A waterproof connector

Abstract

This utility model discloses a waterproof connector, including a housing, a fixed inner frame, a high-voltage connector, and a low-voltage connector. The high-voltage connector and the low-voltage connector are securely fixed inside the housing by the fixed inner frame. The housing is provided with a corrugated waterproof joint to ensure the waterproof performance of the wire harness exit point. A sealing ring is provided at the bottom of the housing to ensure the housing's airtightness. Furthermore, in this technical solution, a moisture-proof heating element is provided on the inner side of the top of the housing to heat the internal space of the housing and prevent moisture absorption. Therefore, this technical solution can improve the airtightness of the housing and prevent the internal connector terminals from oxidizing due to moisture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic wire harnesses, and more specifically to a waterproof connector. Background Technology

[0002] New energy vehicle power battery packs or high-voltage distribution boxes contain both high-voltage and low-voltage wiring harnesses. In the power battery pack, the high-voltage wiring harness is responsible for transmitting the powerful electrical energy generated by the battery to high-voltage components such as the drive motor and inverter. The low-voltage wiring harness is used to connect the battery management system (BMS) to the battery cells, transmitting various control signals and monitoring data, such as collecting voltage and temperature signals from each battery cell module and transmitting these signals to the BMS. In the high-voltage distribution box, the HVIL high-voltage interlock signal line belongs to the low-voltage wiring harness. One end is connected to a low-voltage multi-core connector, and the other end is connected to the interlock port of a high-voltage connector such as an electric compressor. It is used to check the electrical connection integrity and continuity of the high-voltage circuit of the high-voltage wiring harness assembly.

[0003] In these high-voltage and low-voltage wire harnesses, reliable connections are a prerequisite for their normal operation. However, in some cases, moisture and oxidation may occur at the wire harness connections, affecting their service life and connection reliability. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above problems, this application provides a waterproof connector to improve the reliability of high-voltage and low-voltage wiring harness connections.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a waterproof connector, comprising:

[0006] The outer casing is sealed at the top and four sides, and a corrugated waterproof connector for wire harnesses to pass through is provided at one end of the casing along its length. An annular sealing groove is provided at the bottom of the casing.

[0007] A sealing ring is disposed within the sealing groove to seal the bottom of the outer casing;

[0008] A high-voltage socket and a low-voltage socket are arranged side by side inside the housing, and the connection holes of the high-voltage socket and the low-voltage socket extend from the bottom of the housing.

[0009] A fixed inner frame is fitted onto the sides of the high-voltage socket and the low-voltage socket and is fixedly connected to the outer shell, for fixing the high-voltage socket and the low-voltage socket inside the outer shell;

[0010] A moisture-proof heating element is disposed on the inner side of the top of the housing and is used to heat the internal space of the housing to prevent moisture absorption.

[0011] Furthermore, the sealing ring includes a connecting portion embedded in the sealing groove and a sealing portion extending outside the sealing ring, wherein the top of the sealing portion is connected and the bottom extends outward to both sides to form a herringbone sealing structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the four corners of the fixed inner frame are fixedly connected to the outer shell by bolts, and the two sides of the fixed inner frame are provided with slots;

[0013] The upper part of both sides of the high-voltage socket and the low-voltage socket is provided with protrusions that are adapted to the slots, and the protrusions are engaged in the slots.

[0014] Furthermore, elastic barbs are provided at the bottom of both sides of the high-voltage socket and the low-voltage socket, and the elastic barbs are engaged with the lower edge of the fixed inner frame.

[0015] Furthermore, grounding connection terminals are provided at both ends of the fixed inner frame.

[0016] Furthermore, fixing ears are provided at both ends of the outer casing along its length. The fixing ears protrude outward from the side wall of the outer casing and are used to connect with the electrical appliance to fix the outer casing to the electrical appliance.

[0017] Furthermore, the moisture-proof heating element is a flexible PCT heating element, and the moisture-proof heating element is bonded to the outer shell by adhesive backing.

[0018] Unlike existing technologies, the waterproof connector in the above-mentioned technical solution includes a housing, a fixed inner frame, a high-voltage socket, and a low-voltage socket. The high-voltage socket and the low-voltage socket are securely fixed inside the housing by the fixed inner frame. The housing is equipped with a corrugated waterproof joint to ensure the waterproof performance of the wire harness exit point. A sealing ring is provided at the bottom of the housing to ensure its airtightness. Furthermore, in this technical solution, a moisture-proof heating element is provided on the inner side of the top of the housing to heat the internal space of the housing and prevent moisture absorption. Therefore, this technical solution can improve the airtightness of the housing and prevent the internal connector terminals from oxidizing due to moisture.

