A connector and inverter

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of connector and inverter, wherein connector includes connector shell and the metal contact piece being arranged in the connector shell, the metal contact piece includes the butt joint section and the connecting section at both ends, and transition section between the butt joint section and the connecting section, the butt joint section is inserted with connector of opposite connection, the connecting section is connected with cable or circuit board, the connector shell is plastic material, the metal contact piece is integrally formed with the connector shell by injection molding process, the butt joint section is located inside the connector shell, the connecting section is located outside the connector shell, and the transition section at least partially extends outside the connector shell. The utility model's connector structure is simple, waterproof sealing is good and installation efficiency is high.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In existing technologies, in order to achieve electrical connection between external electrical equipment and the inverter's circuit board, connectors are usually used as intermediate transition connections. Connectors include connector housings and metal contacts located inside the connector housings. The metal contacts are usually installed into the connector housings after the connector housings are formed using special tools. Therefore, the connector housings and metal contacts need to be designed with mounting and mating structures, and the waterproof sealing of the connectors during use needs to be considered. As a result, this type of connector has problems such as low installation efficiency and complex structure. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a connector with simple structure, good waterproof sealing and high installation efficiency.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A connector includes a connector housing and a metal contact disposed within the connector housing. The metal contact includes mating sections and connecting sections at both ends, and a transition section between the mating sections and the connecting sections. The mating sections are mated to a mating connector, and the connecting sections are connected to a cable or circuit board. The connector housing is made of plastic, and the metal contact and the connector housing are integrally formed by injection molding. The mating sections are located inside the connector housing, the connecting sections are located outside the connector housing, and the transition section at least partially extends outside the connector housing.

[0006] By molding the metal contacts and connector housing into a single unit using insert injection molding or secondary injection molding, manual assembly is eliminated, improving connector installation efficiency and consequently, production efficiency. Injection molding eliminates the need for mounting structures on the connector housing or metal contacts, simplifying the connector structure. Furthermore, the absence of installation gaps between the connector housing and metal contacts ensures excellent waterproof sealing. By placing the mating section entirely within the connector housing, the connecting section entirely outside the housing, and the transition section extending at least partially beyond the housing, the length of the connector housing can be effectively controlled, reducing production costs.

[0007] Optionally, the docking section near the connecting section is a cylindrical structure, and the cylindrical structure has a plug that extends at least partially out of the cylindrical structure; or, the docking section has an integrally formed baffle that seals inside the cylindrical structure.

[0008] By installing plugs or baffles inside the metal contacts to seal the cylindrical structure of the mating section, it is possible to prevent molten plastic from entering the mating section and solidifying during the injection molding process, thus affecting the mating section's insertion and mating with the external connector.

[0009] Optionally, the metal contact is an integral structure, and further includes an elastically bent section located between the transition section and the connecting section, and the connecting section is welded to the circuit board.

[0010] By setting an elastic bending section between the transition section and the connection section, the external force transmitted to the metal contact can be effectively buffered, avoiding damage to the circuit board; in addition, the elastic bending section also has an elastic expansion and contraction function, which can adapt to the connection distance within a certain fluctuation range.

[0011] Optionally, the transition section has a flat structure, and the transition section and the circuit board are stacked together along the first direction.

[0012] Optionally, the connecting segment extends along a first direction, and the transition segment extends along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction.

[0013] By extending the connecting section along the first direction and the transition section along the second direction, the connecting section is perpendicularly connected to the circuit board plane, and the transition section is parallel to the circuit board plane, so that a certain gap is maintained between the circuit board and the transition section, while ensuring the reliability of the connection between the connector and the circuit board.

[0014] Optionally, the transition section is offset to one side relative to the axis of the docking section.

[0015] Optionally, the offset direction of the transition section relative to the axis of the mating section is the same as the bending opening direction of the elastic bending section.

[0016] By setting the offset direction to be the same as the bending opening direction, the distance between the metal contact and the circuit board can be effectively reduced, thus reducing the space occupied by the connector.

[0017] Optionally, the elastic bending section is U-shaped, and a strip groove is provided along the U-shaped structure on the elastic bending section.

[0018] By setting strip grooves on the U-shaped structure, the elastic deformation performance of the elastic bending section can be improved.

