WO2014097051A1 - Electrical connector, photovoltaic system and electrical connector assembly - Google Patents

Electrical connector, photovoltaic system and electrical connector assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014097051A1
WO2014097051A1 PCT/IB2013/060778 IB2013060778W WO2014097051A1 WO 2014097051 A1 WO2014097051 A1 WO 2014097051A1 IB 2013060778 W IB2013060778 W IB 2013060778W WO 2014097051 A1 WO2014097051 A1 WO 2014097051A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electrical connector
cable
cantilever
connection apparatus
fixation arm
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2013/060778
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ning Wang
Original Assignee
Tyco Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.
Tyco Electronics Uk Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tyco Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Tyco Electronics Uk Ltd filed Critical Tyco Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.
Publication of WO2014097051A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014097051A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/24—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
    • H01R4/2416—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type
    • H01R4/242—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type the contact members being plates having a single slot
    • H01R4/2425—Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates
    • H01R4/2429—Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates mounted in an insulating base
    • H01R4/2433—Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates mounted in an insulating base one part of the base being movable to push the cable into the slot
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/50—Fixed connections
    • H01R12/51—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures
    • H01R12/53—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures connecting to cables except for flat or ribbon cables
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/58—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
    • H01R4/64—Connections between or with conductive parts having primarily a non-electric function, e.g. frame, casing, rail
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/58—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
    • H01R4/66—Connections with the terrestrial mass, e.g. earth plate, earth pin

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electrical connector, more particularly, relates to an electrical connector for grounding a frame of a photovoltaic cell, as well as a photovoltaic system having the electrical connector and an electrical connector assembly having the electrical connector.
  • a photovoltaic system generally comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a frame on which the photovoltaic cells are mounted.
  • the frame is often grounded by an electrical connector, for example, an earth clamp.
  • Fig. l shows a conventional photovoltaic system 300 in the prior arts.
  • the photovoltaic system 300 comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells 302 and a frame 301 on which the photovoltaic cells 302 are mounted.
  • the frame 301 is electrically connected to a ground wire 303 by an earth clamp.
  • the ground configuration with the earth clamp is very simple and can be easily assembled, it can be applied to only a bare wire without an insulation layer thereon.
  • the bare wire is not formed with insulation layer thereon, a short circuit fail may be accidentally occurred by an unintentional operation, and there is a potential safety risk.
  • the present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above mentioned disadvantages.
  • an object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector, a photovoltaic system having the electrical connector and an electrical connector assembly having the electrical connector that are adapted to electrically connect a cable with an insulation layer thereon.
  • an electrical connector for grounding a cable comprising a body and a connection apparatus.
  • the body comprises a holding portion for holding the cable in a length direction of the cable and at least one guiding portion extending in a direction intersecting with the length direction.
  • the connection apparatus is configured to slide along the guiding portion and comprises at least one piercing portion configured to pierce an insulation layer of the cable to electrically connect a conductor of the cable.
  • connection apparatus further comprising: at least one peeling-off portion positioned at both sides of the piercing portion to pierce and peel off the insulation layer of the cable when the connecting apparatus slides.
  • the body is shaped in a substantial cuboid, the holding portion is configured as a groove or a hole formed in the body, and the guiding portion is configured as a slot formed in the body and communicated with the groove or the hole.
  • connection apparatus further comprising: a first base; and a pair of opposite slide arms vertically extending from both sides of the first base and each formed with the piercing portion and the peeling-off portion.
  • each of the slide arms further comprising: a fixation arm perpendicularly connected to the first base; a second base perpendicularly extending at an end of the fixation arm; and a first cantilever extending parallel to the fixation arm from the second base, wherein the piercing portion is provided between the fixation arm and the first cantilever.
  • the peeling-off portion is configured as protrusions formed on facing side edges of the fixation arm and the first cantilever.
  • the piercing portion is configured as a tip portion extending parallel to the fixation arm and the first cantilever.
  • each of the slide arms further comprises a second cantilever extending parallel to the fixation arm from the second base, wherein the first cantilever is provided between the second cantilever and the fixation arm.
  • the second cantilever is formed with at least one first blocking portion, and the guiding portion is formed with a second blocking portion; and the first blocking portion is configured to be mated with the second blocking portion so as to hold the connection apparatus in a position where the piercing portion is electrically connected to the conductor of the cable.
  • the first blocking portion is configured to be a projection formed on the second cantilever; and the second blocking portion is configured to be an opening formed in the body and running through the guiding portion from an outside of the body and/or a side wall of the holding portion.
