High voltage connector and connector assembly
The integrated design of the housing and interlocking terminals simplifies the structure of the high-voltage connector, solves the problems of large size and complex assembly of wire-to-wire high-voltage connectors, and achieves miniaturization, low cost and efficient production.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- APTIV ELECTRICAL CENTERS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
Smart Images
Figure CN224502385U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of connector technology, specifically to a high-voltage connector and connector assembly. Background Technology
[0002] High-voltage connectors are electrical connection devices used to transmit high voltage and high current, widely used in fields requiring reliable power transmission, such as electric vehicles. With the development of electric vehicle technology, the automotive market is highly competitive, with intense price competition, necessitating cost reductions in assembly and maintenance across various aspects. Traditional wire-to-board high-voltage connectors require the board to be fixed to a device before the wires are plugged in. This method occupies space on the device, requiring significant space for the internal PCB and copper busbars. Therefore, wire-to-wire high-voltage connectors are frequently used in automotive applications where space is limited and installation is inconvenient. Wire-to-wire high-voltage connectors offer advantages such as small installation space, simple and flexible assembly, and convenient maintenance and replacement. However, current technology requires numerous components to connect the high-voltage interlock signal circuit of wire-to-wire high-voltage connectors, resulting in large size, complex assembly, and high cost. Utility Model Content
[0003] This application provides a high-voltage connector and connector assembly, which are small in size, simple in structure, and easy to assemble, thereby shortening the production cycle, improving production efficiency and reducing production costs.
[0004] This application provides a high-voltage connector, comprising:
[0005] The outer shell has a front end and a rear end, as well as a first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity extends through the front end and the rear end of the outer shell, and the second cavity is located near the rear end of the outer shell.
[0006] A first power terminal is disposed within a first cavity;
[0007] At least two interlocking terminals are provided, with the two interlocking terminals spaced apart from each other. Each interlocking terminal has a first end and a second end. The first end of the interlocking terminal is located in a first cavity, and the second end of the interlocking terminal is located in a second cavity. The portion between the first end and the second end of the interlocking terminal is embedded in the housing. The interlocking terminal and the housing are an integral structure.
[0008] Meanwhile, this application also provides a connector assembly, including: a mating connector, a low-voltage connector, and a high-voltage connector as described above, wherein the mating connector is capable of interconnecting with the high-voltage connector, and the low-voltage connector is capable of connecting to the second end of the interlocking terminal.
[0009] Beneficial Effects: Compared with the prior art, the high-voltage connector and connector assembly provided in this application embodiment include a housing, a first power terminal, and at least two interlocking terminals. This simplifies the high-voltage interlocking signal circuit design, requiring only two interlocking terminals for connection. Furthermore, the portion between the first and second ends of the interlocking terminals is embedded within the housing, making the interlocking terminals and housing an integral structure. This reduces the number of parts in the high-voltage connector, decreases its size, simplifies its structure, facilitates assembly, shortens the production cycle, and thus improves production efficiency and reduces production costs. Simultaneously, it improves the positioning accuracy of the interlocking terminals and the bonding force between the interlocking terminals and the housing, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of the high-voltage connector and extending its service life. Attached Figure Description
[0010] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0011] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the connector assembly of this application;
[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the connector assembly shown.
[0013] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the high-voltage connector of this application;
[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic planar structure diagram of an embodiment of the high-voltage connector of this application;
[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The exploded structure diagram of the high-voltage connector shown;
[0016] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the housing and interlocking terminals of this application;
[0017] Figure 7 This is a planar structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the housing and interlocking terminals of this application;
[0018] Figure 8 This is a planar structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the housing and interlocking terminals of this application;
[0019] Figure 9This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the interlocking terminal and short-circuit terminal of this application.
[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100, High-voltage connector; 1, Housing; 11, Front end; 12, Rear end; 13, First cavity; 14, Second cavity; 15, First connection structure; 16, Third connection structure; 2, First power terminal; 3, Interlock terminal; 31, First end; 311, Clamping structure; 32, Second end; 33, First segment; 34, Bending segment; 35, Second segment; 36, First interlock terminal; 37, Second interlock terminal; 4, Inner shell; 41, First mounting hole; 42, Second mounting hole; 43, Second connection... 5. Connecting structure; 6. Shielding cover; 7. Hollowed-out part; 8. Connecting part; 9. Shielding sleeve; 10. First shielding sleeve; 11. Second shielding sleeve; 12. Second shielding sleeve; 13. Sealing element; 14. First through hole; 15. End cap; 16. Second through hole; 17. Fourth connecting structure; 28. First wire; 29. Pairing connector; 200. Second power terminal; 210. Short circuit terminal; 221. First pin; 222. Second pin; 230. Second wire; 300. Low voltage connector; X, First direction; Y, Second direction; Z, Third direction. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. In addition, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of this application and are not intended to limit this application. In this application, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "up," "down," "left," and "right" generally refer to up, down, left, and right in the actual use or working state of the device, specifically the drawing directions in the accompanying drawings.