[0019] The above description of the utility model is merely an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this application and to implement it based on the description and drawings, and to make the above-mentioned objectives and other objectives, features and advantages of this application easier to understand, the following description is provided in conjunction with the specific embodiments and drawings of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings are only used to illustrate the principles, implementation methods, applications, features, and effects of specific embodiments of this application and other related content, and should not be considered as limitations on this application.

[0021] In the accompanying drawings of the instruction manual:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the waterproof connector described in a specific embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the waterproof connector described in the specific embodiment;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the shape of the sealing ring described in a specific embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the waterproof connector after the outer casing has been removed, as described in the specific embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation position of the moisture-proof heating element in a specific embodiment;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the high-voltage socket and low-voltage socket described in the specific implementation method;

[0028] The reference numerals used in the above figures are explained as follows:

[0029] 1. Outer shell; 11. Fixing lug; 12. Sealing groove;

[0030] 2. Fixed inner frame; 21. First grounding terminal; 22. Second grounding terminal; 23. Bolt; 24. Slot;

[0031] 3. Connector socket; 31. Low-voltage connector socket; 32. High-voltage connector socket; 33. Protrusion; 34. Flexible barb; 301. High-voltage connector slot; 302. Low-voltage connector socket body; 311. Low-voltage connector hole; 321. High-voltage connector terminal.

[0032] 4. Corrugated pipe waterproof joint;

[0033] 5. Sealing ring; 51. Connecting part; 52. Herringbone sealing structure;

[0034] 6. Moisture-proof heating element; Detailed Implementation

[0035] To illustrate the possible application scenarios, technical principles, implementable specific solutions, and achievable objectives and effects of this application in detail, the following description, in conjunction with the listed specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, provides a detailed explanation. The embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of this application and are therefore intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The term "embodiment" appearing in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it specifically limit its independence or connection with other embodiments. In principle, in this application, as long as there are no technical contradictions or conflicts, the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any way to form corresponding implementable technical solutions.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the use of related terms herein is merely for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit this application.

[0038] In the description of this application, the term "and / or" is used to describe the logical relationship between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A exists, B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following objects have an "or" logical relationship.

[0039] In this application, terms such as “first” and “second” are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual quantity, hierarchy or order relationship between these entities or operations.

[0040] Unless otherwise specified, the use of terms such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” or other similar expressions in this application is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, which does not exclude the presence of additional elements in a process, method, or product that includes the stated elements, such that a process, method, or product that includes a list of elements may include not only those defined elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, or product.

[0041] Similar to the understanding in the Examination Guidelines, in this application, expressions such as "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number; expressions such as "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments in this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two), and similar expressions related to "multiple" are also understood in this way, such as "multiple groups" and "multiple times," unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0042] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the space-related expressions used, such as "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the specific embodiments or drawings. They are only for the purpose of describing the specific embodiments of this application or for the reader's understanding, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific position, a specific orientation, or be constructed or operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0043] Unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "setting," as used in the description of the embodiments of this application, should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral setting; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art to which this application pertains, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0044] Please see Figures 1 to 6 This embodiment provides a waterproof connector. This waterproof connector can be applied to power battery packs or high-voltage distribution boxes in new energy vehicles for connecting high-voltage and low-voltage wiring harnesses to the power battery pack or high-voltage distribution box. This waterproof connector has excellent waterproof and moisture-proof performance, thereby preventing oxidation of the connector components of the high-voltage and low-voltage wiring harnesses and improving the reliability of the connections.

