First connector, battery assembly, vehicle, connector assembly and electrical equipment

Abstract

This application discloses a first connector, a battery assembly, a vehicle, a connector assembly, and an electrical device. The first connector is used for mating with a second connector. The first connector includes a connector body and an interlocking structure. The interlocking structure is hermetically installed within the connector body and is configured to be triggered by the second connector to generate an interlocking signal when the first connector and the second connector are properly mated. The technical solution provided by this application can accurately generate an interlocking signal, ensuring accurate confirmation of the integrity of the high-voltage electrical system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of connectors, and more specifically, to a first connector, a battery assembly, a vehicle, a connector assembly, and an electrical device. Background Technology

[0002] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry, and electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become an important component of this sustainable development. For electric vehicles, battery swapping technology is a crucial factor in their development.

[0003] International standards for electric vehicles stipulate that all high-voltage connectors in electric vehicles should have high-voltage interlock devices. High-voltage interlocking refers to using a small current to verify the integrity of the entire high-voltage electrical system. All high-voltage components and wiring harness connectors in the vehicle must be properly installed, without short circuits or open circuits. When the controller detects a break in the high-voltage interlock circuit or a breach in its integrity, necessary safety measures must be activated. Therefore, in the battery swapping mode of electric vehicles, setting up high-voltage interlocking is an essential component. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, embodiments of this application provide a first connector, a battery assembly, a vehicle, a connector assembly, and electrical equipment, which can accurately generate interlock signals to ensure accurate confirmation of the integrity of the high-voltage electrical system.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a first connector for mating with a second connector, comprising: a connector body; and an interlocking structure, which is sealed and installed within the connector body, wherein the interlocking structure is configured to be triggered by the second connector to generate an interlocking signal when the first connector and the second connector are mated in place.

[0006] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the interlocking structure is integrated with the connector body and sealed inside the connector body, which can prevent external impurities from interfering with the interlocking structure. When the first connector and the second connector are inserted into place, the interlocking structure can be triggered without interference to generate an interlocking signal, ensuring accurate confirmation of the integrity of the high-voltage electrical system.

[0007] In an optional embodiment, the interlocking structure includes a first interlocking terminal, a second interlocking terminal, and a conductive element, wherein the conductive element contacts or disengages from the first interlocking terminal and / or the second interlocking terminal to enable or disable the first interlocking terminal and the second interlocking terminal.

[0008] When the first connector and the second connector are inserted into place, the conductive element contacts the first interlock terminal and the second interlock terminal, connecting the first interlock terminal and the second interlock terminal to form an interlock circuit to generate an interlock signal; when the first connector and the second connector are not inserted into place, the conductive element disengages from at least one of the first interlock terminal and the second interlock terminal, causing the first interlock terminal to disconnect from the second interlock terminal, thereby not generating an interlock signal.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the connector body has a sealed cavity, with a first interlocking terminal and a second interlocking terminal at least partially located within the sealed cavity, and a conductive element movably disposed within the sealed cavity.

[0010] The conductive element is movably disposed in the sealed chamber and can contact a portion of the first interlocking terminal and a portion of the second interlocking terminal in the sealed chamber when the first connector and the second connector are inserted into place, thereby generating an interlocking signal undisturbed in the sealed environment.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the connector body includes a base and a cover. The base is provided with a groove, and the cover closes the opening of the groove to form a sealed chamber. The cover is configured to be pushed by the second connector when the first connector is inserted into the second connector, so as to drive the conductive element to move and make the conductive element contact the first interlocking terminal and the second interlocking terminal.

[0012] When the first connector and the second connector are properly engaged, the second connector directly pushes the cover, transferring force to the conductive element, causing the conductive element to move and contact the first and second interlocking terminals. The conductive element is sealed within the groove by the cover and is not directly affected by the second connector, thus minimizing the entry of external impurities into the sealed chamber. Simultaneously, by incorporating the groove and cover, the manufacturing difficulty of sealing the conductive element within the sealed chamber is reduced, controlling the manufacturing cost of the first connector.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the cover is made of a flexible material, and the edges of the cover are fixed to the base.

[0014] The flexible material cover deforms when pushed by the second connector, thereby quickly transmitting the thrust applied by the second connector to the conductive component, causing the conductive component to move.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the cover is interference-fitted with the opening of the groove;

[0016] Alternatively, the edges of the cover are bonded to the base;

[0017] Alternatively, the cover can be injection molded onto the base.

[0018] The cover is set in the opening of the groove by interference fit, which can effectively control manufacturing and assembly costs; the cover is set in the base by adhesive bonding, which can effectively control manufacturing costs and reduce assembly difficulty; the cover is integrally formed with the base by injection molding, which can effectively ensure the formation of a sealed chamber and ensure that the interlocking structure is in the sealed chamber.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, the conductive element is connected to the side of the cover facing the groove.

