Floating connector, floating connection system, and battery connection system

Abstract

The application discloses a floating connector, a floating connection system and a battery connection system, and relates to the technical field of new energy vehicles. The floating connector comprises a connector body and a floating structure. At least one side of the connector body is provided with the floating structure. The floating structure comprises a hollow area. A first floating edge corresponding to the hollow area is connected with the connector body. When a shell is connected outside, a second floating edge corresponding to the hollow area is in contact with the inner wall of the shell. In this embodiment, the floating structure is arranged on at least one side of the connector body to form a floating connector with a floating space. Therefore, when the vehicle vibrates or displaces, the hardware will not be damaged, and the power supply failure of the battery pack and the battery compartment is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of new energy vehicles, and in particular to a floating connector, a floating connection system, and a battery connection system. Background Art

[0002] With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, to maintain long-term driving range, multiple battery compartments need to be installed inside the vehicle. Connectors are used to electrically connect the battery compartments to the battery pack, allowing the battery pack to power the vehicle. Due to the potential for jolting and displacement during vehicle operation, existing connectors use a fixed plug-in method to connect the battery compartment and battery pack. This can easily become loose when the vehicle vibrates or moves, resulting in poor contact between the battery pack and the battery compartment, and a failure to provide power. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a floating connector, a floating connection system, and a battery connection system. By providing a floating structure on at least one side of the connector body, a floating connector with floating space is formed. This prevents hardware collisions from occurring when the vehicle vibrates or moves, thereby avoiding power supply failures between the battery pack and the battery compartment.

[0004] To achieve the above objective, according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a floating connector is provided.

[0005] A floating connector according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a connector body and a floating structure; wherein the floating structure is provided on at least one side of the connector body; the floating structure includes a hollow area, a first floating edge corresponding to the hollow area is connected to the connector body, and when a shell is connected to the outside, a second floating edge corresponding to the hollow area contacts the inner wall of the shell.

[0006] Optionally, the floating structures are respectively provided on both sides of the connector body.

[0007] Optionally, the floating structure is made of elastic material.

[0008] Optionally, protrusions are provided on both sides of the connector body; a recess is provided on the floating structure; for the floating structure on each side of the connector body, the recess is engaged with the protrusion, so that the floating structure and the connector body are fixed together.

[0009] Optionally, the floating structure includes a first component and a second component provided on one side of the first component; the recessed portion 22 is provided on the other side of the first component away from the second component; and the hollow area is provided on the second component.

[0010] Optionally, connecting holes are respectively provided on the connector body and the first component, and the connector body and the first component are fixed together by passing the connecting component through the connecting holes on the connector body and the first component respectively.

[0011] Optionally, the floating structures are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the connector body.

[0012] Optionally, the elastic material includes one or more of the following combinations: rubber, sponge, and latex.

[0013] Optionally, the rubber includes one or more of the following combinations: ethylene propylene rubber, nitrile butadiene rubber, carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber, and EPDM rubber.

[0014] Optionally, the first component is a trapezoidal structure, and the second component is a rectangular structure; one long side of the first component is adjacent to the long side of the second component; and the recessed portion is provided on one short side of the first component.

[0015] Optionally, the hollow area includes any one or more of the following shapes: rectangle, square, trapezoid, ellipse, triangle.

[0016] Optionally, when the hollow area is rectangular, the length of the hollow area is 60 to 100 mm, and the width of the hollow area is 5 to 20 mm.

[0017] To achieve the above objective, according to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a floating connection system is provided.

[0018] A floating connection system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: the above-mentioned floating connector and a shell; wherein the shell is a hollow structure, and one side of the shell is open; the floating structure of the floating connector is arranged in the hollow structure of the shell, and the connector body on the floating connector is partially located in the shell, and partially protrudes on the open side of the shell.

[0019] Optionally, one or more fixing holes matching the battery compartment are provided on the edge of the open side of the shell; and the shell is fixed to the outside of the battery compartment by a connecting device passing through the fixing holes.

