Battery pack including components that can prevent undesirable contact with the device.

Abstract

This invention relates to a battery pack including a support member for preventing poor contact between a connector and device pins inserted into the connector. The battery pack is characterized by comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a battery pack housing including an upper cover and a lower cover therein for receiving the plurality of battery cells; a connector located inside the battery pack housing and electrically connecting a device to the battery pack; and a printed circuit board (PCB) located inside the battery pack housing with one surface abutting the connector. A plurality of pin insertion ports are formed in the upper cover such that device pins can be inserted into the connector. A support member is formed on the inner side of the upper cover, located outside the connector and restricting deformation of the connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 2021-0004205, filed on January 12, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack including a support member disposed around a connector to prevent poor contact with device pins due to deformation of the connector. Background Technology

[0003] With the technological advancements and increasing demand for mobile devices such as smartphones, laptops, and digital cameras, research into rechargeable and dischargeable secondary batteries has been actively pursued. Furthermore, secondary batteries, as an alternative energy source to polluting fossil fuels, have been applied to electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs), and energy storage systems (ESS).

[0004] Currently, widely used rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. A single rechargeable battery cell, or individual battery cell, operates at a voltage of approximately 2.0V to 5.0V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage than this is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to form a cell module assembly. Furthermore, depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity, cell module assemblies can be connected in series or parallel to form a battery module. Typically, a battery pack is manufactured using at least one battery module with additional components.

[0005] The battery pack can be electrically connected to various devices via connectors.

[0006] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of a conventional battery pack. Figure 2 It is a perspective view schematically showing a cross-section of a conventional connector for device pin insertion.

[0007] When reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 When describing the structure of a connector configured to connect conventional battery packs and devices to each other, the battery pack is configured to have one or more battery modules or individual battery cells housed in a housing.

[0008] The housing typically includes a lower housing and an upper cover 1, wherein a pin insertion port 2 is formed in the upper cover 1, which is configured to insert a device pin 5 that is electrically connected to the battery pack as a power source into the pin insertion port 2.

[0009] In addition, a printed circuit board (PCB) 3 and a connector 4 are provided in the battery pack. The PCB 3 has components configured to control the operation of the battery pack mounted thereon, and the connector 4 engages with the PCB 3 for electrical connection to an external device.

[0010] To electrically connect the battery pack to the device, device pin 5 is inserted into the connector through pin insertion port 2 to form a contact point. However, for connectors of conventional battery packs, the contact point may deform (e.g., widen) when the device pin 5 is repeatedly inserted and removed, which may result in poor contact between the connector and the device pin 5 inserted into the connector.

[0011] When such poor contact occurs, the contact resistance may increase, which may generate heat or cause the device to malfunction. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack including a support member disposed around a connector, thereby preventing poor contact with device pins due to deformation of the connector.

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, the battery pack according to the present invention includes: a plurality of battery cells; a battery pack housing configured to house the plurality of battery cells therein, the battery pack housing including a lower housing and a upper cover; a connector located in the battery pack housing, the connector being configured to electrically connect the battery pack to a device; and a printed circuit board (PCB) located in the battery pack housing, the connector engaging with one surface of the PCB, wherein the upper cover is provided with a plurality of pin insertion ports configured to allow device pins to be inserted therethrough into the connector, and wherein a support member located outside the connector is provided inside the upper cover, the support member being configured to restrict deformation of the connector.

[0016] Furthermore, in the battery pack according to the invention, the connector may include: a pair of connector arms that are bent inward at predetermined points to form contact points with device pins; and a connector connection portion, one side of which is connected to the connector arm and the other side of which is engaged with the PCB.

[0017] Furthermore, in the battery pack according to the invention, the support member may be composed of a pair of rods, which are configured to face each other when the pin insertion port is located between them.

[0018] Furthermore, in the battery pack according to the invention, a support member may be provided at each pin insertion port.

[0019] Furthermore, in the battery pack according to the present invention, one side of the support member can be connected to the inside of the top cover, and the other side of the support member can extend in the direction toward the PCB.

[0020] Furthermore, in the battery pack according to the invention, the distance between a pair of rods of the support member can be set such that a portion of each of the connector arms contacts the inside of the support member when the device pins are inserted between them, thereby limiting the widening between the connector arms.

[0021] Furthermore, in the battery pack according to the invention, each support member may have a protrusion formed to project in a direction toward a corresponding connector arm in the connector arms.

[0022] Furthermore, in the battery pack according to the invention, when the device pins are inserted into the connector, one surface of the protrusion can contact the connector arm.

[0023] Furthermore, in the battery pack according to the invention, the support members can be made of an elastic material.

[0024] Furthermore, in the battery pack according to the invention, the distance between a pair of rods of the support member can be set such that, with the device pins inserted between them, a portion of each connector arm of the connector arm contacts at least one of the inner side of the support member and the protrusion, thereby limiting the widening between the connector arms.

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention provides an apparatus comprising a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0026] Beneficial effects

[0027] The advantage of the battery pack according to the invention is that it provides a support member that can limit the deformation of the connector, thereby preventing poor contact between the connector and the device pins.