[0020] The conductive element is connected to the cover. When the second connector pushes the cover, the conductive element can move synchronously to accurately and quickly contact the first interlocking terminal and the second interlocking terminal.

[0021] In an optional embodiment, the conductive element includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion being used to contact a first interlocking terminal and the second protrusion being used to contact a second interlocking terminal.

[0022] By setting a first protrusion corresponding to the first interlock terminal and a second protrusion corresponding to the second interlock terminal, it is possible to avoid poor contact between the conductive component and the first and second interlock terminals when the conductive component is subjected to the thrust of the second connector, thus ensuring that the conductive component effectively conducts the first and second interlock terminals.

[0023] In an optional embodiment, the interlocking structure further includes an elastic reset member disposed within a sealed cavity. The elastic reset member is configured to apply an elastic force to the conductive element, causing the conductive element to tend to disengage from the first interlocking terminal and / or the second interlocking terminal.

[0024] By providing an elastic reset element, when the first connector and the second connector are not properly inserted or are disconnected from each other, the conductive element can be disengaged from the first interlock terminal and / or the second interlock terminal to prevent the first interlock terminal and the second interlock terminal from conducting.

[0025] In an optional embodiment, the connector body is provided with a receiving groove, and an elastic reset member is disposed in the receiving groove. One end of the elastic reset member is connected to the inner wall of the receiving groove, and the other end is connected to the conductive member.

[0026] The inclusion groove that can accommodate the elastic reset member can effectively separate the elastic reset member from the first interlock terminal and the second interlock terminal, thus preventing the elastic reset member from affecting the generation of the interlock signal. At the same time, accommodating the elastic reset member in the inclusion groove can prevent the conductive part from protruding from the base due to the presence of the elastic reset member, which would cause unevenness on the surface of the base.

[0027] Secondly, this application provides a battery assembly, including: a battery; and a first connector according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first connector is disposed on the battery.

[0028] The first connector is located on the battery. When the battery is installed on the main body of the electrical equipment, the first connector needs to be inserted into the second connector on the main body of the electrical equipment to generate an interlock signal, so as to ensure accurate confirmation of the integrity of the high-voltage electrical system.

[0029] Thirdly, this application provides a vehicle, including a vehicle body; and a first connector according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first connector is disposed on the vehicle body.

[0030] The first connector is located on the vehicle body. When the battery is installed on the vehicle body, the first connector needs to be plugged into the second connector on the battery to generate an interlock signal, ensuring accurate confirmation of the integrity of the high-voltage electrical system.

[0031] Fourthly, this application provides a connector assembly, comprising: a first connector according to any of the foregoing embodiments; and a second connector for mating with the first connector.

[0032] When the first connector and the second connector are properly inserted and an interlock signal is generated, the integrity of the high-voltage electrical system is accurately confirmed.

[0033] In an optional embodiment, the second connector has a protrusion for abutting against the first connector to trigger the interlocking structure to generate an interlock signal.

[0034] When the first connector and the second connector are inserted into place, the interlocking structure can be effectively triggered by the protrusion on the second connector, accurately confirming the integrity of the high-voltage electrical system.

[0035] Fifthly, this application provides an electrical device, including: an electrical device body; a battery for supplying power to the electrical device body; and a connector assembly according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein a first connector is disposed on one of the electrical device body and the battery, and a second connector is disposed on the other of the electrical device body and the battery.

[0036] The electrical equipment includes a connector assembly, namely a first connector and a second connector. When the electrical equipment body and battery are installed in place and the first and second connectors are plugged in, the generation of the interlock signal can be accurately detected, and the integrity of the high-voltage electrical system can be accurately confirmed. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This application provides structural schematic diagrams of vehicles for some embodiments;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a first connector according to some embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a first connector according to some embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a first connector according to other embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a first connector according to other embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a conductive element according to some embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a conductive element according to other embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a first connector when disposed on a vehicle body according to some embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 9 An exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to some embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to some embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to another embodiment of this application.

[0049] Icons: 1000 - Vehicle; 100 - Battery; 200 - Controller; 300 - Motor; 10 - First Connector; 20 - Second Connector; 21 - Protrusion; 11 - Connector Body; 110 - Sealed Chamber; 111 - Base; 112 - Cover; 1110 - Groove; 1111 - Receiving Slot; 12 - Interlocking Structure; 120 - First Interlocking Terminal; 121 - Second Interlocking Terminal; 123 - Conductive Component; 124 - Push Rod; 125 - Elastic Reset Component; 1230 - First Protrusion; 1231 - Second Protrusion; 13 - First High Voltage Terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0051] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0052] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0053] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly placed when the product of this application is used, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0054] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0055] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0056] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Currently, judging from market developments, electric vehicles have become an important component of the sustainable development of the automotive industry. To address the issues of long charging times and short driving ranges, battery swapping has emerged as a solution, alleviating the problem of slow charging speeds to some extent.

