Female connector and connector device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of connectors, and discloses a female connector and a connector device. A first housing assembly of the female connector is provided with a first cavity and a first opening communicating with the first cavity; a first conductor assembly is connected with the first housing assembly and partially located in the first cavity; a protective cover assembly is movably arranged on the first housing assembly, the protective cover assembly is configured to cover the first opening, and when the female connector is plugged with a male connector along a first direction, the protective cover assembly is configured to be pushed by the male connector along the first direction to open the first opening, and a part of the male connector enters the first cavity to be electrically connected with a part of the first conductor assembly. By movably arranging the protective cover assembly on the first housing assembly, on one hand, the problem that the detachable protective cover is easy to lose can be effectively solved, and on the other hand, the opening of the protective cover assembly can be realized in the process of directly plugging with the male connector, manual operation for opening the protective cover is avoided, and the operation is simple.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of connector technology, and in particular to a female connector and connector device. Background Technology

[0002] Battery packs are used in fields such as photovoltaic energy storage, power distribution cabinets, and new energy vehicles to store and release electrical energy. With the increasing demand for battery pack capacity and the requirement for lightweight battery packs, multiple battery packs are often combined for capacity expansion. This requires the design and installation of connectors on each battery pack so that multiple battery packs can be connected in a stacked manner. This places high technical requirements on the connection, insulation protection, and other aspects of the connectors.

[0003] However, in the existing technology, the connectors of the battery pack are designed with detachable protective covers. This means that the protective covers are at risk of being lost, which indirectly leads to the risk of the conductive posts of the battery pack being exposed, thus posing a risk of short circuit caused by external factors. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a female connector and connector device, which can effectively solve the problem of battery pack circuits being easily lost due to the detachable protective cover. On the other hand, it can eliminate the need for manual operation to open the protective cover. The protective cover assembly can be opened directly during the process of plugging in the male connector to achieve electrical connection between the two battery packs. The operation is simple.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a female connector, which includes a first housing assembly, a first conductor assembly, and a protective cover assembly. The first housing assembly has a first chamber and a first opening communicating with the first chamber; the first conductor assembly is connected to the first housing assembly and partially located within the first chamber; the protective cover assembly is movably disposed in the first housing assembly, and is configured to close the first opening, and when the female connector and the male connector are mated in a first direction, the protective cover assembly is configured to be pushed by the male connector in the first direction to open the first opening, allowing a portion of the male connector to enter the first chamber and partially electrically connect with the first conductor assembly.

[0006] In some embodiments, the protective cover assembly is disposed in a first chamber; the protective cover assembly includes a first support and a cover component, the first support is reciprocating in a first direction within the first chamber, the first support has a second opening through which a first conductor assembly passes, the cover component is disposed on the first support and moves with the first support, and the cover component is used to open or close the second opening.

[0007] In some embodiments, the protective cover assembly further includes a first elastic element connected to the first bracket and the first housing assembly, or the first elastic element connected to the first bracket and the first conductor assembly, the first elastic element being configured to provide elastic force to drive the first bracket toward the first opening.

[0008] In some embodiments, the cover component includes a first sliding cover and a second sliding cover movably disposed on a first bracket, as well as a second elastic member and a third elastic member; the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover move toward each other in a second direction to close the second opening, or move apart in a second direction to open the second opening, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; the second elastic member connects the first sliding cover and the first bracket, and the third elastic member connects the second sliding cover and the first bracket.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first conductor assembly includes a first conductive element and a second support, the second support connecting the first conductive element and the first housing assembly to retain a portion of the first conductive element within a first cavity; along a first direction, a first sliding cover and a second sliding cover are located between a first opening and the first conductive element; when the first support moves in a direction away from the first opening, an end of the first conductive element pushes open the first and second sliding covers and extends out through the second opening.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first sliding cover has a first protrusion on the side facing the second sliding cover, and the second sliding cover has a second protrusion on the side facing the first sliding cover. The first protrusion and the second protrusion engage and abut to cover the second opening. Along the second direction, the end of the first conductive element is located between the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second bracket has a pushing portion on the side near the cover component, the pushing portion abutting against the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover to push the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover apart along the second direction, keeping the first protrusion and the second protrusion isolated from the first conductive component.

