An electrical connector, battery pack and energy storage system

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of battery pack technology, and specifically discloses an electrical connector, a battery pack, and an energy storage system. The connector includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first body, a first conductive seat, a second conductive seat, and a push-button switch for connecting the battery pack's main control system, all disposed on the first body. The second conductive seat connects to the first electrode of the battery pack. The first conductive seat has a conductive busbar, which makes electrical contact with the second conductive seat, forming an opening area. The second connector includes a second body, a first conductive head, a second conductive head, an insulating rod, and an insulating isolating plate disposed on the second body. During the docking of two battery packs, the insulating rod of the first battery pack presses the push-button switch of the second battery pack, and the insulating isolating plate of the first battery pack abuts against the first and second conductive seats of the second battery pack, isolating them. Through this method, this invention can reduce contact arcing during the connection of adjacent battery packs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery pack technology, and in particular to an electrical connector, battery pack, and energy storage system. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of energy storage battery technology, the application scenarios for energy storage batteries are becoming increasingly diverse. For ease of use, more and more electronic devices are equipped with battery packs for power supply, enabling portability or power generation. Especially in energy storage power supplies, multiple battery packs are typically connected in series to provide sufficient voltage. Furthermore, because the internal circuitry of the battery packs is conductive, contact arcing can easily occur when multiple battery packs are interconnected. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, embodiments of the present invention provide an electrical connector, a battery pack, and an energy storage system that overcome or at least partially solve the above problems.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electrical connector is provided, comprising a first connector including a first body and a first conductive seat, a second conductive seat, and a push-button switch for connecting a main control system of a battery pack, both disposed on the first body. The second conductive seat is used to connect to a first electrode of the battery pack. The first conductive seat is provided with a conductive busbar, which is electrically in contact with the second conductive seat and forms an opening region with the second conductive seat. The second connector includes a second body and a first conductive head, a second conductive head, an insulating rod, and an insulating isolating plate, both disposed on the second body. The first conductive head is used to connect to the first conductive seat, and the second conductive head is used to connect to a second electrode of the battery pack. During docking of two battery packs in a first direction, the insulating rod of the first battery pack is used to engage with and press the push-button switch of the second battery pack to conduct the push-button switch so that the main control system obtains a power-off signal. The insulating isolating plate of the first battery pack is used to engage with the opening region of the second battery pack to abut against and isolate the first conductive seat and the second conductive seat within the second battery pack. The first conductive seat and the second conductive seat within the first battery pack are respectively used to engage with the first conductive head and the second conductive head within the second battery pack.

[0005] In one optional embodiment, the first connector further includes at least one communication conductive post for communication connection with the main control system within the battery pack, and the second connector includes a communication conductive interface for mating with each of the communication conductive posts; a first mating distance is less than a second mating distance, the second mating distance is less than a third mating distance, and the third mating distance is less than a fourth mating distance; wherein the first mating distance, the second mating distance, the third mating distance, and the fourth mating distance are all mating distances between the two battery packs in a first direction, and the first mating distance is the mating distance between the insulating top rod of the first battery pack and the push-button switch of the second battery pack, the second mating distance is the mating distance between the insulating insulating sheet of the first battery pack and the opening area, the third mating distance is the mating distance between the first conductive base and the second conductive base of the first battery pack and the first conductive head and the second conductive head of the second battery pack, respectively, and the fourth mating distance is the mating distance between each of the communication conductive posts of the first battery pack and a communication conductive interface of the second battery pack.

[0006] In one alternative embodiment, the conductive bus includes a plurality of elastic conductive pins arranged in a row along a second direction. Each conductive pin includes a connecting portion, a first inclined portion, and a second inclined portion. One end of the connecting portion is connected to the first conductive base. The first inclined portion and the second inclined portion are arranged at an angle. The first inclined portion is inclined toward the direction of the second conductive base, and the second inclined portion is inclined toward the direction away from the second conductive base. An opening region is formed between the second inclined portion and the second conductive base. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the side-by-side arrangement direction of the first conductive base and the second conductive base.

[0007] In one alternative embodiment, a first bending plate is provided on the side of the first conductive base near the second conductive base, and a second bending plate is provided on the side of the second conductive base near the first conductive base. The second bending plate is disposed opposite to the first bending plate and spaced apart by a predetermined space. One end of the connecting portion is connected to the first bending plate, and the second inclined portion and the second bending plate are spaced apart to form the opening area. The connection between the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion is in point contact with the second bending plate.

[0008] In one optional embodiment, the insulating separator includes a first inclined segment, a horizontal segment, and a second inclined segment connected in sequence; during the docking of two battery packs in a first direction, the first inclined segment, the horizontal segment, and the second inclined segment are sequentially inserted into the opening area; along the first direction, the first thickness of the first inclined segment gradually decreases in a third direction, the horizontal segment extends along the second direction, the second thickness of the second inclined segment gradually decreases in a third direction, the first thickness is less than the third thickness of the horizontal segment in a third direction, and the third thickness is less than the second thickness; the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the third direction is parallel to the side-by-side arrangement direction of the first conductive base and the second conductive base.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, the push-button switch includes a switch body, a first pin, a second pin, and a push-button module movably connected to the switch body. The first pin and the second pin are disposed on the switch body and are electrically connected to the main control system of the battery pack. The push-button module is movable relative to the switch body to turn the first pin and the second pin on or off. When two battery packs are docked in a first direction, the insulating top rod of the first battery pack is used to dock and press the push-button module of the second battery pack, so that the push-button module turns on the first pin and the second pin. When the two battery packs are separated in the first direction, the insulating top rod of the first battery pack no longer docks and presses the push-button module of the second battery pack, and the push-button module disconnects the first pin and the second pin.

