Cable connector assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a cable connector assembly. The cable connector assembly includes: a cable connector including an insulating connector body and an outer shielding layer provided on an outer surface of the connector body; and a grounding clamp ring adapted to surround the cable connector and be fastened to the cable connector such that the grounding clamp ring is in contact with the outer shielding layer; where the cable connector includes a positioning groove, the positioning groove is provided at the outer shielding layer, and the positioning groove is configured to receive at least a portion of the grounding clamp ring and position the grounding clamp ring relative to the cable connector. The cable connector assembly according to the present disclosure allows for convenient installation of the grounding clamp ring and can achieve a desirable grounding effect.

Description

CABLE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLYRELATED FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of cable connection. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a cable connector assembly.BACKGROUND

[0002] A cable connector (such as a plug-and-socket T-shaped cable connector) is a cable accessory applied to power transmission, and is used for connecting a cable with an adapter to an electrical switchgear.

[0003] FIG. 1 shows a generally T-shaped cable connector 1, which includes a T-shaped insulating body 2 and an outer shielding layer 3 formed on an outer surface of the insulating body 2. The outer shielding layer 3 may be connected to a grounding wire through a clamp to ground the outer shielding layer 3. However, during the installation of the clamp, the clamp may be skewed or unable to be tightened properly due to limitations of the installation environment or improper operations by the installer, resulting in the clamp not making close contact with the outer shielding layer 3, thereby adversely affecting the grounding effect.SUMMARY

[0004] It is an object of the present disclosure to solve the above problems in the prior art, and to provide an improved cable connector assembly.

[0005] For this object, the present disclosure provides a cable connector assembly. The cable connector assembly includes: a cable connector including an insulating connector body and an outer shielding layer provided on an outer surface of the connector body; and a grounding clamp ring adapted to surround the cable connector and be fastened to the cable connector such that the grounding clamp ring is in contact with the outer shielding layer; where the cable connector includes a positioning groove, the positioning groove is provided at the outer shielding layer, and the positioning groove is configured to receive at least a portion of the grounding clamp ring and position the grounding clamp ring relative to the cable connector.

[0006] The provision of the positioning groove allows to position the grounding clamp ring during installation of the grounding clamp ring, and prevents the grounding clamp ring from skewing relative to the cable connector, so that an inner surface of the grounding clamp ring can make good contact with the outer shielding layer of the cable connector after the grounding clamp ring is tightened, thereby ensuring sufficient grounding area and desirable grounding effect.

[0007] According to the above technical concept, the present disclosure may further include one or more of the following optional forms.

[0008] In some optional forms, the cable connector includes a first positioning rib and a second positioning rib, where the first positioning rib and the second positioning rib protrude outwardly from the outer shielding layer and are spaced apart from each other, and the first positioning rib, the second positioning rib, and the outer shielding layer jointly define the positioning groove.

[0009] In some optional forms, the first positioning rib and the second positioning rib each have an annular shape.

[0010] In some optional forms, the first positioning rib and the second positioning rib are integrally formed with the outer shielding layer from a same material.

[0011] In some optional forms, the connector body includes a hollow transverse segment and a hollow longitudinal segment, and the longitudinal segment extends perpendicularly from the transverse segment and is adapted to receive a connecting end portion of a cable, where the positioning groove is provided at a portion, located on an outer surface of the longitudinal segment, of the outer shielding layer and configured to limit movement of the grounding clamp ring relative to the longitudinal segment along a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal segment.

[0012] In some optional forms, the grounding clamp ring includes a clamp ring body adapted to be received in the positioning groove, where a dimension of the clamp ring body in the longitudinal direction is approximately equal to a dimension of the positioning groove in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] In some optional forms, the grounding clamp ring includes a first fastening lug and asecond fastening lug oppositely provided, and the first fastening lug and the second fastening lug are adapted to be fastened to each other to fasten the grounding clamp ring to the cable connector, where the cable connector includes a grounding lug protruding outwardly from the outer shielding layer, and the grounding lug is adapted to be clamped between the first fastening lug and the second fastening lug when the first fastening lug and the second fastening lug are fastened to each other.

