Battery pack and energy storage cabinet

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of energy, and provides a battery pack and an energy storage cabinet, the battery pack comprises a shell and a connector fixed on the shell; the connector comprises a base, a surrounding plate, a second conductive part and a fastening assembly; the base is fixed to the shell, the surrounding plate is fixed to the base and perpendicular to the shell, the surrounding plate and the base define a mounting space, the surrounding plate is provided with a notch communicated with the mounting space, and the notch is used for allowing the first conductive part to stretch into the mounting space; one part of the second conductive part is located in the mounting space and is used for being electrically connected with the first conductive part, and the other part of the second conductive part penetrates through the base and extends into the shell; the fastening assembly is used for penetrating through the first conductive part and the second conductive part so that the first conductive part and the second conductive part can be fixed to the base, and the height of the surrounding plate is larger than that of the part, located in the installation space, of the fastening assembly. The coaming can form a barrier to prevent an operator from directly contacting the lap joint structure of the two conductive members and the fixing assembly, so that the safety in the installation process is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of energy technology, specifically to a battery pack and an energy storage cabinet. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of electrical equipment, under the dual constraints of size and high power density, the electrical connections between various components within electrical equipment and between electrical equipment and other electrical equipment are often achieved by bolting. Taking the connection between battery packs in an energy storage cabinet as an example, adjacent battery packs are generally connected by a combination of copper busbars and bolts. To ensure electrical safety, related technologies usually cover the outside of the bolt and copper busbar connection with a removable protective cover. However, during installation, after the protective cover is removed, a person can easily touch the copper busbar and bolt connection, resulting in weak protection and poor safety. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a battery pack, connector, and energy storage cabinet to improve the safety of the connector during use.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0005] A first aspect of this application provides a battery pack including a housing and a connector fixed to the housing; wherein the connector includes a base, a surrounding plate, a second conductive element, and a fastening assembly; specifically, the base is fixed to the housing, the surrounding plate is fixed to the base and perpendicular to the housing, the surrounding plate and the base enclose to form an installation space, the surrounding plate has a notch communicating with the installation space, the notch for a first conductive element to extend into the installation space; a portion of the second conductive element is located within the installation space and is used for electrical connection with the first conductive element, and another portion of the second conductive element passes through the base and extends into the housing; the fastening assembly is used to pass through the first and second conductive elements so that the first and second conductive elements are fixed to the base, and the height of the surrounding plate is greater than the height of the portion of the fastening assembly located within the installation space.

[0006] In the above-mentioned solution, during the installation process, a portion of the first conductive component extends into the installation space from the notch in the enclosure. The portion of the first conductive component extending into the installation space is electrically connected to the portion of the second conductive component exposed in the installation space. Next, the fastening assembly passes through the first and second conductive components, and then the fastening assembly is tightened so that the first and second conductive components fit tightly together and are fixed to the base.

[0007] After installation, the fastening components located within the installation space are shorter than the enclosure. Since the fastening components within the installation space pass through the first and second conductive components, during installation, the overlapping portion of the first and second conductive components will be shorter than the enclosure after they come into contact. This means the overlapping structure of the first and second conductive components is relatively shorter than the enclosure. Thus, during installation, the enclosure forms a safety barrier, preventing operators from directly contacting the fastening components and the overlapping structure of the first and second conductive components. In other words, this structure effectively reduces the risk of electric shock to operators and improves safety during installation.

[0008] In one implementation, the end of the enclosure away from the base is used to form a mounting opening, and the notch is located on one side of the mounting opening and communicates with the mounting opening.

[0009] In confined spaces, such as energy storage cabinets with high density, the distance between two adjacent battery packs is small, and the length of the first conductive component used to connect the two adjacent battery packs is also limited. If a rigid conductive component such as a hard copper busbar is used, the high hardness of the rigid conductive component makes it difficult for the first conductive component to be inserted into the installation space. If a flexible conductive component such as a soft copper busbar is used, on the one hand, the cost of the flexible conductive component is high, and on the other hand, there is no extra space in such a confined space for the flexible conductive component to bend. This also makes it difficult to insert the first conductive component into the installation space even if a flexible conductive component is used.

[0010] In this implementation, the mounting port and the notch are connected. With this configuration, the mounting port can serve as one of the entry points for the first conductive component to extend into the mounting space. Specifically, the side of the mounting port away from the enclosure has a larger space. During the installation of the first conductive component, the first conductive component can be moved towards the mounting port from the side of the mounting port away from the enclosure. During this process, the part of the first conductive component that needs to extend into the mounting space enters the mounting space through the mounting port.

[0011] This design structure allows for easy placement of the first conductive component, regardless of whether it is a rigid copper busbar or a flexible copper busbar, thus reducing the difficulty of using the connector. Secondly, with this design structure, operators can directly select rigid copper busbars, which are less expensive than flexible copper busbars. This effectively reduces the cost of the first conductive component, thereby lowering the overall cost of the battery pack and its downstream products.

[0012] In one implementation, the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the mounting port is less than 50 mm.

[0013] Specifically, the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the mounting port can be selected as 45mm, 40mm, 30mm, 25mm, or 20mm, etc. By limiting the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the mounting port to below 50mm, the connector provided in this implementation can meet the IPXXA safety protection level requirements at the mounting port. During installation, it can prevent the back of an operator's hand from entering the installation space through the mounting port. This structural design has good safety, which on the one hand helps the overall safety of the connector to move closer to international safety standards, and on the other hand facilitates the promotion and use of the connector. IPXXA refers to a safety requirement for equipment in international safety regulations, which specifically requires preventing fixed foreign objects (such as the back of a hand) with a diameter greater than 50mm from entering the equipment.

[0014] In one implementation, the enclosure has a limiting edge facing the installation space, the limiting edge forming part of the installation opening, and the portion of the fastening assembly located within the installation space is situated between the limiting edge and the base.

[0015] After installation, a portion of the fastening assembly is typically located on the side of the first and second conductive components facing away from the base. This portion of the fastening assembly is exposed within the installation space and faces the mounting opening. To meet the rated locking torque, the fastening assembly is generally made of metal, which results in a significant risk of electric shock to the operator from the exposed portion of the fastening assembly within the installation space. Even if the mounting opening meets IPXXA safety requirements in the aforementioned implementation, although the mounting opening already has a certain level of safety protection, there is still a possibility that part of the operator's hand could be inserted into the installation space. In other words, during installation, the operator's hand could still be at risk of electric shock.

[0016] To reduce the possibility of the operator's back of hand coming into contact with the exposed parts of the fastening components within the installation space, the height of the enclosure relative to the fastening components can be directly increased. However, while this method can reduce the probability of electric shock to the operator's back of hand, it will result in an excessively large overall size of the connector, which contradicts the application of the connector in narrow spaces. Therefore, in actual use, the actual maximum inscribed circle diameter of the mounting port needs to be adaptively reduced according to the height of the fastening components and the height of the enclosure.

[0017] While reducing the size of the enclosure's trajectory can decrease the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the mounting opening, the enclosure's trajectory still needs to meet the placement requirements of the first and second conductive components. Specifically, to meet the upper limit of the rated current that can be passed, the contact area between the first and second conductive components usually cannot be reduced. This also means that the enclosure's trajectory surrounding the connection between the first and second conductive components cannot be unconditionally reduced, meaning that the enclosure's trajectory cannot be arbitrarily adjusted according to the protection requirements of the mounting opening.

[0018] In this implementation, by setting a limiting edge on the enclosure and making the limiting edge form part of the mounting opening, the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the mounting opening can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the limiting edge protruding from the enclosure towards the mounting space during use. This method can effectively improve the flexibility of the mounting hole design and reduce the design difficulty of the connector without changing the height of the enclosure and the surrounding trajectory.

[0019] In one implementation, the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the notch is less than 50 mm.

[0020] Specifically, the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the notch can be selected as 45mm, 40mm, 30mm, 25mm, or 20mm, etc. By limiting the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the notch to below 50mm, the safety protection level of the connector provided in this implementation can meet the IPXXA requirements at the notch. During installation, it can prevent the back of the operator's hand from entering the installation space through the notch. This structural design has good safety, which on the one hand helps the overall safety of the connector to move closer to international safety standards, and on the other hand, it is also conducive to the promotion and use of the connector.

[0021] In one implementation, the connector further includes a cover plate that is connected to and movable relative to the enclosure, the cover plate covering the mounting opening.

[0022] In this implementation, by setting a cover plate, the installation port can be sealed before and after installation, preventing foreign objects from entering the installation space through the installation port before and after installation. Based on this function of the cover plate, the protection of the installation port can meet the IPXXB requirements before and after installation, which can bring the overall safety of the connector closer to international safety standards and promote the promotion and use of connectors.