[0010] In one optional embodiment, the first body is further provided with a mounting groove and a first mounting space and a second mounting space respectively disposed on opposite sides of the mounting groove. The first conductive seat is disposed in the first mounting space, and the second conductive seat is disposed in the second mounting space. The mounting groove is used to accommodate the first bent plate, the second bent plate, and the conductive busbar. When the two battery packs are connected in a first direction, the first conductive head can be inserted from the first mounting space into the first conductive seat, the second conductive head can be inserted from the second mounting space into the second conductive seat, and the insulating insulating sheet can be inserted from the mounting groove into the opening area.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the first body further includes a first insertion hole communicating with the first mounting space. When two battery packs are mated in the first direction, the first conductive head can be inserted into the first conductive base through the first insertion hole. The first connector further includes a first cover plate and a second cover plate, which cover the first insertion hole. Both the first cover plate and the second cover plate are rotatably connected to the first body and can rotate relative to each other to open or close the first insertion hole. The first body also includes a second insertion hole communicating with the second mounting space. When two battery packs are mated in the first direction, the second conductive head can be inserted into the second conductive base through the second insertion hole. The first connector further includes a third cover plate and a fourth cover plate, which cover the second insertion hole. Both the third cover plate and the fourth cover plate are rotatably connected to the first body and can rotate relative to each other to open or close the second insertion hole.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery pack is provided, comprising a housing having a first mounting port and a second mounting port, the first mounting port and the second mounting port being located at opposite ends of the housing along a first direction; a battery module disposed within the housing; and an electrical connector as described above, the first connector being disposed at the first mounting port, the second connector being disposed at the second mounting port, at least a portion of the first conductive base and the second conductive base being located outside the housing, the second conductive base being electrically connected to a first electrode of the battery module, and the second conductive head being connected to a second electrode of the battery module.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, an energy storage system is provided, comprising at least two battery packs as described above, wherein the at least two battery packs are stacked along a first direction, and when two adjacent battery packs are stacked together, the second connector of one of the battery packs is plugged into the first connector of the other battery pack.

[0014] In one alternative embodiment, the energy storage system includes an energy storage host located on top of at least two battery packs stacked along the first direction. The energy storage host has a first connector on its side near the battery packs. When the energy storage host is in a connected state, the first connector on the energy storage host is inserted into a second connector of an adjacent battery pack. When the energy storage host is in a disconnected state, the first connector on the energy storage host is disconnected from the second connector of the adjacent battery pack.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this embodiment of the invention are as follows: Unlike existing technologies, this embodiment includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first body, a first conductive seat, a second conductive seat, and a push-button switch for connecting the main control system of the battery pack, all disposed on the first body. The second conductive seat connects to the first electrode of the battery pack. The first conductive seat has a conductive busbar that is electrically in contact with the second conductive seat and forms an opening area with it. The second connector includes a second body, a first conductive head, a second conductive head, an insulating top rod, and an insulating insulating plate, all disposed on the second body. The first conductive head connects to the first conductive seat, and the second conductive head connects to the second electrode of the battery pack. When the two battery packs are docked in a first direction, the insulating top rod of the first battery pack engages with the push-button switch of the second battery pack to activate the push-button switch, enabling the main control system to receive a power-off signal. The insulating insulating plate of the first battery pack engages with the opening area of ​​the second battery pack to separate and isolate the first and second conductive seats within the second battery pack. Furthermore, the first and second conductive seats within the first battery pack are respectively used to engage with the first and second conductive heads within the second battery pack. In this embodiment, when two battery packs are connected in the first direction, the insulating top rod of the first battery pack is used to press the button switch of the second battery pack, thereby enabling the main control system to obtain a shutdown signal and shut down the current output to prevent arcing during the connection of the two battery packs. This forms a first layer of protection when the two battery packs are connected. Furthermore, the insulating insulating plate of the first battery pack is used to abut against the opening area of ​​the second battery pack to separate and isolate the first and second conductive seats inside the second battery pack, thus preventing short circuits during the connection process. This forms a second layer of protection. In this embodiment, by forming multiple layers of protection, the risk of arcing and short circuits during the connection of the two battery packs is reduced. Moreover, compared to the cable connection method used in related technologies, this embodiment uses a first connector and a second connector to connect multiple battery packs, making the installation simpler, more efficient, and easier for users to operate. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in specific embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art 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.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a connection block diagram of the battery module and electrical connector within the battery pack of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a portion of the structure of the electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a portion of the structure of the electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention from another angle;

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the first connector of the electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is another schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the first connector of the electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a state of the electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a partial exploded view of the structure of the first connector of the electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a connection block diagram of the energy storage host and the first connector in the energy storage system of this embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a connection block diagram of multiple battery packs and an energy storage host in an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, 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 being "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 being "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 "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only.

