Waterproof case for waterproof power supply, waterproof power supply and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

This invention discloses a waterproof housing for a waterproof power supply, a waterproof power supply, and a method for manufacturing the same. The waterproof housing includes a cylindrical shell, a first cover, and a second cover respectively fitted onto a first end and a second end of the shell. A positioning plate is provided inside the first end of the shell, with two spaced-apart first output through holes. Each first output through hole has a sealing groove around its periphery, and a sealing ring is placed within the sealing groove. The first cover has two spaced-apart second output through holes and an annular protrusion surrounding each second output through hole. The second output through holes are in communication with the first output through holes. The annular protrusion compresses the sealing ring within the corresponding sealing groove, ensuring a sealed fit between the output terminal and the shell. The waterproof housing of this invention adopts a cylindrical structure, which provides higher water pressure resistance than a cubic shell. In the waterproof housing, the annular protrusion on the first cover engages with the sealing ring on the positioning plate inside the shell, achieving a good sealing effect by compressing the sealing ring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power supply technology, and in particular to a waterproof casing for a waterproof power supply, a waterproof power supply, and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology and the deepening of underwater exploration, underwater equipment is becoming increasingly common. Waterproof power supplies can be applied in many industries such as diving recreation, underwater salvage, aquaculture, and national defense. Waterproof power supplies generally use plastic to make waterproof shells, which is simple to manufacture, low in cost, and can easily achieve various complex structures through injection molding. However, due to the influence of shell structure and manufacturing process, the production of plastic waterproof shells has the following problems:

[0003] 1. Most of the plastic casings used to house square soft-pack polymer battery cells are cubic in shape. Due to the thin walls and low strength of the plastic casings, they are prone to deformation under water pressure, which can cause the sealing joints to tear and lead to water leakage.

[0004] 2. The positive and negative output metal terminals and plastic are dissimilar materials. Even if the metal terminals and plastic shell are injection molded as one piece, there are still contact gaps between them. Currently, most adhesives have limited bonding and sealing capabilities for dissimilar materials, which reduces the sealing performance of the plastic shell.

[0005] 3. Due to the thinness of the outer casing and the significant impact of external temperature on the internal battery pack, many plastic welding processes cannot be applied to the sealing production of waterproof casings, making the sealing production process of waterproof casings complex and resulting in poor sealing performance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a waterproof casing for a waterproof power supply with good sealing performance and excellent waterproof capability, a waterproof power supply, and a method for manufacturing the same, in view of the deficiencies of the prior art.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is as follows: a waterproof housing for a waterproof power supply is provided, comprising a cylindrical housing, a first cover and a second cover respectively fitted on a first end and a second end of the housing; a positioning plate is provided inside the first end of the housing, and the outer periphery of the positioning plate is in contact with the inner wall of the housing; the positioning plate is provided with two spaced-apart first output through holes for accommodating output terminals, and a sealing groove communicating with each first output through hole is provided around its periphery, and a sealing ring is placed in the sealing groove;

[0008] The first cover has two spaced-apart second output through holes and an annular protrusion surrounding each second output through hole; the two second output through holes are respectively connected to the two first output through holes; the annular protrusion is located on the surface of the first cover facing the housing, compressing the sealing ring in the corresponding sealing groove, so that the output terminal is sealed with the housing.

[0009] Preferably, the first cover is fixed to the first end of the housing by ultrasonic welding.

[0010] Preferably, the periphery of the first cover is provided with an ultrasonic line facing the housing, and the first end of the housing is provided with an annular groove corresponding to the ultrasonic line.

[0011] Preferably, the surface of the first cover facing away from the housing is further provided with an annular partition wall surrounding the second output through hole.

[0012] Preferably, the second cover is fixed to the second end of the housing by rotary friction welding.

[0013] Preferably, the second cover is provided with a first beveled joint on its periphery, and the second end of the shell is provided with a second beveled joint on its periphery. The first beveled joint and the second beveled joint are matched and connected by rotational friction welding.

[0014] Preferably, the positioning plate has two raised annular rings on its surface facing the first cover, and the two annular rings respectively surround the periphery of the two first output through holes;

[0015] Each of the annular rings includes an arcuate portion extending along the periphery of the positioning plate and a straight portion connecting the two ends of the arcuate portion to form a closed loop; the arcuate portions of the two annular rings are opposite to each other, and the straight portions of the two annular rings are spaced apart and opposite to each other.

[0016] Preferably, the waterproof housing further includes two output terminals, each housed within one of the two first output holes;

[0017] One end of the output terminal is located inside the housing, and the other end is accommodated in the second output hole.