[0014] In some optional forms, the grounding lug is integrally formed with the outer shielding layer from a same material.

[0015] In some optional forms, the grounding clamp ring is adapted to be connected with a grounding wire having a connecting end, and the first fastening lug, the second fastening lug, the grounding lug, and the connecting end are fastened together.

[0016] The cable connector assembly according to the present disclosure allows for convenient installation of the grounding clamp ring and can achieve a desirable grounding effect.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily understood through the following preferred embodiments described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals indicate the same or similar components.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a cable connector mentioned in the background section;

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a front view of a cable connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, where the cable connector assembly is connected to a grounding wire;

[0020] FIG. 3A shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cable connector of the cable connector assembly in FIG. 2;

[0021] FIG. 3B shows a partial enlarged view of region A in FIG. 3 A;

[0022] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the cable connector of the cable connectorassembly in FIG. 2;

[0023] FIG. 5 A shows a top view of a clamp of the cable connector assembly in FIG. 2;

[0024] FIG. 5B shows a partial view of a grounding wire in FIG. 2; and

[0025] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a cable connector of a cable connector assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The implementation and usage of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it is conceivable that the specific embodiments discussed herein are merely intended to illustrate specific ways of implementing and using the present disclosure by way of examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In describing structures and positions of components, the direction-related expressions herein, such as "upper", "lower", "top", and "bottom", are not absolute, but relative. When the components are arranged as shown in the drawings, these direction-related expressions are appropriate, but when the positions of these components in the drawings are altered, these direction-related expressions should be altered accordingly. The terms, such as "first" and "second", are only used for description, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features referred to. In the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the terms, such as "mounting", "joining", "connection", and "fixation", should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediary. For those skilled in the art, specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure should be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0027] FIGS. 2 to 5 A show a cable connector assembly 10 and its components according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 3B, the cable connector assembly 10 includes a cable connector 100 and a grounding clamp ring 200. The cable connector 100 includes an insulating connector body 102 and an outer shielding layer 104 provided on an outer surface of the connector body 102. The grounding clamp ring 200 is adapted to surround the cable connector 100 and befastened to the cable connector 100, such that the grounding clamp ring 200 is in contact with the outer shielding layer 104. The cable connector 100 includes a positioning groove 106. The positioning groove 106 is provided at the outer shielding layer 104 and configured to receive at least a portion of the grounding clamp ring 200 and position the grounding clamp ring 200 relative to the cable connector 100.