[0023] IPXXB refers to a safety requirement for equipment in international safety regulations, specifically preventing fixed foreign objects (such as fingers) with a diameter greater than 12mm from entering the equipment. Secondly, the cover's connection to the enclosure and its movable nature ensure that the cover does not separate from the enclosure during installation, reducing the likelihood of loss due to operator negligence and improving the reliability of the battery pack during installation.

[0024] In one implementation, the connector also includes a cover plate that is detachably connected to the enclosure plate and covers the mounting opening.

[0025] In this implementation, the battery pack features a cover that seals the mounting opening before and after installation, preventing foreign objects from entering the installation space. This function of the cover ensures that the mounting opening meets IPXXB requirements both before and after installation, bringing the overall safety of the connector closer to international safety standards and promoting its widespread adoption. Furthermore, if either the cover or the enclosure needs replacement, the detachable connection allows operators to adjust or replace either panel independently without affecting the other. This structure offers good flexibility and facilitates long-term maintenance and use.

[0026] In one implementation, the connector further includes a pivot and a torsion spring. The cover plate is connected to the enclosure plate via the pivot, and the torsion spring is sleeved on the pivot. One movable end of the torsion spring abuts against the cover plate, and the other movable end of the torsion spring abuts against the enclosure plate. When the cover plate is in the open mounting position, the torsion spring supports the cover plate so that the cover plate remains in the open mounting position.

[0027] In this implementation, the cover plate can rotate relative to the surrounding plate via a pivot, thus satisfying the requirement that the cover plate be movable relative to the surrounding plate. From the perspective of the pivot itself, this type of structure is easy to obtain and has a simple movement method. Compared with other complex moving structures, such as folding or push-pull structures, the rotating structure formed based on the pivot is easier to process and assemble, which can effectively reduce the production difficulty of the connector. Secondly, through the combination of torsion spring and pivot, the cover plate can have a "self-holding ability" in the open state, which can prevent the cover plate from closing the installation opening due to accidental collision during the installation process, thus avoiding the impact and interruption of the installation process if such an accident occurs.

[0028] Secondly, with the presence of a limiting edge, the connection between the pivot and the surrounding plate can be transferred to the pivot and the limiting edge. In other words, the cover plate can be rotated relative to the limiting edge via the pivot. Compared to the end of the surrounding plate away from the base, the limiting edge has a wider plane. This structure facilitates the setting of the pivot, reduces assembly difficulty, and thus improves assembly efficiency.

[0029] In one implementation, the battery pack includes two connectors, the positive terminal of the battery pack includes a second conductive element of one of the two connectors, and the negative terminal of the battery pack includes a second conductive element of the other of the two connectors; with the cover of one connector in an open mounting port state, the cover of one connector is at least partially located on the side of the cover of the other connector away from the enclosure.

[0030] From another perspective, this implementation method involves the two connectors having opposite "opening directions" for their covers. Taking the example that each connector's cover is rotatably connected to the surrounding plate, the "opening direction" is the rotation direction during the cover's opening process. With this design, when the cover of one of the two connectors is in the open state, the cover of that connector will be located on the rotation path of the cover of the other connector. This setting can prevent the cover of the other connector from being opened.

[0031] In a battery pack, this structure prevents the positive and negative terminals from being opened simultaneously. This effectively reduces the risk of accidents caused by the simultaneous opening of these terminals. For example, during operation, if the positive and negative terminals are opened together and their fastening components are installed, the wrench corresponding to the positive terminal might collide with the wrench corresponding to the negative terminal. If the wrench is conductive, this could potentially lead to electric shock or a short circuit, causing a safety accident. This design effectively reduces the likelihood of such accidents, thus improving the safety of the battery pack during actual use.

[0032] In one implementation, the connector further includes a locking element that passes through the cover plate and is threadedly connected to the enclosure plate, the locking element being used to secure the cover plate and the enclosure plate.

[0033] Before and after installation, securing the cover and enclosure with locking devices prevents the cover from being accidentally opened due to vibration or accidental impact, thus improving connector safety. In the presence of a torsion spring, the locking devices prevent the torsion spring from pushing the cover relative to the enclosure towards an open position, thus avoiding accidental opening of the cover without external support.

[0034] In one implementation, the cover plate includes a first part and a second part, the first part being fixed to the surface of the second part and protruding outward, the first part covering the mounting opening, and the second part covering a portion of the notch.

[0035] In this implementation, the function of the first part of the cover plate can be found in the section on the function of the cover plate in this implementation, and will not be repeated here. In addition, in this implementation, by setting the second part of the cover plate, the second part can cover part of the notch before and after installation. In this way, the second part can effectively reduce the exposed area of ​​the notch before and after installation. Based on this structural setting, the second part can form a certain obstacle to fixed foreign objects (such as the back of the operator's hand or fingers) entering the installation space through the notch, which can improve the safety of the connector.

[0036] In one implementation, the distance between the end of the second part away from the first part and the base is less than 12mm.

[0037] Specifically, the spacing can be selected as 11mm, 10mm, 9mm, 8mm or 7mm, etc. By setting the spacing within the above range, fixed foreign objects with a diameter of more than 12mm can be prevented from entering the installation space. This ensures that the notch meets the IPXXB requirements before and after installation. Such a structural design can improve the safety of the notch before and after installation, and bring the overall safety of the connector closer to international safety standards, thus promoting the promotion and use of the connector.

[0038] In one implementation, the second part includes a groove and a plurality of connecting beams. The groove divides the second part into two sub-parts along the direction of the enclosure away from the base, with one of the two sub-parts located on the side of the other facing the base. The plurality of connecting beams are spaced apart in the groove, with each connecting beam connected to a different sub-part at both ends.

[0039] In practical applications, the two most common forms of the first conductive component in battery packs are copper busbars and crimp terminals. Copper busbars are nearly sheet-like in size and shape, and are relatively regular in shape. When the copper busbar enters the installation space through the notch, it occupies a small area of ​​the notch. However, crimp terminals have an abrupt change in shape at the notch, transforming from a thinner form to a thicker cylinder. This results in crimp terminals occupying a larger area of ​​the notch. In actual use, however, purchasers may not be able to predict whether the first conductive component connected to the connector will be a copper busbar or a crimp terminal, which could lead to mismatches between the connector and the first conductive component during installation.

[0040] In this implementation, during actual use, the operator can break off multiple connecting beams, thus separating the one of the two sub-parts facing the base from the connector. The broken-off sub-part can be discarded, and the gap originally covered by that sub-part will be exposed again. This means that this structure allows the gap to have at least two different exposed areas before installation. This allows for flexible adjustment of the area of ​​the second part of the cover plate during installation, enabling the operator to manually control the area of ​​the gap covered by the second part before and after installation. This also allows the operator to control the area of ​​the gap that allows the first conductive component to pass through. Therefore, regardless of whether the first conductive component is a copper busbar or a crimp terminal, it can meet installation requirements, reducing the probability of mismatch between the first conductive component and the connector, and improving the flexibility and efficiency of the installation process.

[0041] In one implementation, the connector further includes a limiting stage fixed to the inner surface of the enclosure and protruding from the inner surface of the enclosure toward the mounting space, the limiting stage being used to surround the portion of the first conductive element that extends into the mounting space.

[0042] After installation, the fastening components need to pass through the first and second conductive components. Therefore, the through holes on the first and second conductive components need to be aligned. During installation, the enclosure partially obstructs the operator's view, which affects the alignment process of the first and second conductive components. In this implementation, a limiting platform is set on the inner surface of the enclosure to restrict the position of the first conductive component. The operator can sense whether the first conductive component is installed in place through the contact force feedback between the first conductive component and the limiting platform. This structure facilitates the alignment of the first and second conductive components, effectively reducing assembly difficulty and improving assembly efficiency.

[0043] In one implementation, the limiting platform has a guide surface located at one end of the limiting platform away from the surrounding plate and inclined toward the surrounding plate in the direction of the surrounding plate away from the base.

[0044] In this implementation, the first conductive component will first contact the guide surface during installation. During the process of the operator pressing and releasing the first conductive component, the part of the first conductive component located in the installation space will move along the guide surface until it is locked into the enclosure of the limiting stage. This setting can effectively reduce the difficulty of aligning the first conductive component and the second conductive component and improve assembly efficiency.

[0045] In one implementation, the connector further includes a boss fixed to the surface of the base facing the housing and protruding in a direction away from the base, the boss extending into the housing, and another portion of the second conductive element passing through the base and the boss and extending into the housing.

[0046] Inside the battery pack casing, the component connected to the second conductive element is typically a copper busbar. This busbar collects energy transmitted from the various battery modules within the battery pack, or transmits external energy obtained from the first conductive element by the second conductive element to the various battery modules within the battery pack. The second conductive element and this copper busbar are generally connected by fasteners. Specifically, fasteners such as screws or bolts pass through the second conductive element and the copper busbar. During the fastening process, the pressure of the fastener on the second conductive element is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second conductive element. This causes the fastener to exert a large bending moment on the second conductive element. Excessive bending moment can cause the second conductive element to bend or break.