[0022] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," "stacked," 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 direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two elements or the interaction between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0023] This application provides a high-voltage connector and a connector assembly, which are described in detail below. It should be noted that the order of description of the following embodiments is not intended to limit the preferred order of the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the descriptions of each embodiment have their own emphasis; parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment can be referred to in the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.
[0024] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 One embodiment of this application provides a connector assembly that may include a mating connector 200, a low-voltage connector 300, and a high-voltage connector 100. The mating connector 200 can be interconnected with the high-voltage connector 100, enabling not only power transmission but also the formation of a high-voltage interlock circuit. The low-voltage connector 300 can be interconnected with the high-voltage connector 100 and can also be connected to a high-voltage interlock signal control element (not shown). In other words, the low-voltage connector 300 can connect the high-voltage interlock circuit to an external high-voltage interlock signal control element, thereby achieving the high-voltage interlock function.
[0025] Specifically, refer to Figures 2 to 5 The high-voltage connector 100 may include a housing 1, a first power terminal 2, and at least two interlocking terminals 3. The mating connector 200 may include a second power terminal 210 and a short-circuit terminal 220. One end of the second power terminal 210 can be connected to the first power terminal 2, and the other end of the second power terminal 210 can be connected to a second wire 230, which can be connected to a power supply or other equipment. The short-circuit terminal 220 can be simultaneously connected to both interlocking terminals 3 to make the two interlocking terminals 3 mutually conductive, thereby forming a high-voltage interlocking circuit. The low-voltage connector 300 can be connected to the interlocking terminals 3, allowing the high-voltage interlocking circuit to be connected to an external high-voltage interlocking signal control element, thereby realizing the high-voltage interlocking function. In other words, when the circuit is connected, the high-voltage interlock circuit ensures that the power supply circuit contacts are fully in contact before closing, that is, the first power terminal 2 and the second power terminal 210 are connected to each other first, and then the interlock terminal 3 and the short-circuit terminal 220 are connected to each other; when the circuit is disconnected, the high-voltage interlock circuit is disconnected before the power supply circuit, that is, the interlock terminal 3 and the short-circuit terminal 220 are disconnected first, and then the first power terminal 2 and the second power terminal 210 are disconnected, thereby ensuring the safety of the circuit during connection and disconnection.
[0026] Reference Figures 6 to 8The housing 1 can be made of an insulating material, such as plastic. The housing 1 can have opposing front and rear ends 11 and 12, as well as a first cavity 13 and a second cavity 14. The first cavity 13 can penetrate through the front and rear ends 12 of the housing 1, and the second cavity 14 can be positioned close to the rear end 12 of the housing 1. A portion of the mating connector can be inserted into the first cavity 13 from the front end 11 of the housing 1, and a portion of the low-voltage connector 300 can be inserted into the second cavity 14 from the rear end 12 of the housing 1.
[0027] The second cavity 14 can be disposed above the first cavity 13. The first cavity 13 and the second cavity 14 can be interconnected, or they can be isolated from each other. In this application, the first cavity 13 and the second cavity 14 are isolated from each other, which avoids mutual interference between the first cavity 13 and the second cavity 14, thereby ensuring the sealing performance of the high-voltage connector 100.
[0028] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 The first power terminal 2 is made of conductive material and can be installed in the housing 1, that is, it can be disposed within the first cavity 13. One end of the first power terminal 2 can be connected to the first wire 9, which can be led out from the rear end 12 of the housing 1 and can be connected to a power supply or other devices. In this embodiment, the other end of the first power terminal 2 can be connected to the second power terminal 210 of the mating connector 200, thereby realizing power transmission. The number of first power terminals 2 can be two or more, which can be set according to actual needs, and multiple first power terminals 2 are spaced apart from each other.