[0058] During the battery replacement process of electric vehicles, it is common to encounter situations where the interlock signal detection is normal, but the high-voltage connection is abnormal.

[0059] The inventors discovered through research that the aforementioned problem stems from water ingress and accumulation in the battery connector and / or vehicle connector during battery replacement. When the vehicle connector and battery connector are not properly inserted, a complete high-voltage circuit is not formed between them. In other words, when the high-voltage connection is incorrect, water accumulation between the battery connector and vehicle connector causes insufficient electrical clearance and creepage distance between the high-voltage interlock terminals (the terminals in the pins and sockets), resulting in an abnormal connection state of the high-voltage interlock terminals. (That is, water accumulation between the battery connector and vehicle connector will conduct electricity between the terminals of the battery connector and the pins of the vehicle connector even when they are not properly inserted, generating an interlock signal.) However, the battery management system detects the interlock signal and incorrectly supplies power to the vehicle, causing an abnormal high-voltage connection and sparking problem. Since the voltage in electric vehicles is generally above 200V, an abnormal high-voltage connection could potentially cause a safety accident.

[0060] Based on the above considerations, to solve the problem of abnormal interlock signal generation due to water ingress and accumulation, leading to incorrect power supply to the vehicle and abnormal high-voltage connection ignition, the inventors, after in-depth research, designed a connector that seals the interlock structure capable of generating an interlock signal within the connector body. When the connector is plugged into another connector, the interlock structure can be triggered to generate an interlock signal.

[0061] In such a connector, the interlocking structure is sealed within the connector body to prevent water accumulation or other external impurities from affecting the interlocking structure and interfering with the generation of the interlocking signal, thus preventing abnormal generation of the interlocking signal. Furthermore, the interlocking structure is integrated with the connector body, and the interlocking signal is generated only in the first connector. Therefore, there is no problem of insufficient electrical clearance and creepage distance between the high-voltage interlocking terminals (the terminals in the pins and sockets). This ensures the accuracy of the interlocking signal generation and guarantees accurate confirmation of the integrity of the high-voltage electrical system.

[0062] This application provides a connector that can be applied to batteries and various battery-using devices, such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. When the connector is applied to a battery, it acts as a connection structure at the battery end, engaging with a connection structure at the power consumption end to supply power to the device. For example, when the device is a vehicle, the connector engages with the vehicle's connection structure to supply power to the vehicle. When the connector is applied to a device, it acts as a connection structure at the power consumption end, engaging with a connection structure at the battery end, allowing the battery to supply power to the device. For example, when the device is a vehicle, the battery supplies power to the vehicle through the engagement of the connector with the battery's connection structure. Thus, when the battery's connection structure and the power consumption end's connection structure engage, an interlock signal is generated to confirm the integrity of the high-voltage electrical system between the battery and the device, i.e., a complete high-voltage circuit, achieving a correct high-voltage connection.

[0063] The following explanation uses a vehicle 1000 as the electrical device and a connector applied to a battery 100 as an example. Please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle 1000 provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0064] The vehicle 1000 may house a controller 200, a motor 300, and a battery 100. The controller 200 controls the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300. For example, the battery 100 may be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to power the vehicle; for example, it can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000's electrical system, such as meeting the power requirements for starting, navigation, and operation. In another embodiment of this application, the battery 100 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000 but also as its driving power source, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power to the vehicle 1000.

[0065] Battery 100 can be removed from the vehicle body to enable battery swapping of vehicle 1000. When the battery is depleted, the depleted battery can be removed and replaced with another battery 100 to continue powering vehicle 1000.

[0066] As a connection structure at the battery end, the connector will plug and cooperate with the connection structure at the vehicle end during the installation of the battery 100 on the vehicle body, forming a complete high-voltage circuit between the battery 100 and the vehicle body, so as to achieve a correct high-voltage connection and enable the battery to supply power to the vehicle.

[0067] According to some embodiments of this application, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of a first connector 10 according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a first connector 10 according to some embodiments of this application. This application provides a first connector 10 for mating with a second connector 20 (see 9). The first connector 10 includes a connector body 11 and an interlocking structure 12. The interlocking structure 12 is hermetically mounted within the connector body 11 and is configured to be triggered by the second connector 20 to generate an interlocking signal when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are mated in place.

[0068] The first connector 10 can be a connection structure for the battery end, and the second connector 20 can be a connection structure for the vehicle end, or the first connector 10 can be a connection structure for the vehicle end, and the second connector 20 can be a connection structure for the battery end. The two are plugged in to form a complete electrical circuit, thereby realizing the circuit connection.

[0069] The first connector 10 includes two first high-voltage terminals 13 (see...). Figure 3 The first high-voltage terminal 13 is used to mate with the second high-voltage terminal of the second connector 20. The connector body 11 is the base of the first connector 10, providing a mounting foundation for the first high-voltage terminal 13 of the first connector 10 and the interlocking structure 12. The connector body 11 may be made of insulating material to achieve insulation isolation between the first high-voltage terminals 13 of the first connector 10.