  • a limiting protrusion is formed on a position of the guiding portion between the first cantilever and the second cantilever, and the limiting protrusion is configured to prevent the first cantilever from being moved away from the fixation arm.
  • a photovoltaic system comprising: a plurality of photovoltaic cells; a frame on which the photovoltaic cells are mounted; an electrical connector according to any one of the above exemplary embodiments; and a coupling member with which the connection apparatus is electrically connected to the frame.
  • the coupling member is configured to be a bolt capable of being fixed to the frame.
  • an electrical connector assembly comprising: a circuit board; an electrical connector according to any one of the above exemplary embodiments; and a coupling member with which the connection apparatus is electrically connected to the circuit board.
  • connection apparatus by moving the connection apparatus in a guiding portion of the body, the piercing portion and the peeling-off portion of the connection apparatus can pierce the insulation layer of the cable and electrically connect the conductor of the cable, so that the cable of which the insulation layer has not been peeled off is electrically connected to the electrical connector and is further electrically connected to the frame of the photovoltaic system by means of the electrical connector, thereby avoiding the potential short circuit fail accidentally caused by unintentionally contacting the bare wire with other conductive elements.
  • Fig.1 is an illustrative view of a conventional photovoltaic system in prior arts
  • Fig.2 is an illustrative perspective view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig.3 is a top view of the electrical connector of Fig.2;
  • Fig.4 is an illustrative perspective view of a connection apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig.5 is an illustrative perspective view of the connection apparatus of Fig.4 in a different viewing angle
  • Fig.6 is an illustrative perspective section view of the electrical connector cutaway taken in a line A- A of Fig.3;
  • Fig.7 is an illustrative perspective view of a connection apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figs.8A-8E are illustrative views showing a process of mounting the electrical connector to a frame of a photovoltaic system.
  • Fig.2 is an illustrative perspective view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention .
  • An electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be applied in an electrical apparatus, for example, a photovoltaic system, for connecting a ground cable to a frame of the electrical apparatus.
  • an electrical connector 100 for electrically connecting, for example, grounding, a cable 10.
  • the cable 10 comprises a conductor 102 and an insulation layer 101 covering the conductor 102.
  • the electrical connector 100 comprises a body 1 made of, for example, insulation material and a connection apparatus 2 made of, for example, copper, slidably fitted on the body 1.
  • the body 1 comprises a holding portion 11 for holding the cable 10 in a length direction (a width direction of the body 1) of the cable 10 and at least one guiding portion 12 extending in a direction (a length direction of the body 1) intersecting with, for example, perpendicular to, the length direction.
  • the connection apparatus 2 is configured to slide along the guiding portion 12 (see Fig.6) and comprises at least one piercing portion 215. When the connecting apparatus 2 is slid in the guiding portion 12, the piercing portion 215 pierces the insulation layer 101 of the cable 10 to electrically connect a conductor 102 of the cable 10. In addition, when the connecting apparatus 2 is slid in the guiding portion 12.
  • connection apparatus 2 comprises at least one peeling-off portions 214 positioned at both sides of the piercing portion 215 pierce and peel off the insulation layer 101 of the cable 10.
  • the conductor 102 may have a cross section area of about 4-10 mm 2 .
  • the body 1 is shaped in a substantial cuboid.
  • the holding portion 11 is configured to be a groove formed in the body 1 to receive the cable 10 therein.
  • the guiding portion 12 is configured as a slot formed in the body 1 and communicated with the groove. In this way, the piercing portion 215 of the connection apparatus 2 can enter into the groove 11 and pierce the insulation layer 101 of the cable 10 held in the groove 11.
  • the holding portion 11 is configured to be a groove extending downward from top of the body 1 and running through both sides of the body 1 in a width direction of the body 1.
  • the holding portion 11 may be configured to be a groove extending downward from top of the body 1 and running through only one side of the body 1 in a width direction of the body 1.
  • the holding portion 11 may be configured to be a hole extending from one side to the other side of the body 1 in the width direction of the body 1, and the hole may run through or not run through the body 1 in the width direction of the body 1 as long as a part of the cable 10 can be inserted into the hole.
  • connection apparatus 2 of the electrical connector 100 further comprises a first base 23 and a pair of opposite slide arms 21.
  • the slide arms 21 vertically extend from both sides of the first base 23 and each is formed with the piercing portion 215 and the peeling-off portion 214.