[0018] The present invention also provides a waterproof power supply, comprising a waterproof housing as described in any of the above claims, and a battery pack installed within the housing of the waterproof housing.

[0019] The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a waterproof power supply, comprising the following steps:

[0020] S1. Place the battery pack into the housing and connect the positive and negative electrode plates to the two output terminals mounted on the positioning plate inside the housing, respectively.

[0021] S2. Inject thermally conductive silicone into the housing to seal the battery pack inside the housing;

[0022] S3. Fit the first cover onto the first end of the shell and perform ultrasonic welding;

[0023] The annular protrusion on the first cover compresses the sealing ring located in the sealing groove on the positioning plate, so that the output terminal is sealed to the housing.

[0024] S4. The second cover is fitted onto the second end of the housing and subjected to rotary friction welding to obtain a waterproof power supply.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: the waterproof housing adopts a cylindrical structure, which has a higher water pressure resistance than the cubic housing; in the waterproof housing, the first cover is provided with an annular protrusion that cooperates with the sealing ring on the positioning plate inside the housing, and the output terminal located inside the sealing ring and the housing achieve a good sealing effect by compressing the sealing ring, resulting in excellent waterproof capability.

[0026] In addition, the second cover, which serves as the bottom cover, seals the housing through a rotary friction welding method, resulting in high joint strength and excellent sealing performance. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the accompanying drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a waterproof power supply according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a waterproof power supply according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a waterproof power supply according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram of part A in the middle;

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram of part B in the middle section;

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram of section C;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the output terminal structure in a waterproof power supply according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] like Figure 1-3 As shown, a waterproof power supply according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a waterproof housing and a battery pack 60 installed inside the waterproof housing.

[0037] The waterproof outer shell includes a shell 30, a first cover 10 and a second cover 20 respectively fitted onto opposite first and second ends of the shell 30.

[0038] The shell 30 is a cylindrical structure. The shapes of the first cover 10 and the second cover 20 correspond to the shape of the shell 30, so that the three together form a closed cylindrical shell. The sides of the cylindrical shell are arc surfaces, which have better stress resistance than the flat sides of the cubic shell, thus having higher water pressure resistance.

[0039] The shell 30, the first cover 10, and the second cover 20 are made of thermoplastic materials such as PC, ABS, PA, or PC+ABS.

[0040] The housing 30 is a cylindrical structure open at both ends, with a positioning plate 40 inside the first end for mounting and fixing the output terminals. The shape of the positioning plate 40 corresponds to the shape of the housing 30, and its outer periphery is connected to the inner wall of the housing 30. The positioning plate 40 can be integrally injection molded into the housing 30, thus forming a single structure without gaps between them. The internal space of the housing 30 below the positioning plate 40 is used to accommodate the battery pack 60.

[0041] The battery pack 60 includes multiple cells, each of which can be adapted to a cylindrical battery pack, and can be various types of cylindrical cells such as 18650, 26650, and 32650.

[0042] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 4, the positioning plate 40 has two spaced-apart first output through holes 41 for accommodating the output terminal 50. Each first output through hole 41 has a periphery with a communicating sealing groove 42, and a sealing ring 43 is placed within the sealing groove 42. The sealing ring 43 is positioned within the sealing groove 42 and fits against the outer periphery of the output terminal 50. After being compressed by the first cover 10, it deforms and interference-fills between the output terminal 50 and the inner wall of the sealing groove 42, sealing the gap between the output terminal 50 and the first output through hole 41, achieving a good sealing effect.

[0043] The positioning plate 40 has two raised annular rings 44 on its surface facing the first cover 10. The two annular rings 44 surround the two first output through holes 41, further separating the two first output through holes 41. Each annular ring 44 includes an arcuate portion 441 extending along the periphery of the positioning plate 40 and a straight portion 442 connecting the two ends of the arcuate portion 441 to form a closed loop. The arcuate portions 441 of the two annular rings 44 face away from each other, and the straight portions 442 of the two annular rings 44 are spaced apart and opposite each other. Even if water seeps into the positioning plate 40, it can be diverted into the annular rings 44 or the gap between the two straight portions 442, and will not form a whole and flow to the two output terminals 50 at the same time, thus avoiding electrochemical corrosion and dissolution caused by the two output terminals 50 conducting.

[0044] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 5, the first cover 10 is fixed to the first end of the housing 30, serving as a top cover to close that end of the housing 30 and spaced apart from the positioning plate 40. The first cover 10 is fixed to the first end of the housing 30 by ultrasonic welding, resulting in a strong connection.