[0029] 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 invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0030] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0031] Please see Figures 1-3 One embodiment of this application provides an energy storage system 1000, including at least two battery packs 100, which are stacked along a first direction Z, and adjacent battery packs 100 are connected in series. Each battery pack 100 is provided with an electrical connector 10, which allows adjacent battery packs 100 to be connected in series after being stacked.

[0032] It should be noted that this application does not specify a particular number of battery packs 100 in the energy storage system 1000; users can choose according to their actual needs, but there must be at least two. Optionally, the number of battery packs 100 may be three, four, or more.

[0033] To help readers understand how two adjacent battery packs 100 (the first battery pack and the second battery pack) are connected in series via the electrical connector 10, it is necessary to first understand the structure of the electrical connector 10 within each battery pack 100. The specific structure of the electrical connector 10 within each battery pack 100 is described below:

[0034] Please see Figures 1-3 One embodiment of this application provides an electrical connector 10, including a first connector 11 and a second connector 12, which are disposed at both ends of the same battery pack 100 along a first direction Z. When adjacent battery packs 100 are mated along the first direction Z, the second connector 12 of one battery pack 100 is inserted into the first connector 11 of the other battery pack 100, thereby realizing a series connection between the two adjacent battery packs 100. This eliminates the need for complex connections using cables, making it more convenient to use. When adjacent battery packs 100 need to be disassembled, the first connector 11 of one battery pack 100 and the second connector 12 of the other battery pack 100 are separated from each other.

[0035] In some embodiments, please refer to the following: Figures 3-5The first connector 11 includes a first body 111, a first conductive seat 112, a second conductive seat 113, and a push-button switch 119 for connecting the main control system of the battery pack 100, all disposed on the first body 111. The second conductive seat 113 is used to connect the first electrode of the battery pack 100. The first conductive seat 112 is provided with a conductive bus 114, which is in electrical contact with the second conductive seat 113, and the conductive bus 114 and the second conductive seat 113 form an opening region 114a.

[0036] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 4 The second connector 12 includes a second body 121 and a first conductive head 122, a second conductive head 123, an insulating top rod 121c, and an insulating insulating plate 124, all disposed on the second body 121. The second conductive head 123 is connected to the second electrode of the battery pack 100, and the first conductive seat 112 and the first conductive head 122 are electrically connected within the same battery pack 100.

[0037] During the docking of the two battery packs in the first direction Z, the insulating top rod 121c of the first battery pack is used to press the button switch 119 of the second battery pack to conduct the button switch 119 so that the main control system can obtain a shutdown signal and shut down the current output to prevent arcing during docking of the two battery packs 100, thus forming the first layer of protection when the two battery packs 100 are connected; the insulating insulating plate 124 of the first battery pack is used to insert into the opening area 114a of the second battery pack to abut against the first conductive seat 112 and the second conductive seat 113 inside the second battery pack to separate and isolate them, thereby preventing short circuits during docking of the two battery packs 100, thus forming the second layer of protection when the two battery packs 100 are connected; the first conductive seat 112 and the second conductive seat 113 inside the first battery pack are respectively used to dock with the first conductive head 122 and the second conductive head 123 inside the second battery pack, thereby realizing the series connection between the two battery packs 100.

[0038] It is understood that the first electrode and the second electrode of the battery pack 100 are electrodes with different polarities. In some embodiments, if the first electrode of the battery pack 100 is the positive electrode, then the second electrode of the battery pack 100 is the negative electrode. In some embodiments, if the first electrode of the battery pack 100 is the negative electrode, then the second electrode of the battery pack 100 is the positive electrode.

[0039] It should be noted that each battery pack 100 contains a battery module 1002. Before the multiple battery packs 100 are stacked and interlocked along the first direction Z, in each battery pack 100, a second conductive base 113 is connected to the positive terminal of the battery module 1002, and the negative terminal of the battery pack 100 is connected to the main control board 1003. The first conductive base 112 and the second conductive base 113 are electrically connected through a conductive bus 114. The main control board 1003 can be a BMS (Battery Management System) board, and the main control system is installed on the main control board 1003.

[0040] In some embodiments, please refer to the following: Figures 5-7 The first body 111 is provided with a mounting groove 1111 and a first insertion interface 1111a communicating with the mounting groove 1111. A conductive bus 114 is located in the mounting groove 1111. One end of the conductive bus 114 is connected to the first conductive seat 112, and the other end of the conductive bus 114 abuts against the second conductive seat 113. An opening area 114a is spaced between the other end of the conductive bus 114 and the second conductive seat 113. The opening area 114a is disposed opposite to the first insertion interface 1111a. An insulating isolation sheet 124 can be inserted from the mounting groove 1111 into the opening area 114a. During the docking of the two battery packs 100 in the first direction Z, the second connector 12 of the first battery pack is inserted into the first connector 11 of the second battery pack, and the insulating isolation piece 124 of the first battery pack is inserted from the first insertion interface 1111a on the second battery pack into the opening area 114a. The insulating isolation piece 124 on the first battery pack is inserted between the conductive busbar 114 and the second conductive seat 113 of the second battery pack, so that the first conductive seat 112 and the second conductive seat 113 in the second battery pack are disconnected and isolated.