  • the connection apparatus 2 is formed to have a cross section in a substantial U-shape.
  • each of the slide arms 21 further comprises a fixation arm 211 perpendicularly connected to the first base 23, a second base 212 perpendicularly extending at an end of the fixation arm 211, and a first cantilever 213 extending parallel to the fixation arm 211 from the second base 212.
  • the piercing portion 215 is provided between the fixation arm 211 and the first cantilever 213.
  • the peeling-off portion 214 is configured as protrusions 214 formed on facing side edges of the fixation arm 211 and the first cantilever 213.
  • the piercing portion 215 may comprise a tip portion 215 located between the fixation arm 211 and the first cantilever 213 and extending parallel to the fixation arm 211 and the first cantilever 213.
  • each of the slide arms 21 may further comprise a second cantilever 216 extending parallel to the fixation arm 211 from the second base 212.
  • the first cantilever 213 is provided between the second cantilever 216 and the fixation arm 211.
  • the second cantilever 216 is formed with at least one first blocking portion, and the guiding portion 12 is formed with a second blocking portion.
  • the first blocking portion is configured to be mated with the second blocking portion so as to hold the connection apparatus 2 in a position where the piercing portion 215 is electrically connected to the conductor 102 of the cable 10.
  • the first blocking portion is configured to be a projection 217 formed on the second cantilever 216
  • the second blocking portion is configured as an opening 14 formed in the body 1 and running through the guiding portion 12 from an outside of the body 1 and/or a side wall of the holding portion 11 (see Figs.2-3).
  • the second cantilever 216 may be formed with two projections 217 for corresponding to the opening 14 in the body 1 and the side wall of the holding portion 11, respectively. It should be appreciated that the projection 217 may be directly formed at a position on the second cantilever 216 corresponding to the side wall of the holding portion 11, as shown in Fig. 2.
  • a limiting protrusion 15 is formed on a position of the guiding portion 12 between the first cantilever 213 and the second cantilever 216.
  • the limiting protrusion 15 is configured to prevent the first cantilever 213 from being moved away from the fixation arm 211. In this way, the limiting protrusion 15 can ensure the first cantilever 213 to keep tight and electrical contact with the conductor 102.
  • the limiting protrusion 15 is also configured to guide the connection apparatus 2 to be inserted into the guiding portion 12 in a correct posture. As shown in Fig.4, the tip portion 215 having a substantial L-shape is formed on the fixation arm 211 and separated from the first cantilever 213, so that the first cantilever 213 can be configured to have a longer length.
  • Fig.7 is an illustrative perspective view of a connection apparatus 2' according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • a tip portion 215' is formed on a second base 212' between a fixation arm 213' and a first cantilever 213'.
  • the first cantilever 213' may have a shorter length.
  • connection apparatus 2' according to the second exemplary embodiment is almost the same as the connection apparatus 2 according to the first exemplary embodiment. Thereby the description to the other structures of the connection apparatus 2' is omitted herein.
  • a photovoltaic system comprising: a plurality of photovoltaic cells 302 (see Fig.1); a frame 301 (see Fig.1) on which the photovoltaic cells 302 are mounted; an electrical connector 100 (see Figs.2-7) according to any one of the above exemplary embodiments; and a coupling member 3 (see Fig.6) with which the connection apparatus 2, 2' of the electrical connector 100 is electrically connected to the frame 301.
  • the ground cable 10 can be electrically connected to the frame 301 of the photovoltaic system by means of the electrical connector 100.
  • the coupling member 3 may be configured to be a bolt capable of being fixed to the frame 301.
  • the coupling member 3 is connected to the first base 23 of the connection apparatus 2.
  • Figs.8A-8E are illustrative views showing a process of mounting the electrical connector 100 to a frame 301 of a photovoltaic system.
  • connection apparatus 2 of the electrical connector 100 pulled out of the body 1 so that the piercing portion and the peeling-off portion of the connection apparatus 2 are moved away from the holding portion 11 and mounting a coupling member 3, for example, a bolt, to the connection apparatus 2 of the electrical connector 100;
  • connection apparatus 2 pushing the connection apparatus 2 into the body 1 along the guiding portion 12, so that the piercing portion of the connection apparatus 2 pierces the insulation layer 101 of the cable 10 and come into tight contact with the conductor 102 of the cable 10, and meanwhile, the projection 217 of the connection apparatus 2 is fitted in the opening 14 in the body 1 to hold the piercing portion to electrically contact the conductor 102.