[0070] Interlock structure 12 is a structure capable of generating interlock signals.

[0071] The interlocking structure 12 is sealed inside the connector body 11, meaning that the connector body 11 has a sealed environment, and the interlocking structure 12 is in this sealed environment and is not affected by external water or other impurities.

[0072] When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are properly inserted, it means that the first high-voltage terminal of the first connector 10 and the second high-voltage terminal of the second connector 20 have formed a complete electrical circuit through the insertion and cooperation; when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are not properly inserted, it means that there is a gap between the first high-voltage terminal 13 of the first connector 10 and the second high-voltage terminal of the second connector 20, and a complete electrical circuit has not been formed.

[0073] An interlock signal is a signal used to determine whether a complete electrical circuit has been formed between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20. The battery management system or the device control system controls the battery to deliver high-voltage or low-voltage electricity to the device based on this interlock signal. If the battery management system or the device control system does not detect the interlock signal, the battery will not deliver high-voltage or low-voltage electricity to the device.

[0074] It should be noted that the aforementioned electrical circuit can refer to a high-voltage circuit or a low-voltage circuit. Some embodiments of this application are illustrated by taking the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 as examples to form a complete high-voltage circuit, and the interlock signal as a signal used to determine that a complete high-voltage electrical circuit has been formed between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20.

[0075] When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are properly inserted, a high-voltage circuit is formed, enabling the transmission of high-voltage electricity. The interlocking structure 12 is used to detect whether the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are properly inserted. If an interlocking signal is generated, it indicates that the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are properly inserted, thus determining that a complete high-voltage circuit has been formed between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20, enabling the transmission of high-voltage electricity. If no interlocking signal is generated, it indicates that the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are not properly inserted, thus determining that a complete high-voltage circuit has not been formed between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20, and high-voltage electricity cannot be transmitted.

[0076] The interlock structure 12 is sealed within the connector body 11, effectively preventing water or other external impurities from interfering with its normal operation. For example, it eliminates the risk of water ingress and accumulation during quick battery swapping in electric vehicles. Integrating the interlock structure 12 with the connector body 11 ensures that the interlock signal is generated only within the first connector 10. This effectively prevents insufficient electrical clearance and creepage distance caused by water or other impurities when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are connected, ensuring safe transmission of high-voltage electricity between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20.

[0077] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, please refer again... Figure 2 The interlocking structure 12 includes a first interlocking terminal 120, a second interlocking terminal 121, and a conductive element 123. The conductive element 123 contacts or disengages from the first interlocking terminal 120 and / or the second interlocking terminal 121, so that the first interlocking terminal 120 and the second interlocking terminal 121 are connected or disconnected.

[0078] The shapes of the first interlocking terminal 120 and the second interlocking terminal 121 include, but are not limited to, flat, elongated, or other shapes, to adapt to the spatial layout within the connector body 11 and to adapt to the positional relationship with the conductive element 123 for conduction or disconnection. The materials of the first interlocking terminal 120 and the second interlocking terminal 121 can be various, such as copper, aluminum, silver, gold, copper alloy, aluminum alloy, or other conductive metals or alloys.

[0079] The first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 are electrically connected to the battery management system or the vehicle controller. When the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 are connected, the battery management system or the vehicle controller can detect the interlock signal.

[0080] The conductive element 123 can be made of various materials, such as copper, aluminum, silver, gold, copper alloy, aluminum alloy, or other conductive metals or alloys. The conductive element 123 can be plate-shaped or C-shaped, or other shapes that can contact or detach from the first interlock terminal 120 and / or the second interlock terminal 121, so that the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 are connected or disconnected. The conductive element 123 can be stamped, integrally formed, or processed in multiple steps. For example, when the conductive element is a metal plate structure, it can be made by stamping a metal block.

[0081] When the conductive element 123 contacts the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121, the resistance between the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 is zero, and the first interlock terminal 120 and the second terminal are connected, forming an interlock circuit and generating an interlock signal. When the conductive element 123 is disconnected from either the first interlock terminal 120 or the second interlock terminal 121, or when the conductive element 123 is disconnected from the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121, the resistance between the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 is infinite, the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 are not connected, and an interlock signal cannot be generated.

[0082] When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are properly inserted, the conductive element 123 contacts the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121, connecting the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 to form an interlock circuit and generate an interlock signal; when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are not properly inserted, the conductive element 123 disengages from at least one of the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121, causing the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 to disconnect, thereby not generating an interlock signal.

[0083] Of course, in other embodiments, the interlocking structure 12 may include other structures. For example, the interlocking structure 12 includes a pressure sensor sealed in the connector body 11. When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are plugged in, the pressure sensor is triggered or the pressure sensor senses that the pressure value reaches or exceeds a preset value, and an interlocking signal is generated through signal conversion. When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are not plugged in, the pressure sensor is not triggered or the pressure sensor senses that the pressure value is less than the preset value, and no interlocking signal is generated.

