Connection device, battery end connection device, electric vehicle and battery pack assembly

Abstract

The application provides a connecting device, a battery end connecting device, an electric vehicle and a battery pack assembly. The connecting device comprises a second connector, a moving mechanism and a driving mechanism. The second connector is used for connecting with a first connector. The moving mechanism is fixed on the second connector. The moving mechanism is provided with a locking structure. The locking structure is used for cooperating with a lock connecting part. The locking structure has a starting position and a locking position. The driving mechanism can drive the second connector and the moving mechanism to move, so that the lock connecting part moves from the starting position of the locking structure to the locking position. The driving mechanism can drive the second connector and the moving mechanism to move, so that the second connector gradually moves to the first connector. The locking structure and the lock connecting part play a guiding and aligning role on the first connector. After the first connector and the second connector are completely connected, the locking structure and the lock connecting part play a function of locking the first connector and the second connector to each other.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application No. 202010255188.X, filed on April 2, 2020, entitled "Connection device, battery end connection device, electric vehicle and battery pack assembly". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a connection device and an electric vehicle comprising the same.

[0003] The present application also relates to a battery end connection device and a battery pack assembly comprising the same. BACKGROUND

[0004] When the battery pack is installed on an electric vehicle or other device, the electrical connector of the battery pack needs to be connected with the electrical connector of the electric vehicle or other device. In the existing design of the battery pack, the electrical connector of the battery pack can only rely on the locking force of the battery pack itself to ensure the connection stability when connected with other electrical connectors, and the relative position of the electrical connector of the battery pack and other electrical connectors is also affected by the tolerance of the battery pack itself. How to ensure the stability of the electrical connector of the battery pack and other electrical connectors is a problem that needs to be solved at present. SUMMARY

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is to overcome the defect that the stability of the electrical connector of the battery pack and other electrical connectors is not enough in the prior art, and to provide a connection device, a battery end connection device, an electric vehicle and a battery pack assembly.

[0006] The present application solves the above technical problem by the following technical scheme:

[0007] The present application provides a connection device for cooperating with a lock connection part, the lock connection part is fixedly connected with a battery pack, the battery pack has a first connector, and the connection device comprises:

[0008] A second connector is used for connecting with the first connector;

[0009] A moving mechanism is fixed on the second connector, the moving mechanism is provided with a locking structure, the locking structure is used for cooperating with the lock connection part, and the locking structure has a starting position and a locking position;

[0010] A driving mechanism is capable of driving the second connector and the moving mechanism to move, so that the lock connection part moves from the starting position of the locking structure to the locking position.

[0011] In the technical solution, the driving mechanism drives the second connector and the moving mechanism to move, so that the second connector gradually moves to the first connector, and the lock connecting part gradually moves to the locking position of the locking structure; when the lock connecting part reaches the locking position, the first connector and the second connector are completely aligned to achieve good connection. In this process, the locking structure and the lock connecting part play the role of guiding and aligning the second connector; after the first connector and the second connector are completely connected, the locking structure and the lock connecting part play the function of locking the first connector and the second connector to each other.

[0012] Preferably, the locking structure is a sliding groove, and the lock connecting part is a lock pin, which can slide in the sliding groove along the extension direction of the sliding groove.

[0013] In the technical solution, through the sliding of the lock pin in the sliding groove, when the lock pin reaches the locking position, the second connector reaches the position of alignment and connection with the first connector.

[0014] Preferably, the end of the sliding groove closer to the first connector is the starting position, and the end of the sliding groove farther away from the first connector is the locking position.

[0015] In the technical solution, through the setting of the sliding groove, in the process of moving the lock pin from the starting position to the locking position of the sliding groove, the second connector gradually approaches the first connector.

[0016] Preferably, the locking position of the sliding groove is provided with a limiting area protruding in the direction of the first connector, and the lock pin can fall into the limiting area.

[0017] In the technical solution, when the lock pin falls into the limiting area, the lock pin is limited in the limiting area, that is, in the locking position of the sliding groove, so as to achieve the effect of locking the position of the second connector.