[0020] Optionally, a wire harness through hole is also provided on the shell for passing through the high-voltage wire harness on the connector body; a wire harness sealing ring is also provided on the outside of the wire harness through hole for fixing the high-voltage wire harness to the outside of the shell after the high-voltage wire harness passes through the wire harness through hole.

[0021] To achieve the above objective, according to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a battery connection system is provided.

[0022] A battery connection system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: the above-mentioned floating connection system, a battery compartment and a battery pack; wherein, the battery compartment is a hollow structure, and the battery pack is arranged inside the battery compartment; a battery compartment through hole matching the size of the connector body is also provided on the back of the battery compartment, and the connector body passes through the battery compartment through hole to be electrically connected to the battery end connector on the battery pack inside the battery compartment.

[0023] One embodiment of the aforementioned invention has the following advantages or beneficial effects: By providing a floating structure on at least one side of the connector body, a floating connector with floating space is formed. This prevents hardware collisions during vehicle vibrations or displacement, thus preventing power failures between the battery pack and the battery compartment. Furthermore, the floating connector has a simple structure and the floating structure is easily replaceable, effectively extending the life of the connector body and reducing modification costs.

[0024] The further effects of the above-mentioned non-conventional optional manner will be described below in conjunction with specific embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings are provided for a better understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0026] Figure 1 is a side view of the overall structure of a floating connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a floating connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the floating structure and the housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the connection relationship between the connector body and the floating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 is a top view of a single floating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 is a dimensional description of a floating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the floating connector and the housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 is a front view of the floating connector and the housing assembled according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a battery connection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] The reference numerals are as follows:

[0036] 1-connector body 11-protrusion 12-high voltage wire harness

[0037] 2- floating structure 21- hollow area 22- recessed portion 23- first component 24- second component 25- connection hole

[0038] 3-housing 31-fixing hole 32-wiring harness through hole 33-drain outlet 34-drainage adjustment plate 35-partition plate

[0039] 4-Battery compartment 5-Battery pack DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which various details of the embodiments of the present invention are included to facilitate understanding. These details should be considered as merely exemplary. Therefore, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Similarly, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted in the following description.

[0041] It should be pointed out that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the technical features therein may be combined with each other.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a floating connector is provided. Figures 1 to 6 As shown. Among them, Figure 1 A side view showing the positional relationship between the connector body 1 and the floating structure 2 in the floating connector and a side view of the overall structure of the floating connector; Figure 2 It shows the overall structural diagram of the floating connector and the specific position of the hollow area 21 on the floating structure 2; Figure 3 It shows the positional relationship between the floating structure 2 and the shell 3 when the shell is connected externally; Figure 4 The connection relationship between the connector body 1 and the floating structure 2 is shown from a bottom-up perspective; Figure 5 is a top view of a single floating structure 2; Figure 6 The dimensions of the floating structure 2 of one embodiment are shown.

[0043] from Figure 1 and Figure 2As can be seen, the floating connector comprises a connector body 1 and a floating structure 2. The floating structure 2 is provided on at least one side of the connector body 1. The floating structure 2 includes a hollow region 21. A first floating edge corresponding to the hollow region is connected to the connector body 1. When a housing 3 is externally connected, a second floating edge corresponding to the hollow region contacts the inner wall of the housing 3. The first floating edge is the side of the hollow region closest to the connector body, while the second floating edge is the side of the hollow region farther from the connector body. In actual use, the floating connector is typically secured by an external housing 3, so the second floating edge of the floating connector contacts the interior of the housing.