  • the ground cable 10 is electrically connected to the frame 301 by means of the electrical connector 100.
  • an electrical connector assembly comprising: a circuit board; an electrical connector 100 according to any one of the above exemplary embodiments; and a coupling member 3 with which the connection apparatus 2 is electrically connected to the circuit board.
  • connection apparatus by moving the connection apparatus in a guiding portion of the body, the piercing portion and the peeling-off portion of the connection apparatus can pierce the insulation layer of the cable and electrically connect the conductor of the cable, so that the cable of which the insulation layer has not been peeled off is electrically connected to the electrical connector and is further electrically connected to the frame of the photovoltaic system by means of the electrical connector, thereby avoiding the potential short circuit fail accidentally caused by unintentionally contacting the bare wire with other conductive elements.

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Abstract

An electrical connector for grounding a cable comprises a body and a connection apparatus. The body comprises a holding portion for holding the cable in a length direction of the cable and at least one guiding portion extending in a vertical direction perpendicular to the length direction. The connection apparatus is configured to slide in the guiding portion and comprises at least one piercing portion configured to pierce an insulation layer of the cable to electrically connect a conductor of the cable and at least one peeling-off portion positioned at both sides of the piercing portion to pierce and peel off the insulation layer of the cable when the connecting apparatus slides. The piercing portion and the peeling-off portion of the connection apparatus can pierce the insulation layer of the cable and electrically connect the conductor of the cable, so that the cable of which the insulation layer has not been peeled off is connected to the electrical connector, thereby preventing a bare wire from being electrically contacted with other conductive portions.

Description

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR, PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM AND ELECTRICAL
CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 201220706571.3 filed on December 19, 2012 in the State Intellectual Property Office of China, the whole disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrical connector, more particularly, relates to an electrical connector for grounding a frame of a photovoltaic cell, as well as a photovoltaic system having the electrical connector and an electrical connector assembly having the electrical connector.
Description of the Related Art
In prior arts, a photovoltaic system generally comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a frame on which the photovoltaic cells are mounted. The frame is often grounded by an electrical connector, for example, an earth clamp.
Fig. l shows a conventional photovoltaic system 300 in the prior arts. As shown in Fig.1, the photovoltaic system 300 comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells 302 and a frame 301 on which the photovoltaic cells 302 are mounted. The frame 301 is electrically connected to a ground wire 303 by an earth clamp. Although the ground configuration with the earth clamp is very simple and can be easily assembled, it can be applied to only a bare wire without an insulation layer thereon. However, since the bare wire is not formed with insulation layer thereon, a short circuit fail may be accidentally occurred by an unintentional operation, and there is a potential safety risk.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above mentioned disadvantages.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector, a photovoltaic system having the electrical connector and an electrical connector assembly having the electrical connector that are adapted to electrically connect a cable with an insulation layer thereon.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical connector for grounding a cable comprising a body and a connection apparatus. The body comprises a holding portion for holding the cable in a length direction of the cable and at least one guiding portion extending in a direction intersecting with the length direction. The connection apparatus is configured to slide along the guiding portion and comprises at least one piercing portion configured to pierce an insulation layer of the cable to electrically connect a conductor of the cable.
In the above mentioned electrical connector, the connection apparatus further comprising: at least one peeling-off portion positioned at both sides of the piercing portion to pierce and peel off the insulation layer of the cable when the connecting apparatus slides.
In the above mentioned electrical connector, the body is shaped in a substantial cuboid, the holding portion is configured as a groove or a hole formed in the body, and the guiding portion is configured as a slot formed in the body and communicated with the groove or the hole.
In the above mentioned electrical connector, the connection apparatus further comprising: a first base; and a pair of opposite slide arms vertically extending from both sides of the first base and each formed with the piercing portion and the peeling-off portion.
In the above mentioned electrical connector, each of the slide arms further comprising: a fixation arm perpendicularly connected to the first base; a second base perpendicularly extending at an end of the fixation arm; and a first cantilever extending parallel to the fixation arm from the second base, wherein the piercing portion is provided between the fixation arm and the first cantilever.
In the above mentioned electrical connector, the peeling-off portion is configured as protrusions formed on facing side edges of the fixation arm and the first cantilever.
In the above mentioned electrical connector, the piercing portion is configured as a tip portion extending parallel to the fixation arm and the first cantilever.