[0047] In this implementation, a boss is provided on the side of the base facing the outer shell, so that the part of the second conductive component that extends into the inner shell passes through the boss. In this way, during the installation process, the boss can provide support for the second conductive component. The direction of this support force is opposite to the pressure direction of the fastener, and the two can cancel each other out. This can effectively reduce the bending moment generated by the fastener on the second conductive component during the fastening process, and can effectively reduce the risk of the second conductive component being bent or broken.

[0048] In one implementation, the connector further includes a limiting member that passes through another portion of the boss and the second conductive member, the limiting member being used to secure the second conductive member to the boss.

[0049] Before and during installation, before the fastening components secure the second conductive element to the base, the second conductive element and the base can move relative to each other. During the handling process before installation, this relative movement may cause the second conductive element to detach from the base. Secondly, during installation, this mobility of the second conductive element relative to the base may also cause the second conductive element to become misaligned relative to the base due to accidental factors such as collisions or vibrations. These misalignments will affect the assembly alignment of the first and second conductive elements.

[0050] In this implementation, by setting a limiting member that passes through another part of the second conductive member and the boss, the degree of freedom of the second conductive member relative to the boss can be restricted, so that the second conductive member can be kept fixed relative to the base. This can improve the stability of the position of the second conductive member before and during installation. This structure can avoid the problem of the second conductive member detaching from the base before installation, and can also reduce the risk of accidental factors during installation affecting the assembly between the first and second conductive members.

[0051] In one implementation, the fastening assembly includes a screw and a head. The screw passes through a first conductive element and a second conductive element and is threaded to a base. The head is fixed to the screw and protrudes outward along the radial direction of the screw. The head is used to press the first conductive element and the second conductive element against the surface of the base away from the housing.

[0052] In this implementation, the headed screw approximates a bolt, and existing bolts can be directly used as fastening components. Bolts are common and easy to obtain, requiring no additional processing, which can reduce the processing steps of the connector and improve the processing efficiency of the connector.

[0053] In one implementation, the fastening assembly includes a rod and a nut, the rod being fixed to the base and protruding from the base toward the side opposite to the housing; the rod is used to pass through a first conductive element and a second conductive element and is threadedly connected to the nut, the nut being used to press the first conductive element and the second conductive element against the surface of the base opposite to the housing.

[0054] In this implementation, a fastening component different from the aforementioned implementation is provided, wherein the rod and nut are similar to the head and screw in the aforementioned implementation, and can be directly adopted from common components in the prior art without additional processing. This can reduce the processing steps of the connector and improve the processing efficiency of the connector.

[0055] In one implementation, the fastening assembly further includes a neck rod, a fastening head, and an insulating sleeve. The neck rod is fixed to the end of the head away from the screw, and the fastening head is fixed to the end of the neck rod away from the head. The insulating sleeve surrounds the fastening head and the neck rod, and the inner wall of the insulating sleeve has an annular protrusion that protrudes toward the inside of the insulating sleeve and engages with the neck rod.

[0056] The fastening head can be seen as another head of the fastening component. The function of the fastening head is to facilitate the fastening of the fastening tool during the fastening process. During the fastening process, the fastening tool can be placed on the fastening head to establish a temporary fixed relationship between the fastening tool and the fastening component, so that the fastening tool can be fastened.

[0057] In addition, the fastening head and neck can also be designed as a preset torque structure. For example, the thickness and length of the neck can be designed according to the preset torque requirement. In this way, when the torque applied by the fastening tool to the fastening component reaches the preset torque during use, the fastening component will break at the neck. The advantage of this design is that it does not require manual control of the output torque of the fastening tool, and it also eliminates the need to use controllable torque fastening tools, which can reduce the cost of using the connector.

[0058] In addition, in order to meet the requirements of high rated torque, fastening components generally need to be made of metal, which leads to the risk of electric shock during installation. In this implementation, the insulating sleeve can act as a barrier for operators when handling fastening components, preventing operators from directly contacting metal parts such as fastening heads. This can effectively reduce the risk of electric shock caused by fastening components.

[0059] Secondly, after the neck rod breaks, the fastening head separates from the other parts of the fastening assembly and may fall deep into the installation space. In this implementation, the insulating sleeve maintains a fixed connection with the broken neck rod and the fastening head. Thus, by adaptively matching the volume of the insulating sleeve with the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the installation opening, the inner wall of the installation opening restricts the position of the broken neck rod and the fastening head, preventing them from falling deep into the installation space. Furthermore, the insulating sleeve can also serve as a gripping part for operators to retrieve the broken neck rod and the fastening head, thus preventing electric shock accidents during the retrieval process.

[0060] In one implementation, the neck is fixed to the end of the nut away from the rod, and the fastening head is fixed to the end of the neck away from the nut; the insulating sleeve surrounds the fastening head and the neck, and the inner wall of the insulating sleeve has an annular protrusion that protrudes toward the inside of the insulating sleeve and engages with the neck.

[0061] In this implementation, the functions of the neck, fastening head, and insulating sleeve are the same as those in the aforementioned implementation, and will not be repeated here.

[0062] In one implementation, the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the insulating sleeve is less than 50 mm.

[0063] Specifically, the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the insulating sleeve can be selected as 45mm, 40mm, 30mm, 24mm, or 19mm, etc. By limiting the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the insulating sleeve to below 50mm, the safety protection level of the connector provided by this implementation method at the insulating sleeve meets the requirements of IPXXA. During installation, it can prevent the back of the operator's hand from coming into contact with metal parts such as fasteners through the opening of the insulating sleeve. This structural design has good safety, which on the one hand helps the overall safety of the connector to move closer to international safety standards, and on the other hand facilitates the promotion and use of the connector.

[0064] A second aspect of this application provides a connector that can be used in a battery pack in any of the aforementioned implementations. The connector can also be used in other electrical devices, such as a DC / DC power supply module or an internal connection structure of a new energy vehicle.

[0065] The connector includes a base, a enclosure, a second conductive element, and a fastening assembly. The base is used to fix the connector to an electrical device, the enclosure is fixed to the base, and the enclosure and the base enclose each other to form an installation space. The enclosure has a notch communicating with the installation space, which allows the first conductive element to extend into the installation space. A portion of the second conductive element is located within the installation space and is used to electrically connect with the first conductive element, while another portion of the second conductive element passes through the base and extends in a direction away from the base. The fastening assembly passes through the first and second conductive elements to fix the first and second conductive elements to the base. The height of the enclosure is greater than the height of the portion of the fastening assembly located within the installation space.

[0066] In the above-mentioned solution, during the installation process, a portion of the first conductive component extends into the installation space from the notch in the enclosure. The portion of the first conductive component extending into the installation space is electrically connected to the portion of the second conductive component exposed in the installation space. Next, the fastening assembly passes through the first and second conductive components, and then the fastening assembly is tightened so that the first and second conductive components fit tightly together and are fixed to the base.

[0067] After installation, the fastening components located within the installation space are shorter than the enclosure. Since the fastening components within the installation space pass through the first and second conductive components, during installation, the overlapping portion of the first and second conductive components will be shorter than the enclosure after they come into contact. This means the overlapping structure of the first and second conductive components is relatively shorter than the enclosure. Thus, during installation, the enclosure forms a safety barrier, preventing operators from directly contacting the fastening components and the overlapping structure of the first and second conductive components. In other words, this structure effectively reduces the risk of electric shock to operators and improves safety during installation.

[0068] In one implementation, the end of the enclosure away from the base is used to form a mounting opening, and the notch is located on one side of the mounting opening and communicates with the mounting opening.

[0069] Taking the application of this connector in a battery pack as an example, in a confined space, such as in a high-density energy storage cabinet, the distance between two adjacent battery packs is small, and the length of the first conductive component used to connect the two adjacent battery packs is also limited to a small range. If the first conductive component is a rigid conductive component such as a hard copper busbar, the high hardness of the rigid conductive component will make it difficult for the first conductive component to extend into the installation space. If the first conductive component is a flexible conductive component such as a soft copper busbar, on the one hand, the cost of the flexible conductive component is high, and on the other hand, there is no extra space in such a confined space for the flexible conductive component to bend. This also makes it difficult to extend the first conductive component into the installation space even if a flexible conductive component is used.

[0070] In this implementation, the mounting port and the notch are connected. With this configuration, the mounting port can serve as one of the entry points for the first conductive component to extend into the mounting space. Specifically, the side of the mounting port away from the enclosure has a larger space. During the installation of the first conductive component, the first conductive component can be moved towards the mounting port from the side of the mounting port away from the enclosure. During this process, the part of the first conductive component that needs to extend into the mounting space enters the mounting space through the mounting port.