[0029] Reference Figures 7 to 9The interlocking terminal 3 is made of conductive material. Two interlocking terminals 3 are spaced apart from each other. Each interlocking terminal 3 may have a first end 31 and a second end 32. The first end 31 of the interlocking terminal 3 may be disposed in the first cavity 13, and the second end 32 of the interlocking terminal 3 may be disposed in the second cavity 14. The short-circuit terminal 220 may be connected to the first ends 31 of both interlocking terminals 3 simultaneously, so that the first ends 31 of the two interlocking terminals 3 are mutually conductive. The low-voltage connector 300 may be connected to the second end 32 of the interlocking terminal 3. The portion between the first end 31 and the second end 32 of the interlocking terminal 3 may be embedded in the housing 1. The interlocking terminal 3 and the housing 1 are an integral structure. For example, the interlocking terminal 3 and the housing 1 may be integrally formed by injection molding. The first end 31 and the second end 32 of the interlocking terminal 3 are exposed in the first cavity 13 and the second cavity 14, respectively. By integrating the interlocking terminal 3 and the housing 1 as a single unit, the number of parts in the high-voltage connector 100 is reduced, its size is decreased, and its structure is simplified, facilitating assembly and shortening the production cycle. This, in turn, improves production efficiency and reduces production costs. Furthermore, it enhances the positioning accuracy of the interlocking terminal 3, ensuring accurate and stable connections with other electronic components. It also strengthens the bond between the interlocking terminal 3 and the housing 1, thereby improving the mechanical properties of the high-voltage connector 100 and extending its service life.
[0030] Reference Figure 9 The first end 31 of the interlock terminal 3 may be provided with a clamping structure 311, for example, the clamping structure 311 may be harpoon-shaped. The clamping structure 311 has a clamping effect on the short-circuit terminal 220, which can improve the stability of the connection between the interlock terminal 3 and the short-circuit terminal 220. The short-circuit terminal 220 may have a first pin 221 and a second pin 222 that are connected to each other, so that the short-circuit terminal 220 can be generally U-shaped. The first pin 221 can be connected to the first interlock terminal 36, and the second pin 222 can be connected to the second interlock terminal 37, so as to connect the first interlock terminal 36 and the second interlock terminal 37. In some embodiments, the short-circuit terminal 220 may also be in other shapes, as long as it can connect the two interlock terminals 3.
[0031] In one specific implementation, refer to Figure 9The interlocking terminal 3 may have a first segment 33, a bent segment 34, and a second segment 35 connected in sequence. The end of the first segment 33 away from the bent segment 34 is the first end 31 of the interlocking terminal 3, and the end of the second segment 35 away from the bent segment 34 is the second end 32 of the interlocking terminal 3. At least a portion of the first segment 33 may be located within the first cavity 13, and at least a portion of the second segment 35 may be located within the second cavity 14. At least a portion of the bent segment may be embedded within the housing 1, i.e., the housing 1 encloses at least a portion of the bent segment. In some embodiments, a portion of the first segment 33 and a portion of the second segment 35 may also be embedded within the housing 1. The interlocking terminal 3 may be formed first by cutting or stamping, and then by bending.
[0032] The first segments 33 of the two interlocking terminals 3 can be arranged side by side in the first direction X or the third direction Z, and the second segments 35 of the two interlocking terminals 3 can be arranged side by side in the first direction X or the third direction Z. The distribution of the first segments 33 of the two interlocking terminals 3 corresponds to the distribution of the short-circuit terminals 220, and the distribution of the second segments 32 of the two interlocking terminals 3 corresponds to the low-voltage connector 300.
[0033] The third direction Z and the first direction X can be two different directions, meaning the third direction Z and the first direction X can intersect. More preferably, the third direction Z and the first direction X are perpendicular to each other. The third direction Z and the first direction X can also be the same direction, meaning the third direction Z and the first direction X are parallel to each other.
[0034] As an example, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z can be mutually perpendicular. The width direction of the connector assembly is taken as the first direction X, the length direction of the connector is taken as the second direction Y, and the height direction of the connector is taken as the third direction Z. (See reference...) Figure 9 The first segments 33 of the two interlocking terminals 3 can be arranged side by side in the third direction Z, and the second segments 35 of the two interlocking terminals 3 can be arranged side by side in the first direction X; or, the first segments 33 of the two interlocking terminals 3 can be arranged side by side in the first direction X, and the second segments 35 of the two interlocking terminals 3 can be arranged side by side in the third direction Z; or, the first segments 33 of the two interlocking terminals 3 can be arranged side by side in the third direction Z, and the second segments 35 of the two interlocking terminals 3 can be arranged side by side in the third direction Z; or, the first segments 33 of the two interlocking terminals 3 can be arranged side by side in the first direction X, and the second segments 35 of the two interlocking terminals 3 can be arranged side by side in the first direction X.