[0041] In some embodiments, please refer to the following: Figure 4 and Figure 5 A first bending plate 1121 is provided on the side of the first conductive base 112 near the second conductive base 113. At least a portion of the first bending plate 1121 is located in the mounting groove 1111. A second bending plate 1131 is provided on the side of the second conductive base 113 near the first conductive base 112. At least a portion of the second bending plate 1131 is located in the mounting groove 1111. The second bending plate 1131 is arranged opposite to the first bending plate 1121 and separated by a preset space.

[0042] The space is designed to accommodate the conductive busbar 114. A first bent plate 1121 is used to fix one end of the conductive busbar 114, and the other end of the conductive busbar 114 can be detachably contacted with a second bent plate 1131. When the conductive busbar 114 and the second bent plate 1131 are in contact, an electrical connection is established between the first bent plate 1121 and the second bent plate 1131 within the same battery pack, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the first conductive seat 112 and the second conductive seat 113 within the same battery pack. When the insulating separator 124 on the first battery pack is inserted between the conductive busbar 114 and the second conductive seat 113 on the second battery pack, the first conductive seat 112 and the second conductive seat 113 on the second battery pack are disconnected.

[0043] In some embodiments, please refer to the following: Figure 5 The conductive bus 114 includes a plurality of elastic conductive pins 1140 arranged in a row along the second direction X. Each conductive pin 1140 includes a connecting portion 1141, a first inclined portion 1142, and a second inclined portion 1143 connected in sequence. One end of the connecting portion 1141 is connected to a first conductive base 112. The first inclined portion 1142 and the second inclined portion 1143 are arranged at an angle. The first inclined portion 1142 is inclined toward the second conductive base 113, and the second inclined portion 1143 is inclined toward the direction away from the second conductive base 113. The opening region 114a is formed between the second inclined portion 1143 and the second conductive base 113. The insulating isolating piece 124 on the first battery pack can be inserted into the opening area 114a from the first insertion interface 1111a on the second battery pack. The insulating isolating piece 124 on the first battery pack is inserted between the conductive bus 114 and the second conductive seat 113 of the second battery pack, so that the conductive bus 114 and the second conductive seat 113 of the second battery pack are disconnected, thereby making the first conductive seat 112 and the second conductive seat 113 of the second battery pack disconnected.

[0044] It should be noted that when the adjacent battery packs 100 are in a disassembled state, when the insulating isolation piece 124 on the first battery pack is separated from the first insertion interface 1111a of the second battery pack, the conductive busbar 114 on the second battery pack, under the action of its own elastic restoring force, the other end of the conductive busbar 114 on the second battery pack abuts against the second conductive seat 113 again, thereby restoring the electrical connection between the first conductive seat 112 and the second conductive seat 113 in the second battery pack.

[0045] In some embodiments, one end of the connecting portion 1141 is connected to the first bent plate 1121, and an opening region 114a is formed between the second inclined portion 1143 and the second bent plate 1131. The connection between the first inclined portion 1142 and the second inclined portion 1143 is in point contact with the second bent plate 1131. This arrangement allows the insulating insulating sheet 124 to be easily inserted between the conductive busbar 114 and the second bent plate 1131 with relatively little force.

[0046] In some embodiments, the insulating separator 124 includes a first inclined segment 1241, a horizontal segment 1242, and a second inclined segment 1243 connected in sequence. During the docking of the two battery packs 100 in the first direction Z, the first inclined segment 1241, the horizontal segment 1242, and the second inclined segment 1243 are sequentially inserted into the opening region 114a. Along the first direction Z, the first inclined segment 1241 gradually decreases in thickness along the third direction Y, the horizontal segment 1242 extends along the second direction X, and the second inclined segment 1243 gradually decreases in thickness along the third direction Y. This arrangement can avoid obstructing the conductive bus 114, which is beneficial to reducing the volume of the conductive bus 114, thereby reducing the distance between the first conductive seat 112 and the second conductive seat 113, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the first connector 11. Furthermore, this reduces the contact force between the first inclined segment 1241 and the conductive bus 114, and also reduces the contact force between the second inclined segment 1243 and the conductive bus 114, thereby facilitating the insertion of the first inclined segment 1241 into the opening region 114a along the first direction Z, and facilitating the insertion of the second inclined segment 1243 into the opening region 114a along the first direction Z.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first thickness is less than the third thickness of the horizontal segment 1242 along the third direction Y, and the third thickness is less than the second thickness. The second thickness of the second inclined segment 1243 along the third direction Y is larger, which can provide a larger interference fit so that the insulating insulating sheet 124 is clamped between the conductive busbar 114 and the second bent plate 1131.

[0048] In some embodiments, please refer to the following: Figure 6 and Figure 7 The first body 111 is also provided with a mounting cavity 1113 and a second socket 1113a communicating with the mounting cavity 1113. The mounting cavity 1113 is used for mounting the push button switch 119, and the second socket 1113a facilitates the entry of the insulating top rod 121c on the second body 121 into the mounting cavity 1113 to engage with the push button switch 119 to open.

[0049] In some embodiments, the push button switch 119 includes a switch body 1191, a first pin 1192, a second pin 1193, and a push button module 1194 movably connected to the switch body. The first pin 1192 and the second pin 1193 are disposed on the switch body 1191 and are both connected to the main control board 1003. The first pin 1192 and the second pin 1193 are used to electrically connect to the main control system of the battery pack 100. The push button module 1194 can move relative to the switch body 1191 to turn on or off the first pin 1192 and the second pin 1193.