[0071] This design structure allows for easy placement of the first conductive component, regardless of whether it is a rigid copper busbar or a flexible copper busbar, thus reducing the difficulty of using the connector. Secondly, with this design structure, operators can directly select rigid copper busbars, which are less expensive than flexible copper busbars. This effectively reduces the cost of the first conductive component, thereby lowering the overall cost of the battery pack and its downstream products.

[0072] A third aspect of this application also provides an energy storage cabinet, which includes a cabinet body, a first conductive element housed within the cabinet body, and two battery packs in any of the foregoing implementations, wherein the connector of one of the battery packs is connected to the connector of the other battery pack via the first conductive element.

[0073] An energy storage cabinet is a basic unit of an energy storage device, used to store electrical energy. Since the energy storage cabinet provided in this application includes the battery pack mentioned in any of the aforementioned implementations, the energy storage cabinet provided in this application also has the technical effects of the battery pack in any of the aforementioned implementations. For the technical effects of the energy storage cabinet, please refer to the above description, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0074] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0075] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application from one perspective.

[0076] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a connector and mounting panel provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0077] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector provided in an embodiment of this application from a first perspective.

[0078] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector and a first conductive element provided in an embodiment of this application from one perspective.

[0079] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector and a first conductive element provided in an embodiment of this application from another perspective.

[0080] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of an energy storage cabinet provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0081] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a structure for connecting two battery packs according to an embodiment of this application.

[0082] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the size range of an installation port provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0083] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the size range of a notch provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0084] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector provided in an embodiment of this application from a second perspective.

[0085] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle.

[0086] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application from another perspective.

[0087] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector provided in an embodiment of this application from a third perspective.

[0088] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the comparison between a connector and a fixed foreign object provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0089] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector provided in an embodiment of this application from a fourth perspective.

[0090] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another first conductive element and connector provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0091] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an installation space provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0092] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle.

[0093] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector provided in an embodiment of this application from a fifth perspective.

[0094] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another connector and a first conductive element provided in the embodiments of this application from one perspective.

[0095] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector and a first conductive element provided in an embodiment of this application from another perspective.

[0096] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fastening component provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0097] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of another connector and a first conductive element provided in the embodiments of this application from another perspective.

[0098] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of another fastening component provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0099] Figure label:

[0100] 10-Energy storage cabinet; 11-Battery pack; 12-Outer shell; 13-Housing shell; 14-Mounting panel; 15-First conductive element; 16-Connector; 17-Positive electrode; 18-Negative electrode; 19-Simulation test sphere; 20-Positive busbar; 21-Negative busbar; 22-Slender round rod; 23-Cabinet body; 100-Base; 110-Boss; 200-Enclosure panel; 210-Installation space; 220-Notch; 230-Installation port; 240-Limiting edge; 241-Limiting platform; 242-Guide surface; 300-Second conductive element; 400-Fasting assembly; 410-Screw; 420-Head; 430-Rod section; 440-Nut; 450-Neck rod; 460-Fasting head; 470-Insulating sleeve; 480-Annular protrusion; 500-Cover plate; 510-First part; 520-Second part; 521-Groove; 522-Connecting beam; 523-Sub-part; 600-Shaft; 700-Torsion spring; 800-Locking element; 900-Limiting element. Detailed Implementation

[0101] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0102] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above," "over," and "on top" of the first feature and the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "under," and "below" of the first feature and the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0103] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0104] In the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application, higher-level general structures such as components, assemblies, and devices are represented by guide lines with hollow arrows; lower-level specific entity structures such as parts, plates, and rods are represented by guide lines; hollow structures and enlarged areas such as openings, holes, spaces, and cavities are represented by solid guide lines; auxiliary lines are represented by dashed lines; reference directions are represented by straight lines with arrows; and overall components are represented by horizontal superscript characters.

[0105] Figure 1 An exemplary schematic diagram of a partial structure of a battery pack 11 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown from an axial side view. (See attached image.) Figure 1 The first aspect of this application provides a battery pack 11, which includes a housing 12 and a connector 16 fixed to the housing 12. The connector 16 is used for the battery pack 11 to be electrically connected to other electrical devices. For example, the connector 16 is used for the battery pack 11 to be electrically connected to another battery pack 11. The electrical device is not limited here. The electrical device can also be a DC / DC module power supply or other electrical devices.

[0106] by Figure 1 Taking a battery pack 11 as an example, the connector 16 provided on the battery pack 11 can be one or more. Here, "more" refers to two or more. The number of connectors 16 is related to the number of input and output terminals of the battery pack 11. For example, Figure 1The battery pack 11 shown has a positive terminal 17 and a negative terminal 18, and a connector 16 can be provided at the positive terminal 17 and the negative terminal 18 of the battery pack 11 respectively.

[0107] Figure 2 An exemplary schematic diagram of an assembly structure of a connector 16 and a mounting panel 14 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 2 Connector 16 and mounting panel 14 in Figure 1 For clarity, this is consistent with the previous version. Figure 2 Hidden in Figure 1 The middle shell 13 and other structures. See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment of the application, the outer casing 12 includes a housing 13 and a mounting panel 14. The interior of the housing 13 is hollow to form a mounting cavity, which is used to house components such as battery modules.

[0108] One side surface of the housing 13 (typically the side surface of the housing 13 facing the operator during use, also referred to as the front surface of the battery pack 11) has a mounting opening. The mounting opening communicates with the mounting cavity and is used to place components inside the battery pack 11, such as battery modules, during installation. A mounting panel 14 covers the mounting opening and is fixedly connected to the housing 13. The fixed connection can be achieved using fasteners such as screws or bolts. In the battery pack 11 provided in this embodiment, the mounting panel 14 serves two purposes: firstly, to close the mounting opening, and secondly, to fix other battery pack 11 accessories located outside the housing 13. For example, the connector 16 and battery management module in this embodiment are all mounted on the mounting panel 14. In other examples of this embodiment, the connector 16 can also be located on other side surfaces of the housing 13, meaning the connector 16 may not be mounted on the mounting panel 14. In this case, the mounting panel 16 can be adapted according to actual needs.

[0109] Figure 3 An exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of a connector 16 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown from an axial side view. Figure 4 This illustration exemplarily shows an assembly structure diagram of a connector 16 and a first conductive element 15 from an axial side view, according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The connector 16 shown is the same as that in 3. For clarity, Figure 4 The connector 16 has some hidden structures, such as the cover plate 500. Figure 5 This illustration exemplifies a cross-sectional view of a connector 16 and a first conductive element 15 after being cut along the extending direction of the first conductive element 15, according to an embodiment of this application. (See reference...) Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The connector 16 provided in this application embodiment includes a base 100, a surrounding plate 200, a second conductive element 300, and a fastening assembly 400. The following is a detailed description of each component of the connector 16 provided in this application embodiment:

[0110] Base 100: See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The base 100 is fixed to the outer shell 12. The fixed connection method can be either a detachable connection or a permanent connection. A detachable connection means that the fixed connection between the base 100 and the outer shell 12 can be directly disassembled with simple tools, and after disassembly, the two can still be reconnected with simple tools. The detachable connection method facilitates disassembly, installation, and later maintenance. The detachable connection method can be to fix the base 100 to the outer shell 12 with components such as screws or bolts. The detachable connection method can also be a snap-fit ​​formed by clips and slots 521, or a threaded connection, etc. There are many types of detachable connection methods, which will not be listed here.

[0111] A permanent connection refers to a connection between the base 100 and the housing 12 that cannot be directly separated by simple tools after being fixedly connected, and which cannot be restored to a fixed connection by simple tools after being separated. For example, welding, riveting, and bonding with adhesives. Permanent connections have good strength, strong shock resistance and overturning resistance, which helps to improve the integration of the connector 16 and the housing 12 and the reliability of the connection between the connector 16 and the housing 12.

[0112] Secondly, the base 100 can be made of a hard and insulating material, such as hard plastic or hard rubber. The purpose of choosing the above materials is to avoid accidents such as electric shock and short circuits to the operator. In addition, the shape of the base 100 can be determined with reference to actual use or installation requirements, such as the shape of the mounting part on the surface of the mounting panel 14, the size of the storage space of the battery pack 11 in the downstream product, or the installation requirements of components such as the enclosure 200, the second conductive element 300, and the fastening assembly 400.