In the above mentioned electrical connector, each of the slide arms further comprises a second cantilever extending parallel to the fixation arm from the second base, wherein the first cantilever is provided between the second cantilever and the fixation arm.
In the above mentioned electrical connector, the second cantilever is formed with at least one first blocking portion, and the guiding portion is formed with a second blocking portion; and the first blocking portion is configured to be mated with the second blocking portion so as to hold the connection apparatus in a position where the piercing portion is electrically connected to the conductor of the cable.
In the above mentioned electrical connector, the first blocking portion is configured to be a projection formed on the second cantilever; and the second blocking portion is configured to be an opening formed in the body and running through the guiding portion from an outside of the body and/or a side wall of the holding portion.
In the above mentioned electrical connector, a limiting protrusion is formed on a position of the guiding portion between the first cantilever and the second cantilever, and the limiting protrusion is configured to prevent the first cantilever from being moved away from the fixation arm.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photovoltaic system, comprising: a plurality of photovoltaic cells; a frame on which the photovoltaic cells are mounted; an electrical connector according to any one of the above exemplary embodiments; and a coupling member with which the connection apparatus is electrically connected to the frame.
In the above mentioned photovoltaic system, the coupling member is configured to be a bolt capable of being fixed to the frame.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical connector assembly, comprising: a circuit board; an electrical connector according to any one of the above exemplary embodiments; and a coupling member with which the connection apparatus is electrically connected to the circuit board.
In the above various embodiments of the present invention, by moving the connection apparatus in a guiding portion of the body, the piercing portion and the peeling-off portion of the connection apparatus can pierce the insulation layer of the cable and electrically connect the conductor of the cable, so that the cable of which the insulation layer has not been peeled off is electrically connected to the electrical connector and is further electrically connected to the frame of the photovoltaic system by means of the electrical connector, thereby avoiding the potential short circuit fail accidentally caused by unintentionally contacting the bare wire with other conductive elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig.1 is an illustrative view of a conventional photovoltaic system in prior arts;
Fig.2 is an illustrative perspective view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Fig.3 is a top view of the electrical connector of Fig.2;
Fig.4 is an illustrative perspective view of a connection apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Fig.5 is an illustrative perspective view of the connection apparatus of Fig.4 in a different viewing angle; Fig.6 is an illustrative perspective section view of the electrical connector cutaway taken in a line A- A of Fig.3;
Fig.7 is an illustrative perspective view of a connection apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
Figs.8A-8E are illustrative views showing a process of mounting the electrical connector to a frame of a photovoltaic system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE IVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter in detail with reference to the attached drawings, wherein the like reference numerals refer to the like elements. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.
Fig.2 is an illustrative perspective view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention .An electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be applied in an electrical apparatus, for example, a photovoltaic system, for connecting a ground cable to a frame of the electrical apparatus. As shown in Figs.2-6, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electrical connector 100 for electrically connecting, for example, grounding, a cable 10. The cable 10 comprises a conductor 102 and an insulation layer 101 covering the conductor 102. The electrical connector 100 comprises a body 1 made of, for example, insulation material and a connection apparatus 2 made of, for example, copper, slidably fitted on the body 1. The body 1 comprises a holding portion 11 for holding the cable 10 in a length direction (a width direction of the body 1) of the cable 10 and at least one guiding portion 12 extending in a direction (a length direction of the body 1) intersecting with, for example, perpendicular to, the length direction. The connection apparatus 2 is configured to slide along the guiding portion 12 (see Fig.6) and comprises at least one piercing portion 215. When the connecting apparatus 2 is slid in the guiding portion 12, the piercing portion 215 pierces the insulation layer 101 of the cable 10 to electrically connect a conductor 102 of the cable 10. In addition, when the connecting apparatus 2 is slid in the guiding portion 12.
In a further embodiment, the connection apparatus 2 comprises at least one peeling-off portions 214 positioned at both sides of the piercing portion 215 pierce and peel off the insulation layer 101 of the cable 10.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductor 102 may have a cross section area of about 4-10 mm2. In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the body 1 is shaped in a substantial cuboid. The holding portion 11 is configured to be a groove formed in the body 1 to receive the cable 10 therein. The guiding portion 12 is configured as a slot formed in the body 1 and communicated with the groove. In this way, the piercing portion 215 of the connection apparatus 2 can enter into the groove 11 and pierce the insulation layer 101 of the cable 10 held in the groove 11.