[0084] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, please refer again... Figure 2 The connector body 11 has a sealed chamber 110, with the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 located at least partially within the sealed chamber 110, and the conductive element 123 movably disposed within the sealed chamber 110.

[0085] The sealed chamber 110 refers to the sealed environment formed by the connector body 11, which enables the conductive element 123 to contact or disconnect from the first interlock terminal 120 and / or the second interlock terminal 121 without interference from external water or other impurities.

[0086] The first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 are at least partially located within the sealed chamber 110, meaning that a portion of the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 are located outside the sealed chamber 110 and are electrically connected to the battery management system or the vehicle controller. The portion of the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 located within the sealed chamber 110 is used to contact or disconnect the conductive element 123.

[0087] The conductive element 123 is movably disposed within the sealed chamber 110, meaning that the conductive element 123 can move within the sealed chamber to contact or disengage from the first interlock terminal 120 and / or the second interlock terminal 121.

[0088] At least a portion of the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 are located in the sealed chamber 110 to cooperate with the conductive element 123 in a sealed environment, thereby preventing interference between the conductive element 123, the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 caused by water or other external impurities.

[0089] The conductive element 123 is movably disposed in the sealed chamber 110 and is able to contact a portion of the first interlock terminal 120 and a portion of the second interlock terminal 121 in the sealed chamber 110 when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are inserted into place, thereby generating an interlock signal in a sealed and undisturbed environment.

[0090] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, please refer to [the following]. Figure 2 The connector body 11 includes a base 111 and a cover 112. It should be noted that... Figure 2 Only a portion of the base 111 is shown; the portion where the base 111 engages with the second connector 20 is not shown. The base 111 has a groove 1110, and a cover 112 closes the opening of the groove 1110 to form a sealed chamber 110. The cover 112 is configured to be pushed by the second connector 20 when the first connector 10 is engaged with the second connector 20, thereby moving the conductive element 123 and bringing it into contact with the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121.

[0091] The base 111 is made of insulating material and is used to isolate the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 to prevent direct conduction between the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121. Exemplarily, the base 111 can be made of plastic or rubber. The base 111 is used for mating with the second connector 20.

[0092] The cover 112 closes the opening of the groove 1110 to form a sealed chamber 110 together with the base 111, or the cover, the base 111 and the conductive element 123 together form a sealed chamber 110.

[0093] When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are inserted into place, the second connector 20 directly pushes the cover 112, transmitting force to the conductive element 123, causing the conductive element 123 to move and contact the first interlocking terminal 120 and the second interlocking terminal 121. The conductive element 123 is sealed in the groove 1110 by the cover 112 and is not directly affected by the second connector 20, thus minimizing the entry of external impurities into the sealed chamber 110. Simultaneously, by providing the groove 1110 and the cover 112, the difficulty of sealing the conductive element 123 in the sealed chamber 110 can be reduced, controlling the manufacturing cost of the first connector 10.

[0094] Of course, in other embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a first connector 10 according to other embodiments of this application. The connector body 11 may also exclude the cover 112. The base 111 forms a sealed chamber 110 inside, and the conductive element 123 is movably disposed in the sealed chamber 110. A push rod 124 is provided, one end of which slides and sealably passes through the inner wall of the sealed chamber 110, and the other end of which is connected to the conductive element 123. When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are inserted into place, the second connector 20 can push the push rod 124 to drive the conductive element 123 to contact the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal. Similarly, the interlock structure 12 can generate an interlock signal in a sealed and undisturbed environment.

[0095] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, the cover 112 is made of a flexible material, and the edge of the cover 112 is fixed to the base 111.

[0096] Flexible materials refer to materials with low stiffness and easy deformation, such as rubber, plastic, or silicone.

[0097] The flexible cover 112 deforms when pushed by the second connector 20, and quickly transmits the thrust applied by the second connector 20 to the conductive element 123, so that the conductive element 123 moves to contact the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121.

[0098] Of course, in other embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first connector 10 according to other embodiments of this application. The cover 112 may not be made of a flexible material; it can be made of a material with a certain rigidity and resistance to deformation. The cover 112 is movably and sealingly disposed in the groove 1110. For example, the outer peripheral surface of the cover 112 seals and movably engages with the inner wall of the groove 1110. The conductive element 123 is connected to the cover 112. When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are inserted into place, the second connector 20 can push the cover 112 to move, thereby causing the conductive element 123 to move, so that the conductive element 123 contacts the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121. This also allows the interlock structure 12 to generate an interlock signal in a sealed, undisturbed environment.