[0113] Enclosure 200: See Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The enclosure 200 is fixed to the surface of the base 100 facing away from the outer shell 12, and the enclosure 200 is perpendicular to the outer shell 12. It should be noted that "perpendicular" here refers to the extending direction of the enclosure 200. Figure 5 (a) The surface of the outer casing 12 facing the base 100 (in the middle direction) Figure 5 The dotted line W indicates the surface of the outer casing 12 facing the base 100. Additionally... Figure 5The dashed line W can also be understood as the dividing line between the inside and outside of the battery pack 11; when the connector 16 is provided on the mounting panel 14, the dashed line W can also refer to the surface of the mounting panel 14 away from the base 100; it should also be noted that the "vertical" defined in the embodiments of this application is not absolute vertical in a physical sense. Deviations caused by factors such as installation errors and assembly errors are all within the protection range defined by verticality. For example, under the influence of manufacturing errors, if the included angle between the enclosure 200 and the outer shell 12 is 80° or 100°, it can also be understood as the vertical relationship referred to in the embodiments of this application.

[0114] Continue reading Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one example of the embodiments of this application, the enclosure 200 and the base 100 can be a single component, specifically, they can be integrally molded, such as by injection molding. This structure eliminates the need for secondary splicing, which reduces assembly difficulty and improves the integrity of the connector 16. In another example of the embodiments of this application, the enclosure 200 and the base 100 can be independent components, fixedly connected to each other. The fixed connection can be achieved in various ways, such as welding, riveting, or fasteners. This separate structure facilitates the individual processing and production of the enclosure 200 and the base 100, which helps stabilize the process rhythm and improve overall production efficiency during mass production.

[0115] For ease of distinction and understanding, in one example of an embodiment of this application, Figure 5 The dashed line L can be used as a dividing line between the enclosure 200 and the base 100 along direction a in the figure. In this division, the enclosure 200 is located on the side of the base 100 away from the outer shell 12. In another example of the embodiment of this application, the enclosure 200 and the base 100 can also be divided along a direction perpendicular to direction a in the figure. In this division, it can be understood that the base 100 has a part of protrusion and is surrounded by the enclosure 200, or it can be understood that a part of the base 100 is embedded in the enclosure 200.

[0116] Continue reading Figure 4The enclosure 200 has a ring-shaped structure, and the enclosure 200 and the base 100 can be closed to form an installation space 210. The enclosure 200 has a notch 220, which communicates with the installation space 210. The notch 220 is used to allow the first conductive element 15 to extend into the installation space 210. The notch 220 can be formed by subtracting one face from a ring-shaped polyhedron, or by opening a through hole on one face of the ring-shaped polyhedron. The specific formation method is not limited. In terms of material, the enclosure 200 is made of insulating material. There are various types of insulating materials, which will not be elaborated here. It should be noted that the enclosure 200 can be made of the same material as the base 100, or it can be made of a different material. This application embodiment does not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0117] In one example of an embodiment of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, the enclosure 200 is formed by bending a single sheet of material to create multiple surfaces, thereby forming a ring-shaped structure. The integrated plate structure has good strength, fewer seams, good sealing performance, and good safety. In another example of the embodiments of this application, the enclosure 200 is obtained by splicing multiple independent plates. The splice between any two adjacent plates can be achieved by processes such as bonding or hot-melt connection.

[0118] It should be noted that the function of the first conductive element 15 is to establish an electrical connection between the battery pack 11 and other external electrical devices. For example, the first conductive element 15 connects the positive terminal 17 of another battery pack 11 to the positive terminal 17 of the battery pack 11 in this embodiment. This embodiment does not limit the specific structure of the first conductive element 15. For example, the first conductive element 15 can be a metal conductive element with good conductivity, such as an aluminum busbar or a copper busbar. The first conductive element 15 can also be a non-metallic conductive element, such as a conductive element made of graphite.

[0119] Second conductive component 300: See also Figure 5 A portion of the second conductive element 300 is located within the mounting space 210, and another portion of the second conductive element 300 extends through the base 100 and into the housing 12. The portion of the second conductive element 300 extending into the housing 12 is connected to components such as the battery module within the housing 12. After installation, the second conductive element 300 located within the mounting space 210 overlaps with the portion of the first conductive element 15 extending into the mounting space 210. When energized, the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300 can conduct electricity to each other. Here, overlap refers to the process in which the ends of the first conductive element 15 and the ends of the second conductive element 300 overlap and connect.

[0120] For ease of understanding, the following explains several states involved in the battery pack 11 provided in the embodiments of this application:

[0121] Before installation: Connector 16 is not connected to the first conductive element 15.

[0122] During installation: the assembly and connection process between connector 16 and the first conductive element 15.

[0123] After installation: the connector 16 and the first conductive element 15 are assembled, and no further installation operations are required for the connector 16.

[0124] The second conductive element 300 is used to construct a channel for electrical connection between the inside and outside of the battery pack 11. Specifically, the second conductive element 300 can be made of aluminum busbars or copper busbars, or other conductive materials can be selected for adaptive design based on actual conditions. In one example of this application embodiment, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the second conductive element 300 is an "L"-shaped copper busbar. The part of it located in the mounting space 210 is at a right angle to the part that extends through the base into the housing 12. This arrangement facilitates the second conductive element 300's insertion into the housing 12 and increases the contact area between the second conductive element 300 and the first conductive element 15. This reduces the resistance at the junction of the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300, which is beneficial for the connector 16 to be used in architecture systems with larger current carrying capacity.

[0125] Fastening component 400: See also Figure 5 After installation, the fastening assembly 400 passes through the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300 and is fixedly connected to the base. The function of the fastening assembly 400 is to fix the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300 to the base 100 and to ensure that the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300 are tightly fitted together. Secondly, in this embodiment, after installation, the surface of the base 100 facing away from the outer shell 12 is used as a reference surface (refer to...). Figure 5 (At the dashed line L), the height of the enclosure 200 is greater than the height of the fastening component 400 located within the installation space 210. It should be noted that the "height" here refers to the height of the enclosure 200 and the fastening component 400 extending from the reference surface (which can also be understood as the length extending along direction a from the dashed line L). The "height" in this embodiment does not specifically refer to the height direction in actual three-dimensional space. That is to say, the "height" here does not limit the actual three-dimensional spatial extension direction of the enclosure 200 and the fastening component 400 in this embodiment, nor does it limit the actual spatial placement posture of the enclosure 200 and the fastening component 400 in this embodiment.

[0126] See Figure 4 and Figure 5In the battery pack 11 provided in this application embodiment, during the installation process, a portion of the first conductive member 15 extends into the installation space 210 from the notch 220 of the enclosure 200. The portion of the first conductive member 15 extending into the installation space 210 overlaps with the portion of the second conductive member 300 exposed in the installation space 210. Then, the fastening assembly 400 passes through the first conductive member 15 and the second conductive member 300, and then the fastening assembly 400 is locked so that the first conductive member 15 and the second conductive member 300 fit tightly together and are fixed to the base 100.

[0127] In the battery pack 11 provided in this application embodiment, after installation, the height of the part of the fastening component 400 located in the installation space 210 is less than the height of the enclosure 200. Since the fastening component 400 located in the installation space 210 passes through the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300, during the installation process, after the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300 come into contact, the height of the overlapping part of the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300 will also be lower than the height of the enclosure 200. That is, the overlapping structure of the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300 can be relatively shorter than the enclosure 200. In this way, during the installation process, the enclosure 200 can form a safety barrier, preventing the operator from directly contacting the fastening component 400 and the overlapping structure of the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300. In other words, this structure can effectively reduce the risk of electric shock to the operator and improve the safety during the installation process.

[0128] Continue reading Figure 4 In one embodiment of this application, the end of the enclosure 200 facing away from the base 100 is enclosed to form an installation opening 230 at the end of the enclosure 200 facing away from the base 100. The function of the installation opening 230 is to facilitate the operator to place the fastening component 400 and to facilitate the fastening component 400 to be fastened. For example, the head 420 of the fastening wrench can be inserted into the installation space 210 through the installation opening 230 to fasten the fastening component 400. Secondly, the notch 220 is located on one side of the installation opening 230 and communicates with the installation opening 230. From another perspective, the notch 220 and the installation opening 230 as a whole can be regarded as an opening provided on the enclosure 200. A part of the opening is located at the end of the enclosure 200 facing away from the base 100, and the other part extends from the end of the enclosure 200 facing away from the base 100 to the side of the enclosure 200.

[0129] Figure 6 This paper exemplifies a practical application environment of a battery pack 11 provided by an embodiment of this application, namely a structural schematic diagram of multiple battery packs 11 located inside an energy storage cabinet 10. Figure 7 An exemplary assembly diagram of two battery packs 11 connected according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 7 The battery pack 11 shown in the two battery packs 11 and the battery pack 11 in the two battery packs 11 are Figure 2 The battery pack 11 shown is consistent with, and Figure 2 To be more specific, for clarity, Figure 7 Hidden in the middle Figure 1 The middle shell 13 and other structures.