[0018] Preferably, the moving mechanism is provided with a guide groove extending from the surface of the moving mechanism to the starting position of the sliding groove, and the lock pin can move along the guide groove to the starting position of the sliding groove.

[0019] In the technical solution, the guide groove plays the role of guiding, so that the lock pin can smoothly move to the starting position of the sliding groove.

[0020] Preferably, the lock pin comprises a pin column and a pin flange protruding outward along the circumference of the pin column; the inner circumferential surface of the sliding groove forms a first inner circumferential surface extending along the circumference and a second inner circumferential surface extending along the circumference, the first inner circumferential surface matches the outer circumferential surface of the pin column, and the second inner circumferential surface matches the outer circumferential surface of the pin flange; when the lock pin slides in the sliding groove, the pin column moves in the groove formed by the first inner circumferential surface, and the pin flange moves in the groove formed by the second inner circumferential surface.

[0021] In the technical solution, the first inner circumferential surface and the second inner circumferential surface form a step surface; when the locking pin slides in the sliding groove, the pin flange is limited by the step surface, so that the pin flange can only move in the groove formed by the second inner circumferential surface, and the locking pin is prevented from being separated from the sliding groove during the sliding process.

[0022] Preferably, the connecting device further comprises a guide rail, and the second connector is mounted on the guide rail, and the driving mechanism drives the second connector to move on the guide rail.

[0023] In the technical solution, the guide rail is provided to ensure the moving path of the moving mechanism, and the guide rail cooperates with the driving mechanism to enable the second connector and the moving mechanism to move in a preset direction.

[0024] Preferably, the number of the moving mechanisms is plural, and the plural moving mechanisms are arranged around the second connector.

[0025] In the technical solution, the moving mechanisms arranged around the second connector balance the force acting on the first connector, and the stability of the movement of the second connector is ensured.

[0026] Preferably, the number of the locking structures is plural, and the plural locking structures are arranged around the second connector.

[0027] In the technical solution, the locking structures arranged around the second connector balance the force acting on the first connector, and the stability of the movement of the second connector is ensured.

[0028] Preferably, the number of the moving mechanisms is even, and the even moving mechanisms are symmetrically arranged on two sides of the second connector.

[0029] In the technical solution, the symmetrically arranged moving mechanisms balance the force acting on the first connector, and the stability of the movement of the second connector is ensured.

[0030] The application further provides an electric vehicle, which comprises the connecting device.

[0031] In the technical solution, the connecting device is applied to the electric vehicle, and the stability and reliability of the connection between the battery pack and the battery pack fixing seat installed in the electric vehicle are ensured.

[0032] The application further provides a battery end connecting device, which comprises:

[0033] A first connector, which is connected to the second connector of the connecting device.

[0034] A lock connecting part is fixed on the first connector, and is used to cooperate with the locking structure of the connecting device.

[0035] In the technical solution, the locking structure and the lock connecting part play a role in guiding and aligning the second connector, and after the first connector is completely connected with the second connector, the locking structure and the lock connecting part play a role in locking the first connector and the second connector.

[0036] Preferably, the number of the lock connecting parts is multiple, and the multiple lock connecting parts are arranged around the first connector.

[0037] In the technical solution, the lock connecting parts arranged around the first connector balance the force on the first connector, and ensure the stability of the movement of the second connector.

[0038] The application further provides a battery pack assembly comprising the battery end connecting device.

[0039] In the technical solution, when the battery end connecting device is applied to the battery pack assembly, the stability and reliability of the connection between the battery pack assembly and other connectors can be ensured.

[0040] Preferably, the battery pack assembly comprises a battery pack, and the battery end connecting device is located on the side of the battery pack.

[0041] In the technical solution, the position of the battery end connecting device can be set according to the position of the connecting device in the battery fixing seat of the electric vehicle or the battery compartment of the battery swap station, and is not affected by the installation path of the battery pack assembly.