[0099] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, the cover 112 is interference-fitted with the opening of the groove 1110. That is, the cover 112 is made of a flexible material, and the size of the cover 112 is larger than the size of the groove 1110. Through the interference fit, the cover 112 is directly inserted into the opening of the groove 1110. The cover 112 is set in the opening of the groove 1110 with an interference fit, which can effectively control manufacturing costs and assembly costs. Optionally, the edge of the cover 112 is bonded to the base 111. That is, the cover 112 is bonded to the base 111 with an adhesive material and covers the opening of the groove 1110. The cover 112 is set in the base 111 with an adhesive material, which can effectively control manufacturing costs and reduce assembly difficulty. Optionally, the cover 112 is injection molded onto the base 111. That is, the cover 112 and the base 111 are formed by two-shot injection molding (two-color injection molding refers to the injection molding of two different materials into the same mold, thereby realizing the molding process of the injection molded part formed by two materials). The cover 112 is integrally formed with the base 111 by injection molding, which can effectively ensure the formation of the sealed chamber 110 and ensure that the interlocking structure 12 is in the sealed chamber 110.

[0100] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, the conductive element 123 is connected to the side of the cover 112 facing the groove 1110.

[0101] By configuring the conductive element 123 to be connected to the cover element 112, the conductive element 123 and the cover element 112 can move synchronously. The conductive element 123 can be connected to the cover element 112 by adhesive bonding, or by embedding, or the conductive element 123 can be directly injection molded into the cover element 112 during injection molding.

[0102] The conductive element 123 is connected to the cover 112. When the second connector 20 pushes the cover 112, the conductive element 123 can move synchronously to accurately and quickly contact the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121.

[0103] Of course, in other embodiments, the conductive element 123 and the cover element 112 can be two independent structures, that is, there is no structural connection between the conductive element 123 and the cover element 112.

[0104] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a conductive element 123 according to some embodiments of this application. The conductive element 123 includes a first protrusion 1230 and a second protrusion 1231, the first protrusion 1230 being used to contact a first interlock terminal 120, and the second protrusion 1231 being used to contact a second interlock terminal 121.

[0105] The first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 are arranged at intervals to ensure that the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 will not conduct when the conductive element 123 is not in contact with the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121. The first protrusion 1230 of the conductive element 123 protrudes toward the first interlock terminal 120, and the second protrusion 1231 of the conductive element 123 protrudes toward the second interlock terminal 121.

[0106] The first protrusion 1230 and the second protrusion 1231 can be made of various materials, such as copper, aluminum, silver, gold, copper alloy, aluminum alloy or other conductive metals or alloys, to enable the conductive component 123 to conduct the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121.

[0107] By setting a first protrusion 1230 corresponding to the first interlock terminal 120 and a second protrusion 1231 corresponding to the second interlock terminal 121, it is possible to avoid poor contact between the conductive component 123 and the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 when subjected to the pushing force of the second connector 20, thus ensuring that the conductive component 123 effectively conducts the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121. At the same time, by setting the first protrusion 1230 and the second protrusion 1231, the contact points between the conductive component 123 and the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 can be specified, ensuring that the conductive component 123 conducts the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 in the correct posture.

[0108] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, please refer to [the following]. Figure 2 and Figure 3The interlocking structure 12 also includes an elastic reset member 125, which is configured to apply an elastic force to the conductive member 123 so that the conductive member 123 tends to disengage from the first interlocking terminal 120 and / or the second interlocking terminal 121.

[0109] The elastic reset member 125 may include a spring, silicone foam, silicone pad, or rubber pad, or other elastic structures. The function of the elastic reset member 125 is to provide elastic force, allowing the conductive member 123 to reset without external force, thereby disengaging from the first interlock terminal 120 and / or the second interlock terminal 121. The term "and / or" above means that the interlock circuit is broken when the conductive member 123 disengages from at least one of the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121. In some embodiments of this application, the number of elastic reset members 125 is two, and the two elastic reset members 125 are spaced apart on the line connecting the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 to stably support the conductive member 123.

[0110] By providing an elastic reset member 125, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are not properly inserted, the conductive member 123 can be disengaged from the first interlock terminal 120 and / or the second interlock terminal 121 under the action of elastic force, so as to prevent the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 from conducting.

[0111] Of course, in other embodiments, the interlocking structure 12 may not include the elastic reset member 125, for example, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the conductive element 123 according to other embodiments of this application. The conductive element 123 has the characteristic of elastic reset. The conductive element 123 is designed as an arc-shaped component. The middle part of the conductive element 123 facing the first interlocking terminal 120 and the second interlocking terminal 121 is arc-shaped and abuts against the connector body 11. The two ends of the conductive element 123 are designed to be flat. The first protrusion 1230 and the second protrusion 1231 can be respectively provided at the two ends of the conductive element 123. When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are inserted in place, the conductive element 123 is deformed by force, and the two ends of the conductive element 123 are displaced toward the first interlocking terminal 120 and the second interlocking terminal 121 respectively, and finally contact the first interlocking terminal 120 and the second interlocking terminal 121. When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are not inserted in place, the two ends of the conductive element 123 are disengaged from the first interlocking terminal 120 and the second interlocking terminal 121 by their own elastic force.