[0045] To achieve ultrasonic welding, the periphery of the first cover 10 is provided with ultrasonic lines 11 facing the housing 30, and the first end of the housing 30 is provided with an annular groove 31 corresponding to the ultrasonic lines 11. In this embodiment, the annular groove 31 is formed between the positioning plate 40 and the inner wall of the housing 30. When the first cover 10 is fitted onto the first end of the housing 30, the ultrasonic lines 11 fit into the annular groove 31, and the two are fused together by ultrasonic welding.

[0046] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown, corresponding to the first output through hole 41 on the positioning plate 40, the first cover 10 is provided with two spaced-apart second output through holes 12 and an annular protrusion 13 surrounding each second output through hole 12. The two second output through holes 12 are respectively connected to the two first output through holes 41. The annular protrusion 13 is located on the surface of the first cover 10 facing the housing 30, and each annular protrusion 13 is opposite to the sealing groove 42 surrounding the corresponding first output through hole 41. When the first cover 10 is fitted onto the housing 30, the annular protrusion 13 compresses the sealing ring 43 in the corresponding sealing groove 42, and the sealing ring 43 deforms and is interference-fitted in the sealing groove 42, thereby sealing the output terminal 50 with the housing 30.

[0047] Additionally, an annular partition 14 may be provided on the surface of the first cover 10 facing away from the housing 30, surrounding each of the second output through holes 12. The protruding arrangement of the annular partition 14 on the first cover 10 not only further separates the two second output through holes 12, but also facilitates the alignment and insertion of the waterproof power supply with the host.

[0048] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 6, the second cover 20 is fixedly attached to the second end of the housing 30, sealing the second end and serving as the bottom cover of the waterproof housing. In this invention, the second cover 20 is fixed to the second end of the housing 30 by rotational friction welding, resulting in a strong connection.

[0049] To achieve rotary friction welding, the second cover 20 is provided with a first bevel joint 21 on its periphery, and the second bevel joint 32 is provided on the periphery of the second end of the housing 30. When the second cover 20 is fitted to the second end of the housing 30, the first bevel joint 21 and the second bevel joint 32 are fitted together and connected by rotary friction welding.

[0050] In addition, the second cover 20 is provided with an annular step 22 extending along its periphery on the side facing the housing 30, and the protrusion 33 on the periphery of the second end of the housing 30 located outside the second inclined joint 32 can cooperate with the annular step 22 to form a fastening.

[0051] Furthermore, the waterproof housing may also include two output terminals 50. The two output terminals 50 are respectively housed within two first output holes 41 and are insulated from each other. The two output terminals 50 are respectively used to contact and connect with the positive and negative electrodes of the battery pack 60 to achieve conductivity.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the output terminal 50 is fixed in the first output through hole 41 of the positioning plate 40, with its two ends located on opposite sides of the first output through hole 41. One end of the output terminal 50 is located inside the housing 30 to connect to the positive or negative electrode of the battery pack 60, while the other end is housed in the second output hole 12 for connection to the main unit. Both ends of the output terminal 50 can be spring-loaded for flexible insertion.

[0053] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, each output terminal 50 may include a base, a first spring contact structure and a second spring contact structure fixed to opposite sides of the base by welding or riveting. The output terminal 50 is fixed in the first output through hole 41 with the base in cooperation. The first spring contact structure corresponds to one end of the output terminal 50 being inside the housing 30, and the second spring contact structure corresponds to the other end of the output terminal 50 being inside the second output through hole 12.

[0054] The battery pack 60 is also sealed inside the housing 30 with thermally conductive silicone. The positive and negative electrode plates on one end of the battery pack 60 are exposed to the thermally conductive silicone and are connected to the two output terminals 50 respectively.

[0055] refer to Figure 1-3 A method for manufacturing a waterproof power supply according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the following steps:

[0056] S1. Place the battery pack 60 into the housing 30, and connect the positive and negative terminals of the battery pack 60 to the two output terminals 50 respectively.

[0057] The output terminal 50 is pre-installed on the positioning plate 40 inside the housing 30. The positive and negative terminals of the battery pack 60 are respectively inserted into the end of the output terminal 50 located inside the housing 30, as shown below. Figure 7 In the first spring structure shown, a contact electrical connection is formed.

[0058] S2. Pour thermally conductive silicone into the housing 30 to seal the battery pack 60 inside the housing 30.

[0059] Thermally conductive silicone is filled into the gap between the battery pack 60 and the inner wall of the housing 30, as well as onto the surface of the battery pack 60. After injection, the thermally conductive silicone is dried and cured.

[0060] S3. The first cover 10 is fitted onto the first end of the shell 30 and ultrasonically welded. The welded structure has high strength and good sealing performance.