[0042] On the basis of common knowledge in the art, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be combined arbitrarily, that is, each preferred example of the application is obtained.

[0043] The positive progress effect of the application is that:

[0044] The connecting device, the battery end connecting device, the electric vehicle and the battery pack assembly, the driving mechanism drives the second connector and the moving mechanism moves, so that the second connector gradually moves to the first connector, and the lock connecting part gradually moves to the locking position of the locking structure; when the lock connecting part reaches the locking position, the first connector and the second connector are completely aligned, and good connection is achieved. In this process, the locking structure and the lock connecting part play a role in guiding and aligning the second connector, and after the first connector is completely connected with the second connector, the locking structure and the lock connecting part play a role in locking the first connector and the second connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 Structure diagram of the connecting device of the present application.

[0046] Figure 2 Structure diagram of the battery end connecting device matched with the connecting device shown in Figure 1

[0047] Structure diagram of the connecting device shown in Figure 3 Figure 1 Structure diagram of the battery end connecting device matched with the connecting device shown in Figure 2

[0048] Structure diagram of the moving mechanism of the connecting device shown in Figure 4 Figure 1 Structure diagram of the lock connecting part of the battery end connecting device shown in

[0049] Figure 5 Figure 2 Structure diagram of the battery end connecting device shown in

[0050] Figure 6 Installation diagram of the battery pack assembly with the battery end connecting device of the present application located at the side surface.

[0051] Figure 7 Installation diagram of the battery pack assembly with the battery end connecting device of the present application located at the end surface.

[0052] Explanation of reference signs

[0053] Connecting device 100, second connector 1, moving mechanism 2, locking structure 21, sliding groove 211, first inner peripheral surface 212, second inner peripheral surface 213, step surface 214, initial position 22, locking position 23, limiting area 24, guide groove 25, guide rail 3;

[0054] Battery end connecting device 200, lock connecting part 201, first connector 202, locking pin 203, pin column 204, pin flange 205;

[0055] Battery pack 300. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The present application will be further described in the following by way of examples, but the present application is not limited in the scope of the described examples.

[0057] As shown in Figure 1 Figure 2 ​​​​The lock connecting part 201 of the battery end connecting device 200 is matched with the lock connecting part 201 and the first connector 202 fixedly connected on the battery pack. The connecting device 100 includes a second connector 1, a moving mechanism 2 and a driving mechanism. The second connector 1 is used to be connected with the first connector 202. The moving mechanism 2 is fixed on the second connector 1. The moving mechanism 2 is provided with a locking structure 21 used to be matched with the lock connecting part 201. The locking structure 21 has a starting position 22 and a locking position 23. The driving mechanism (not shown in the figure) can drive the second connector 1 and the moving mechanism 2 to move, so as to make the lock connecting part 201 move from the starting position 22 to the locking position 23 of the locking structure 21, or make the lock connecting part 201 move from the locking position 23 to the starting position 22 of the locking structure 21. Specifically, when the first connector 202 and the second connector 1 need to be locked, the driving mechanism makes the lock connecting part 201 move from the starting position 22 to the locking position 23 of the locking structure 21, so as to make the lock connecting part 201 be locked in the locking position 23, thereby achieving the locking function. When the first connector 202 and the second connector 1 need to be unlocked, the driving mechanism makes the lock connecting part 201 move from the locking position 23 to the starting position 22 of the locking structure 21, so as to make the lock connecting part 201 can be separated from the moving mechanism 2, thereby achieving the unlocking function. The driving mechanism can be a top rod, a push rod and the like. The driving mechanism can drive the second connector 1 or the moving mechanism 2 to move by contacting the second connector 1 or the moving mechanism 2 through one end of the top rod or the push rod.

[0058] Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the connecting device 100 is matched with the battery end connecting device 200. Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the connecting device 100 is matched with the battery end connecting device 200.