[0130] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 In confined spaces, such as within a densely packed energy storage cabinet 10, the distance between two adjacent battery packs 11 is small. Consequently, the length x of the first conductive element 15 used to connect the two adjacent battery packs 11 is also limited to a small range. If the first conductive element 15 is a rigid conductive element such as a hard copper busbar, the high hardness of the rigid conductive element makes it difficult for the first conductive element 15 to extend into the installation space 210. If the first conductive element 15 is a soft conductive element such as a soft copper busbar, on the one hand, the cost of the soft conductive element is high, and on the other hand, there is no extra space in such a confined space for the bending space of the soft conductive element. This also makes it difficult for the first conductive element 15 to extend into the installation space 210 even if a soft conductive element is used.

[0131] See Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, the mounting port 230 is connected to the notch 220. This configuration allows the mounting port 230 to serve as one of the entry points for the first conductive element 15 to extend into the mounting space 210. Specifically, the side of the mounting port 230 facing away from the surrounding plate 200 has a larger space. During the placement of the first conductive element 15, it can be moved towards the mounting port 230 from the side facing away from the surrounding plate 200 (e.g., ...). Figure 7 (in the direction of b) During this process, the part of the first conductive element 15 that needs to extend into the installation space 210 enters the installation space 210 through the installation port 230.

[0132] With this design structure, regardless of whether the first conductive component 15 is a rigid conductive component such as a hard copper busbar or a soft conductive component such as a soft copper busbar, the mounting port 230 can facilitate the placement of the first conductive component 15, which reduces the difficulty of using the connector 16. Secondly, with this design structure, operators can directly select rigid conductive components such as hard copper busbars. Compared with soft conductive components such as soft copper busbars, rigid conductive components such as hard copper busbars have lower costs, which can effectively reduce the cost of using the first conductive component 15, thereby reducing the overall cost of using the battery pack 11 and its downstream products.

[0133] Figure 8 The illustration shows, with reference to a simulated experimental sphere 19, a schematic diagram of the size range of the mounting port 230. Figure 8The dashed circle represents the simulated experimental sphere 19, which is used to replace the fixed foreign object. The diameter D of the simulated experimental sphere 19 is less than 50 mm. (See also...) Figure 8 In one embodiment of this application, the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the mounting port 230 is less than 50mm. Specifically, the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the mounting port 230 can be selected as 45mm, 40mm, 30mm, 25mm or 20mm, etc. The minimum range of the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the mounting port 230 needs to meet the placement requirements of the fastening component 400 and the usage requirements of fastening wrenches and other fastening tools. Therefore, this embodiment of the application does not specifically limit the minimum value range of the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the mounting port 230.

[0134] See Figure 8 By limiting the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the mounting port 230 to less than 50mm, the safety protection level of the connector 16 provided in this embodiment of the application at the mounting port 230 can meet the requirements of IPXXA. During the installation process, it can prevent the back of the operator's hand from entering the installation space 210 through the mounting port 230. This structural design has good safety, which on the one hand helps the overall safety of the connector 16 to approach international safety standards, and on the other hand facilitates the promotion and use of the connector 16.

[0135] For ease of understanding, the following explanations of safety rules such as IPXXA are provided: The protection level of electrical components is typically represented by the Ingress Protection (IP) system. This system was drafted and defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the IEC 62477-1 standard. The safety levels in this system are usually indicated by additional letters (A, B, C, D) to describe the equipment's ability to protect personnel from approaching hazardous parts. Specifically:

[0136] IPXXA: Prevents fixed foreign objects (such as the back of a hand) with a diameter greater than 50mm from entering the device.

[0137] IPXXB: Prevents fixed foreign objects (such as fingers) with a diameter greater than 12mm from entering the device.

[0138] IPXXC: Prevents fixed foreign objects (such as screwdrivers and other tools) with a diameter greater than 2.5mm from entering the equipment.

[0139] IPXXD: Prevents fixed foreign objects (such as metal wires) with a diameter greater than 1.0 mm from entering the equipment.

[0140] Continue reading Figure 4In one embodiment of this application, the enclosure 200 has a limiting edge 240 facing the mounting space 210. The limiting edge 240 is located at one end of the enclosure 200 away from the base 100 and protrudes toward the interior of the mounting space 210, forming a portion of the mounting opening 230. See also... Figure 5 After installation, the portion of the fastening component 400 located within the installation space 210 lies between the limiting edge 240 and the base 100. In one example of this application embodiment, the limiting edge 240 can be separately configured from the surrounding plate 200, with each being an independent component. The limiting edge 240 and the surrounding plate 200 can be fixed together by means of snap-fit ​​or threaded connection. This type of splicing structure is easy to process and manufacture, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of mass production. In another example of this application embodiment, the limiting edge 240 can be an integral component with the surrounding plate 200. This type of integral component requires fewer assembly steps, which can improve assembly efficiency.

[0141] Continue reading Figure 5 After installation, a portion of the fastening assembly 400 is typically located on the side of the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300 facing away from the base 100. This portion of the fastening assembly 400 is exposed within the mounting space 210 and faces the mounting opening 230. To meet the rated locking torque, the fastening assembly 400 generally needs to be made of metal, which results in a significant risk of electric shock to operators from the portion of the fastening assembly 400 exposed within the mounting space 210. (See also...) Figure 8 Under the premise that the safety of the mounting port 230 in the aforementioned embodiment meets the IPXXA requirements, although the mounting port 230 already has a certain degree of safety protection, some of the simulated experimental balls 19 will still be embedded in the mounting port 230, that is, some of the simulated experimental balls 19 will extend into the mounting space 210. Compared with Figure 5 and Figure 8 It is not difficult to see that this makes it possible for the simulated experimental ball 19 to come into contact with the part of the fastening component 400 exposed in the installation space 210. In other words, during the installation process, the operator's hand may still be at risk of electric shock.

[0142] To reduce the possibility of contact between the simulated test ball 19 and the fastening assembly 400 exposed in the installation space 210, the height of the enclosure 200 relative to the fastening assembly 400 can be directly increased. However, while this method can reduce the probability of electric shock to the operator's hand, it will result in an excessively large overall size of the connector 16, which contradicts the application of the connector 16 in a narrow space. Therefore, in actual use, the actual maximum inscribed circle diameter of the mounting port 230 needs to be adaptively reduced according to the height of the fastening assembly 400 and the height of the enclosure 200.

[0143] By reducing the surrounding trajectory of the enclosure 200, although the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the mounting opening 230 can be reduced, the surrounding trajectory of the enclosure 200 still needs to meet the placement requirements of the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300. Specifically, in order to meet the upper limit of the rated current that can be passed, the contact area of ​​the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300 usually cannot be reduced. This also means that the surrounding trajectory of the enclosure 200 surrounding the outside of the connection between the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300 cannot be unconditionally reduced. In other words, the surrounding trajectory of the enclosure 200 cannot be arbitrarily adjusted according to the protection requirements of the mounting opening 230.

[0144] In the battery pack 11 provided in this application embodiment, by setting a limiting edge 240 on the surrounding plate 200 and making the limiting edge 240 surround part of the mounting opening 230, the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the mounting opening 230 can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the limiting edge 240 protruding from the surrounding plate 200 toward the mounting space 210 during use. This method can effectively improve the flexibility of the mounting hole design and reduce the design difficulty of the connector 16 without changing the height of the surrounding plate 200 and the surrounding trajectory.

[0145] Figure 9 The example demonstrates the size range of the notch 220, using a simulated experimental sphere 19 as a reference. Figure 9 The dashed circle represents the simulated experimental sphere 19, which is used to replace the fixed foreign object. The diameter D of the simulated experimental sphere 19 is less than 50 mm. (See also...) Figure 9 In one embodiment of this application, the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the notch 220 is less than 50 mm. Specifically, the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the notch 220 can be selected as 45 mm, 40 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm or 20 mm, etc. The minimum range of the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the notch 220 needs to meet the passage requirements of the first conductive element 15. Therefore, this embodiment of the application does not specifically limit the minimum value range of the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the notch 220.

[0146] See Figure 9 By limiting the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the notch 220 to less than 50mm, the safety protection level of the connector 16 provided in this embodiment of the application can meet the requirements of IPXXA at ​​the notch 220. During the installation process, it can prevent the back of the operator's hand from entering the installation space 210 through the notch 220. This structural design has good safety, which on the one hand helps the overall safety of the connector 16 to approach international safety standards, and on the other hand, it is also conducive to the promotion and use of the connector 16.

[0147] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cover plate 500 in the open state of the connector 16 provided in this application embodiment. Correspondingly, Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cover plate 500 in the closed state of the connector 16 provided in this application embodiment is also shown.