[0035] As a preferred method, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5An inner shell 4 may be provided inside the first cavity 13. The inner shell 4 may be made of an insulating material, such as plastic. The inner shell 4 may have first mounting holes 41 and second mounting holes 42. The number of first mounting holes 41 is the same as the number of first power terminals 2, and the first power terminals 2 can be mounted in the first mounting holes 41. The number of second mounting holes 42 is the same as the number of interlocking terminals 3, and a portion of the interlocking terminals 3 can be mounted in the second mounting holes 42. As an example, there may be two first mounting holes 41 and two mounting holes 42. The two first mounting holes 41 may be spaced apart in the first direction X, and the two second mounting holes 42 may be located between the two first mounting holes 41. The two second mounting holes 42 may be spaced apart in the third direction Z, or the two second mounting holes 42 may be spaced apart in the first direction X.
[0036] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The inner shell 4 can be snapped onto the outer shell 1. The outer shell 1 can be provided with a first connecting structure 15, and the inner shell 4 can be provided with a second connecting structure 43. The first connecting structure 15 and the second connecting structure 43 can be snapped together. That is, the outer shell 1 and the inner shell 4 can be snapped together through the first connecting structure 15 and the second connecting structure 43. This makes the operation simple and facilitates installation, disassembly and maintenance.
[0037] When the first connecting structure 15 is a recess, the second connecting structure 43 can be a protrusion; when the first connecting structure 15 is a protrusion, the second connecting structure 43 can be a recess, and the recess and protrusion engage with each other. In this embodiment, the first connecting structure 15 is a protrusion, and the second connecting structure 43 is a recess. In some embodiments, when the first connecting structure 15 is a protrusion, the second connecting structure 43 can also be a protrusion, such as a claw, and two claws can engage with each other.
[0038] Reference Figure 5 The inner shell 4 can be fitted with a shielding cover 5, which can be made of metal. The metal shielding cover 5 can form a conductive barrier, blocking external electromagnetic fields from interfering with internal signals and preventing internal high-frequency signal leakage from affecting other equipment. Especially in high-voltage environments, where electromagnetic noise is more significant, the shielding cover 5 can improve the system's electromagnetic compatibility. The shielding cover 5 has a cutout 51 at a position corresponding to the first connecting structure 15 and the second connecting structure 43. The first connecting structure 15 can pass through the cutout 51 and engage with the second connecting structure 43.
[0039] Reference Figure 5 At the rear end 12 of the outer casing 1, a shielding sleeve 6, a sealing element 7, and an end cap 8 may be provided in sequence.
[0040] Reference Figure 5A shielding sleeve 6 can be disposed in the first cavity 13, and can be fitted over the outside of the first conductor 9 connected to the first power terminal 2. The shielding sleeve 6 can be connected to both the shielding layer (not shown) in the first conductor 9 and the shielding cover 5. The shielding cover 5 can be connected to the shielding layer in the first conductor 9 through the shielding sleeve 6. The shielding layer can conduct interference signals, for example, guiding the interference signals to the ground terminal. A connecting portion 52 can be provided on the shielding cover 5, which can be disposed at one end of the shielding cover 5 near the shielding sleeve 6. The connecting portion 52 can abut against the shielding sleeve 6. Preferably, the connecting portion 52 has a certain degree of elasticity to ensure a stable connection between the shielding cover 5 and the shielding sleeve 6.
[0041] Reference Figure 5 The shielding sleeve 6 may include a first shielding sleeve 61 and a second shielding sleeve 62. The second shielding sleeve 62 may be fitted over the outside of the first shielding sleeve 61. The shielding layer of the first conductor 9 may be disposed between the first shielding sleeve 61 and the second shielding sleeve 62. The first shielding sleeve 61 and the second shielding sleeve 62 may clamp the shielding layer of the first conductor 9 together, thereby ensuring the stability of the connection between the shielding layer and the shielding sleeve 6.