[0044] The hollowed-out area 21 on the floating structure 2 can achieve a shock-absorbing effect by deforming in the event of an external impact during vehicle operation, preventing direct collision between the connector body 1 and the outer shell 3 due to vibration and achieving horizontal floating. If the floating structure is made of a non-elastic material, it cannot recover after a collision. Therefore, to ensure the floating connector's floating effect, it needs to be replaced regularly to ensure that the hollowed-out area 21 in the floating structure has no or only minimal deformation. Furthermore, in a further optional embodiment, the floating structure 2 can be made of an elastic material. The elastic properties of the elastic material allow the hollowed-out area 21 to quickly recover after deformation, allowing the floating structure to be reused multiple times, increasing its durability and service life while further enhancing its floating effect. The elastic material can include one or more of the following: rubber, sponge, and latex, preferably rubber. The specific rubber can further include one or more of the following: ethylene propylene rubber, nitrile butadiene rubber, carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber, and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, preferably EPDM.

[0045] Regarding the shape of the hollow area 21, in one embodiment, it can include any one or more of the following: rectangle, square, trapezoid, ellipse, and triangle. Different shapes can also affect the shock absorption and floating effects. Preferably, when the hollow area 21 is rectangular, the length of the hollow area 21 is 60 to 100 mm, such as 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 85 mm, 90 mm, and 100 mm, and the width of the hollow area 21 is 5 to 20 mm, such as 5 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm. In actual applications, a hollow area that is too large or too small can lead to poor shock absorption. If the hollow area 21 is too large, the overall rigidity of the floating structure 2 may be insufficient. When faced with a large shock absorption space, the floating structure 2 may deform violently, affecting its service life and reducing the overall shock absorption effect. If the hollow area 21 is too small, the shock absorption space is too small. Although the overall rigidity is sufficient, there is a lack of shock absorption space for cushioning, and the overall shock absorption effect is also poor. Therefore, the preferred length of the hollow area 21 in the embodiment of the present invention is 85 mm and the width is 10 mm.

[0046] In the embodiment of the present invention, floating structures 2 are respectively provided on both sides of the connector body 1. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, when an external shell 3 is provided, in order to protect the connector body as much as possible, floating structures 2 are provided on both sides of the connector body 1 to ensure that the connector body 1 is protected in multiple directions and will not directly collide with the inner wall of the external shell 3.

[0047] Regarding the connection relationship between the connector body 1 and the floating structure 2, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in an optional embodiment, protrusions 11 are respectively provided on both sides of the connector body 1; a recessed portion 22 is provided on the floating structure 2; for the floating structure 2 on each side of the connector body 1, the recessed portion 22 is engaged with the protruding portion 11, so that the floating structure 2 and the connector body 1 are fixed into one.

[0048] In the embodiment of the present invention, the specific positions of the hollow area 21 and the recessed portion 22 in the floating structure 2 can be as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the floating structure 2 includes a first component 23 and a second component 24 disposed on one side of the first component 23; a recessed portion 22 is disposed on the other side of the first component 23 away from the second component 24; and a hollowed-out area 21 is disposed on the second component 24. The provision of the recessed portion 22 and the hollowed-out area 21 ensures that the connector body 1 will not separate from the floating structure 2 or become loose or misaligned during displacement or vibration.

[0049] In order to achieve a better shock absorption effect, it is preferred that the shape of the floating structure 2 matches the hollow area 21, that is, when the hollow area 21 is rectangular, the second component 24 is also set to be rectangular. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , in an optional embodiment, the first component 23 is a trapezoidal structure, and the second component 24 is a rectangular structure; one long side of the first component 23 is adjacent to the long side of the second component 24; and the recessed portion 22 is provided on one short side of the first component 23. Figure 6 As shown, when the hollow area 21 is 85 mm long and 10 mm wide, the length of the second component 24 is 98 mm, the length of the short side of the first component 23 is 68 mm, and the length of the recessed portion 22 is 38.4 mm.