In the illustrated embodiments, the holding portion 11 is configured to be a groove extending downward from top of the body 1 and running through both sides of the body 1 in a width direction of the body 1. Alternatively, the holding portion 11 may be configured to be a groove extending downward from top of the body 1 and running through only one side of the body 1 in a width direction of the body 1. In another exemplary embodiment, the holding portion 11 may be configured to be a hole extending from one side to the other side of the body 1 in the width direction of the body 1, and the hole may run through or not run through the body 1 in the width direction of the body 1 as long as a part of the cable 10 can be inserted into the hole.
As shown in Figs.4-5, in an exemplary embodiment, the connection apparatus 2 of the electrical connector 100 further comprises a first base 23 and a pair of opposite slide arms 21. The slide arms 21 vertically extend from both sides of the first base 23 and each is formed with the piercing portion 215 and the peeling-off portion 214. As shown in Figs.4-5, the connection apparatus 2 is formed to have a cross section in a substantial U-shape.
Furthermore, each of the slide arms 21 further comprises a fixation arm 211 perpendicularly connected to the first base 23, a second base 212 perpendicularly extending at an end of the fixation arm 211, and a first cantilever 213 extending parallel to the fixation arm 211 from the second base 212. The piercing portion 215 is provided between the fixation arm 211 and the first cantilever 213.
In an exemplary embodiment, the peeling-off portion 214 is configured as protrusions 214 formed on facing side edges of the fixation arm 211 and the first cantilever 213. When the slide arms 21 are moved in the guiding portion 12, tips of the protrusions 214 can pierce and peel-off the insulation layer 101 of the cable 10 to come into contact with the conductor 102. The piercing portion 215 may comprise a tip portion 215 located between the fixation arm 211 and the first cantilever 213 and extending parallel to the fixation arm 211 and the first cantilever 213. With this configuration, when the slide arms 21 are moved in the guiding portion 12, the tip portion 215 can pierce the insulation layer 101 of the cable 10 and come into contact with the conductor 102. In this way, the contact area of the connection apparatus 2 with the conductor 102 of the cable 10 can be increased, and the peeling-off portion 214 can hold the cable 10 in the groove 11.
In a further exemplary embodiment, each of the slide arms 21 may further comprise a second cantilever 216 extending parallel to the fixation arm 211 from the second base 212. The first cantilever 213 is provided between the second cantilever 216 and the fixation arm 211. The second cantilever 216 is formed with at least one first blocking portion, and the guiding portion 12 is formed with a second blocking portion. The first blocking portion is configured to be mated with the second blocking portion so as to hold the connection apparatus 2 in a position where the piercing portion 215 is electrically connected to the conductor 102 of the cable 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the first blocking portion is configured to be a projection 217 formed on the second cantilever 216, and the second blocking portion is configured as an opening 14 formed in the body 1 and running through the guiding portion 12 from an outside of the body 1 and/or a side wall of the holding portion 11 (see Figs.2-3). The second cantilever 216 may be formed with two projections 217 for corresponding to the opening 14 in the body 1 and the side wall of the holding portion 11, respectively. It should be appreciated that the projection 217 may be directly formed at a position on the second cantilever 216 corresponding to the side wall of the holding portion 11, as shown in Fig. 2.
In a further exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig.6, a limiting protrusion 15 is formed on a position of the guiding portion 12 between the first cantilever 213 and the second cantilever 216. The limiting protrusion 15 is configured to prevent the first cantilever 213 from being moved away from the fixation arm 211. In this way, the limiting protrusion 15 can ensure the first cantilever 213 to keep tight and electrical contact with the conductor 102. In addition, the limiting protrusion 15 is also configured to guide the connection apparatus 2 to be inserted into the guiding portion 12 in a correct posture. As shown in Fig.4, the tip portion 215 having a substantial L-shape is formed on the fixation arm 211 and separated from the first cantilever 213, so that the first cantilever 213 can be configured to have a longer length.
Fig.7 is an illustrative perspective view of a connection apparatus 2' according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in Fig.7, a tip portion 215' is formed on a second base 212' between a fixation arm 213' and a first cantilever 213'. In this way, the first cantilever 213' may have a shorter length.
Except for the above structure, the connection apparatus 2' according to the second exemplary embodiment is almost the same as the connection apparatus 2 according to the first exemplary embodiment. Thereby the description to the other structures of the connection apparatus 2' is omitted herein.
