KR102739185B1 - Interlock connecter assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector assembly, which comprises a connector housing, a first wire connected to the connector housing, a second wire arranged inside the connector housing, a terminal cartridge electrically connecting the first wire and the second wire, a cutter provided inside the connector housing, and a movable member connected to the second wire and movable to the connector housing so as to move from a first position where the second wire is spaced apart from the cutter to a second position where the second wire is cut by the cutter, thereby improving convenience and efficiently performing power cut-off response.

Description

INTERLOCK CONNECTER ASSEMBLY

The present invention relates to an interlock connector assembly, and more specifically, to an interlock connector assembly capable of improving convenience and efficiently performing power cut-off response.

In recent years, sales of eco-friendly vehicles such as electric and hybrid vehicles have been increasing, and eco-friendly vehicles use high voltage because they use more electricity inside than conventional gasoline or diesel engine-powered vehicles.

That is, in the case of electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, and hybrid vehicles that utilize two or more power sources, high-voltage circuits that apply higher voltage and current are often used compared to general vehicles because the vehicles are driven by electric motors, unlike general vehicles that are driven by engines.

Meanwhile, when servicing and repairing eco-friendly vehicles, the work must be performed with the high voltage circuit turned off, as the high voltage of the high voltage circuit can pose a risk to workers and drivers.

Additionally, in the event of an emergency (e.g., a short circuit inside the vehicle due to a vehicle collision, etc.), the battery system power must be cut off to protect workers from electric shock and other problems when it is necessary to control the wiring inside the vehicle.

For this purpose, eco-friendly vehicles are equipped with an A/S (service) interlock connector to block the high voltage of the battery.

However, in the past, in order to cut off the power to the battery system, it was necessary to cut the wire provided in the interlock connector to be connected to the battery system. To cut the wire, a separate tool such as a knife or scissors had to be used, which caused many inconveniences in cutting off the power to the battery system, and there was also the problem of making it difficult to quickly cut off the power in an emergency situation.

Moreover, since the interlock connector is configured to be completely separated from the connection socket, there is a high risk of losing the interlock connector separated from the connection socket during maintenance and repair of the vehicle, and the work of reconnecting (wiring) the interlock connector after maintenance is completed is very cumbersome and inconvenient.

In addition, since the wires provided in the existing interlock connector were directly exposed to the outside, there was a problem that the appearance of the engine room was impaired and a misunderstanding of poor finishing was caused.

Accordingly, various studies have been conducted recently to improve the convenience of power cut-off operations in battery systems and to efficiently perform power cut-off responses in emergency situations, but they are still insufficient and further development is required.

An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an interlock connector assembly capable of improving convenience and efficiently performing power cut-off response.

In particular, the embodiment according to the present invention aims to enable power cut-off without using a separate tool, and to enable rapid power cut-off response in an emergency situation.

In addition, an embodiment according to the present invention aims to reduce the risk of loss of an interlock connector and provide ease of maintenance and management.

In addition, the embodiment according to the present invention aims to improve design characteristics and enhance commercial value.

The problem to be solved in the embodiment is not limited to this, and it can be said that the purpose or effect that can be understood from the solution or embodiment of the problem described below is also included.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described objects of the present invention, an interlock connector assembly includes a connector housing, a first wire connected to the connector housing, a second wire arranged inside the connector housing, a terminal cartridge electrically connecting the first wire and the second wire, a cutter provided inside the connector housing, and a movable member connected to the second wire and movable to the connector housing so as to move from a first position where the second wire is spaced apart from the cutter to a second position where the second wire is cut by the cutter.

This is to improve the convenience of power cut-off operations and to efficiently perform power cut-off responses in emergency situations.

That is, in the past, in order to cut off the power to the battery system, it was necessary to cut the wire provided in the interlock connector to be connected to the battery system. However, in order to cut the wire, a separate tool such as a knife or scissors had to be used, which caused many inconveniences in cutting off the power to the battery system, and there was also the problem of making it difficult to quickly cut off the power in an emergency situation.