[0050] When the two battery packs 100 are connected in the first direction Z, the insulating top rod 121c of the first battery pack is used to press the button module 1194 of the second battery pack, so that the button module 1194 conducts the first pin 1192 and the second pin 1193 to turn on the button switch 119. This makes the button switch 119 and the main control board 1003 conduct, so that the main control board 1003 receives a power-off signal. The main control board 1003 shuts down to turn off the current output of the battery pack 100, so as to ensure the safe connection of the adjacent battery packs 100 and prevent safety accidents. When the two battery packs are separated in the first direction Z, the insulating top rod 121c of the first battery pack no longer presses the button module 1194 of the second battery pack. The button module 1194 disconnects the first pin 1192 and the second pin 1193 to turn off the button switch 119.

[0051] It is worth noting that before the first connector 11 of the first battery pack and the second connector 12 of the second battery pack are connected along the first direction Z, the first connector 11 is energized because the first pin 1192 and the second pin 1193 are electrically connected to the main control board 1003 of the battery pack. When the push-button switch 119 is turned on, the main control board 1003 of the battery pack receives a power-off signal, which means that the first connector 11 of the first battery pack and the second connector 12 of the second battery pack are about to be connected. The main control board 1003 then disconnects the current output, so that the first connector 11 of the first battery pack is not energized. This avoids the instantaneous voltage / current surge that could cause arcing when the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 of the two battery packs are connected during the stacking of the battery packs 100.

[0052] In some embodiments, the button module 1194 includes a metal sheet (not shown) and a button plate 1194a. The metal sheet is movably disposed on the switch body 1191 and fixedly connected to the button plate 1194a. The button plate 1194a is disposed on the insulating push rod 121c of the first connector 11 for mating with the second connector 12 and is movably connected to the switch body 1191. When the first connector 11 is inserted into the second connector 12, and the insulating push rod 121c on the second connector 12 presses against the button plate 1194a on the first connector 11, the button plate 1194a drives the metal sheet to contact the first pin 1192 and the second pin 1193, thereby making the first pin 1192 and the second pin 1193 conductive.

[0053] In some embodiments, the keypad 1194a is elastically connected to the switch body 1191. During the insertion of the first connector and the second connector, the insulating rod 121c presses against the keypad 1194a, causing the keypad 1194a to undergo elastic deformation and generate an elastic force. During the separation of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12, the insulating rod 121c stops pressing the keypad 1194a, and the keypad 1194a gradually returns to the disconnected position under the action of the elastic force.

[0054] In some embodiments, please refer to the following: Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 8 The first connector 11 further includes at least one communication conductive post 111a for communicating with the main control system in the battery pack 100. The second connector 12 includes a communication conductive interface 121a for mating with the communication conductive post 111a. When the two battery packs 100 are mated along the first direction Z, the communication conductive post 111a on one of the battery packs 100 is mated with the communication conductive interface 121a on the other battery pack, thereby realizing signal communication between the two battery packs 100.

[0055] Furthermore, during the docking process between the first connector 11 of one battery pack 100 and the second connector 12 of another battery pack 100, the relevant components need to meet the following requirements during docking: the first docking distance is less than the second docking distance, the second docking distance is less than the third docking distance, and the third docking distance is less than the fourth docking distance. Specifically, the first, second, third, and fourth docking distances are all docking distances between the two battery packs in the first direction Z; the first docking distance is the docking distance between the insulating top rod 121c of the first battery pack and the push-button switch 119 of the second battery pack; the second docking distance is the docking distance between the insulating insulating sheet 124 and the opening area 114a of the first battery pack; the third docking distance is the docking distance between the first conductive base 112 and the second conductive base 113 of the first battery pack and the first conductive head 122 and the second conductive head 123 of the second battery pack, respectively; and the fourth docking distance is the docking distance between each of the communication conductive posts 111a of the first battery pack and a communication conductive interface 121a of the second battery pack. The first docking distance is less than the second docking distance, the second docking distance is less than the third docking distance, and the third docking distance is less than the fourth docking distance.

[0056] Thus, due to the aforementioned docking distances, during the docking process of the two battery packs in the first direction Z, the insulating top rod 121c on the first battery pack first docks with the push-button switch 119 on the second battery pack, and the main control system in the second battery pack receives a shutdown signal. Then, the insulating insulating plate 124 of the first battery pack and the opening area 114a of the second battery pack dock to prevent short circuits in the energy storage battery modules within the battery pack 100 during docking. Next, the first conductive base 112 and the second conductive base 113 of the first battery pack dock with the first conductive head 122 and the second conductive head 123 of the second battery pack, respectively, thereby achieving series connection between the first and second battery packs. Finally, each of the communication conductive posts 111a of the first battery pack docks with a communication conductive interface 121a of the second battery pack, thereby achieving communication between the first and second battery packs. Similarly, when the first and second battery packs are separated, the separation process of the aforementioned components is exactly the opposite.

[0057] In some embodiments, please refer to the following: Figure 6 and Figure 7The first body 111 is also provided with a first mounting space 1114 and a first insertion hole 1115 communicating with the first mounting space 1114. A first conductive base 112 is disposed in the first mounting space 1114. A first conductive head 122 can be inserted into the first conductive base 112 from the first mounting space 1114. When two battery packs 100 are connected in the first direction Z, the first conductive head 122 can be inserted into the first conductive base 112 from the first insertion hole 1115. The first mounting space 1114 is used for the installation of the first conductive base 112, and the first insertion hole 1115 facilitates the connection between the first conductive head 122 and the first conductive base 112.