In another aspect according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a photovoltaic system, comprising: a plurality of photovoltaic cells 302 (see Fig.1); a frame 301 (see Fig.1) on which the photovoltaic cells 302 are mounted; an electrical connector 100 (see Figs.2-7) according to any one of the above exemplary embodiments; and a coupling member 3 (see Fig.6) with which the connection apparatus 2, 2' of the electrical connector 100 is electrically connected to the frame 301. In this way, the ground cable 10 can be electrically connected to the frame 301 of the photovoltaic system by means of the electrical connector 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling member 3 may be configured to be a bolt capable of being fixed to the frame 301. The coupling member 3 is connected to the first base 23 of the connection apparatus 2.
Figs.8A-8E are illustrative views showing a process of mounting the electrical connector 100 to a frame 301 of a photovoltaic system.
Firstly, as shown in Fig.8 A, pulling the connection apparatus 2 of the electrical connector 100 out of the body 1 so that the piercing portion and the peeling-off portion of the connection apparatus 2 are moved away from the holding portion 11 and mounting a coupling member 3, for example, a bolt, to the connection apparatus 2 of the electrical connector 100;
Then, as shown in Fig.8B, screwing the bolt 3 into a mount hole (not shown) in the frame 301 to mount the electrical connector 100 to the frame 301;
Thereafter, as shown in Figs.8C-8D, placing a part of the ground cable 10 in the groove
11 ; and
Finally, as shown in Fig.8E, pushing the connection apparatus 2 into the body 1 along the guiding portion 12, so that the piercing portion of the connection apparatus 2 pierces the insulation layer 101 of the cable 10 and come into tight contact with the conductor 102 of the cable 10, and meanwhile, the projection 217 of the connection apparatus 2 is fitted in the opening 14 in the body 1 to hold the piercing portion to electrically contact the conductor 102. As a result, the ground cable 10 is electrically connected to the frame 301 by means of the electrical connector 100.
Although it has been described in detail an exemplary embodiment in which the electrical connector of the present invention is applied in the photovoltaic system, the present invention is not limited to this, the electrical connector of the present invention may be applied in any electrical apparatus to be electrically connected to a cable. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, there is provided an electrical connector assembly, comprising: a circuit board; an electrical connector 100 according to any one of the above exemplary embodiments; and a coupling member 3 with which the connection apparatus 2 is electrically connected to the circuit board.
In the above various embodiments of the present invention, by moving the connection apparatus in a guiding portion of the body, the piercing portion and the peeling-off portion of the connection apparatus can pierce the insulation layer of the cable and electrically connect the conductor of the cable, so that the cable of which the insulation layer has not been peeled off is electrically connected to the electrical connector and is further electrically connected to the frame of the photovoltaic system by means of the electrical connector, thereby avoiding the potential short circuit fail accidentally caused by unintentionally contacting the bare wire with other conductive elements.
It should be appreciated for those skilled in this art that the above embodiments are intended to be illustrated, and not restrictive. For example, many modifications may be made to the above embodiments by those skilled in this art, and various features described in different embodiments may be freely combined with each other without conflicting in configuration or principle, so that more kinds of electrical connectors and electrical connector assemblies can be achieved with overcoming the technical problem of the present invention.
Although several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
As used herein, an element recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

Claims

What is claimed is,
1. An electrical connector (100) for grounding a cable (10), comprising:
a body (1) comprising:
a holding portion (1 1) configured to hold the cable (10) in a length direction of the cable (10); and
at least one guiding portion (12) extending in a direction intersecting with the length direction, and
a connection apparatus (2) configured to slide along the guiding portion (12) and comprising:
at least one piercing portion (215) configured to pierce an insulation layer (101) of the cable (10) to electrically connect a conductor (102) of the cable; and
2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the connection apparatus further comprising: at least one peeling-off portion (214) positioned at both sides of the piercing portion (215) to pierce and peel off the insulation layer (101) of the cable (10) when the connecting apparatus slides.
3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein the body (1) is shaped in a substantial cuboid;
wherein the holding portion (1 1) is configured as a groove or a hole formed in the body (1); and
wherein the guiding portion (12) is configured as a slot formed in the body (1) and communicated with the groove or the hole.
4. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the connection apparatus further comprising:
a first base (23); and
a pair of opposite slide arms (21) vertically extending from both sides of the first base (23) and each formed with the piercing portion (215) and the peeling-off portion (214).