However, the embodiment of the present invention has a cutter built into the interior of the interlock connector assembly, and the second wire is cut by the cutter by movement of the movable member, thereby enabling power (e.g., a high-voltage battery system power) to be cut off without using a separate tool, thereby improving the convenience of the power cut-off operation and obtaining the advantageous effect of performing a power cut-off response quickly and efficiently in an emergency situation.

The moving structure of the movable member can be variously changed according to the required conditions and design specifications. For example, the movable member is connected to the connector housing so as to be linearly movable, and the second wire can be moved from the first position to the second position by the linear movement of the movable member. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the second wire can also be moved from the first position to the second position by the movable member moving in a curved manner or in a rotational manner.

Preferably, one end of the second wire is fixed to the connector housing, the other end of the second wire is connected to the movable member so as to be movable together with the movable member, and when the movable member moves relative to the connector housing, a portion between one end of the second wire and the other end of the second wire can be cut by a cutter.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interlock connector assembly may include a ring portion connected to the movable member so as to be exposed to the exterior of the connector housing.

In this way, by connecting a ring part to a movable member and allowing the movable member to move when a worker pulls the ring part, the advantageous effects of improving operability for moving the movable member and enhancing stability and reliability can be obtained.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interlock connector assembly is connected to the ring portion and may include a label portion for displaying information.

The content of the information indicated on the label (e.g., how to use and precautions for the interlock connector assembly) may vary depending on required conditions and usage environments, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the information indicated on the label.

The connector housing can be formed into various structures depending on required conditions and design specifications. For example, the connector housing includes a first housing and a second housing that forms a receiving space in which a terminal cartridge is received in cooperation with the first housing.

The terminal cartridge can be formed into various structures capable of electrically connecting the first wire and the second wire.

For example, a terminal cartridge includes a cartridge housing accommodated in a receiving space, and a terminal provided inside the cartridge housing and electrically connecting the first wire and the second wire.

Preferably, the terminal cartridge is arranged in the receiving space so as to be movable to a first moving position in which the terminal is connected to the first wire and the second wire, and a second moving position in which the terminal is disconnected from the first wire and the second wire.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a connector housing is provided with a first retaining projection formed on a connector housing, and a second retaining projection formed on a cartridge housing so as to be selectively retained by the first retaining projection, wherein when the terminal cartridge moves to a second moving position, the second retaining projection can be retained by the first retaining projection.

In this way, by allowing the second restraining projection to be restrained by the first restraining projection when the terminal has moved to the second moving position where the first wire and the second wire are disconnected, the terminal cartridge can be prevented from being completely separated from the connector housing when the terminal has moved to the second moving position. Therefore, the risk of losing the interlock connector during maintenance and repair of the vehicle can be reduced, and the advantageous effect of making it easier to reconnect (connect) the interlock connector after maintenance is completed can be obtained.

As described above, according to the present invention, convenience can be improved and the advantageous effect of efficiently performing power cut-off response can be obtained.

In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, power can be cut off without using a separate tool, and an advantageous effect of enabling a quick power cut response in an emergency situation can be obtained.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the risk of loss of the interlock connector can be reduced, and the advantageous effects of providing ease of maintenance and management can be obtained.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects of improving design characteristics and enhancing commercial value.

FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an application example of an interlock connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an interlock connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an interlock connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the pulling operation of the ring portion of an interlock connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a second wire at a first position, which is an interlock connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a second wire at a second position, which is an interlock connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the first movement position of the terminal cartridge as an interlock connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the second movement position of the terminal cartridge as an interlock connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to some of the embodiments described, but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, one or more of the components among the embodiments can be selectively combined or substituted for use.

In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention can be interpreted as having a meaning that can be generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined and described, and terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in a dictionary, can be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the relevant technology.

Additionally, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated otherwise in the phrase, and when it is described as "A and (or at least one) of B, C", it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, C.

Additionally, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used.

These terms are only intended to distinguish one component from another, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the component.

In addition, when a component is described as being 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' to another component, it may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, coupled or connected to the other component, but also cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' by another component between the component and the other component.