[0045] like Figure 1As shown, a waterproof connector includes: a housing 1, a fixed inner frame 2, a moisture-proof heating element 6, and a connector 3. The connector 3 includes a high-voltage connector 32 and a low-voltage connector 31. The housing 1 is made of plastic such as PP, and is approximately rectangular in shape. The top and four sides of the housing 1 are sealed, while the bottom is open. That is, the housing 1 has a top surface and four sides, thus forming a cavity inside the housing 1 to accommodate the fixed inner frame 2, the moisture-proof heating element 6, the high-voltage connector 32, and the low-voltage connector 31. An annular sealing groove 12 is provided at the bottom of the housing 1; a sealing ring 5 is disposed within the sealing groove 12 to seal the bottom of the housing 1. When this waterproof connector is inserted into a power battery pack or a high-voltage distribution box, the sealing ring 5 is sealed to the power battery pack or high-voltage distribution box, thereby preventing moisture from entering the interior of the housing 1. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the high-voltage socket 32 ​​and the low-voltage socket 31 are arranged side by side inside the housing 1, and the plug hole of the high-voltage socket 32 ​​and the plug terminal of the low-voltage socket 31 extend from the bottom of the housing 1.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, a corrugated waterproof connector 4 for wire harnesses is provided at one end of the outer casing 1 along its length. The ends of the high-voltage and low-voltage wire harnesses pass through the corrugated waterproof connector 4 into the interior of the outer casing 1 and connect to the upper parts of the high-voltage socket 32 ​​and the low-voltage socket 31. After entering the outer casing 1, the high-voltage and low-voltage wire harnesses are electrically connected to the high-voltage socket 32 ​​and the low-voltage socket 31, respectively; that is, the high-voltage wire harness is electrically connected to the top of the high-voltage socket 32, and the low-voltage wire harness is electrically connected to the top of the low-voltage socket 31. To facilitate connection with high-voltage and low-voltage wiring harnesses, a high-voltage slot 301 is provided on the top of the high-voltage socket 32. A high-voltage connector 321 is provided inside the high-voltage slot 301. The high-voltage wiring harness is connected to the high-voltage connector 321. The bottom of the high-voltage connector 321 extends to the bottom of the high-voltage socket 32 ​​for electrical connection with the high-voltage connection hole on the power battery pack or high-voltage distribution box. A low-voltage connector 311 is provided on the top of the low-voltage socket body 302. A low-voltage connector 311 is also provided inside the low-voltage connector 311. The bottom of the low-voltage connector extends to the bottom of the low-voltage socket 31 for electrical connection with the low-voltage connection hole on the power battery pack or high-voltage distribution box.

[0047] The corrugated pipe waterproof connector 4 is a commonly used waterproof component in electrical distribution boxes in this field. The corrugated pipe waterproof connector 4 consists of a main body, a sealing element, and a locking component. The main body is tubular, with one end connected to the outer shell 1 and the other end adapted to a corrugated pipe. The main body has a built-in rubber sealing ring 5, which is compressed and sealed when tightened by a nut or clip, forming a radial seal. Fixing ears 11 are respectively provided at both ends along the length of the outer shell 1. The fixing ears 11 protrude outward from the side wall of the outer shell 1 and are used to connect to electrical appliances (such as the aforementioned power battery pack or high-voltage distribution box) to fix the outer shell 1 to the electrical appliance.

[0048] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the fixed inner frame 2 is a rectangular frame structure with a hollow center. The fixed inner frame 2 is fitted onto the sides of the high-voltage socket 32 ​​and the low-voltage socket 31 and is fixedly connected to the outer shell 1. The fixed inner frame 2 is used to fix the high-voltage socket 32 ​​and the low-voltage socket 31 inside the outer shell 1. The fixed inner frame 2, similar to the outer shell 1, is made of plastic. The size of the hollow portion in the fixed inner frame 2 is adapted to the high-voltage socket 32 ​​and the low-voltage socket 31, and the external dimensions of the fixed inner frame 2 are adapted to the internal dimensions of the outer shell 1. The four corners of the fixed inner frame 2 are fixedly connected to the outer shell 1 by bolts 23, and the two sides of the fixed inner frame 2 are provided with slots 24. The upper parts of the two sides of the high-voltage socket 32 ​​and the low-voltage socket 31 are provided with protrusions 33 that are adapted to the slots 24, and the protrusions 33 are engaged within the slots 24. The high-voltage socket 32 ​​and the low-voltage socket 31 are provided with elastic barbs 34 on both sides at their bottom, and the elastic barbs 34 engage with the lower edge of the fixed inner frame 2. Therefore, the high-voltage socket 32 ​​and the low-voltage socket 31 can be detachably and securely installed in the fixed inner frame 2 through the elastic barbs 34 and the protrusions 33. Figure 2 As shown, grounding connection terminals are also provided at both ends of the fixed inner frame 2. These grounding connection terminals are used to connect to the ground wire to prevent leakage. The grounding connection terminals include a first grounding terminal 21 and a second grounding terminal 22. Providing the first grounding terminal 21 and the second grounding terminal 22 can reduce the grounding resistance; that is, the grounding resistance can be reduced by using two grounding terminals relative to one grounding terminal.