5. The electrical connector according to claim 4, wherein each of the slide arms (21) further comprising:
a fixation arm (211) perpendicularly connected to the first base (23);
a second base (212) perpendicularly extending at an end of the fixation arm (211); and a first cantilever (213) extending parallel to the fixation arm (211) from the second base (212),
wherein the piercing portion (215) is provided between the fixation arm (211) and the first cantilever (213).
6. The electrical connector according to claim 5,
wherein the peeling-off portion (214) is configured as protrusions formed on facing side edges of the fixation arm (211) and the first cantilever (213).
7. The electrical connector according to claim 6,
wherein the piercing portion (215) is configured as a tip portion extending parallel to the fixation arm (211) and the first cantilever (213).
8. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 4-7, wherein each of the slide arms (21) further comprising:
a second cantilever (216) extending parallel to the fixation arm (211) from the second base (212),
wherein the first cantilever (213) is provided between the second cantilever (216) and the fixation arm (21 1).
9. The electrical connector according to claim 8,
wherein the second cantilever (216) is formed with at least one first blocking portion, and the guiding portion (12) is formed with a second blocking portion, and
wherein the first blocking portion is configured to be mated with the second blocking portion so as to hold the connection apparatus (2) in a position where the piercing portion (215) is electrically connected to the conductor (102) of the cable (10).
10. The electrical connector according to claim 9,
wherein the first blocking portion is configured as a projection (217) formed on the second cantilever (216); and
wherein the second blocking portion is configured to be an opening (14) formed in the body (1) and running through the guiding portion (12) from an outside of the body (1) and/or a side wall of the holding portion (11).
11. The electrical connector according to claim 8,
wherein a limiting protrusion (15) is formed on a position of the guiding portion (12) between the first cantilever (213) and the second cantilever (216); and
wherein the limiting protrusion (15) is configured to prevent the first cantilever (213) from being moved away from the fixation arm (211).
12. A photovoltaic system, comprising: a plurality of photovoltaic cells (302);
a frame (301) on which the photovoltaic cells (302) are mounted;
an electrical connector (100) according to claim 1; and
a coupling member (3) with which the connection apparatus (2) is electrically connected to the frame (301).
13. The photovoltaic system according to claim 12,
wherein the coupling member (3) is configured as a bolt capable of being fixed to the frame (301).
14. An electrical connector assembly, comprising:
a circuit board;
an electrical connector (100) according to claim 1; and
a coupling member (3) with which the connection apparatus (2) is electrically connected to the circuit board.
PCT/IB2013/060778 2012-12-19 2013-12-10 Electrical connector, photovoltaic system and electrical connector assembly WO2014097051A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN2012207065713 2012-12-19
CN201220706571.3U CN203166145U (en) 2012-12-19 2012-12-19 Electric connector, photovoltaic system and electric connector assembly

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Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014097051A1 true WO2014097051A1 (en) 2014-06-26

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WO (1) WO2014097051A1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102017213064B4 (en) * 2017-07-28 2022-11-24 Robert Bosch Gmbh Electrical connector and connector system

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0519196A1 (en) * 1991-06-14 1992-12-23 Molex Incorporated A terminal block for printed circuit boards
US6840822B1 (en) * 2003-08-25 2005-01-11 Tyco Electronics Corporation Cable connector
EP2130268A2 (en) * 2007-03-19 2009-12-09 Tyco Electronics Corporation Grounding clip system
DE102010023292A1 (en) * 2010-06-10 2011-12-15 Wago Verwaltungsgesellschaft Mbh Connector for push-pull plug, has plug housing part comprising insulation displacement contacts, and electric guards inserted into guard plant wall when displacing guard receiving part into plug housing part
EP2500981A1 (en) * 2011-03-18 2012-09-19 Mecatraction Electrical connection device for earthing metal structures

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0519196A1 (en) * 1991-06-14 1992-12-23 Molex Incorporated A terminal block for printed circuit boards
US6840822B1 (en) * 2003-08-25 2005-01-11 Tyco Electronics Corporation Cable connector
EP2130268A2 (en) * 2007-03-19 2009-12-09 Tyco Electronics Corporation Grounding clip system
DE102010023292A1 (en) * 2010-06-10 2011-12-15 Wago Verwaltungsgesellschaft Mbh Connector for push-pull plug, has plug housing part comprising insulation displacement contacts, and electric guards inserted into guard plant wall when displacing guard receiving part into plug housing part
EP2500981A1 (en) * 2011-03-18 2012-09-19 Mecatraction Electrical connection device for earthing metal structures

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