In addition, when it is described as being formed or arranged "above or below" each component, above or below includes not only the case where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. In addition, when it is expressed as "above or below", it can include the meaning of the downward direction as well as the upward direction based on one component.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, an interlock connector assembly (100) according to the present invention includes a connector housing (110), a first wire (120) connected to the connector housing (110), a second wire (130) arranged inside the connector housing (110), a terminal cartridge (140) electrically connecting the first wire (120) and the second wire (130), a cutter (150) provided inside the connector housing (110), and a movable member (160) connected to the second wire (130) and movable to the connector housing (110) so that the second wire (130) moves from a first position spaced from the cutter (150) to a second position where the second wire (130) is cut by the cutter (150).

For reference, the interlock connector assembly (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used for the purpose of cutting off power from a power supply unit, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the type and structure of the power supply unit.

As an example, an interlock connector assembly (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used to cut off power to a battery system of an eco-friendly vehicle, such as an electric vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle.

An interlock connector assembly (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be mounted at various locations to selectively cut off the battery system power of an eco-friendly vehicle.

For example, referring to FIG. 1, the interlock connector assembly (100) may be connected to a high-voltage battery connection of a junction box (10) provided in the engine room of an eco-friendly vehicle. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the interlock connector assembly may be mounted on the body of an eco-friendly vehicle or in any other location.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the connector housing (110) is provided with an accommodation space in which a terminal cartridge (140) is accommodated therein.

The connector housing (110) can be formed in various structures having an accommodation space inside, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the connector housing (110).

For example, the connector housing (110) may include a first housing (112) and a second housing (114) that forms an accommodation space in which a terminal cartridge (140) is accommodated in cooperation with the first housing (112), and may be formed to have an approximately square block shape. According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to form a connector housing by combining three or more housings, and it is also possible to make the connector housing have other geometrical shapes.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fixing projection (112a) may be formed on one side of the first housing (112), and the connector housing (110) may be fixed to the junction box (10) by inserting the fixing projection (112a) into a fixing groove (not shown) formed in the junction box (10).

The first wire (120) is provided to electrically connect the vehicle's battery system and the interlock connector assembly (100).

More specifically, one end of the first wire (120) is electrically connected to the battery system of the vehicle, and the other end of the first wire (120) is fixed inside the connector housing (110).

Preferably, a terminal (142) (not shown) may be provided at the other end of the first wire (120), and the first wire (120) may be electrically connected to the terminal cartridge (140) via the terminal (142).

The arrangement structure of the first wire (120) may be varied in various ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications. For example, the first wire (120) may be arranged to form an approximately 'ㄱ' shape inside the connector housing (110).

The second wire (130) is arranged inside the connector housing (110) and is configured to form an electric circuit electrically connected to the first wire (120) via a terminal cartridge (140).

The arrangement structure of the second wire (130) may be varied in various ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications. For example, the second wire (130) may be arranged spaced apart from the first wire (120) and may be arranged to form an approximate 'L' shape inside the connector housing (110).

In this way, by concealing the second wire (130) inside the housing (110) of the connector, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of preventing the appearance of the engine room from being deteriorated due to the second wire (130) being exposed to the outside, and preventing misunderstandings about poor finishing. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of improving the design characteristics of the vehicle and enhancing its commercial value.

The terminal cartridge (140) is provided to electrically connect the first wire (120) and the second wire (130).

The terminal cartridge (140) can be formed in various structures capable of electrically connecting the first wire (120) and the second wire (130), and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the terminal cartridge (140).

For example, a terminal cartridge (140) includes a cartridge housing (141) accommodated in a receiving space, and a terminal (142) provided inside the cartridge housing (141) and electrically connecting a first wire (120) and a second wire (130).

A cartridge housing (141) may be formed with a receiving portion (not shown) that is open on one side, and the terminal (142) may be received inside the receiving portion so as to be exposed to the outside through the opening of the receiving portion.

The terminal (142) may be formed in various structures that can electrically connect the first wire (120) and the second wire (130). For example, the terminal (142) may be formed in an approximately 'ㄷ' shape, with one end connected to the first wire (120) and the other end connected to the second wire (130).