[0059] Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the connecting device 100 is matched with the battery end connecting device 200. Figure 3The relative position of the first connector 202 and the second connector 1 shown is the position when they are just in contact. At this time, the lock connecting part 201 is located at the starting position 22 of the locking structure 21. The driving mechanism can drive the second connector 1 and the moving mechanism 2 to move, so that the second connector 1 gradually moves towards the first connector 202, and the lock connecting part 201 gradually moves to the locking position 23 of the locking structure 21; when the lock connecting part 201 reaches the locking position 23, the first connector 202 and the second connector 1 are completely aligned, and good connection is achieved. In this process, the locking structure 21 and the lock connecting part 201 play a guiding and aligning role for the second connector 1; after the first connector 202 and the second connector 1 are completely connected, the locking structure 21 and the lock connecting part 201 also play a function of locking the first connector 202 and the second connector 1 to each other.

[0060] As shown in Figures 1 to 5 The locking structure 21 is a sliding groove 211, and the lock connecting part 201 is a lock pin 203. The lock pin 203 can slide in the sliding groove 211 along the extension direction of the sliding groove 211. Through the sliding of the lock pin 203 in the sliding groove 211, when the lock pin 203 reaches the locking position 23, the second connector 1 reaches the position of alignment and connection with the first connector 202.

[0061] The starting position 22 of the sliding groove 211 is closer to the first connector 202, and the locking position 23 of the sliding groove 211 is farther away from the first connector 202. Through the above-mentioned arrangement of the sliding groove 211, during the movement of the lock pin 203 from the starting position 22 of the sliding groove 211 to the locking position 23, the second connector 1 gradually approaches the first connector 202.

[0062] The locking position 23 of the sliding groove 211 is provided with a limiting area 24 protruding towards the first connector 202. The lock pin 203 can fall into the limiting area 24. When the lock pin 203 falls into the limiting area 24, the lock pin 203 is limited in the limiting area 24, that is, in the locking position 23 of the sliding groove 211, so as to achieve the effect of locking the position of the second connector 1. The limiting area 24 can be formed by bending the end of the sliding groove 211 away from the battery pack. Specifically, the groove edges on both sides of the sliding groove 211 form a sharp part at the bending position. The sharp part protrudes away from the battery pack, so that when the lock pin 203 falls into the limiting area 24, the sharp part forms a resistance to the lock pin 203, limiting the lock pin 203 in the limiting area 24.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4As shown, the movable mechanism 2 is provided with a guide groove 25 extending from the surface of the movable mechanism 2 to the starting position 22 of the slide groove 211. The lock pin 203 can move along the guide groove 25 to the starting position 22 of the slide groove 211. When the lock pin 203 approaches the movable mechanism 2, it first enters the guide groove 25 and then moves along the guide groove 25 to the starting position 22 of the slide groove 211. The guide groove 25 serves as a guide, allowing the lock pin 203 to move smoothly to the starting position 22 of the slide groove 211.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, the locking pin 203 includes a pin column 204 and a pin flange 205 protruding outwardly along the circumference of the pin column 204; Figure 4 As shown, the inner circumferential surface of the slide groove 211 forms a first inner circumferential surface 212 extending in the circumferential direction and a second inner circumferential surface 213 extending in the circumferential direction. The first inner circumferential surface 212 cooperates with the outer circumferential surface of the pin 204, and the second inner circumferential surface 213 cooperates with the outer circumferential surface of the pin flange 205. When the lock pin 203 slides in the slide groove 211, the pin 204 moves in the groove formed by the first inner circumferential surface 212, and the pin flange 205 moves in the groove formed by the second inner circumferential surface 213. A step surface 214 is formed between the first inner circumferential surface 212 and the second inner circumferential surface 213. When the lock pin 203 slides in the slide groove 211, the pin flange 205 is restricted by the step surface 214, so that the pin flange 205 can only move in the groove formed by the second inner circumferential surface 213, preventing the lock pin 203 from disengaging from the slide groove 211 during the sliding process.