[0148] See Figure 3 and Figure 10 In one embodiment of this application, the connector 16 further includes a cover plate 500, which is connected to the enclosure 200 and is movable relative to the enclosure 200. Before and after installation, the cover plate 500 covers the installation opening 230. During installation, the installation opening 230 can be opened by moving the cover plate 500, allowing the installation opening 230 to be exposed to the operator. In one example of this application embodiment, the movable structure can be a rotating structure, for example, the cover plate 500 can be rotated relative to the enclosure 200 by means of a pivot 600. In another example of this application embodiment, the movable structure can also be a folding structure, for example, the cover plate 500 can be set as multiple foldable sub-plates, which can be understood analogously to a roller shutter door. In yet another example of this application embodiment, the movable structure can also be a sliding push-pull structure, which can be understood analogously to a sliding door.

[0149] In another embodiment of this application, unlike the previous embodiment, the cover plate 500 and the surrounding plate 200 are detachably connected. In other words, in the previous embodiment, the cover plate 500 changes its state relative to the mounting opening 230 by its own mobility relative to the surrounding plate 200. In this embodiment, the cover plate 500 changes its state relative to the mounting opening 230 by connecting or separating from the surrounding plate 200. There are many ways to detachably connect the cover plate, such as by fasteners or by snap-fitting with buckles and slots 521.

[0150] Continue reading Figure 3 and Figure 10 In the battery pack 11 provided in this application embodiment, by setting a cover plate 500, the installation opening 230 can be closed before and after installation, so that foreign objects cannot enter the installation space 210 through the installation opening 230 before and after installation. Based on this function of the cover plate 500, the protection of the installation opening 230 can meet the IPXXB requirements before and after installation, which can bring the overall safety of the connector 16 closer to international safety standards and promote the promotion and use of the connector 16.

[0151] Figure 11 Exemplary demonstration Figure 10 A magnified schematic diagram of a portion of the structure at point A, focusing on an example structure at the connection between the cover plate 500 and the surrounding plate 200. (See also...) Figure 10 and Figure 11In one embodiment of this application, the connector 16 further includes a rotating shaft 600 and a torsion spring 700. The cover plate 500 is connected to the surrounding plate 200 via the rotating shaft 600, and the cover plate 500 can rotate relative to the surrounding plate 200. In one example of an embodiment of this application, the rotating shaft 600 and the surrounding plate 200 are relatively fixed, and the cover plate 500 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 600 and can rotate relative to the rotating shaft 600.

[0152] In another example of the embodiments of this application, the rotating shaft 600 is rotatably disposed at one end of the enclosure 200 away from the base 100, and the cover plate 500 is fixed relative to the rotating shaft 600; in yet another example of the embodiments of this application, the rotating shaft 600 is rotatably disposed at one end of the enclosure 200 away from the base 100, and the cover plate 500 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 600 and rotatable relative to the rotating shaft 600; in summary, there are many ways to rotate and cooperate among the cover plate 500, the rotating shaft 600 and the enclosure 200, which can be adaptively designed according to the actual situation.

[0153] Continue reading Figure 11 A torsion spring 700 is sleeved on a rotating shaft 600. One movable end of the torsion spring 700 abuts against a cover plate 500, and the other movable end of the torsion spring 700 abuts against a surrounding plate 200. When the cover plate 500 closes the mounting opening 230, the torsion spring 700 has a certain elastic potential energy, which tends to push the cover plate 500 relative to the surrounding plate 200 to move towards the open state.

[0154] During the rotation of the cover plate 500 relative to the surrounding plate 200, the movable end of the torsion spring 700 that abuts against the cover plate 500 can slide relative to the cover plate 500, and the movable end of the torsion spring 700 that abuts against the surrounding plate 200 can slide relative to the surrounding plate 200. During this process, the preload of the torsion spring 700 is gradually released until the cover plate 500 is in a fully open state relative to the surrounding plate 200.

[0155] When the cover plate 500 is in the open mounting port 230 state, the two movable ends of the torsion spring 700 are in the "spread" state. The torsion spring 700 supports the cover plate 500 with the surrounding plate 200 and the rotating shaft 600 as fulcrums, so that the cover plate 500 is kept in the open mounting port 230 state. During the process of closing the cover plate 500, the cover plate 500 is rotated toward the mounting port 230 by external force. During this process, the torsion spring 700 will gradually compress and store a certain elastic potential energy. This elastic potential energy is the elastic potential energy of the torsion spring 700 when the cover plate 500 is closed at the mounting port 230.

[0156] See Figure 10 and Figure 11In the battery pack 11 provided in this application embodiment, the cover plate 500 can rotate relative to the surrounding plate 200 through the pivot 600, which can meet the requirement that the cover plate 500 needs to be movable relative to the surrounding plate 200. From the perspective of the pivot 600 itself, the pivot 600 structure is easy to obtain and the movement mode is simple. Compared with other complex moving structures, such as folding structures or push-pull structures, the rotating structure formed based on the pivot 600 is easy to process and assemble, which can effectively reduce the production difficulty of the connector 16. Secondly, through the combination of the torsion spring 700 and the pivot 600, the cover plate 500 can have "self-holding ability" in the open state. During the installation process, it can prevent the cover plate 500 from closing the installation opening 230 due to accidental collision, which can also avoid the impact and interruption of the installation process after such an accident occurs.

[0157] In one example of the embodiments of this application, when the limiting edge 240 exists in the foregoing embodiments, the connection between the rotating shaft 600 and the surrounding plate 200 can be transferred to the area between the rotating shaft 600 and the limiting edge 240. That is, the cover plate 500 can be rotated relative to the limiting edge 240 via the rotating shaft 600. Compared with the end of the surrounding plate 200 away from the base 100, the limiting edge 240 has a wider plane. This structure can facilitate the setting of the rotating shaft 600, reduce the assembly difficulty, and thus improve the assembly efficiency.

[0158] Figure 12 An exemplary schematic diagram of a partial structure of a battery pack 11 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown in cross-sectional view; see also Figure 12 In one embodiment of this application, the battery pack 11 includes two connectors 16. The positive terminal 17 of the battery pack 11 includes a second conductive element 300 of one of the two connectors 16. The portion of the second conductive element 300 extending into the housing 12 is connected to the positive terminal of each battery module inside the battery pack 11. For example, a positive busbar 20 can be provided inside the battery pack 11. The positive busbar 20 is connected to the positive terminal of each battery module. The current of each battery module is collected through the positive busbar 20, and then the portion of the second conductive element 300 extending into the housing 12 is connected to the positive busbar 20.

[0159] The negative terminal 18 of the battery pack 11 includes a second conductive element 300 of the other connector 16 of the two connectors 16. The portion of the second conductive element 300 extending into the housing 12 is connected to the negative terminal of each battery module inside the battery pack 11. For example, a negative busbar 21 can be provided inside the battery pack 11. The negative busbar 21 is connected to the negative terminal of each battery module. The current of each battery module is collected through the negative busbar 21, and then the portion of the second conductive element 300 extending into the housing 12 is connected to the negative busbar 21.

[0160] Continue reading Figure 12 In this embodiment of the application, when the cover 500 of one of the two connectors 16 is in the open mounting port 230 state, the cover 500 of that connector 16 is at least partially located on the side of the cover 500 of the other connector 16 facing away from the enclosure 200; from another perspective, the "opening directions" of the cover 500s of the two connectors 16 are opposite, so as to... Figure 12 Taking the example where the cover plate 500 of each connector 16 is rotatably connected to the enclosure plate 200, in this example, the "opening direction" is the rotation direction v of the cover plate 500 during the opening process. With this design, when the cover plate 500 of one of the two connectors 16 is in the open state, the cover plate 500 of that connector 16 will be located on the rotation path of the cover plate 500 of the other connector 16. This setting can prevent the cover plate 500 of the other connector 16 from being opened.

[0161] In a battery pack 11, this structure prevents the cover 500 corresponding to the positive electrode 17 and the cover 500 corresponding to the negative electrode 18 from being opened simultaneously. This effectively reduces safety issues caused by the simultaneous opening of the cover 500 of the positive electrode 17 and the cover 500 of the negative electrode 18. For example, during operation, if the cover 500 corresponding to the positive electrode 17 and the negative electrode 18 of the battery pack 11 are opened together, and the fastening components 400 corresponding to the positive electrode 17 and the negative electrode 18 are installed together, the fastening wrench corresponding to the positive electrode 17 may collide with the fastening wrench corresponding to the negative electrode 18. In this case, if the fastening wrench is a conductive component, there is a high possibility of electric shock or short circuit, which could lead to a safety accident. The above design effectively reduces the possibility of such accidents, thus improving the safety of the battery pack 11 in actual use.