[0028] Furthermore, the battery pack according to the invention has the following advantages: despite repeated use, it can still satisfactorily maintain electrical contact between the connector and the device pins, so that it can be used for a long time without poor contact.

[0029] Furthermore, the battery pack according to the present invention reduces device failures due to poor contact, thereby improving product reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of a conventional battery pack.

[0031] Figure 2 It is a perspective view schematically showing a cross-section of a conventional connector for inserting device pins.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a portion of a cross-section of a battery pack including support members according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of the cross-section of a battery pack with the device pins inserted into a battery pack including a support member according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a portion of a cross-section of a battery pack including a support member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of the cross-section of a battery pack with the device pins inserted into it, which includes a support member, according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0036] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the process of inserting a connector between support members according to another embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprising," "having," "including," etc., specify the presence of the said features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0038] Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used in all the accompanying drawings to refer to parts that perform similar functions or operations. Where a part is described in the specification as being connected to another part, this means not only that the one part can be directly connected to the other part, but also that the one part can be indirectly connected to the other part through yet another part. Moreover, including an element does not mean excluding other elements, but rather that these elements can be further included, unless otherwise specified.

[0039] The battery pack according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a portion of a cross-section of a battery pack including support members according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of the cross-section of a battery pack with the device pins inserted into a battery pack including a support member according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0041] When reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In describing the battery pack according to the present invention in detail, the battery pack is configured such that a plurality of battery cells are housed in a battery pack housing including an upper cover 100 and a lower housing.

[0042] There are no particular restrictions on the types of battery cells that can be housed in the battery pack casing. Any type of known battery cell can be used as needed, such as pouch cells, cylindrical cells, and prismatic cells. Depending on the circumstances, multiple battery cells can be manufactured as battery modules and housed within the battery pack casing.

[0043] In addition, a printed circuit board (PCB) 300 is provided on one side of the battery pack housing. The PCB 300 has various components configured to control the operation of the battery pack mounted thereon, and a connector 200 for electrical connection to an external device is connected to one surface of the PCB 300.

[0044] Here, as Figure 3 As shown, connector 200 includes: a pair of connector arms 210, which are bent inward at predetermined points between their respective opposite ends to form contact points with device pins P; and connector connection portion 220, one end of which is connected to connector arms 210 and the other end of which is engaged with PCB 300.

[0045] Furthermore, each connector arm 210 is a long plate made of a conductive material such as metal and bent at one point. The distance between the connector arms 210 gradually decreases as the distance to the portion of the connector arm adjacent to the connector connection portion 220 increases, and the distance between the connector arms 210 gradually increases from their bending point in the direction toward the connector arm end 211.

[0046] Meanwhile, the top cover 100 is provided with a pin insertion port 110 at the position corresponding to each connector 200, and the device pin P is inserted into the connector 200 through the pin insertion port 110.

[0047] In addition, the upper cover 100 is provided with a support member 120, which is configured to prevent poor contact between the connector 200 and the device pin P due to deformation of the connector 200, which may be caused by repeated insertion and removal of the device pin P.

[0048] The support member 120 is composed of a pair of rod-shaped members, which are arranged to face each other with the pin insertion port 110 located between them for each connector 200. One side of each support member 120 is connected to the inside of the top cover 100, and the other side of each support member is formed to extend in a direction toward the PCB 300.

[0049] When assembling a battery pack including connectors 200 using a top cover 100 having connectors 200 disposed between support members 120, as described above, each connector 200 is located between a pair of support members 120.

[0050] With device pin P not inserted into connector 200, the distance between the pair of support members 120 is greater than the distance between the ends 211 of the two connector arms. With device pin P inserted into connector 200, as... Figure 4 As shown, the distance between the ends 211 of the two connector arms allows the ends of the two connector arms to contact the support member 120.

[0051] Typically, when device pin P is inserted into connector 200, connector arm 210 presses against device pin P due to its elasticity, thereby maintaining stable contact between them.

[0052] However, when connector 200 deforms due to repeated use, it cannot stably hold the device pins P, resulting in poor contact between them. To solve this problem, a support member 120 is provided at the top cover 100.

[0053] In other words, when the device pin P is inserted into the connector 200, the support member 120 prevents the ends 211 of the two connector arms from being separated from each other by a predetermined distance, thereby stably maintaining the contact between the connector 200 and the device pin P.

[0054] at the same time, Figure 5 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a portion of a cross-section of a battery pack including a support member according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of the cross-section of a battery pack with the device pins inserted into a battery pack including a support member according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0055] When reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 In describing in detail the support member 130 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the support member 130 includes an inwardly projecting protrusion 131.

[0056] Here, "inward" refers to the space between a pair of support members 130 into which the connector 200 is inserted.