[0065] Figure 5 The pin flange 205 of the locking pin 203 is shown as being located at the end of the pin column 204. In addition to being located at the end of the pin column 204, the pin flange 205 can also be located in the middle of the pin column 204. The position of the second inner circumferential surface 213 of the chute 211 corresponds to the position of the pin flange 205 on the pin column 204, and is not limited to the position of the second inner circumferential surface 213 of the chute 211. Figure 4 Position shown.

[0066] Figure 5 The illustrated pin flange 205 is an annular disc, with one end surface of the pin flange 205 contacting a stepped surface 214 between the first inner circumferential surface 212 and the second inner circumferential surface 213, allowing the pin flange 205 to slide on the stepped surface 214. In addition to the disc-shaped pin flange 205, pin flanges 205 of other shapes (such as a pointed or rod-shaped) can also slide on the stepped surface 214, as long as they have a stopper surface contacting the stepped surface 214, thereby preventing the lock pin 203 from disengaging from the slide groove 211 during sliding.

[0067] In the embodiment, the locking structure 21 is a sliding groove 211, and the locking connecting part 201 is a locking pin 203. The locking structure 21 and the locking connecting part 201 can be other combined structures, such as a guide rail and a sliding block structure, a connecting rod structure, etc., as long as the combined structure can realize the function of moving the locking connecting part 201 between the starting position 22 and the locking position 23 of the locking structure 21, and can be applied to the connecting device 100.

[0068] As shown in Figure 1 , Figure 3 , the connecting device 100 further comprises a guide rail 3, and the second connector 1 is installed on the guide rail 3, and the driving mechanism drives the second connector 1 to move on the guide rail 3. The setting of the guide rail 3 ensures the moving path of the moving mechanism 2, and the guide rail 3 cooperates with the driving mechanism to make the second connector 1 and the moving mechanism 2 move in a predetermined direction.

[0069] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 , in order to make the movement of the second connector 1 relatively stable, the number of the moving mechanism 2 cooperating with the locking connecting part 201 is two, and the two moving mechanisms 2 are respectively located above and below the second connector 1, and the number of the locking structure 21 of each moving mechanism 2 is also two, and the two locking structures 21 are respectively located at the two ends of the moving mechanism 2. Correspondingly, the number of the locking connecting part 201 is four, and the plurality of locking connecting parts 201 are arranged around the first connector 202.

[0070] Through the above setting, the locking connecting part 201 is dispersed in the four corners of the first connector 202, so that the first connector 202 is balanced in force during the movement of the first connector 202 to the second connector 1, and the second connector 1 can move stably, thereby ensuring the connection stability when the first connector 202 is connected with the second connector 1.

[0071] The number of the moving mechanism 2 can also be greater than two, and the plurality of moving mechanisms 2 are arranged around the second connector 1; the number of the locking structure 21 can also be other numbers, and the plurality of locking structures 21 are arranged around the second connector 1. Through the moving mechanism 2 and / or the locking structure 21 arranged around the second connector 1, the first connector 202 is balanced in force, which can ensure the stability of the movement of the second connector 1. Correspondingly, the number of the locking connecting part 201 is a plurality, and the plurality of locking connecting parts 201 are arranged around the first connector 202.

[0072] The number of the moving mechanism 2 can also be an even number, and the even number of moving mechanisms 2 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the second connector 1. The locking structures 21 on the symmetrically arranged moving mechanisms 2 can also be symmetrically arranged. Through the symmetrically arranged moving mechanisms 2 and / or the locking structures 21, the first connector 202 is balanced in force, which can ensure the stability of the movement of the second connector 1.

[0073] The connection device 100 can be installed in the battery holder of an electric vehicle or in the battery compartment of a battery swap station. The first connector 202 can be an electrical connector, and the second connector 1 can also be an electrical connector. When the lock connection portion 201 moves to the locked position 23, the first connector 202 and the second connector 1 are electrically connected. The drive mechanism can be a device external to the battery holder or battery compartment of the electric vehicle, such as battery swapping equipment or battery transfer equipment. It can also be a connecting rod, lead screw, motor, or other device installed in the battery holder or battery compartment of the electric vehicle.

