal, thereby reducing contact resistance and improving connection reliability and electrical connection performance. It should be noted that when both the protrusion 111 and the locking structure 20 protrude from the lead-out member 10, the protrusion 111 and the locking structure 20 may protrude from the same side of the lead-out member 10, or they may protrude from opposite sides of the lead-out member 10. The specific configuration can be determined according to the spatial layout and connection requirements of the relay and external components, and is not limited in this application.

[0050] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0051] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lead-out component, characterized in that, include: Lead-out members, used for connection to the terminals of a relay, are made of conductive material; and, A locking structure is connected to the lead-out member and is a separate structure from the lead-out member. The locking structure is used to lock and fix external components.

2. The lead-out component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking structure is a nut, and the locking structure has a threaded hole; or... The side circumferential surface of the locking structure is provided with external threads.

3. The lead-out component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lead-out member has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion being connected to the terminal, the second connecting portion being connected to the locking structure, and the width of the first connecting portion being greater than the width of the second connecting portion.

4. The lead-out component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hardness of the locking structure is greater than the hardness of the lead-out component.

5. The lead-out component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking structure has a dimension in the thickness direction of the lead-out member that is greater than the thickness of the lead-out member, and the locking structure protrudes from the lead-out member.

6. The lead-out component according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the surface of the lead-out element is plated with a conductive layer.

7. The lead-out component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking structure is installed on the lead-out part using a press-fit or riveting process.

8. The lead-out component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lead-out member has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the second connecting portion being connected to the locking structure, and the first connecting portion being used to be connected to the terminal by welding.

9. The lead-out component according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first connecting portion is provided with a protruding bud on one side facing the terminal, and the terminal is provided with a recessed groove, the protruding bud being used to be embedded in the groove.

10. A relay, characterized in that, It includes a terminal and a lead-out assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the lead-out member of the lead-out assembly is connected to the terminal.

11. The relay according to claim 10, characterized in that, The relay is suitable for high-current scenarios, where the high current is above 300A.

12. The relay according to claim 10, characterized in that, The hardness of the locking structure of the lead-out component is greater than the hardness of the terminal.

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