[0029] The provision of the positioning groove 106 allows to accurately position the grounding clamp ring 200 during installation of the grounding clamp ring 200, and prevents the grounding clamp ring 200 from skewing relative to the cable connector 100, so that an inner surface of the grounding clamp ring 200 can make good contact with the outer shielding layer 104 of the cable connector 100 after the grounding clamp ring 200 is tightened, thereby ensuring sufficient grounding area and desirable grounding effect.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 3A to 4, the cable connector 100 includes an insulating and hollow connector body 102, an outer shielding layer 104 formed on the outer surface of the connector body 102, and an inner semi-conductive layer 108 formed on the inner surface of the connector body 102. The connector body 102 may be made of an insulating material, such as insulating rubber. The outer shielding layer 104 and the inner semi-conductive layer 108 may be made of, for example, conductive rubber. The connector body 102, the outer shielding layer 104 and the inner semi-conductive layer 108 may be integrally formed.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector body 102 includes a hollow transverse segment 110 and a hollow longitudinal segment 112. The transverse segment 110 is configured to receive a sleeve of an electrical switchgear. The longitudinal segment 112 extends perpendicularly from the transverse segment 110 and is configured to receive a connecting end portion of a cable. The sleeve of the electrical switchgear and the connecting end portion of the cable can be electrically connected to each other inside the cable connector 100. The positioning groove 106 is provided at a portion, located on an outer surface of the longitudinal segment 112, of the outer shielding layer 104 and configured to limit movement of the grounding clamp ring 200 relative to the longitudinal segment 112 along a longitudinal direction L of the longitudinal segment 112.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 5A, in the illustrated embodiment, the grounding clamp ring 200 is configured to establish an electrical connection between the outer shielding layer 104 of thecable connector 100 and the grounding wire 20, thereby achieving grounding of the outer shielding layer 104 of the cable connector 100. The grounding clamp ring 200 may be made of a metal material. The grounding clamp ring 200 may include a clamp ring body 202, a first fastening lug 204, and a second fastening lug 206. The clamp ring body 202 has an unclosed annular shape and has a first end portion 208 and a second end portion 210 opposite to each other. The clamp ring body 202 is configured to surround and clamp the longitudinal segment 112 of the cable connector 100, thereby fastening the grounding clamp ring 200 to the cable connector 100. It is conceivable that in some other embodiments, the clamp ring body may include two semi-circular parts, the two semi-circular parts surrounding and clamping the longitudinal segment of the cable connector.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the first fastening lug 204 and the second fastening lug 206 extend from the first end portion 208 and the second end portion 210 of the clamp ring body 202, respectively, and the first fastening lug 204 and the second fastening lug 206 are opposite to each other. The grounding clamp ring 200 may further include an external threaded fastener 212 and a nut 214. The first fastening lug 204 and the second fastening lug 206 may include a first fastening hole and a second fastening hole (not shown), respectively, so that the external threaded fastener 212 can pass therethrough, and the first fastening lug 204 and the second fastening lug 206 can thereby be fastened to each other by the external threaded fastener 212 and the nut 214. The external threaded fastener 212 may be, for example, a bolt or a stud.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the cable connector 100 includes a first positioning rib 114 and a second positioning rib 116. The first positioning rib 114 and the second positioning rib 116 protrude outwardly from the outer shielding layer 104 and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L of the longitudinal segment 112. The first positioning rib 114, the second positioning rib 116, and the outer shielding layer 104 jointly define the positioning groove 106 for receiving and positioning the grounding clamp ring 200 (more specifically, the clamp ring body 202). In the illustrated embodiment, when the clamp ring body 202 is positioned in the positioning groove 106, the central axis of the grounding clamp ring 200 coincides with the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal segment 112. Optionally, a dimension SI of the clamp ring body 202 in the longitudinal direction L of the longitudinal segment 112 is approximately equal to a dimension S2 of the positioning groove 106 in the longitudinal direction L of the longitudinal segment 112 (i.e., the spacing betweenthe first positioning rib 114 and the second positioning rib 116 in the longitudinal direction L of the longitudinal segment 112), so that the grounding clamp ring 200 can be stably positioned on the cable connector 100. It is conceivable that in some other embodiments, for example, in the case of a thick outer shielding layer, a positioning groove that is recessed relative to the outer surface of the outer shielding layer may also be directly provided in the outer shielding layer to receive and position the grounding clamp ring.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the first positioning rib 114 and the second positioning rib 116 extend continuously along a circumferential direction of the longitudinal segment 112 to have an annular shape. It is conceivable that in some other embodiments, the first positioning rib and / or the second positioning rib may include multiple positioning parts spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the longitudinal segment. Optionally, the first positioning rib 114 and the second positioning rib 116 may be integrally formed with the outer shielding layer 104 from the same material, to simplify the manufacturing process of the cable connector 100.