[0074] The battery terminal connection device 200 is mounted on the battery pack 300 to form a battery pack assembly, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown. Figure 6 The battery terminal connection device 200 of the battery pack assembly shown is installed on the side of the battery pack 300, and Figure 7 The battery terminal connection device 200 of the illustrated battery pack assembly is installed on the end surface of the battery pack 300. The battery terminal connection device 200 can be installed on any surface of the battery pack 300; its installation position is determined by the position of the connection device 100 within the battery holder of the electric vehicle or the battery compartment of the battery swap station. In particular, when the battery terminal connection device 200 is installed on the side of the battery pack 300, the movement of the battery pack 300 does not generate a compressive force on the connection between the connection device 100 and the battery terminal connection device 200, because the movement direction of the battery pack 300 is inconsistent with the connection and locking direction of the connection device 100 and the battery terminal connection device 200. However, the structural design of the connection device 100 and the battery terminal connection device 200 facilitates the connection and locking between the connection device 100 and the battery terminal connection device 200, resolving the design challenges of the battery terminal connection device 200 installed on the side of the battery pack 300.

[0075] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely illustrative and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, and such changes and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connecting device for cooperating with a lock connection part, the lock connection part being fixedly connected with a battery pack, the battery pack having a first connector, characterized in that, The connecting device comprises: a second connector for connecting with the first connector; a moving mechanism fixed on the second connector, the moving mechanism being provided with a locking structure for cooperating with the lock connecting part; the locking structure having a starting position and a locking position; the locking structure is a sliding groove, and the lock connecting part is a lock pin which can slide in the sliding groove along the extension direction of the sliding groove; the lock pin comprises a pin column and a pin flange protruding outward along the circumference of the pin column; the inner circumferential surface of the sliding groove forms a first circumferential surface extending along the circumference and a second circumferential surface extending along the circumference, the first circumferential surface cooperating with the outer circumferential surface of the pin column, and the second circumferential surface cooperating with the outer circumferential surface of the pin flange; when the lock pin slides in the sliding groove, the pin column moves in the groove formed by the first circumferential surface, and the pin flange moves in the groove formed by the second circumferential surface.

2. The connection device of claim 1, wherein The end of the sliding groove closer to the first connector is the starting position, and the end of the sliding groove farther from the first connector is the locking position.

3. A connection device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The locking position of the sliding groove is provided with a limiting area protruding towards the first connector, and the lock pin can fall into the limiting area.

4. The connection device of claim 1, wherein The moving mechanism is provided with a guide groove extending from the surface of the moving mechanism to the starting position of the sliding groove, and the lock pin can move along the guide groove to the starting position of the sliding groove.

5. The connection device of claim 1, wherein The connecting device further comprises a driving mechanism which can drive the second connector and the moving mechanism to move, so that the lock connecting part moves from the starting position to the locking position of the locking structure; the connecting device further comprises a guide rail on which the second connector is installed, and the driving mechanism drives the second connector to move on the guide rail; and / or, the number of moving mechanisms is multiple, and the multiple moving mechanisms are arranged around the second connector; and / or, the number of locking structures is multiple, and the multiple locking structures are arranged around the second connector; and / or, the number of moving mechanisms is even, and the even number of moving mechanisms are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the second connector.

6. An electric vehicle, characterized by The electric vehicle comprises the connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A battery terminal connection device, characterized by comprises: a first connector for connecting with the second connector of the connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; a lock connecting part fixed on the first connector, the lock connecting part being used for cooperating with the locking structure of the connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; when the first connector is connected with the second connector, the lock connecting part is located at the locking position of the locking structure.

8. The battery terminal connection device of claim 7, wherein, The number of lock connecting parts is multiple, and the multiple lock connecting parts are arranged around the first connector.

9. A battery pack assembly, characterized by, The battery pack assembly comprises the battery end connecting device according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The battery pack assembly of claim 9, wherein, The battery pack assembly comprises a battery pack, and the battery end connecting device is located on the side surface of the battery pack.

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