[0112] Of course, in other embodiments, the interlocking structure 12 may not include the elastic reset member 125, and the cover member 112 may have the characteristic of elastic reset, connecting the conductive member 123 to the cover member 112. When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are inserted in place, the cover member 112 moves synchronously with the conductive member 123 to conduct the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121; when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are not inserted in place, the conductive member 123 is reset synchronously under the reset of the cover member 112 to disengage from the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121.

[0113] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, please refer to [the following]. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The connector body 11 is provided with a receiving groove 1111, and the elastic reset member 125 is disposed in the receiving groove 1111. One end of the elastic reset member 125 is connected to the inner wall of the receiving groove 1111, and the other end is connected to the conductive member 123.

[0114] The extending direction of the receiving groove 1111 is consistent with the direction in which the conductive member 123 is pushed toward the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121. The number of receiving grooves 1111 is consistent with the number of elastic reset members 125.

[0115] The inclusion groove 1111 is provided to accommodate the elastic reset member 125, which can effectively separate the elastic reset member 125 from the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121, so as to avoid the elastic reset member 125 affecting the generation of the interlock signal. At the same time, the inclusion of the elastic reset member 125 in the inclusion groove 1111 can prevent the conductive member 123 from protruding from the base 111 due to the presence of the elastic reset member 125, thus avoiding the unevenness of the surface of the base 111.

[0116] According to some embodiments of this application, this application also provides a battery assembly, which includes: a battery and a first connector 10 of any of the above schemes, wherein the first connector 10 is disposed on the battery.

[0117] The base 111 of the first connector 10 may include the base of the battery terminal connector. The interlocking structure 12 of the first connector 10 is connected to the battery management system of the battery assembly. When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are inserted into place, the interlocking structure 12 is triggered by the second connector 20 to generate an interlocking signal. The battery management system detects the interlocking signal and accurately confirms the integrity of the high-voltage electrical system.

[0118] The first connector 10 is located on the battery. When the battery is installed on the main body of the electrical equipment, the first connector 10 needs to be inserted into the second connector 20 on the main body of the electrical equipment to generate an interlock signal, so as to accurately confirm the integrity of the high-voltage electrical system.

[0119] According to some embodiments of this application, this application also provides a vehicle. See also... Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a first connector 10 disposed on a vehicle body according to some embodiments of this application. The vehicle includes a vehicle body and a first connector 10 of any of the above embodiments, the first connector 10 being disposed on the vehicle body.

[0120] The base 111 of the first connector 10 may include the base of the vehicle-end connector, and the second connector 20 may include the battery-end connector. The interlocking structure 12 of the first connector 10 is connected to the vehicle controller of the vehicle body. When the first connector 10 is inserted into the battery-end connector of the battery, the interlocking structure 12 is triggered by the second connector 20 to generate an interlocking signal. The vehicle controller detects the interlocking signal to ensure accurate confirmation of the integrity of the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system.

[0121] The first connector 10 is located on the vehicle body. When the battery is installed on the vehicle body, the first connector 10 needs to be plugged into the second connector 20 on the battery to generate an interlock signal, ensuring accurate confirmation of the integrity of the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system.

[0122] According to some embodiments of this application, this application also provides a connector assembly. Please refer to... Figure 9 and Figure 10 , Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to some embodiments of this application. The connector assembly includes a first connector 10 and a second connector 20, as described above. The second connector 20 is used for mating with the first connector 10. When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are properly mated and an interlocking signal is generated, the integrity of the high-voltage connection is accurately determined.

[0123] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, please refer to [the following]. Figure 10 The second connector 20 has a protrusion 21, which abuts against the first connector 10 to trigger the interlocking structure 12 to generate an interlock signal. When the second connector 20 is inserted into the first connector 10, the protrusion 21 acts on the interlocking structure 12. When the second connector 20 and the first connector 10 are fully inserted, the protrusion 21 triggers the interlocking structure 12 to generate an interlock signal.

[0124] According to some embodiments of this application, this application also provides an electrical device, which includes an electrical device body, a battery, and a connector assembly of any of the above embodiments. The battery is used to supply power to the electrical device body. A first connector 10 is disposed on one of the electrical device body and the battery, and a second connector 20 is disposed on the other of the electrical device body and the battery.

[0125] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, please refer to... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The first connector 10 is located on the battery. The second connector 20 is located on the main body of the electrical device.

[0126] Optionally, in other embodiments of this application, please refer to... Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to another embodiment of this application. A first connector 10 is disposed on the electrical device body. A second connector 20 is disposed on the battery.