[0042] Reference Figure 5 The sealing element 7 may be provided with a first through hole 71 for the first wire 9 to pass through. The first wire 9 can be tightly fitted with the side wall of the first through hole 71. The sealing element 7 can be tightly fitted with the side wall of the first cavity 13, thereby improving the sealing performance of the high-voltage connector 100.
[0043] Reference Figure 5 The end cap 8 may have a second through hole 81 for the first wire 9 to pass through. A third connecting structure 16 may be provided on the outer surface of the outer shell 1. A fourth connecting structure 82 may be provided on the end cap 8, and the third connecting structure 16 and the fourth connecting structure 82 are interlocked. The end cap 8 ensures the stability of the seal 7's position and prevents the seal 7 from falling off the outer shell 1. The third connecting structure 16 and the fourth connecting structure 82 may have the same or similar structure as the first connecting structure 15 and the second connecting structure 43, which will not be described in detail here.
[0044] The above provides a detailed description of a high-voltage connector and connector assembly provided by this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
Claims
1. A high-voltage connector, characterized in that, include: The outer shell (1) has opposing front end (11) and rear end (12) as well as a first cavity (13) and a second cavity (14), wherein the first cavity (13) extends through the front end (11) and rear end (12) of the outer shell (1), and the second cavity (14) is disposed close to the rear end (12) of the outer shell (1); The first power terminal (2) is disposed inside the first cavity (13); At least two interlocking terminals (3) are provided at intervals between each other. Each interlocking terminal (3) has a first end (31) and a second end (32) opposite to each other. The first end (31) of the interlocking terminal (3) is disposed in the first cavity (13), and the second end (32) of the interlocking terminal (3) is disposed in the second cavity (14). The portion between the first end (31) and the second end (32) of the interlocking terminal (3) is embedded in the outer shell (1). The interlocking terminal (3) and the outer shell (1) are an integral structure.
2. The high-voltage connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interlocking terminal (3) has a first segment (33), a bent segment (34) and a second segment (35) connected in sequence, so that the first segments (33) of the two interlocking terminals (3) are arranged side by side in a first direction (X) or a third direction (Z), and the second segments (35) of the two interlocking terminals (3) are arranged side by side in a first direction (X) or a third direction (Z).
3. The high-voltage connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The third direction (Z) is set parallel to the first direction (X); or, The third direction (Z) is perpendicular to the first direction (X).
4. The high-voltage connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end (31) of the interlock terminal (3) is provided with a clamping structure (311).
5. The high-voltage connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cavity (13) is provided with an inner shell (4), and the inner shell (4) is provided with a first mounting hole (41) and a second mounting hole (42). The first power terminal (2) is installed in the first mounting hole (41), and a part of the interlock terminal (3) is installed in the second mounting hole (42).
6. The high-voltage connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer shell (1) is provided with a first connecting structure (15), and the inner shell (4) is provided with a second connecting structure (43). The first connecting structure (15) and the second connecting structure (43) are engaged with each other.
7. The high-voltage connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner shell (4) is covered with a shielding cover (5).
8. The high-voltage connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, A shielding sleeve (6), a sealing element (7), and an end cap (8) are arranged sequentially at the rear end (12) of the outer shell (1); The shielding sleeve (6) is disposed in the first cavity (13), and the shielding sleeve (6) is sleeved on the outside of the first wire (9) connected to the first power terminal (2); The sealing element (7) is provided with a first through hole (71) for the first wire (9) to pass through, and the sealing element (7) is tightly fitted with the side wall of the first cavity (13). The end cap (8) is provided with a second through hole (81) through which the first wire (9) passes. The outer shell (1) is provided with a third connecting structure (16). The end cap (8) is provided with a fourth connecting structure (82). The third connecting structure (16) and the fourth connecting structure (82) are engaged with each other.
9. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: The mating connector (200), the low-voltage connector (300), and the high-voltage connector (100) as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the mating connector (200) is capable of interconnecting with the high-voltage connector (100), and the low-voltage connector (300) is capable of connecting to the second end (32) of the interlocking terminal (3).
10. The connector assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mating connector (200) includes a second power terminal (210) and a short-circuit terminal (220). The second power terminal (210) is used to connect with the first power terminal (2), and the short-circuit terminal (220) is used to connect simultaneously with the first ends (31) of the two interlocking terminals (3) so that the first ends (31) of the two interlocking terminals (3) are mutually connected.