[0050] It should be noted that in order to further ensure the stability of the connection between the connector body 1 and the floating structure 2, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , in a further optional embodiment, a connection hole 25 is provided on the connector body 1 and the first component 23 respectively. Figure 2 As can be seen, the connector body 1 and first component 23 are integrally fastened together by the connecting member passing through the connecting holes 25 in the connector body 1 and first component 23, respectively. With the recessed portion 22 engaged with the protruding portion 11, the bolts and nuts secured in the connecting holes 25 effectively ensure stability between the connector body 1 and the floating structure 2.

[0051] The technical solutions provided by the above-mentioned embodiments form a floating connector with a floating space by setting a floating structure 2 on at least one side of the connector body 1, so that when the vehicle vibrates, moves, etc., there will be no hardware collision problems, thereby avoiding power supply failures of the battery pack and the battery compartment.

[0052] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a floating connection system is provided. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the floating connector and the housing 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the connection relationship between the floating connector and the housing 3. Figure 8 It is a front view of the floating connector and the housing 3 after being combined.

[0053] from Figure 7 and Figure 8As can be seen, the floating connection system includes a floating connector and a housing 3. The housing 3 is hollow, with one side open. The floating connector's floating structure 2 is located within the hollow structure of the housing 3. The connector body 1 of the floating connector is partially located within the housing 3, with a portion protruding from the open side of the housing 3. The portion of the connector body 1 located within the housing 3 can be understood as the portion enclosed by the floating structure 2, while the portion protruding from the open side is used to electrically connect to the battery terminal connector on the battery pack. After the connector body 1 and floating structure 2 are combined and placed within the hollow structure of the housing 3, the floating connector and the battery compartment 4 can be secured by connecting the housing 3 to the battery compartment 4. In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing 3 and the battery compartment 4 can be secured using a connecting device. Specifically, in an optional embodiment, one or more fixing holes 31 are provided on the edge of the open side of the housing 3, matching the battery compartment 4. The connecting device penetrates the fixing holes 31 to secure the housing 1 to the outside of the battery compartment 4. Specifically, the connecting device can be a bolt and nut structure.

[0054] In an embodiment of the present invention, to ensure electrical connection between the connector body 1 and the vehicle-mounted system, a harness through-hole 32 is provided on the housing 3 for passing the high-voltage harness 12 on the connector body 1. The electrical connection between the connector body 1 and the vehicle-mounted system is achieved through the high-voltage harness 12. In a further optional embodiment, a harness sealing ring 33 is provided outside the harness through-hole 32 for securing the high-voltage harness 12 to the exterior of the housing 3 after the high-voltage harness 12 passes through the harness through-hole 32. The provision of the harness through-hole 32 and the harness sealing ring 33 prevents the high-voltage harness 12 from being pulled during vehicle operation, thereby increasing the service life of the high-voltage harness 12.

[0055] The technical solutions provided by the above-mentioned embodiments form a floating connection system by arranging the shell 3 on the outside of the floating connector with floating capability, which facilitates the installation of the floating connector on the outside of the battery compartment 4. At the same time, the shell 3 provides further physical protection for the floating connector, so that when the vehicle vibrates, moves, etc., there will be no hardware collision problems, thereby avoiding power supply failures between the battery pack and the battery compartment.

[0056] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, a battery connection system is provided. Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 The figure shows the connection relationship between the floating connection system, the battery compartment 4 and the battery pack 5 in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] from Figure 9It can be seen that the battery compartment 4 is a hollow structure, and the battery pack 5 is arranged inside the battery compartment 4; a battery compartment through hole 41 matching the size of the connector body 1 is also provided on the back of the battery compartment 4, and the connector body 1 passes through the battery compartment through hole 41 and is electrically connected to the battery end connector on the battery pack 5 inside the battery compartment 4.

[0058] In actual use, multiple battery packs 5 may be installed side by side in a battery compartment 4. During vehicle operation, the multiple battery packs 5 in the battery compartment 4 may vibrate or shift, causing physical displacement between the battery-end connector and the connector body, which is fixedly connected in the prior art. The battery connection system provided by the embodiment of the present invention can provide displacement space and shock absorption for the connector body 1, allowing the connector body 1 to move with the battery-end connector without affecting the connection stability with the battery compartment, ensuring a reliable connection of the high-voltage connector during vehicle operation.