[0127] The electrical equipment includes a connector assembly, namely a first connector 10 and a second connector 20. When the electrical equipment body and battery are installed in place and the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are plugged in, the generation of the interlock signal can be accurately detected to ensure accurate confirmation of the integrity of the high-voltage electrical system used for the equipment.

[0128] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 10This application provides a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a first connector 10 and a second connector 20. The first connector 10 is a battery-side connector, and the second connector 20 is a vehicle-side connector. When the battery-side connector and the vehicle-side connector are plugged into each other and an interlock signal is detected, it is determined that a complete high-voltage circuit has been formed between the battery and the vehicle body, thereby enabling the battery to safely supply power to the vehicle body. The battery-side connector includes a connector body 11 and an interlock structure 12. The connector body 11 includes a base 111 and a cover 112. The interlock structure 12 includes a first interlock terminal 120, a second interlock terminal 121, a conductive element 123, and two elastic reset elements 125. The base 111 is provided with a groove 1110, and the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 are at least partially located within the groove 1110. The conductive element 123 is movably disposed within the groove 1110. The bottom wall of the groove 1110 forms two receiving slots 1111. An elastic reset element 125 is disposed within each receiving slot 1111. The two elastic reset elements 125 connect to the conductive element 123 and apply an elastic force to the conductive element 123, causing it to tend to disengage from the first interlocking terminal 120 and the second interlocking terminal 121. A cover 112 closes the opening of the groove 1110, so that the conductive element 123, the elastic reset element 125, the first interlocking terminal 120, and the second interlocking terminal 121 within the groove 1110 are located in a sealed chamber 110. The cover 112 is made of a flexible material. The surface of the vehicle-end connector facing the battery-end connector has a protrusion 21, the size of which corresponds to the size of the conductive element 123. When the vehicle-end connector is plugged into the battery terminal, the protrusion 21 pushes the cover 112. The cover 112 deforms under force and transmits the force to the conductive element 123, causing the conductive element 123 to compress the elastic reset element 125 and move. When the vehicle-end connector is fully plugged into the battery terminal, the conductive element 123 contacts the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121, connecting the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121 to form a complete interlock circuit, generating an interlock signal to accurately determine the integrity of the entire high-voltage electrical system. When the vehicle-end connector and the battery terminal are disconnected, the conductive element 123, under the action of the elastic reset element 125, disengages from the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121, disconnecting the first interlock terminal 120 and the second interlock terminal 121.

[0129] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A first connector for mating with a second connector, characterized by, include: A connector body having a sealed chamber, the connector body including a base and a cover, the base being provided with a groove, and the cover closing the opening of the groove to form the sealed chamber; An interlocking structure is hermetically mounted within the connector body, and the interlocking structure is configured to be triggered by the second connector to generate an interlocking signal when the first connector and the second connector are inserted into place; The interlocking structure includes a first interlocking terminal, a second interlocking terminal, and a conductive element. The first interlocking terminal and the second interlocking terminal are at least partially located within the sealed cavity. The conductive element is movably disposed within the sealed cavity. The conductive element contacts or disengages from the first interlocking terminal and / or the second interlocking terminal, thereby enabling the first interlocking terminal and the second interlocking terminal to be connected or disconnected. The cover is configured to be pushed by the second connector when the first connector is plugged into the second connector, thereby moving the conductive element and bringing it into contact with the first interlock terminal and the second interlock terminal.

2. The first connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover is made of a flexible material, and the edge of the cover is fixed to the base.

3. The first connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover is interference-fitted with the opening of the groove; Alternatively, the edge of the cover is bonded to the base; Alternatively, the cover is injection molded onto the base.

4. The first connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive element is connected to the side of the cover facing the groove.

5. The first connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive element includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion being used to contact the first interlock terminal and the second protrusion being used to contact the second interlock terminal.

6. The first connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The interlocking structure further includes an elastic reset member configured to apply an elastic force to the conductive element, causing the conductive element to tend to disengage from the first interlocking terminal and / or the second interlocking terminal.

7. The first connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connector body is provided with a receiving groove, and the elastic reset member is disposed in the receiving groove. One end of the elastic reset member is connected to the inner wall of the receiving groove, and the other end is connected to the conductive member.

8. A battery assembly characterized by, include: Battery; as well as The first connector according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the first connector is disposed on the battery.

9. A vehicle characterized by comprising: include: Vehicle body; as well as The first connector according to any one of claims 1-7 is disposed on the vehicle body.

10. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: The first connector according to any one of claims 1-7; as well as The second connector is used to insert and mate with the first connector.

11. The connector assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second connector has a protrusion for abutting against the first connector, so as to... The interlock structure is triggered to generate an interlock signal.

12. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, include: The main body of the electrical equipment; A battery for supplying power to the main body of the electrical device; as well as According to the connector assembly of claim 10 or 11, the first connector is disposed on one of the electrical device body and the battery, and the second connector is disposed on the other of the electrical device body and the battery.

Images