[0012] In some embodiments, a first transition portion is provided on the side of the first protrusion and the second protrusion near the first conductive member, and / or, a second transition portion is provided on the end of the first conductive member near the first protrusion and the second protrusion; and / or, a third transition portion is provided on the side of the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover near the push portion, and / or, a fourth transition portion is provided on the end of the push portion near the end of the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first bracket is provided with a guide post to form a first guide portion, and the second bracket is provided with a guide hole to form a second guide portion. The guide post is integrally formed with the first bracket and passes through the guide hole. The protective cover assembly also includes a first limiting member, which is disposed at the end of the guide post away from the first bracket. The first limiting member and the first bracket are respectively located on both sides of the second bracket along the first direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first housing assembly includes a housing support and an insulating protective cover. The housing support has a first through hole, and the insulating protective cover includes an integrally formed first base and a first vertical wall. The first base is connected to the housing support, and the first vertical wall passes through the first through hole. The first vertical wall surrounds to form a first chamber and a first opening.

[0015] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a connector device, including a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes a second housing assembly and a second conductor assembly. The second housing assembly has a fourth chamber and a third opening communicating with the fourth chamber. The second conductor assembly is connected to the second housing assembly and is partially located within the fourth chamber. When the male connector and the female connector are inserted in a first direction, the second housing assembly can enter the first chamber through the first opening and push the protective cover assembly to move in the first direction. After the first conductor assembly is exposed, it passes through the third opening to enter the fourth chamber and contact the second conductor assembly to form an electrical connection.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this application embodiment are: the protective cover assembly of the female connector is movably disposed on the first housing assembly, which can effectively solve the problem that the detachable protective cover is easily lost and causes damage to the battery pack circuit. On the other hand, it can eliminate the need for manual operation to open the protective cover. The protective cover assembly can be opened directly during the process of plugging in the male connector to realize the electrical connection of the two battery packs. The operation is simple. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0018] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the connector device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 2 When the connector device in the embodiment of this application is connected, the edge Figure 1 Sectional view of AA.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the female connector in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the protective cover assembly of the female connector in an embodiment of this application disposed on the outside of the first housing assembly.

[0022] Figure 5 This is another schematic diagram showing the protective cover assembly of the female connector in this application disposed on the outside of the first housing assembly.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the protective cover assembly of the female connector in an embodiment of this application disposed inside the first housing assembly.

[0024] Figure 7 This is another schematic diagram showing the protective cover assembly of the female connector in an embodiment of this application disposed inside the first housing assembly.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the female connector in this embodiment of the application after omitting the first housing assembly.

[0026] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the first conductor assembly and the protective cover assembly of the female connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the protective cover assembly of the female connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A partial sectional view along the CC axis.

[0029] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 Another partial sectional view along the CC axis.

[0030] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 Another sectional view along the middle AA.

[0031] Figure 14 This is an example in Figure 13 A magnified view of part D in the middle.

[0032] Figure 15 Another embodiment is in Figure 13 A magnified view of part D in the middle.

[0033] Figure 16 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view along the middle BB.

[0034] Figure 17 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view along the center CC.

[0035] Figure 18 This is an exploded view of the first housing assembly of the female connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 19 This is an exploded view of the first housing assembly of the female connector in an embodiment of this application from another perspective. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," etc., used in this specification indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below may be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0039] Battery packs are used in fields such as photovoltaic energy storage, power distribution cabinets, and new energy vehicles to store and release electrical energy. With the increasing demand for battery pack capacity and the requirement for lightweight battery packs, multiple battery packs are often combined for capacity expansion. This requires the design and installation of connectors on each battery pack, so that multiple battery packs can be connected in series and parallel in a stacked manner. This places high technical requirements on the connection and insulation protection of the connectors.

[0040] However, in the existing technology, the connectors of the battery pack are designed with detachable protective covers. This means that the protective covers are at risk of being lost, which indirectly leads to the risk of the conductive posts of the battery pack being exposed. As a result, the battery pack is at risk of short circuits caused by external factors.

[0041] Based on the above issues, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application provides a connector device 1000, which includes a female connector 100 and a male connector 200, which are respectively disposed on two different battery packs. When the female connector 100 and the male connector 200 are inserted into each other in the first direction X, the two battery packs can be connected in series to expand their capacity.

[0042] This application improves the female connector 100 and the male connector 200, especially the female connector 100, by movably mounting the protective cover assembly 30 on the first housing assembly 10, instead of the prior art's detachable structure of the protective cover assembly 30 relative to the first housing assembly 10. When not mated, the protective cover assembly 30 effectively covers and protects the first conductor assembly 20, preventing it from being exposed to the outside and causing a short circuit. When the female connector 100 and the male connector 200 are mated, the second housing assembly 201 on the male connector 200 can push the protective cover assembly 30 to move relative to the first housing assembly 10, thereby exposing the first conductor assembly 20 and allowing it to contact and connect with the second conductor assembly 202 on the male connector 200.