[0061] Among them, such as Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the annular protrusion 13 on the first cover 10 compresses the sealing ring 42 located in the sealing groove 42 on the positioning plate 40. After being compressed, the sealing ring 42 deforms and fills the gap between the output terminal 50 and the inner wall of the sealing groove 42, thereby sealing the gap between the output terminal 50 and the first output through hole 41, so that the output terminal 50 and the housing 30 are sealed together.

[0062] S4. The second cover 20 is fitted onto the second end of the housing 30 and subjected to rotary friction welding to obtain a waterproof power supply.

[0063] Rotary friction welding is achieved using rotary friction welding equipment. Before welding, the second cover 20 and the housing 30 containing the battery pack 60 and the first cover 10 are installed and fixed onto the rotary friction welding equipment. The rotary friction welding equipment is then started for welding. The operation is simple, and the welded structure has high strength and good sealing performance.

[0064] The waterproof power supply of the present invention has high strength and good airtightness. It can be used as an underwater power supply, which is electrically connected to the host underwater to provide power to the host. It can also be used as a unit module of an underwater power battery. Multiple modules can be connected in series and parallel to form an underwater power battery.

[0065] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A waterproof casing for a waterproof power supply, characterized in that, It includes a cylindrical shell (30), a first cover (10) and a second cover (20) respectively fitted onto the first and second ends of the shell (30); the shell (30), the first cover (10) and the second cover (20) are made of thermoplastic material; The first end of the housing (30) is provided with a positioning plate (40), the outer periphery of the positioning plate (40) is in contact with the inner wall of the housing (30); the positioning plate (40) is integrally injection molded in the housing (30), and there is no gap between the two; the positioning plate (40) is provided with two first output through holes (41) spaced apart for accommodating the output terminals (50), and each first output through hole (41) is provided with a sealing groove (42) communicating with it, and a sealing ring (43) is placed in the sealing groove (42). The first cover (10) is provided with two spaced-apart second output through holes (12) and an annular protrusion (13) surrounding each second output through hole (12); the two second output through holes (12) are respectively connected to the two first output through holes (41); the annular protrusion (13) is located on the surface of the first cover (10) facing the housing (30), compressing the sealing ring (43) in the corresponding sealing groove (42) so that the output terminal (50) is sealed and fitted with the housing (30); The positioning plate (40) has two raised annular rings (44) on its surface facing the first cover (10). The two annular rings (44) surround the two first output through holes (41) respectively, serving to separate the two first output through holes (41).

2. The waterproof outer casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cover (10) is fixed to the first end of the housing (30) by ultrasonic welding.

3. The waterproof outer casing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The periphery of the first cover (10) is provided with an ultrasonic line (11) facing the housing (30), and the first end of the housing (30) is provided with an annular groove (31) corresponding to the ultrasonic line (11).

4. The waterproof outer casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cover (10) is also provided with an annular partition wall (14) surrounding the second output through hole (12) on the surface facing away from the housing (30).

5. The waterproof outer casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second cover (20) is fixed to the second end of the housing (30) by rotational friction welding.

6. The waterproof outer casing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second cover (20) is provided with a first inclined joint (21) around its periphery, and the second inclined joint (32) is provided on the periphery of the second end of the shell (30). The first inclined joint (21) and the second inclined joint (32) cooperate with each other and are connected by rotational friction welding.

7. The waterproof outer casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the annular rings (44) includes an arcuate portion (441) extending along the periphery of the positioning plate (40) and a straight portion (442) connecting the two ends of the arcuate portion (441) to form a closed loop with it; the arcuate portions (441) of the two annular rings (44) are opposite to each other, and the straight portions (442) of the two annular rings (44) are spaced apart and opposite to each other.

8. The waterproof outer casing according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The waterproof housing also includes two output terminals (50), which are respectively housed in the two first output through holes (41); One end of the output terminal (50) is located inside the housing (30), and the other end is accommodated in the second output through hole (12).

9. A waterproof power supply, characterized in that, It includes the waterproof housing as described in any one of claims 1-8, and the battery pack (60) installed within the waterproof housing.

10. A method for manufacturing a waterproof power supply according to claim 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Place the battery pack (60) into the housing (30) and connect the positive and negative plates of the battery pack (60) to the two output terminals (50) mounted on the positioning plate (40) inside the housing (30); S2. Inject thermally conductive silicone into the housing (30) to seal the battery pack (60) inside the housing (30); S3. Fit the first cover (10) onto the first end of the shell (30) and perform ultrasonic welding; The annular protrusion (13) on the first cover (10) compresses the sealing ring (43) located in the sealing groove (42) on the positioning plate (40), so that the output terminal (50) is sealed and engaged with the housing (30); S4. The second cover (20) is fitted onto the second end of the housing (30) and subjected to rotary friction welding to obtain a waterproof power supply.

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