[0058] In some embodiments, please refer to the following: Figure 9 The first connector 11 also includes a first cover plate 115 and a second cover plate 116, which cover the first insertion hole 1115. The first cover plate 115 and the second cover plate 116 are rotatably connected to the first body 111. The first cover plate 115 and the second cover plate 116 can rotate relative to each other to open or close the first insertion hole 1115.

[0059] When the two battery packs 100 are connected in the first direction Z, the first conductive head 122 can push the first cover plate 115 and the second cover plate 116 to open the first insertion hole 1115 and connect to the first conductive base 112. When the two battery packs 100 are in a separated state, the first cover plate 115 and the second cover plate 116 close the first insertion hole 1115 to reduce the entry of external dust and impurities into the first mounting space 1114 and reduce the impact on the first conductive base 112 located in the first mounting space 1114.

[0060] It is understandable that when the two battery packs 100 are in a separated state, in order for the first cover plate 115 and the second cover plate 116 to automatically close the first insertion hole 1115, both the first cover plate 115 and the second cover plate 116 can be connected to the first body 111 by a torsion spring.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first body 111 is further provided with a second mounting space 1116 and a second insertion hole 1117 communicating with the second mounting space 1116. A second conductive base 113 is disposed within the second mounting space 1116, and a second conductive head 123 can be inserted from the second mounting space 1116 into the second conductive base 113. When two battery packs 100 are connected in the first direction Z, the second conductive head 123 can be inserted from the second insertion hole 1117 into the second conductive base 113. The second mounting space 1116 is used for mounting the second conductive base 113, and the second insertion hole 1117 facilitates the connection between the second conductive head 123 and the second conductive base 113. Optionally, the second mounting space 1116 and the first mounting space 1114 are arranged along a third direction Y, which is perpendicular to the first direction Z and the second direction X, and parallel to the direction in which the first conductive base 112 and the second conductive base 113 are arranged side-by-side.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first connector 11 further includes a third cover plate 117 and a fourth cover plate 118, which cover the second insertion hole 1117. Both the third cover plate 117 and the fourth cover plate 118 are rotatably connected to the first body 111. The third cover plate 117 and the fourth cover plate 118 can rotate relative to each other to open or close the second insertion hole 1117. When two battery packs 100 are mated in the first direction Z, the second conductive head 123 can push the third cover plate 117 and the fourth cover plate 118 to open the second insertion hole 1117 and connect it to the second conductive seat 113. When adjacent battery packs 100 are in a separated state, the third cover plate 117 and the fourth cover plate 118 close the second insertion hole 1117 to reduce the entry of external dust and impurities into the second mounting space 1116 and reduce the impact on the second conductive seat 113 located in the second mounting space 1116.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first mounting space 1114 and the second mounting space 1116 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the mounting groove 1111. With this arrangement, when the two battery packs 100 are docked along the first direction Z, since the mounting groove 1111 is in the middle position, when the insulating insulating sheet 124 is inserted into the opening area 114a in the mounting groove 1111, the connection between the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 can be more stable.

[0064] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2The battery pack 100 also includes a housing 1001 and a battery module 1002. The housing 1001 is provided with a first mounting port 1001a and a second mounting port 1001b. The first mounting port 1001a and the second mounting port 1001b are located at both ends of the housing 1001 along a first direction Z. The battery module 1002 is disposed inside the housing 1001. A first connector 11 is disposed in the first mounting port 1001a, and a second connector 12 is disposed in the second mounting port 1001b. At least a portion of the first conductive seat 112 and the second conductive seat 113 are located outside the housing 1001. The second conductive seat 113 is electrically connected to the first electrode of the battery module 1002, and the second conductive head 123 is connected to the second electrode of the battery module 1002.

[0065] In some embodiments, the battery pack 100 further includes a main control board 1003, which is disposed within the housing 1001. The second electrode and the second conductive head 123 of the battery pack 100 are both electrically connected to the main control board 1003. Simultaneously, a push-button switch 119 is connected to the main control board 1003 via a wiring harness, so that when the push-button switch 119 is in the on or off state, the main control board 1003 controls whether the internal circuit is cut off. Optionally, the second conductive base 113 within a single battery pack 100 is connected to the positive terminal of the battery module 1002 via a first busbar 10a, the second conductive head 123 is connected to the MOS circuit on the main control board 1003 via a second busbar 10b, the MOS circuit is connected to the negative terminal of the battery module 1002 via a third busbar 10c, and the first conductive base 112 is connected to the first conductive head 122 via a fourth busbar 10d.

[0066] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The energy storage system 1000 includes an energy storage host 101, which is located on top of at least two battery packs 100 stacked along a first direction Z. A first connector 11 is provided on the side of the energy storage host 101 near the battery packs 100. When the energy storage host 101 is in a connected state, the first connector 11 on the energy storage host 101 is inserted into a second connector 12 of the adjacent battery pack 100. When the energy storage host 101 is in a disconnected state, the first connector 11 on the energy storage host 101 is disconnected from the second connector 12 of the adjacent battery pack 100. Optionally, the energy storage host 101 includes a circuit board 1012, which is connected to a first electrode of the top battery pack 100 and also connected to a second electrode of the top battery pack 100. Thus, the charging and discharging control of the stacked battery packs 100 can be performed through the circuit board 1012 of the energy storage host 101. The energy storage host 101 can be a battery pack 100 or other control device.