[0019] Optionally, the circuit board is provided with mounting holes, and the connecting section has a connecting portion with a width adapted to the mounting holes, the connecting portion extending into the mounting holes for welding and fixing.

[0020] This design effectively secures the connector within the mounting holes of the circuit board. Furthermore, by limiting the length of the connector extending into the circuit board, installation and fixation are facilitated.

[0021] Optionally, the connecting part has an elongated through hole in the middle, and a plurality of circular countersunk holes are evenly distributed around the elongated through hole.

[0022] By setting two types of holes, solder can enter the holes when the connector is soldered to the circuit board, improving the reliability of the connection. In addition, by setting circular countersunk holes around the elongated through holes, the strength of the connection can be guaranteed while increasing the contact between the solder and the connector.

[0023] Optionally, the connector further includes a mounting base, and the connector housing is integrally injection molded on the mounting base. The connector housing includes at least one male connector housing and at least one female connector housing. The metal contacts include a male metal contact disposed in the male connector housing and a female metal contact disposed in the female connector housing.

[0024] By molding multiple connectors into a single structure using a mounting base, the gaps between the connectors when assembled separately can be reduced, thereby reducing the overall space occupied by the connectors and improving space utilization.

[0025] This utility model also provides a technical solution for an inverter:

[0026] An inverter includes a housing and a connector as described above. The housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing that are fixedly connected. The circuit board is disposed within the space formed by the upper housing and the lower housing. The connector is fixed by clamping the mounting base through the upper housing and the lower housing.

[0027] By using the upper and lower housings to clamp the mounting base to fix the connector, the connector installation and fixing structure can be simplified.

[0028] Optionally, the mounting base is provided with an annular mounting groove, and the upper housing and the lower housing clamp and fix the connector by cooperating with the annular mounting groove.

[0029] By setting an annular mounting groove to clamp and fix the connector, the annular mounting groove can not only provide clamping and positioning, but also provide a certain degree of waterproof sealing effect.

[0030] Optionally, a sealing ring is provided in the annular mounting groove, or the connection between the annular mounting groove and the upper and lower housings is sealed with glue.

[0031] By installing a sealing ring or applying adhesive sealant within the annular mounting groove, the waterproof sealing performance of the inverter and connector can be further improved.

[0032] In summary, the advantages of this utility model compared to the prior art are as follows:

[0033] By molding the metal contacts and connector housing into a single unit using insert injection molding or secondary injection molding, manual assembly is eliminated, improving connector installation efficiency and consequently, production efficiency. Injection molding eliminates the need for mounting structures on the connector housing or metal contacts, simplifying the connector structure. Furthermore, the absence of installation gaps between the connector housing and metal contacts ensures excellent waterproof sealing. By placing the mating section entirely within the connector housing, the connecting section entirely outside the housing, and the transition section extending at least partially beyond the housing, the length of the connector housing can be effectively controlled, reducing production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the two-core connector of Example 1;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a front view of the two-core connector of Example 1;

[0036] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0037] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along the BB direction;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the metal contact component in Example 1;

[0039] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of the structure at point C;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the metal contact and plug assembly state in Example 1;

[0041] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of the structure shown;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the inverter and the two-core connector in the assembly state of Example 1;

[0043] Figure 10 for Figure 9 An exploded view of the structure shown;

[0044] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of the two-core connector and circuit board assembly state in Example 1;

[0045] Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of the metal contact component in Example 2;

[0046] Figure 13 for Figure 12 Cross-sectional view of the structure shown;

[0047] Figure 14 This is an exploded view of the inverter in Example 3;

[0048] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the two-core connector in Example 3;

[0049] Figure 16 This is an exploded view of the inverter in Example 3;

[0050] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the connector in Example 4;

[0051] Figure 18 for Figure 17 The connector shown is a cross-sectional view.