[0043] The improved female connector 100 of this application has a protective cover assembly 30 that is movably mounted on the first housing assembly 10. On the one hand, this can effectively solve the problem that the detachable protective cover is easily lost, which may lead to short circuits in the battery pack or damage to the conductor terminals. On the other hand, it can eliminate the need for manual operation to open the protective cover. The female connector 100 can directly open the protective cover assembly 30 during the mating process with the male connector 200 to achieve electrical connection between the two battery packs, which is simple to operate.

[0044] For the female connector 100 in this embodiment, please refer to... Figure 3 The female connector 100 includes a first housing assembly 10, a first conductor assembly 20, and a protective cover assembly 30. The first housing assembly 10 is connected to a battery pack. The first conductor assembly 20 is fixed to the first housing assembly 10 and electrically connected to the inside of the battery pack to form the positive or negative terminal of the battery pack. The protective cover assembly 30 is movably disposed inside or outside the first housing assembly 10 to isolate the first conductor assembly 20 from the outside environment or to expose the first conductor assembly 20 for connection with the male connector 200.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first housing assembly 10 has a first chamber 1221 and a first opening 1222 communicating with the first chamber 1221. A first conductor assembly 20 is connected to the first housing assembly 10 and partially located within the first chamber 1221. A protective cover assembly 30 is movably disposed on the first housing assembly 10. The protective cover assembly 30 is configured to close the first opening 1222 when the female connector 100 is not mated with the male connector 200, thus enclosing the first conductor assembly 20 within the first chamber 1221 to prevent short-circuiting between external objects and the first conductor assembly 20. When the female connector 100 and the male connector 200 are mated along a first direction X, the protective cover assembly 30 is configured to be pushed by the male connector 200 along the first direction X to open the first opening 1222, allowing a portion of the male connector 200 to enter the first chamber 1221 and make a partial electrical connection with the first conductor assembly 20.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the protective cover assembly 30 is movably disposed on the outside of the first housing assembly 10. The protective cover assembly 30 includes a first base plate 31a, a first cover plate 31b, and a first reset member 31c. The first base plate 31a is slidable relative to the first housing assembly 10. The first cover plate 31b is pivotally connected to the first base plate 31a. The first reset member 31c is connected to both the first base plate 31a and the first cover plate 31b to drive the first cover plate 31b to rotate and close the first opening 1222. When mated with the male connector 200, the male connector 200 can push the first base plate 31a to move along the first direction X. Under the abutment of the first housing assembly 10, the first cover plate 31b rotates to open the first opening 1222. In other embodiments, there may be two protective cover assemblies 30, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first housing assembly 10 to open or close the first opening 1222 together.

[0047] In other embodiments, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the protective cover assembly 30 is movably disposed within the first chamber 1221 of the first housing assembly 10. When the female connector 100 and the male connector 200 are inserted, the male connector 200 can push the protective cover assembly 30 to move relative to the first housing assembly 10 along a first direction X and / or a second direction Y, thereby opening or closing the first opening 1222. The first direction X is the direction in which the female connector 100 and the male connector 200 are inserted, while the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0048] As an example, please continue reading Figure 6 and Figure 7The protective cover assembly 30 includes a first support 31, a second substrate 32a, a second cover plate 32b, and a second reset member 32c. The first support 31 is movably disposed within the first chamber 1221 along a first direction X, and the first support 31 has a second opening 311. The second substrate 32a is disposed on the first support 31 and can move with the first support 31. The second cover plate 32b is pivotally connected to the second substrate 32a. The second reset member 32c is connected to the second substrate 32a and the second cover plate 32b respectively, so as to drive the second cover plate 32b to rotate and close the second opening 311.