[0057] When the device pin P is inserted into the connector 200 located between the support members 130, each having a protrusion 131, the end of the connector arm 210 contacts the interior of the support member 130, thereby preventing the ends of the connector arms 210 from being spaced apart by a predetermined distance. Furthermore, the connector arms 210 contact the protrusions 131, thereby preventing the connector arms from being spaced apart by a predetermined distance. Therefore, poor contact due to deformation of the connector 200 can be prevented.

[0058] The distance between a pair of support members 130 can be formed as described above. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The distance between the supporting components 120.

[0059] When the distance between a pair of support members 130 is set as described above and the size and shape of each protrusion 131 are appropriately designed, the connector arm end 211 contacts the support member 130, while the connector arm 210 contacts the protrusion 131, thereby preventing the connector 200 from widening beyond the necessary limit.

[0060] Meanwhile, depending on the distance between a pair of support members 130 and the size and shape of each protrusion 131, the contact between the support member 130 and the end of the connector arm 211 can be performed first, or the contact between the protrusion 131 and the connector arm 210 can be performed first.

[0061] In any case, the widening of connector 200 can be limited by at least one contact, thus preventing poor contact between connector 200 and device pin P.

[0062] At the same time, such as Figure 6 As shown, the shape of each protrusion 131 can be configured such that a surface of each protrusion that contacts a corresponding connector arm of the connector arm 210 is inclined. Preferably, the inclination angle of the protrusion is equal to the inclination angle of the connector arm 210 that contacts the protrusion.

[0063] As described above, when one surface of the protrusion 131 is formed to have the same tilt angle as the connector arm 210, the protrusion has the advantage of being able to contact the connector arm 210 over a wider area.

[0064] However, the shape of the protrusion 131 is not limited to this, and can be selected within the range where the protrusion can contact the connector arm 210 when the device pin P is inserted, thereby preventing widening between the connector arms 210.

[0065] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the process of inserting a connector between support members according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] When reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 When describing the process of inserting the connector 200 between the support members 130 with protrusions 131 during battery pack assembly, since each support member 130 is made of elastic material and only one side of the support member is fixed to the top cover 10, the distance between the support members 130 increases when the connector arm 210 passes between the protrusions 131 with a small distance between them, thereby allowing the connector to be inserted between the support members.

[0067] Here, there are no particular limitations on the elastic member, and various known materials can be used. However, preferably, the support member is made of the same material as the cover 100 that engages with the support member, or a material that can be easily connected to the cover.

[0068] The support member 130 can be integrally formed on the cover 100 during manufacturing, or it can be manufactured separately and then connected to the cover 100 using various known methods.

[0069] In the battery pack according to the invention, a simple structure (e.g., support member 120 or 130) can be added to the top cover 100 as described above to prevent poor contact between the connector 200 and the device pin P due to repeated use, thereby extending the service life of the battery pack.

[0070] Furthermore, when battery packs are used in various devices, product reliability can be improved by reducing defects.

[0071] While the specific details of the invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that this detailed description only discloses preferred embodiments of the invention and therefore does not limit the scope of the invention. Consequently, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope and technical spirit of the invention, and that such changes and modifications obviously fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0072] (Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram)

[0073] 100: Top Cover

[0074] 110: Pin Insertion Port

[0075] 120, 130: Supporting components

[0076] 131: Protrusion

[0077] 200: Connector

[0078] 210: Connector arm

[0079] 211: Connector arm end; 220: Connector connection part; 300: PCB

[0080] P: Device pin

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: Multiple battery cells; A battery pack housing configured to house the plurality of individual battery cells, the battery pack housing including a lower housing and a top cover; A connector, located in the battery pack housing, configured to electrically connect the battery pack to a device; as well as A printed circuit board, or PCB, is located within the battery pack housing, and the connector is engaged with one surface of the PCB. The upper cover is provided with multiple pin insertion ports, which are configured to allow device pins to be inserted into the connector through the pin insertion ports. The upper cover has an internal support member located outside the connector, the support member being configured to restrict deformation of the connector. The support member consists of a pair of rods, which are configured to face each other when the pin insertion port is located between the rods. One side of the rods is connected to the inside of the top cover, and the other side of the rods extends toward the PCB. The rods have protrusions formed in the region between the rods that protrude toward the direction in which the rods face each other.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The connector includes: A pair of connector arms, the pair of connector arms being bent inward at predetermined points to form contact points with the device pins; and A connector connection portion, one side of which is connected to the connector arm, and the other side of which is engaged with the PCB.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The support member is located at each pin insertion port.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The distance between the pair of rods of the support member is set such that, with the device pin inserted between the pair of rods, a portion of each of the connector arms contacts the inside of the support member, thereby limiting the widening between the connector arms.

5. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The protrusion is formed to project in a direction toward the corresponding connector arm of the connector arms.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein, When the device pin is inserted into the connector, one surface of the protrusion contacts the connector arm.

7. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein, The support member is made of an elastic material.

8. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein, The distance between the pair of rods of the support member is set such that, with the device pin inserted between the pair of rods, a portion of each connector arm contacts the inside of the support member and at least one of the protrusions, thereby limiting the widening between the connector arms.

9. An apparatus comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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