[0052] Reference numerals: 100-Connector; 110-Connector housing; 111-Male connector housing; 112-Female connector housing; 120-Metal contact; 120a-Male metal contact; 120b-Female metal contact; 121-Mating section; 1211-Cylindrical structure; 1212-Baffle; 122-Transition section; 123-Connecting section; 1231-Connecting part; 1231a-Elongated through hole; 1231b-Circular countersunk hole; 124-Elastic bending section; 1241-Strip groove; 130-Plug; 140-Mounting base; 141-Annular mounting groove; 150-Sealing ring; 200-Housing; 210-Upper housing; 211-First mounting port; 220-Lower housing; 221-Second mounting port; 300-Circuit board; 310-Mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0054] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0055] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model. Example 1

[0056] like Figure 1-8 As shown, this utility model provides a connector 100, which is an electrical connector, including a connector housing 110 and a metal contact 120 disposed within the connector housing 110. The metal contact 120 includes a mating section 121 and a connecting section 123 located at both ends, and a transition section 122 located between the mating section 121 and the connecting section 123. The mating section 121 is plugged into the mating connector, and the connecting section 123 is connected to a cable or circuit board 300.

[0057] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the connector housing 110 is made of plastic. The metal contact 120 and the connector housing 110 are molded into an integral structure by insert injection molding or secondary injection molding process. The mating section 121 is located inside the connector housing 110, the connecting section 123 is located outside the connector housing 110, and the transition section 122 extends at least partially outside the connector housing 110.

[0058] By molding the metal contact 120 and connector housing 110 into a single structure using insert injection molding or secondary injection molding, manual assembly is eliminated, improving connector installation efficiency and thus production efficiency. Injection molding eliminates the need for mounting structures on the connector housing 110 or metal contact 120, simplifying the connector structure. Furthermore, the seamless connection between the connector housing 110 and metal contact 120 ensures excellent waterproof sealing. By placing the mating section 121 entirely within the connector housing 110, the connecting section 123 entirely outside the connector housing 110, and the transition section 122 at least partially extending outside the connector housing 110, the length of the connector housing 110 can be effectively controlled, reducing production costs.

[0059] Connectors typically consist of male and female connectors that mate with each other. The male and female connectors have similar structures, and the male connector can be mated with the mating female connector. The mating section of the metal contacts of the female connector has watchband fingers to increase the mating stability with the metal contacts of the mating male connector and reduce contact resistance. The following description mainly uses the metal contacts of the male connector as an example.

[0060] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the metal contact 120 is an integral structure, and also includes an elastic bending section 124 located between the transition section 122 and the connecting section 123, and the connecting section 123 is welded to the circuit board 300. By providing the elastic bending section 124 between the transition section 122 and the connecting section 123, the external force transmitted to the metal contact 120 can be effectively buffered, avoiding damage to the circuit board 300; in addition, the elastic bending section 124 also has an elastic expansion and contraction function, which can adapt to the connection distance within a certain fluctuation range.

[0061] like Figure 5 and Figure 11 As shown, the transition section 122 has a flat structure and is stacked with the circuit board 300 along the first direction. The connecting section 123 extends along the first direction Y, and the transition section 122 extends along the second direction X, which is perpendicular to the first direction Y. By extending the connecting section 123 along the first direction Y and the transition section 122 along the second direction X, the connecting section 123 is perpendicularly connected to the plane of the circuit board 300, and the transition section 122 is parallel to the plane of the circuit board 300. This ensures that a certain gap is maintained between the circuit board 300 and the transition section 122, preventing direct contact between the transition section 122 and the circuit board 300. The vertical connection between the connecting section 123 and the circuit board also ensures the reliability and stability of the connection between the connector 100 and the circuit board 300.

[0062] like Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the transition section 122 is offset to one side relative to the axis ZZ of the mating section 121, which is the right side shown in the figure. The offset direction of the transition section 122 relative to the axis of the mating section 121 is the same as the bending opening direction of the elastic bending section 124, both being to the right. By setting the offset direction and the bending opening direction to the right, the distance between the metal contact 120 and the circuit board 300 can be effectively reduced, thus reducing the space occupied by the connector.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, specifically, the elastic bending section 124 is U-shaped, and a strip groove 1241 is provided along the U-shaped structure on the elastic bending section 124. By providing the strip groove 1241 on the U-shaped structure, the elastic deformation performance of the elastic bending section 124 can be improved.

[0064] like Figure 6 and Figure 11 As shown, the circuit board 300 is provided with mounting holes 310, and the connecting section 123 has a connecting part 1231 with a width adapted to the mounting hole 310. The connecting part 1231 extends into the mounting hole 310 for welding and fixing. With this arrangement, on the one hand, the connecting part 1231 can be effectively fixed in the mounting hole 310 of the circuit board 300, and on the other hand, by providing the connecting part 1231, the length of the connecting section 123 extending into the circuit board 300 can be limited, which facilitates installation and fixing.