[0049] When the female connector 100 and the male connector 200 are mated, the male connector 200 can push the first bracket 31 to move the second substrate 32a along the first direction X. The second cover plate 32b rotates to open the second opening 311, allowing the first conductor assembly 20 to pass through the second opening 311 and connect with the second conductor assembly 202 on the male connector 200. In other embodiments, there can be two cover components 32, which can be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first bracket 31 in the second direction Y to open or close the second opening 311 together.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first housing assembly 10 of the female connector 100 is fixedly mounted on the battery pack and partially protrudes from the surface of the battery pack, thus reducing the space occupied by the female connector 100 inside the battery pack. During normal storage or transportation, the first housing assembly 10 is more likely to be touched or impacted than other areas of the battery pack. Compared to movably mounting the protective cover assembly 30 on the outside of the first housing assembly 10, mounting the protective cover assembly 30 inside the first housing assembly 10 effectively reduces the risk of the protective cover assembly 30 being accidentally touched and opening the first opening 1222, thereby exposing the first conductor assembly 20. The protective cover assembly 30 is located within the first chamber 1221. Only when the female connectors 100 and male connectors 200 of the two battery packs are properly mated is the protective cover assembly 30 pushed to open the first opening 1222 (and the second opening 311) to expose the first conductor assembly 20. In addition, the protective cover assembly 30 being located within the first chamber 1221 also helps to reduce the probability of damage caused by impacts from external objects, extending the service life of the protective cover assembly 30.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first conductor assembly 20 is detachably connected to the first housing assembly 10, so that when the first housing assembly 10 is worn or deformed, the first housing assembly 10 can be separated from the first conductor assembly 20, and only the first housing assembly 10 needs to be replaced, which is simple to operate and reduces costs.

[0052] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 8 to 11A protective cover assembly 30 is disposed within a first chamber 1221. The protective cover assembly 30 includes a first support 31 and a cover component 32. The first support 31 is reciprocating within the first chamber 1221 along a first direction X. The first support 31 has a second opening 311 through which the first conductor assembly 20 passes. The cover component 32 is disposed on the first support 31 and can move with the first support 31 in the first direction X. The cover component 32 is used to open or close the second opening 311.

[0053] As an example, please combine Figure 2 and Figure 13 When the first bracket 31 moves away from the first opening 1222 along the first direction X, the first conductor assembly 20 can push a portion of the cover member 32 to move relative to the first bracket 31, so that the second opening 311 is opened, and the first conductor assembly 20 passes through the second opening 311 to contact the second conductor assembly 202 of the male connector 200.

[0054] When the female connector 100 and the male connector 200 are mated, the first bracket 31 and the cover component 32 are pushed away from the first opening 1222 by the male connector 200 to expose the first conductor assembly 20. When the female connector 100 and the male connector 200 are separated, the first bracket 31 and the cover component 32 move toward the first opening 1222 to cover the second opening 311, so that the protective cover assembly 30 can be automatically opened when mated and automatically closed when separated. The structure is ingenious and eliminates the need for manual opening or closing of the protective cover assembly 30, thereby improving the connection efficiency between the two battery packs.

[0055] For the first support 31 mentioned above, please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The first support 31 is provided with a first guide portion 312, and the first housing assembly 10 and / or the first conductor assembly 20 are provided with a second guide portion 222. The first guide portion 312 and the second guide portion 222 are connected in cooperation, enabling the first support 31 to reciprocate smoothly along the first direction X. By setting the structure of the first guide portion 312 and the second guide portion 222, the movement of the first support 31 relative to the first housing assembly 10 can be smoother, reducing the probability of jamming or stuttering during the movement of the first support 31. Of course, there can be multiple first guide portions 312 and second guide portions 222 to improve the balance and force uniformity of the first support 31 during movement, further reducing the probability of jamming or stuttering.

[0056] In some embodiments, the protective cover assembly 30 further includes a first elastic element 33, which is connected to the first bracket 31 and the first housing assembly 10, or the first elastic element 33 is connected to the first bracket 31 and the first conductor assembly 20. The first elastic element 33 is configured to provide elastic force to drive the first bracket 31 toward the first opening 1222, so that when the female connector 100 and the male connector 200 are separated, the protective cover assembly 30 automatically closes the second opening 311 to effectively protect the first conductor assembly 20 by enclosing it within the first chamber 1221. As an example, the first elastic element 33 can be a spring, which is always in a stretched state or always in a compressed state.

[0057] As an example, such as Figure 9 As shown, the first bracket 31 has a guide post on the side opposite to the first opening 1222 to form the first guide portion 312 described above, and the second bracket 22 in the first conductor assembly 20 has a guide hole to form the second guide portion 222 described above. The guide post is inserted into the guide hole and can move within the guide hole, so that the first bracket 31 can reciprocate relative to the first conductor assembly 20 along the first direction X. In a further embodiment, the guide post and the first bracket 31 are integrally formed to enhance the structural strength of the guide post and the first bracket 31 and extend their service life.

[0058] In other embodiments, the protective cover assembly 30 further includes a first limiting member 34, which is disposed at the end of the guide post away from the first bracket 31. The first limiting member 34 and the first bracket 31 are respectively located on both sides of the second bracket 22 in the first direction X. The first limiting member 34 is used to prevent the guide post from dislodging from the guide hole. As some examples, the first limiting member 34 can be a C-type snap ring, an E-type snap ring, etc.