[0049] like Figure 5As shown, the moisture-proof heating element 6 is disposed on the inner side of the top of the outer casing 1, and is used to heat the internal space of the outer casing 1 to prevent moisture absorption. The moisture-proof heating element 6 is a flexible PCT heating element, and it is bonded to the outer casing 1 with adhesive backing. Because the high-voltage wiring harness has a large operating current, it generates significant heat during operation, causing the temperature inside the outer casing 1 to rise. When no current flows through the high-voltage wiring harness, the temperature inside the outer casing 1 drops significantly, causing water vapor to condense and the gas pressure inside the outer casing 1 to decrease. This decrease in gas pressure accelerates the entry of moisture into the outer casing 1. All of these factors accelerate the oxidation and rusting of the metal parts inside the outer casing 1. In this embodiment, a moisture-proof heating element 6 is disposed inside the outer casing 1. When the temperature inside the outer casing 1 falls below a certain value (e.g., 30 degrees Celsius), the moisture-proof heating element 6 is energized to generate heat, stabilizing the temperature inside the outer casing 1 within the set temperature range, thereby preventing water vapor condensation and a decrease in gas pressure inside the outer casing 1. To more accurately control the temperature inside the housing 1, a temperature sensor can be installed inside the housing 1. The wiring harness of the temperature sensor and the moisture-proof heating element 6 extends to the outside of the housing 1 through the corrugated waterproof connector 4 and is connected to an external controller. When the temperature inside the housing 1 is detected to be lower than a preset value, the controller controls the moisture-proof heating element 6 to be powered on for heating.

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the sealing ring 5 includes a connecting portion 51 embedded in the sealing groove 12 and a sealing portion extending outside the sealing ring 5. The top of the sealing portion is connected and the bottom flares outward to both sides to form a herringbone sealing structure 52. In this embodiment, the herringbone sealing structure 52 can increase the sealing area of ​​the sealing ring 5, thereby improving its sealing performance. Finally, it should be noted that although the above embodiments have been described in the text and drawings of this application, this does not limit the scope of patent protection of this application. Any technical solutions that are based on the essential concept of this application, and that utilize the content described in the text and drawings of this application to make equivalent structural or procedural substitutions or modifications, as well as the direct or indirect implementation of the technical solutions of the above embodiments in other related technical fields, are all included within the scope of patent protection of this application.

Claims

1. A waterproof connector characterized by comprising: include: The outer casing is sealed at the top and four sides, and a corrugated waterproof connector for wire harnesses to pass through is provided at one end of the casing along its length. An annular sealing groove is provided at the bottom of the casing. A sealing ring is disposed within the sealing groove to seal the bottom of the outer casing; A high-voltage socket and a low-voltage socket are arranged side by side inside the housing, and the insertion holes of the high-voltage socket and the insertion terminals of the low-voltage socket extend from the bottom of the housing. A fixed inner frame is fitted onto the sides of the high-voltage socket and the low-voltage socket and is fixedly connected to the outer shell, for fixing the high-voltage socket and the low-voltage socket inside the outer shell; A moisture-proof heating element is disposed on the inner side of the top of the housing and is used to heat the internal space of the housing to prevent moisture absorption.

2. The waterproof connector according to claim 1, wherein The sealing ring includes a connecting part embedded in the sealing groove and a sealing part extending outside the sealing ring. The top of the sealing part is connected and the bottom extends outward to both sides to form a herringbone sealing structure.

3. The waterproof connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The four corners of the fixed inner frame are fixedly connected to the outer shell by bolts, and the two sides of the fixed inner frame are provided with slots. The upper part of both sides of the high-voltage socket and the low-voltage socket is provided with protrusions that are adapted to the slots, and the protrusions are engaged in the slots.

4. The waterproof connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of both sides of the high-voltage socket and the low-voltage socket are provided with elastic barbs, which are engaged with the lower edge of the fixed inner frame.

5. The waterproof connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fixed inner frame is also provided with grounding connection terminals at both ends.

6. The waterproof connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing has fixing ears at both ends along its length. The fixing ears protrude outward from the side wall of the outer casing and are used to connect to an electrical appliance to fix the outer casing to the electrical appliance.

7. The waterproof connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moisture-proof heating element is a flexible PCT heating element, and the moisture-proof heating element is bonded to the outer shell by adhesive backing.

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