Preferably, the terminal cartridge (140) is arranged in the receiving space so as to be movable to a first moving position where the terminal (142) is connected to the first wire (120) and the second wire (130), and a second moving position where the terminal (142) is disconnected from the first wire (120) and the second wire (130).

For example, the receiving space of the connector housing (110) may be formed with a structure in which one side is open, and the terminal cartridge (140) may be withdrawn to the outside through the opening of the receiving space (moved to the second moving position) or received inside the receiving space (moved to the first moving position).

Here, the terminal (142) being positioned at the first moving position connected to the first wire (120) and the second wire (130) is defined as being positioned at a connection position where the terminal (142) is in contact with and electrically connected to the first wire (120) and the second wire (130), as shown in FIG. 7.

In addition, the terminal (142) being positioned at the second moving position where it is disconnected from the first wire (120) and the second wire (130) is defined as being positioned at a disconnected position where the terminal (142) is spaced apart from the first wire (120) and the second wire (130) and is electrically disconnected, as shown in FIG. 8.

More preferably, a first restraining projection (116) may be formed on one of the connector housing (110) and the cartridge housing (141), and a second restraining projection (144) to which the first restraining projection (116) is restrained may be formed on the other of the connector housing (110) and the cartridge housing (141).

For example, referring to FIG. 8, a first restraining projection (116) may be formed on a connector housing (110), a second restraining projection (144) selectively restrained to the first restraining projection (116) may be formed on a cartridge housing (141), and when the terminal cartridge (140) moves to the second moving position, the second restraining projection (144) is restrained to the first restraining projection (116).

For reference, in the embodiment of the present invention, an example is described in which a first restraining projection (116) is formed at one end of a connector housing (110) and a second restraining projection (144) is formed at one end of a cartridge housing (141) corresponding to the first restraining projection (116). However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to form the first restraining projection at the top (or bottom) of the connector housing and the second restraining projection at the top (or bottom) of the cartridge housing, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the positions and structures of the first restraining projection and the second restraining projection.

In this way, by allowing the second restraining projection (144) to be restrained by the first restraining projection (116) while the terminal (142) has moved to the second moving position where it is disconnected from the first wire (120) and the second wire (130), the terminal cartridge (140) can be prevented from being completely separated from the connector housing (110) while the terminal (142) has moved to the second moving position. Therefore, the risk of losing the interlock connector during maintenance and repair of the vehicle can be reduced, and the advantageous effect of making it easier to reconnect (connect) the interlock connector after maintenance is completed can be obtained.

A cutter (150) is provided inside the connector housing (110) to cut the second wire (130) in an emergency situation.

As the cutter (150), various cutting members capable of cutting the second wire (130) can be used, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the type and structure of the cutter (150).

More specifically, the cutter (150) is fixed inside the connector housing (110) so as to cut the second wire (130) when the second wire (130) moves from the first position to the second position by the moving member (160) described later.

Preferably, the cutter (150) is positioned at an angle or position where the second wire (130) can be easily cut. For example, the cutter (150) may be positioned at an angle of approximately 45 degrees (based on FIG. 5) inside the connector housing (110).

The movable member (160) is connected to the second wire (130) and is provided to be movable in the connector housing (110) so that the second wire (130) moves from a first position where it is spaced apart from the cutter (150) to a second position where it is cut by the cutter (150).

Here, the second wire (130) being placed at the first position is defined as the second wire (130) being placed spaced apart from the cutter (150), and the second wire (130) being placed at the second position is defined as the second wire (130) being in contact with the cutter (150) so as to be cut by the cutter (150).

The movement structure of the movable member (160) can be changed in various ways according to the required conditions and design specifications. For example, the movable member (160) is coupled to the connector housing (110) so as to be able to move in a straight line (for example, in a straight line in the up-down direction based on FIG. 4), and the second wire (130) can be moved from the first position to the second position by the straight line movement of the movable member (160). According to another embodiment of the present invention, the second wire can also be moved from the first position to the second position by the movable member moving in a curved direction or rotating direction.

More specifically, one end of the second wire (130) is fixed to the connector housing (110), the other end of the second wire (130) is connected to the movable member (160) so as to be movable together with the movable member (160), and when the movable member (160) moves with respect to the connector housing (110) (for example, when the movable member (160) moves from a position where it is accommodated inside the connector housing (110) to a position where it protrudes outside the connector housing (110), a portion between one end of the second wire (130) and the other end of the second wire (130) can be cut by the cutter (150).