[0059] In some other embodiments, considering that the guide post cannot be compressed, when the first bracket 31 is pushed, space needs to be reserved on the female connector 100 or even inside the battery pack to accommodate the protruding guide post. To save space and reduce the volume of the female connector 100 in the first direction X, the first guide portion 312 can be a guide groove provided inside the first housing assembly 10, extending along the first direction X. The first bracket 31 is provided with a guide protrusion that can slide within the guide groove. In this way, no other structures will protrude and occupy space during the movement of the first bracket 31. Of course, a guide protrusion can be provided inside the first housing assembly 10, extending along the first direction X, and a guide groove can be provided on the first bracket 31.

[0060] For the cover component 32 mentioned above, please refer to... Figure 11The cover component 32 includes a first sliding cover 321 and a second sliding cover 322 movably disposed on the first support 31. The first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 move toward each other in the second direction Y to close the second opening 311, or move apart in the second direction Y to open the second opening 311. When the first support 31 is pushed to move away from the first opening 1222, the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 follow the first support 31 until the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 are pushed open by the first conductor assembly 20, and the two separate in the second direction Y, so that the first conductor assembly 20 can pass through the gap between the two.

[0061] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 11 The first support 31 has a second chamber 313 and a third chamber 314. A first sliding cover 321 is movably disposed within the second chamber 313 along the second direction Y, and a second sliding cover 322 is movably disposed within the third chamber 314 along the second direction Y. The cover component 32 also includes a second elastic element 323 and a third elastic element 324. The second elastic element 323 is located within the second chamber 313 and connects the first sliding cover 321 and the first support 31, and is used to push the first sliding cover 321 toward the second sliding cover 322. The third elastic element 324 is located within the third chamber 314 and connects the second sliding cover 322 and the first support 31, and is used to push the second sliding cover 322 toward the first sliding cover 321.

[0062] Furthermore, the first bracket 31 is also provided with a plurality of snap ring limiting posts 325, and the second elastic member 323 and the third elastic member 324 are respectively sleeved on a snap ring limiting post 325 to keep the second elastic member 323 in the second chamber 313 and the third elastic member 324 in the third chamber 314.

[0063] Furthermore, the first support 31 is also provided with a guide structure, which enables the second chamber 313 to guide and limit the first sliding cover 321, and enables the third chamber 314 to guide and limit the second sliding cover 322. This can improve the smoothness of the movement of the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322, and prevent the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 from detaching from the first support 31 and failing.

[0064] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 11 The first bracket 31 includes a first part 31d and a second part 31e. The first part 31d and the second part 31e are fastened together to form a second chamber 313 and a third chamber 314, which facilitates the assembly of the first sliding cover 321, the second sliding cover 322, the second elastic member 323 and the third elastic member 324 with the first bracket 31.

[0065] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 11 The first conductor assembly 20 includes a first conductive element 21 and a second support 22. The first conductive element 21 has a first end 211 near the first opening 1222 and a second end 212 away from the first opening 1222, wherein the second end 212 is for extending into the battery pack and electrically connecting to the battery pack. The second support 22 is disposed in the region between the first end 211 and the second end 212 of the first conductive element 21, and the second support 22 is connected to the first housing assembly 10 to retain the first conductive element 21 within the first chamber 1221 of the first housing assembly 10.

[0066] Along the first direction X, the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 are located between the first opening 1222 and the first conductive member 21; when the first bracket 31 moves away from the first opening 1222, the end of the first conductive member 21 pushes open the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 and passes through the second opening 311.

[0067] Further, please refer to Figure 11 The first sliding cover 321 has a first protrusion 3211 on the side facing the second sliding cover 322, and the second sliding cover 322 has a second protrusion 3221 on the side facing the first sliding cover 321. The first protrusion 3211 and the second protrusion 3221 engage and abut to close the second opening 311. By providing the first protrusion 3211 and the second protrusion 3221 to engage and connect, a gap can be formed between the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322. This gap facilitates the first conductive member 21 to push open and separate the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322, reducing the difficulty of opening.

[0068] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 11 The first protrusion 3211 and the second protrusion 3221 are provided with a first transition portion 3213 on the side near the first conductive member 21, and / or, the first end 211 of the first conductive member 21 is provided with a second transition portion 213 on the side facing the first protrusion 3211 and the second protrusion 3221. The first transition portion 3213 can slide relative to the second transition portion 213. The first transition portion 3213 and the second transition portion 213 are arc-shaped, which makes it easier for the first conductive member 21 to push open the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 in the second direction Y.