[0065] like Figure 6 As shown, the connecting part 1231 has an elongated through hole 1231a in the middle, and a plurality of circular countersunk holes 1231b are evenly distributed around the elongated through hole 1231a. By providing these two types of holes, solder can enter the holes when the connecting part 1231 is soldered to the circuit board 300, improving the reliability of the connection. In addition, by providing circular countersunk holes 1231b around the elongated through hole 1231a, the contact between the solder and the connector can be increased while ensuring the strength of the connecting part 1231.

[0066] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the mating section 121 near the connecting section 123 is a cylindrical structure 1211, and a plug 130 is provided inside the cylindrical structure 1211, extending at least partially out of the cylindrical structure 1211. By providing the plug 130, which is made of plastic, inside the metal contact 120, the cylindrical structure 1211 of the mating section 121 is sealed, preventing molten plastic from entering the mating section 121 and solidifying during the injection molding process, thus affecting the mating section's insertion and mating with the external connector. In addition, the plastic plug 130 can be integrated with the molding material used in the injection molding process into a single structure.

[0067] like Figure 1 and 2As shown, the connector in this embodiment is a dual-core connector or a two-core connector. The connector also includes a mounting base 140. The connector housing 110 is integrally injection molded onto the mounting base 140. The connector housing 110 includes a male connector housing 111 and a female connector housing 112. The metal contacts 120 include a male metal contact 120a disposed in the male connector housing 111 and a female metal contact 120b disposed in the female connector housing 112. By molding multiple connectors into an integral structure using the mounting base 140, the gap when multiple connectors are assembled separately can be reduced, thereby reducing the space occupied by the overall connector and improving space utilization.

[0068] In other possible implementations, connector housing 110 may also include two male connector housings 111 and two female connector housings 112, and the number of male or female connectors of the multi-core connector can be designed as needed.

[0069] like Figure 9-11 As shown, this embodiment provides an inverter, including a housing 200 and a connector 100 as described above. The housing 200 includes an upper housing 210 and a lower housing 220 fixedly connected. A circuit board 300 is disposed within the space formed by the upper housing 210 and the lower housing 220. The connector is fixed by clamping the mounting base 140 between the upper housing 210 and the lower housing 220. Specifically, the upper housing 210 has a first mounting port 211, and the lower housing 220 has a second mounting port 221. Fixing the connector by clamping the mounting base 140 between the first mounting port 211 and the second mounting port 221 of the upper and lower housings simplifies the connector installation and fixing structure. The connector 100 is soldered to the circuit board 300 via a connecting section 123.

[0070] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the mounting base 140 is provided with an annular mounting groove 141, and the upper housing 210 and lower housing 220 clamp and fix the connector by cooperating with the annular mounting groove 141. A sealing ring 150 is provided in the annular mounting groove 141, and the sealing ring 150 abuts against the upper housing 210 and lower housing 220 to improve the waterproof sealing of the connection.

[0071] In other possible implementations, the joint between the annular mounting groove 141 and the upper housing 210 and the lower housing 220 can be sealed with adhesive to improve the sealing performance of the joint. Example 2

[0072] The main difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the structure of the metal contact components.

[0073] like Figure 12-13As shown, a baffle 1212 is integrally formed inside the mating section 121 of the metal contact 120, sealing the cylindrical structure 1211. The baffle is stamped from the mating section itself and is circular. After stamping and bending, it precisely blocks the internal radial space of the cylindrical structure. By setting the baffle 1212 inside the metal contact 120 to seal the cylindrical structure 1211 of the mating section 121, it is possible to prevent molten plastic from entering the mating section 121 and solidifying during injection molding, thus preventing it from affecting the mating section 121's insertion and mating with the external connector. Furthermore, since the baffle is formed from the metal contact itself, no separate structure is required, simplifying the process. Example 3

[0074] The main difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiments lies in the assembly structure of the inverter housing and the connector.