[0036] Referring further to FIGS. 2 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the cable connector 100 includes a grounding lug 118 protruding outwardly from the outer shielding layer 104. The grounding lug 118 may be integrally formed with the outer shielding layer 104 from the same material. The grounding lug 118 is adapted to be clamped between the first fastening lug 204 and the second fastening lug 206 when the first fastening lug 204 and the second fastening lug 206 are fastened to each other. In this way, additional grounding area / conductive path can be provided through the contact of the grounding lug 118 with the first fastening lug 204 and the second fastening lug 206, thereby achieving a better grounding effect. This is particularly advantageous, for example, if the clamp ring body 202 is in poor contact with the outer shielding layer 104 due to thermal expansion and shrinkage.

[0037] It is conceivable that, in some other embodiments, the cable connector may include more than one grounding lug protruding outward from the outer shielding layer, and the respective grounding lug is adapted to be clamped between the first fastening lug and the second fastening lug when the first fastening lug and the second fastening lug are fastened to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the cable connector 100 includes two grounding lugs 118 protruding outward from the outer shielding layer 104. A grounding clamp ring which includes a clamp ring body with two semi-circular parts as mentioned above may be used with the cable connector 100 shown in FIG. 6. One of the two semi-circular parts is provided withtwo first fastening lugs at two ends thereof, and the other of the two semi-circular parts is provided with two second fastening lugs at two ends thereof; and each grounding lug 118 is adapted to be clamped between a corresponding first fastening lug and a corresponding second fastening lug when the two first fastening lugs are fastened to the two second fastening lugs, respectively.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3B, 5A, and 5B, for the illustrated embodiment, by using the external threaded fastener 212 and the nut 214, the grounding clamp ring 200 is fastened to the cable connector 100, and the grounding wire 20 is connected to the grounding clamp ring 200, so that the outer shielding layer 104 of the cable connector 100 is grounded via the grounding clamp ring 200 and the grounding wire 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the grounding lug 118 has a third fastening hole 120, and the grounding wire 20 includes a connecting end 22 with a fourth fastening hole 24. The external threaded fastener 212 can be threadedly connected to the nut 214 through the first fastening hole of the first fastening lug 204, the second fastening hole of the second fastening lug 206, the third fastening hole 120 of the grounding lug 118, and the fourth fastening hole 24 of the grounding wire 20, to achieve the mutual fastening of the cable connector 100, the grounding clamp ring 200, and the grounding wire 20, thereby achieving the grounding of the outer shielding layer 104 of the cable connector 100.

[0039] For example, during installation of the grounding clamp ring 200, the clamp ring body 202 may be fitted into the positioning groove 106, so that the grounding lug 118 is sandwiched between the first fastening lug 204 and the second fastening lug 206. Then, the connecting end 22 of the grounding wire 20 is brought into contact with one side of the first fastening lug 204 or the second fastening lug 206 that is distal from the grounding lug 118, or the connecting end 22 of the grounding wire 20 is also sandwiched between the first fastening lug 204 and the second fastening lug 206; and the first fastening hole, the second fastening hole, the third fastening hole 120, and the fourth fastening hole 24 are adjusted to be aligned with each other. Next, the external threaded fastener 212 is passed through the first fastening hole, the second fastening hole, the third fastening hole 120, and the fourth fastening hole 24, and the nut 214 is then screwed, to achieve the mutual fastening of the cable connector 100, the grounding clamp ring 200, and the grounding wire 20.

[0040] Due to the provision of the positioning groove 106, when the clamp ring body 202 is fitted into the positioning groove 106, the clamp ring body 202 can be accurately positioned inthe positioning groove 106, so that the central axis of the grounding clamp ring 200 coincides with the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal segment 112 of the cable connector 100. This allow that: when the grounding clamp ring 200 is further fastened, the inner surface of the clamp ring body 202 facing the cable connector 100 can establish a close contact with the outer shielding layer 104 to ensure a sufficient grounding area between the grounding clamp ring 200 and the outer shielding layer 104, thereby achieving desirable grounding. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the contact of the grounding lug 118 with the first fastening lug 204 and the second fastening lug 206 can further provide additional grounding area, thereby achieving a better grounding effect.