[0069] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 11Since the third protrusion 3212 and the fourth protrusion 3222 are separated when the first protrusion 3211 engages and abuts with the second protrusion 3221, that is, a receiving space is formed between the third protrusion 3212 and the fourth protrusion 3222. The first end 211 of the first conductive member 21 can be placed in the receiving space between the third protrusion 3212 and the fourth protrusion 3222. This can further reduce the design length of the first chamber 1221 in the first direction X and reduce the overall volume of the female connector 100.

[0070] Of course, in other embodiments, please refer to Figure 12 Along the first direction X, a buffer space 35 is formed between the first end 211 of the first conductive element 21 and the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322. In this way, when an external object accidentally touches the first support 31 and causes it to move along the first direction X, the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 can move in the buffer space 35 without being immediately pushed open by the first end 211 of the first conductive element 21 and exposing the first conductive element 21, thereby improving the anti-accidental touch capability and protection capability of the protective cover assembly 30.

[0071] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The second bracket 22 is provided with a pushing part 221 on the side near the cover component 32. When the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 move along the first direction X to contact the second bracket 22, the pushing part 221 abuts against the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 respectively, so as to further push the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 apart in the second direction Y. In this way, in the second direction Y, the first protrusion 3211 and the second protrusion 3221 are separated from the first conductive component 21.

[0072] When the first conductive element 21 is connected to the conductor in the male connector 200 and current is transmitted, the first conductive element 21 generates a large amount of heat, and its temperature rises accordingly. To prevent the first conductive element 21 from short-circuiting, the first bracket 31, the first sliding cover 321, the second sliding cover 322, and the second bracket 22 are usually made of insulating materials, such as plastic. To avoid the high-temperature first conductive element 21 continuously contacting the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 directly, causing the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 to deform or melt due to heat, making it difficult for the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 to effectively block and close the first opening 1222 and the second opening 311 in the non-plugged state, a pushing part 221 is provided on the second bracket 22 in this embodiment to further push and separate the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 relative to the first conductive element 21 in the second direction Y, so that the first protrusion 3211 and the second protrusion 3221 are separated from the first conductive element 21, avoiding direct contact between the three.

[0073] As an example, please refer to Figure 14 The pushing portion 221 includes a first step 2213 and a second step 2214, which are disposed on both sides of the first conductive member 21 along the second direction Y. A third protrusion 3212 is provided on the side of the first sliding cover 321 facing the second sliding cover 322, and the third protrusion 3212 is located at the end of the first protrusion 3211 away from the first opening 1222. A fourth protrusion 3222 is provided on the side of the second sliding cover 322 facing the first sliding cover 321, and the fourth protrusion 3222 is located at the end of the second protrusion 3221 away from the first opening 1222. That is, the third protrusion 3212 and the fourth protrusion 3222 are closer to the pushing portion 221 of the second bracket 22 than the first protrusion 3211 and the second protrusion 3221. Along the second direction Y, when the first protrusion 3211 engages and abuts with the second protrusion 3221, the third protrusion 3212 and the fourth protrusion 3222 are separated by space.

[0074] When the female connector 100 is plugged into the male connector 200, the first bracket 31 drives the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 to move away from the first opening 1222. The first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 are pushed open by the first conductive member 21. Under the elastic force of the second elastic member 323 and the third elastic member 324, the first protrusion 3211 of the first sliding cover 321 and the second protrusion 3221 of the second sliding cover 322 remain in contact with the surface of the first conductive member 21 until the third protrusion 3212 abuts against the first step 2213 and the fourth protrusion 3222 abuts against the second step 2214. The first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 are further pushed in the second direction Y to separate from each other, so that the first protrusion 3211 and the second protrusion 3221 no longer directly abut against the surface of the first conductive member 21, preventing the high temperature of the first conductive member 21 from heating and deforming the first protrusion 3211 and the second protrusion 3221.

[0075] As another example, please refer to Figure 15 The pushing part 221 includes a first inclined surface 2211 and a second inclined surface 2212. Along the direction from the second end 212 of the first conductive member 21 towards the first end 211, the distance between the first inclined surface 2211 and the second inclined surface 2212 gradually decreases, that is, the pushing part 221 has a wedge-shaped structure. The working principle of the wedge-shaped pushing part 221 is the same as that of the pushing part 221 of the step mechanism, which can be referred to the above content for details, and will not be repeated here.