[0075] like Figure 14-15 As shown, the inverter housing includes an upper housing 210 and a lower housing 220. The upper housing 210 is a flat plate structure, and the lower housing 220 is a box-shaped structure with an open top. Specifically, the upper housing is a metal plate, and the lower housing is a plastic housing. One side of the lower housing 220 has a lower mounting port adapted to the annular mounting groove 141 of the connector. The connector is clamped and fixed by the upper housing 210 and the lower housing 220 engaging with the annular mounting groove 141. The annular mounting groove 141 of the mounting base 140 has an asymmetrical structure. The mounting groove on the upper side that engages with the upper housing 210 is shallower, while the annular mounting groove on the lower side that engages with the lower housing 220 is deeper. This allows the sealing ring 150 to be placed in the annular mounting groove 141 or to be filled with adhesive, so that it can tightly adhere to the surfaces of the upper housing 210 and the lower housing 220, ensuring the waterproof sealing of the connection.

[0076] In other possible implementations, such as Figure 16 As shown, the upper housing 210 may also include an arc-shaped mounting portion that mates with the mounting base 140 of the connector. The arc-shaped mounting portion mates with the mounting port of the lower housing 220 to clamp and fix the mounting base 140. Both the arc-shaped mounting portion and the upper housing are plastic parts, integrally molded by injection molding. Alternatively, the upper housing may be a metal part, and the arc-shaped mounting portion may be connected to the upper housing by fasteners. Then, the upper housing 210 and the lower housing 220 are fastened by bolts located at the four corners, so that the connector is stably positioned between the upper and lower housings 220. Example 4

[0077] The main difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiments lies in the connector structure.

[0078] like Figure 17-18As shown, the connector in this embodiment is a single-core connector, meaning that only one metal contact 120 is provided inside the connector housing 110. The metal contact 120 and the connector housing 110 are integrally formed through secondary molding or insert injection molding. The specific structure of the metal contact 120 is the same as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, the connector housing 110 and the mounting base 140 are integrally formed, and the mounting base 140 has an annular mounting groove 141 that mates with the inverter housing.

[0079] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the scope of patent protection of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of patent protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A connector, comprising a connector housing and a metal contact disposed within the connector housing, the metal contact comprising mating sections and connecting sections at both ends, and a transition section between the mating sections and the connecting sections, the mating sections engaging with a mating connector, and the connecting sections connecting with a cable or a circuit board, characterized in that, The connector housing is made of plastic. The metal contacts are molded into an integral structure with the connector housing by injection molding. The mating section is located inside the connector housing, the connecting section is located outside the connector housing, and the transition section extends at least partially outside the connector housing.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The docking section is a cylindrical structure on the side near the connecting section. The cylindrical structure has a plug that extends at least partially out of the cylindrical structure. Alternatively, a baffle is integrally formed inside the docking section, and the baffle seals inside the cylindrical structure.

3. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal contact (120) is an integral structure, and also includes an elastic bending section located between the transition section and the connecting section, and the connecting section is welded to the circuit board.

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transition section has a flat structure, and the transition section and the circuit board are stacked together along the first direction.

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting segment extends along a first direction, and the transition segment extends along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

6. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transition section is offset to one side relative to the axis of the docking section.

7. The connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The offset direction of the transition section relative to the axis of the docking section is the same as the bending opening direction of the elastic bending section.

8. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic bending section is U-shaped, and a strip groove is provided along the U-shaped structure on the elastic bending section.

9. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The circuit board is provided with mounting holes, and the connecting section has a connecting part with a width adapted to the mounting holes. The connecting part extends into the mounting holes for welding and fixing.

10. The connector according to claim 9, characterized in that, The connecting part has an elongated through hole in the middle, and multiple circular countersunk holes are evenly distributed around the elongated through hole.

11. The connector according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The connector also includes a mounting base, and the connector housing is integrally injection molded on the mounting base. The connector housing includes at least one male connector housing and at least one female connector housing. The metal contacts include a male metal contact disposed in the male connector housing and a female metal contact (120b) disposed in the female connector housing.

12. An inverter, comprising a housing and a connector as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing that are fixedly connected. The circuit board is disposed in the space formed by the upper housing and the lower housing. The connector is fixed by clamping the mounting base through the upper housing and the lower housing.

13. The inverter according to claim 12, characterized in that, The mounting base is provided with an annular mounting groove, and the upper housing and the lower housing clamp and fix the connector by cooperating with the annular mounting groove.

14. The inverter according to claim 13, characterized in that, The annular mounting groove is provided with a sealing ring or the connection between the annular mounting groove and the upper and lower housings is sealed with glue.

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