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interlock connector assembly (100) may include a ring portion (162) connected to a movable member (160) so as to be exposed to the outside of the connector housing (110).

The ring part (162) can be formed into various structures that can be pulled and manipulated by a worker, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the shape and structure of the ring part (162).

In this way, by connecting the ring part (162) to the movable member (160) and allowing the movable member (160) to move when the worker pulls the ring part (162), the advantageous effects of improving the operability for moving the movable member (160) and enhancing stability and reliability can be obtained.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interlock connector assembly (100) is connected to the ring portion (162) and may include a label portion (164) that displays information.

The content of the information displayed on the label portion (164) may be changed in various ways depending on required conditions and usage environment, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the information displayed on the label portion (164).

For example, the label portion (164) may display information on how to use and what to watch out for when using the interlock connector assembly (100). More specifically, the label portion (164) may display information such as "pull the ring portion (162) to cut the interlock connector wire to cut off the high voltage of the battery in an emergency."

Although the above has been described with reference to examples, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. For example, each component specifically shown in the examples can be modified and implemented. In addition, the differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

10: Junction Box
100 : Interlock connector assembly
110 : Connector Housing
112: 1st housing
112a : Fixed protrusion
114: Second Housing
116: 1st restraint protrusion
120 : 1st wire
130: 2nd wire
140 : Terminal Cartridge
141 : Cartridge Housing
142 : Terminal
144: Second restraint protrusion
150 : Cutter
160 : Absence of movement
162 : Goribu
164 : Label section

Claims (9)

connector housing;
A first wire connected to the above connector housing;
A second wire arranged inside the above connector housing;
A terminal cartridge electrically connecting the first wire and the second wire;
A cutter provided inside the above connector housing; and
A moving member connected to the second wire and movably provided in the connector housing so that the second wire moves from a first position where the second wire is spaced from the cutter to a second position where the second wire is cut by the cutter;
The above movable member is connected to the connector housing so as to be linearly movable,
An interlock connector assembly in which the second wire moves from the first position to the second position by linear movement of the movable member.
delete connector housing;
A first wire connected to the above connector housing;
A second wire arranged inside the above connector housing;
A terminal cartridge electrically connecting the first wire and the second wire;
A cutter provided inside the above connector housing; and
A moving member connected to the second wire and movably provided in the connector housing so that the second wire moves from a first position where the second wire is spaced from the cutter to a second position where the second wire is cut by the cutter;
One end of the second wire is fixed to the connector housing, and the other end of the second wire is connected to the movable member so as to be movable together with the movable member.
An interlock connector assembly in which, when the above-mentioned movable member moves, a portion between the above-mentioned one end of the second wire and the above-mentioned other end of the second wire is cut by the above-mentioned cutter.
In the third paragraph,
An interlock connector assembly including a ring portion connected to the movable member so as to be exposed to the outside of the connector housing.
In paragraph 4,
An interlock connector assembly connected to the above ring portion and including a label portion displaying information.
In any one of paragraphs 1, 3 to 5,
The above connector housing,
First housing; and
A second housing that forms a receiving space in which the terminal cartridge is received in cooperation with the first housing;
An interlock connector assembly comprising:
In Article 6,
The above terminal cartridge,
A cartridge housing accommodated in the above accommodation space; and
A terminal provided inside the cartridge housing and electrically connecting the first wire and the second wire;
An interlock connector assembly comprising:
In Article 7,
The above terminal cartridge,
An interlock connector assembly arranged in the receiving space such that the terminal can move to a first moving position where the terminal is connected to the first wire and the second wire and a second moving position where the terminal is disconnected from the first wire and the second wire.
In Article 8,
A first restraining projection formed on the above connector housing; and
A second restraining projection formed on the cartridge housing to be selectively restrained by the first restraining projection;
An interlock connector assembly in which the second restraining projection is restrained by the first restraining projection when the terminal cartridge moves to the second moving position.

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