[0067] Furthermore, it should be noted that after multiple battery packs 100 are stacked and connected along the first direction Z, the first connector 11 of the bottom battery pack 100 is not affected by the second connector 12 of another battery pack 100. At this time, the first conductive seat 112 and the second conductive seat 113 in the first connector 11 of the bottom battery pack 100 are always electrically connected.

[0068] In some embodiments, the energy storage host 101 is provided with an energy storage inverter module 1011. The positive terminal of the energy storage inverter module 1011 is connected to the first conductive base 112 on the first connector 11 via the fifth bus 101a. The negative terminal of the energy storage inverter module 1011 is connected to the circuit board 1012 via the sixth bus 101b. The circuit board 1012 is connected to the negative terminal of the battery module 1002 via the seventh bus 101c. The positive terminal of the battery module 1002 is connected to the second conductive base 113. The second conductive base 113 and the first conductive base 112 are connected via a conductive bus 114.

[0069] In this embodiment of the invention, a first connector 11 and a second connector are provided. The first connector 11 includes a first body 111, a first conductive seat 112 and a second conductive seat 113 disposed on the first body 111, and a push-button switch 119 for connecting to the main control system of the battery pack. The second conductive seat 113 is used to connect to the first electrode of the battery pack. The first conductive seat 112 is provided with a conductive bus 114, which is in electrical contact with the second conductive seat 113 and forms an opening region 114a with the second conductive seat 113. The second connector includes a second body 121 and a first conductive head 122, a second conductive head 123, an insulating top rod 121c, and an insulating insulating plate 124, all disposed on the second body 121. The first conductive head 122 is used to connect to the first conductive seat 112, and the second conductive head 123 is used to connect to the second electrode of the battery pack.

[0070] During the docking of the two battery packs in the first direction Z, the insulating top rod 121c of the first battery pack is used to dock with the button switch 119 of the second battery pack to turn on the button switch 119 so that the main control system can obtain a power-off signal. The insulating isolation piece 124 of the first battery pack is used to insert into the opening area 114a of the second battery pack to abut against the first conductive seat 112 and the second conductive seat 113 inside the second battery pack to separate them. The first conductive seat 112 and the second conductive seat 113 inside the first battery pack are respectively used to dock with the first conductive head 122 and the second conductive head 123 inside the second battery pack. In this embodiment, when the two battery packs are connected in the first direction Z, the insulating top rod 121c of the first battery pack is used to press the button switch 119 of the second battery pack, thereby enabling the main control system to obtain a shutdown signal and shut down the current output to prevent arcing during the connection of the two battery packs. This forms a first layer of protection when the two battery packs 100 are connected. Furthermore, the insulating insulating plate 124 of the first battery pack is used to abut against the opening area 114a of the second battery pack to separate and isolate the first conductive seat 112 and the second conductive seat 113 inside the second battery pack. This prevents short circuits during the connection of the two battery packs 100, thus forming a second layer of protection when the two battery packs 100 are connected. In this embodiment, by forming multiple layers of protection, the risk of arcing and short circuits during the connection of the two battery packs 100 is reduced. In addition, compared with the method of connecting multiple battery packs 100 with cables in related technologies, in this embodiment, multiple battery packs are connected by the cooperation of the first connector 11 and the second connector, which makes the installation method simpler, more efficient, and easier for users to operate.

[0071] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, characterized by, A battery pack is provided with a first connector comprising a first body, a first conductive seat, a second conductive seat and a key switch for connecting a master control system of the battery pack, the second conductive seat is used for conductive connection of a first electrode of the battery pack, the first conductive seat is provided with a conductive bus between the first conductive seat and the second conductive seat, the conductive bus comprises a conductive needle, the conductive needle of the conductive bus is in electrical contact with the second conductive seat and forms an opening area with the second conductive seat. A second connector comprising a second body, a first conductive head, a second conductive head, an insulating top rod and an insulating isolation sheet, the second conductive head is used for connecting a second electrode of the battery pack. When two battery packs are docked in the first direction, the insulating top rod of the first battery pack is used to press the key switch of the second battery pack to turn on the key switch so that the master control system obtains a shutdown signal, the insulating isolation sheet of the first battery pack is used to plug the opening area of the second battery pack to resist the first conductive seat and the second conductive seat in the second battery pack, and the first conductive seat and the second conductive seat in the first battery pack are used to dock the first conductive head and the second conductive head in the second battery pack, respectively. The first connector further comprises at least one communication conductive column for communication connection with the master control system in the battery pack, and the second connector comprises a communication conductive interface for one-to-one docking with the communication conductive column; the first docking distance is less than the second docking distance, the second docking distance is less than the third docking distance, and the third docking distance is less than the fourth docking distance.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, The first docking distance, the second docking distance, the third docking distance and the fourth docking distance are all the docking distances of the two battery packs in the first direction, and the first docking distance is the docking distance of the insulating top rod of the first battery pack and the key switch of the second battery pack, the second docking distance is the docking distance of the insulating isolation sheet of the first battery pack and the opening area, the third docking distance is the docking distance of the first conductive seat and the second conductive seat of the first battery pack with the first conductive head and the second conductive head of the second battery pack, respectively, and the fourth docking distance is the docking distance of each communication conductive column of the first battery pack with a communication conductive interface of the second battery pack.

3. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein ​ The plurality of conductive pins are arranged in a row along a second direction, each of the conductive pins comprises a connecting portion, a first inclined portion and a second inclined portion connected in sequence, one end of the connecting portion is connected to the first conductive seat, the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion are arranged at an included angle, the first inclined portion is inclined towards the second conductive seat, the second inclined portion is inclined away from the second conductive seat, and the second inclined portion and the second conductive seat are spaced apart to form the opening area; the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the direction in which the first conductive seat and the second conductive seat are arranged side by side.

4. The electrical connector of claim 3, wherein, a first bending plate is arranged on a side of the first conductive seat close to the second conductive seat, a second bending plate is arranged on a side of the second conductive seat close to the first conductive seat, the second bending plate is arranged opposite to the first bending plate and spaced apart by a preset space; one end of the connecting portion is connected to the first bending plate, the second inclined portion and the second bending plate are spaced apart to form the opening area, and the connecting portion between the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion is in point contact with the second bending plate.

5. The electrical connector of claim 3, wherein, the insulating spacer comprises a first inclined segment, a horizontal segment and a second inclined segment connected in sequence; during the abutting of the two battery packs in the first direction, the first inclined segment, the horizontal segment and the second inclined segment are sequentially inserted into the opening area along the first direction; along the first direction, the first inclined segment gradually decreases in a first thickness in a third direction, the horizontal segment extends along the second direction, and the second inclined segment gradually decreases in a second thickness in the third direction; the first thickness is smaller than a third thickness of the horizontal segment in the third direction, and the third thickness is smaller than the second thickness; the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the third direction is parallel to the direction in which the first conductive seat and the second conductive seat are arranged side by side.

6. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, the key switch comprises a switch body, a first pin, a second pin and a key module movably connected to the switch body, the first pin and the second pin are arranged on the switch body and connected to a main control board, the first pin and the second pin are used for electrically connecting a main control system of a battery pack, and the key module is movable relative to the switch body to turn on or turn off the first pin and the second pin; when the two battery packs are abutted in the first direction, the insulating top rod of the first battery pack is used to abut and press the key module of the second battery pack, so that the key module turns on the first pin and the second pin, and when the two battery packs are separated in the first direction, the insulating top rod of the first battery pack no longer abuts and presses the key module of the second battery pack, and the key module turns off the first pin and the second pin.

7. The electrical connector of claim 4, wherein, The first body is further provided with a mounting slot and first and second mounting spaces disposed on opposite sides of the mounting slot, the first conductive seat is disposed in the first mounting space, the second conductive seat is disposed in the second mounting space, and the mounting slot is used for accommodating the first and second bent plates and the conductive busbar; When the two battery packs are butted in the first direction, the first conductive head can be inserted into the first conductive seat from the first mounting space, the second conductive head can be inserted into the second conductive seat from the second mounting space, and the insulating isolation sheet can be inserted into the opening area from the mounting slot.

8. The electrical connector of claim 7, wherein, The first body is further provided with a first insertion hole communicating with the first mounting space, and when the two battery packs are butted in the first direction, the first conductive head can be inserted into the first conductive seat from the first insertion hole; The first connector further comprises first and second cover plates, the first and second cover plates cover the first insertion hole, the first and second cover plates are both rotationally connected to the first body, and the first and second cover plates can be relatively rotated to open or close the first insertion hole; The first body is further provided with a second insertion hole communicating with the second mounting space, and when the two battery packs are butted in the first direction, the second conductive head can be inserted into the second conductive seat from the second insertion hole; The first connector further comprises third and fourth cover plates, the third and fourth cover plates cover the second insertion hole, the third and fourth cover plates are both rotationally connected to the first body, and the third and fourth cover plates can be relatively rotated to open or close the second insertion hole.

9. A battery pack, characterized by, Comprising: a housing provided with first and second mounting openings, the first and second mounting openings being located at two ends of the housing along a first direction; a battery module disposed in the housing; and The electrical connector of any one of claims 1-8, the first connector is disposed in the first mounting opening, the second connector is disposed in the second mounting opening, at least part of the first and second conductive seats are located outside the housing, the second conductive seat is electrically connected to a first electrode of the battery module, and the second conductive head is connected to a second electrode of the battery module.

10. An energy storage system characterized by, Comprising: at least two battery packs of claim 9, the at least two battery packs are stacked along the first direction, and when two adjacent battery packs are stacked and connected, the second connector of one of the battery packs is connected to the first connector of the other battery pack.

11. The energy storage system of claim 10, wherein, Comprising: The energy storage system comprises an energy storage host, the energy storage host is located at the top of at least two battery packs stacked along the first direction, the first connector on the energy storage host is arranged close to one side of the battery pack, the first connector on the energy storage host is plugged into the second connector of the adjacent battery pack when the energy storage host is in the connected state, and the first connector on the energy storage host is separated from the second connector of the adjacent battery pack when the energy storage host is in the separated state.

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