[0059] According to the floating connector, floating connection system, and battery connection system of the embodiments of the present invention, a floating connector with floating space is formed by providing a floating structure on at least one side of the connector body. This prevents hardware collisions from occurring when the vehicle vibrates or moves, thereby avoiding power supply failures between the battery pack and the battery compartment.

[0060] The above specific embodiments do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions may occur depending on design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A floating connector, characterized in that: include: A connector body (1) and a floating structure (2); wherein, The floating structure (2) is provided on at least one side of the connector body (1); The floating structure (2) includes a hollow area (21), a first floating edge corresponding to the hollow area is connected to the connector body (1), and when a shell (3) is connected to the outside, a second floating edge corresponding to the hollow area contacts the inner wall of the shell (3); The floating structures (2) are respectively provided on both sides of the connector body (1); the floating structures (2) are made of elastic material; the floating structures (2) are symmetrically provided on both sides of the connector body (1); Protruding portions (11) are respectively provided on both sides of the connector body (1); A recessed portion (22) is provided on the floating structure (2); for the floating structure (2) on each side of the connector body (1), the recessed portion (22) engages with the protruding portion (11), so that the floating structure (2) and the connector body (1) are fixed together as one. The floating structure (2) includes a first component (23) and a second component (24) arranged on one side of the first component (23); The recessed portion (22) is provided on the other side of the first component (23) away from the second component (24); The hollow area (21) is provided on the second component (24).

2. The floating connector according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic material includes one or more of the following combinations: rubber, sponge, and latex.

3. The floating connector according to claim 2, wherein: The rubber includes one or more of the following combinations: ethylene propylene rubber, nitrile butadiene rubber, carboxyl nitrile butadiene rubber, and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber.

4. The floating connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first component (23) is a trapezoidal structure, and the second component (24) is a rectangular structure; One side of the long side of the first component (23) is adjacent to the long side of the second component (24); The recessed portion (22) is provided on one side of the short side of the first component (23).

5. The floating connector according to claim 1, wherein: The hollow area (21) includes any one or more combinations of the following shapes: rectangle, square, trapezoid, ellipse, triangle.

6. The floating connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the hollow area (21) is rectangular, the length of the hollow area (21) is 60 to 100 mm, and the width of the hollow area (21) is 5 to 20 mm.

7. A floating connection system comprising: The floating connector and housing (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; wherein the housing (3) is a hollow structure, and one side of the housing (3) is open; The floating structure (2) of the floating connector is arranged in the hollow structure of the shell (3); the connector body (1) on the floating connector is partially located in the shell (3) and partially protrudes from the open side of the shell (3).

8. The floating connection system according to claim 7, characterized in that: One or more fixing holes (31) matching the battery compartment (4) are provided on the edge of the open side of the shell (3); the shell (3) is fixed to the outside of the battery compartment (4) by a connecting device penetrating the fixing holes (31).

9. The floating connection system according to claim 7, characterized in that: A wire harness through hole (32) is also provided on the housing (3) for passing the high-voltage wire harness (12) on the connector body (1); A wire harness sealing ring (33) is also provided outside the wire harness through hole (32) for fixing the high-voltage wire harness (12) outside the housing (3) after the high-voltage wire harness (12) passes through the wire harness through hole (32).

10. A battery connection system comprising: The floating connection system, battery compartment (4) and battery pack (5) according to any one of claims 7 to 9; The battery compartment (4) is a hollow structure, and the battery pack (5) is arranged inside the battery compartment (4); A battery compartment through hole (41) having a size matching that of the connector body (1) is also provided on the back of the battery compartment (4); the connector body (1) passes through the battery compartment through hole (41) to be electrically connected to a battery terminal connector on a battery pack (5) inside the battery compartment (4).

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