[0076] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 15The third protrusion 3212 and the fourth protrusion 3222 are provided with a third transition portion 3214 on the side near the pushing portion 221, and / or the pushing portion 221 is provided with a fourth transition portion 223 on the side facing the third protrusion 3212. The third transition portion 3214 can slide relative to the fourth transition portion 223. The third transition portion 3214 and the fourth transition portion 223 are arc-shaped, which makes it easier for the pushing portion 221 to further push open the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 in the second direction Y.

[0077] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 Along the second direction Y, the first conductive element 21 is provided with a connecting reinforcement 214, which partially fits into the second bracket 22 to enhance the connection strength between the first conductive element 21 and the second bracket 22. As examples, the connecting reinforcement 214 may be a through hole or a non-through blind hole in the first conductive element 21, or a structure of other shapes. The second bracket 22 is formed by injection molding at the second end 212 of the first conductive element 21, and these through holes, blind holes, or other structures can partially fit into the second bracket 22 to enhance the connection strength between the two.

[0078] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 18 and Figure 19 The first housing assembly 10 includes a housing support 11 and an insulating protective cover 12. The housing support 11 has a first through hole 111. The insulating protective cover 12 includes an integrally formed first base 121 and a first vertical wall 122. The first base 121 is detachably connected to the housing support 11. The first vertical wall 122 passes through the first through hole 111 and surrounds to form a first chamber 1221 and a first opening 1222. The first support 31, the first sliding cover 321, and the second sliding cover 322 are movably disposed within the first chamber 1221. The second support 22 is connected to the first base 121 and the housing support 11 to fix the first conductive element 21 within the first chamber 1221. By setting the housing support 11 and the insulating protective cover 12 as two independent components, it is beneficial to reduce the manufacturing difficulty and facilitate the installation of other components on the housing support 11.

[0079] In some embodiments, the outer casing bracket 11 is provided with a first positioning part 112, and the first base 121 is provided with a second positioning part 1211. The first positioning part 112 and the second positioning part 1211 are connected in a cooperative manner, which allows the insulating protective cover 12 to be quickly installed on the outer casing bracket 11. It is understood that the outer casing bracket 11 and the insulating protective cover 12 can be connected in any way, such as screwing, snapping, bonding, or fastening.

[0080] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 17A fifth protrusion 1223 is provided at the end of the first vertical wall 122 away from the first base 121. The fifth protrusion extends toward the center of the first chamber 1221 and defines the first opening 1222. The fifth protrusion 1223 has a limiting effect on the first bracket 31 in the first direction X, preventing the first bracket 31 from disengaging beyond the first chamber 1221. In a further embodiment, a groove 315 is provided on the side of the first bracket 31 near the first opening 1222. The groove 315 is adapted to the fifth protrusion 1223 so that the outer surface of the first bracket 31 is flush with the end of the fifth protrusion 1223. This can greatly reduce dust and debris remaining at the first opening 1222, thereby reducing the entry of external dust and debris into the first chamber 1221 when the female connector 100 and the male connector 200 are mated.

[0081] It is understood that there are two first conductor components 20 and two protective cover components 30, with one protective cover component 30 corresponding to one first conductor component 20. One of the two first conductor components 20 constitutes the positive terminal of the battery pack, and the other constitutes the negative terminal. The two first conductor components 20 realize the transmission of electrical energy. Of course, a signal transmission component can also be set on the first housing component 10 to realize information monitoring and transmission between the two battery packs.

[0082] For the male connector 200 in connector assembly 1000, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 13 The male connector 200 includes a second housing assembly 201 and a second conductor assembly 202. The second housing assembly 201 is fixedly disposed on the outside of the battery pack. The second housing assembly 201 has a fourth chamber 2011 and a third opening 2012 communicating with the fourth chamber 2011. The second conductor assembly 202 is connected to the second housing assembly 201 and is partially located within the fourth chamber 2011. A portion of the second conductor assembly 202 extends into the battery pack to electrically connect with the battery cells within the battery pack. When the male connector 200 is inserted into the female connector 100 along the first direction X, the second housing assembly 201 can enter the first chamber 1221 through the first opening 1222 of the first housing assembly 10, and push the protective cover assembly 30 to move along the first direction X. After the first conductor assembly 20 is exposed, it passes through the third opening 2012 to enter the fourth chamber 2011 and contact the second conductor assembly 202 to form an electrical connection.