[0041] It should also be understood that the various components and features described herein can be made of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, polymer, rubber, metal and other suitable materials familiar to those skilled in the art or combinations thereof. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 A and 6 only illustrate the shape, size and arrangement of the optional components of the cable connector assembly according to the present disclosure. However, these embodiments are merely intended to illustrate, rather than to limit. Other shapes, sizes and arrangements may be adopted without departing from the idea and scope of the present disclosure. A person skilled in the art can easily make modifications, variants and equivalents of these embodiments according to the disclosure. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment may be combined with another embodiment to produce another embodiment. The present disclosure is intended to cover these modifications, variants and equivalents.

[0042] The technical contents and technical features of the present disclosure have been disclosed above. However, it can be understood that, those skilled in the art can make various changes and improvements to the above-disclosed concept under the creative concept of the present disclosure, and all these various changes and improvements still fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. The description of the foregoing embodiments is exemplary rather than restrictive, and the scope of protection of the present disclosure is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cable connector assembly (10), comprising: a cable connector (100) comprising an insulating connector body (102) and an outer shielding layer (104) provided on an outer surface of the connector body (102); and a grounding clamp ring (200) adapted to surround the cable connector (100) and be fastened to the cable connector (100) such that the grounding clamp ring (200) is in contact with the outer shielding layer (104); wherein the cable connector (100) comprises a positioning groove (106), the positioning groove (106) is provided at the outer shielding layer (104), and the positioning groove (106) is configured to receive at least a portion of the grounding clamp ring (200) and position the grounding clamp ring (200) relative to the cable connector (100).

2. The cable connector assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cable connector (100) comprises a first positioning rib (114) and a second positioning rib (116), wherein the first positioning rib (114) and the second positioning rib (116) protrude outwardly from the outer shielding layer (104) and are spaced apart from each other, and the first positioning rib (114), the second positioning rib (116), and the outer shielding layer (104) jointly define the positioning groove (106).

3. The cable connector assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the first positioning rib (114) and the second positioning rib (116) each have an annular shape.

4. The cable connector assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the first positioning rib (114) and the second positioning rib (116) are integrally formed with the outer shielding layer (104) from a same material.

5. The cable connector assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connector body (102) comprises a hollow transverse segment (110) and a hollow longitudinal segment (112), and the longitudinal segment (112) extends perpendicularly from the transversesegment (110) and is adapted to receive a connecting end portion of a cable, wherein the positioning groove (106) is provided at a portion of the outer shielding layer (104) on an outer surface of the longitudinal segment (112) and configured to limit movement of the grounding clamp ring (200) relative to the longitudinal segment (112) along a longitudinal direction (L) of the longitudinal segment (112).

6. The cable connector assembly (10) according to claim 5, wherein the grounding clamp ring (200) comprises a clamp ring body (202) adapted to be received in the positioning groove (106), wherein a dimension (SI) of the clamp ring body (202) in the longitudinal direction (L) is approximately equal to a dimension (S2) of the positioning groove (106) in the longitudinal direction (L).

7. The cable connector assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the grounding clamp ring (200) comprises a first fastening lug (204) and a second fastening lug (206) oppositely provided, and the first fastening lug (204) and the second fastening lug (206) are adapted to be fastened to each other to fasten the grounding clamp ring (200) to the cable connector (100), wherein the cable connector (100) comprises a grounding lug (118) protruding outwardly from the outer shielding layer (104), and the grounding lug (118) is adapted to be clamped between the first fastening lug (204) and the second fastening lug (206) when the first fastening lug (204) and the second fastening lug (206) are fastened to each other.

8. The cable connector assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein the grounding lug (118) is integrally formed with the outer shielding layer (104) from a same material.

9. The cable connector assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein the grounding clamp ring (200) is adapted to be connected with a grounding wire (20) having a connecting end (22), and the first fastening lug (204), the second fastening lug (206), the grounding lug (118), and the connecting end (22) are fastened together.

Images