[0083] More specifically, when the male connector 200 and the female connector 100 are inserted along the first direction X, the second housing assembly 201 can push the first bracket 31 from the first opening 1222 of the first housing assembly 10 to move away from the first opening 1222 and enter the first chamber 1221. The first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 are pushed open by the first conductive member 21. The first conductive member 21 passes through the second opening 311 and continues to pass through the third opening 2012 to enter the fourth chamber 2011 and contact the second conductor assembly 202 to form an electrical connection. In this way, the first conductive member 21 and the second conductor assembly 202 can be electrically connected. When the male connector 200 is separated from the female connector 100, the first bracket 31 returns to its original position under the elastic force of the first elastic member 33, and under the elastic force of the second elastic member 323 and the third elastic member 324, the first sliding cover 321 and the second sliding cover 322 close the first opening 1222 and the second opening 311 to seal the first chamber 1221.

[0084] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A female connector, characterized in that, include: The first housing assembly has a first chamber and a first opening communicating with the first chamber; A first conductor assembly is connected to the first housing assembly and is partially located within the first cavity; A protective cover assembly is movably disposed within the first cavity of the first housing assembly. The protective cover assembly is configured to close the first opening, and when the female connector and the male connector are mated in a first direction, the protective cover assembly is configured to be pushed by the male connector in the first direction to open the first opening, and a portion of the male connector enters the first cavity and is partially electrically connected to the first conductor assembly. The protective cover assembly includes a first bracket and a cover component. The first bracket can reciprocate within the first chamber along the first direction. The first bracket has a second opening through which the first conductor assembly passes. The cover component is disposed on the first bracket and moves with the first bracket. The cover component is used to open or close the second opening. The cover component includes a first sliding cover and a second sliding cover movably disposed on the first bracket. The first sliding cover and the second sliding cover move toward each other in a second direction to close the second opening, or move apart in a second direction to open the second opening. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The first conductor assembly includes a first conductive element and a second support, the second support connecting the first conductive element and the first housing assembly to retain a portion of the first conductive element within the first cavity; Along the first direction, the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover are located between the first opening and the first conductive element; When the first bracket moves away from the first opening, the end of the first conductive element pushes open the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover, and passes through the second opening.

2. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective cover assembly further includes a first elastic element, which is connected to the first bracket and the first housing assembly, or the first elastic element is connected to the first bracket and the first conductor assembly, and the first elastic element is configured to provide elastic force to drive the first bracket toward the first opening.

3. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover component includes a second elastic element and a third elastic element; The second elastic element connects the first sliding cover and the first bracket, and the third elastic element connects the second sliding cover and the first bracket.

4. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sliding cover has a first protrusion on the side facing the second sliding cover, and the second sliding cover has a second protrusion on the side facing the first sliding cover. The first protrusion and the second protrusion engage and abut to cover the second opening. Along the second direction, the end of the first conductive element is located between the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover.

5. The female connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second bracket has a pushing part on the side near the cover component. The pushing part abuts against the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover to push the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover apart in the second direction, keeping the first protrusion and the second protrusion isolated from the first conductive component.

6. The female connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first protrusion and the second protrusion are provided with a first transition portion on the side near the first conductive member, and / or the first conductive member is provided with a second transition portion at the end near the first protrusion and the second protrusion; And / or, The first sliding cover and the second sliding cover are provided with a third transition portion on the side near the push portion, and / or the push portion is provided with a fourth transition portion near the end of the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover.

7. The female connector according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first bracket is provided with a guide post to form a first guide part, and the second bracket is provided with a guide hole to form a second guide part. The guide post is integrally formed with the first bracket and passes through the guide hole. The protective cover assembly further includes a first limiting member, which is disposed at the end of the guide post away from the first bracket. The first limiting member and the first bracket are respectively located on both sides of the second bracket along the first direction.

8. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing assembly includes a housing support and an insulating protective cover. The housing support has a first through hole. The insulating protective cover includes an integrally formed first base and a first vertical wall. The first base is connected to the housing support. The first vertical wall passes through the first through hole and surrounds to form the first chamber and the first opening.

9. A connector device, characterized in that, Includes male connectors and female connectors as described in any one of claims 1-8; The male connector includes a second housing assembly and a second conductor assembly. The second housing assembly has a fourth chamber and a third opening communicating with the fourth chamber. The second conductor assembly is connected to the second housing assembly and is partially located within the fourth chamber. When the male connector and the female connector are inserted in the first direction, the second housing assembly can enter the first cavity from the first opening and push the protective cover assembly to move in the first direction. After the first conductor assembly is exposed, it passes through the third opening to enter the fourth cavity and contact the second conductor assembly to form an electrical connection.

Images