[0162] Continue reading Figure 3 In one embodiment of this application, the connector 16 further includes a locking member 800. The locking member 800 passes through the cover plate 500 and is threadedly connected to the surrounding plate 200. The locking member 800 is used to fix the cover plate 500 and the surrounding plate 200 before and after installation. The locking member 800 can be a screw or bolt, or a captive screw with anti-loosening function. The specific form of the locking member 800 can be selected according to the actual situation. Before and after installation, fixing the cover plate 500 and the surrounding plate 200 by the locking member 800 can prevent the cover plate 500 from being accidentally opened due to vibration or accidental collision, thus improving the safety of the connector 16. In the presence of the torsion spring 700, before and after installation, the locking member 800 can prevent the torsion spring 700 from pushing the cover plate 500 relative to the surrounding plate 200 towards the open state, thus preventing the cover plate 500 from being accidentally opened without external support.

[0163] Continue reading Figure 3 In one embodiment of this application, the cover plate 500 includes a first part 510 and a second part 520. The first part 510 is fixed to the surface of the second part 520 and protrudes outward. After installation, the first part 510 covers the mounting opening 230, and the second part 520 covers a portion of the notch 220. From another perspective, the cover plate 500 has an "L" shaped structure that matches the overall shape of the mounting opening 230 and the notch 220.

[0164] In one example of the embodiments of this application, the cover plate 500 is an integral structure. Specifically, the cover plate 500 with the first part 510 and the second part 520 can be obtained by molding methods such as injection molding and demolding. This integral structure of the cover plate 500 is easy to assemble and can improve the overall assembly efficiency of the connector 16. In another example of the embodiments of this application, the first part 510 and the second part 520 are independent components. The two are fixedly connected to obtain the cover plate 500. The fixed connection can be by snap-fitting, bonding, heat fusion connection, or connection by fasteners. The cover plate 500 obtained by this splicing is easy to process, transport and store, and is conducive to large-scale production.

[0165] See Figure 3 In the battery pack 11 provided in this application embodiment, the function of the first part 510 of the cover plate 500 can be referred to the function of the cover plate 500 in the previous embodiment, and will not be repeated here; in addition, by setting the second part 520 of the cover plate 500, the second part 520 can cover part of the notch 220 before and after installation. In this way, the second part 520 can effectively reduce the exposed area of ​​the notch 220 before and after installation. Based on this structural setting, the second part 520 can form a certain obstacle to fixed foreign objects (such as the back of the operator's hand or fingers) entering the installation space 210 through the notch 220, which can improve the safety of the connector 16.

[0166] Figure 13 An exemplary schematic diagram of the notch 220 of a connector 16 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown from a frontal view. Figure 14 The illustration presents a comparative experimental diagram of a connector 16 and a foreign object fixation provided in an embodiment of this application, with emphasis on showing the restriction of the second portion 520 of the cover plate 500 on the fixation of the foreign object. Figure 14 The fixed foreign object in this example is different from the simulated experimental ball 19 in the previous embodiment. Figure 14 The slender round rod 22 is used as an alternative example for fixing foreign objects.

[0167] See Figure 13 and Figure 14In one embodiment of this application, when the cover plate 500 covers the mounting opening 230, the distance C between the end of the second part 520 away from the first part 510 and the base 100 is less than 12mm. Specifically, the distance C can be selected as 11mm, 10mm, 9mm, 8mm or 7mm, etc. The minimum value of the distance C needs to meet the thickness of the first conductive element 15, that is, it needs to meet the requirement that the first conductive element 15 extends into the mounting space 210 through the notch 220. Therefore, the minimum value of the distance C can be adjusted according to different first conductive elements 15. This embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this.

[0168] See Figure 13 and Figure 14 By setting the spacing within the above range, fixed foreign objects with a diameter of more than 12mm can be prevented from entering the installation space 210. This also ensures that the notch 220 meets the IPXXB requirements before and after installation. This structural design can further improve the safety of the notch 220 before and after installation, and make the overall safety of the connector 16 closer to international safety standards, thus promoting the promotion and use of the connector 16.

[0169] Continue reading Figure 13 In one embodiment of this application, the second part 520 includes a groove 521 and a plurality of connecting beams 522. The groove 521 divides the second part 520 into two sub-parts 523 along the direction of the surrounding plate 200 away from the base 100. One of the two sub-parts 523 is located on the side of the other facing the base 100. The plurality of connecting beams 522 are spaced apart in the groove 521. The two ends of each connecting beam 522 are respectively connected to different sub-parts 523. The width of the groove 521 and the thickness of the connecting beams 522 can be adapted to actual use requirements. This embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this.

[0170] Figure 15 An exemplary structural schematic diagram of a connector 16 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown, with emphasis on illustrating the structural schematic diagram of the connector 16 after the sub-part 523 facing the base 100 in the second part 520 of the cover plate 500 has been broken off. See also... Figure 15 In actual use, the operator can break off multiple connecting beams 522, thereby separating one of the two sub-parts 523 facing the base 100 from the connector 16. The broken-off sub-part 523 can be discarded directly, and the part of the notch 220 originally covered by the sub-part 523 will be exposed again. In other words, this structure allows the notch 220 to have at least two different exposed areas before installation.

[0171] Figure 5The present application also provides an exemplary schematic diagram of a first conductive element 15 with a copper busbar as its specific structure. Figure 16 This illustration exemplarily shows an assembly structure diagram of another first conductive element 15 and connector 16 provided in an embodiment of this application, viewed from a cross-sectional perspective. Figure 16 In this context, a specific example of the first conductive element 15 is a wire terminal. See also... Figure 5 and Figure 16 In actual use, the first conductive component 15 of the battery pack 11 commonly takes two specific forms: copper busbar and wire terminal. The copper busbar is close to sheet-like in size and shape and is relatively regular. When the copper busbar enters the installation space 210 through the notch 220, the area occupied by the notch 220 is small. Without breaking the sub-part 523 of the second part 520 facing the base 100, the area exposed by the notch 220 can also meet the installation requirements of the copper busbar.

[0172] However, as Figure 16 As shown, the shape of the crimp terminal changes abruptly at the notch 220, transforming from a thinner form to a thicker column. This results in the crimp terminal occupying a larger area of ​​the notch 220. Without discarding the sub-part 523 of the second part 520 of the cover plate 500 facing the base 100, it is difficult to meet the installation requirements of the crimp terminal. However, in actual use, the purchaser may not be able to predict whether the first conductive element 15 connected to the connector 16 is a copper busbar or a crimp terminal. This may lead to a mismatch between the connector 16 and the first conductive element 15 during actual installation.

[0173] See Figure 15 and Figure 16 The battery pack 11 provided in this application embodiment allows for flexible adjustment of the area of ​​the second part 520 of the cover plate 500 during installation via the groove 521 and multiple connecting beams 522. This enables operators to manually control the area of ​​the second part 520 covering the notch 220 before and after installation, thus allowing operators to control the area of ​​the notch 220 that allows the first conductive element 15 to pass through. In this way, regardless of whether the first conductive element 15 is a copper busbar or a crimp terminal during actual installation, the installation requirements can be met. This reduces the probability of mismatch between the first conductive element 15 and the connector 16, and improves the flexibility and efficiency of the installation process.

[0174] Figure 17An exemplary schematic diagram of the internal structure of the installation space 210 provided in the embodiments of this application is shown, with emphasis on the limiting platform 241 inside the installation space 210; Referring to 17, in one embodiment of this application, the connector 16 further includes the limiting platform 241, which is fixed to the inner surface of the enclosure 200 and protrudes from the inner surface of the enclosure 200 toward the installation space 210. After installation, the limiting platform 241 surrounds the portion of the first conductive member 15 that extends into the installation space 210; specifically, the portion of the first conductive member 15 that extends into the installation space 210 will contact the surface of the limiting platform 241 away from the enclosure 200, and the limiting platform 241 will limit and guide the portion of the first conductive member 15 that extends into the installation space 210.

[0175] See Figure 5 In the connector 16 provided in this application embodiment, after installation, the fastening component 400 needs to pass through the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300. Therefore, the through holes on the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300 need to be aligned. During the installation process, the enclosure 200 partially obstructs the operator's view, which has a certain impact on the alignment process of the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300. In this application embodiment, by setting a limiting platform 241 on the inner surface of the enclosure 200, the position of the first conductive element 15 can be restricted. The operator can sense whether the first conductive element 15 is installed in place through the contact force feedback between the first conductive element 15 and the limiting platform 241. This structure can facilitate the alignment of the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300, effectively reducing the assembly difficulty and improving the assembly efficiency.

[0176] Figure 18 Exemplary demonstration Figure 17 A magnified view of a portion at point B, focusing on the guide surface 242 of the limiting platform 241; see reference. Figure 17 and Figure 18 In one embodiment of this application, the limiting platform 241 has a guide surface 242, which is located at one end of the limiting platform 241 away from the surrounding plate 200 and is inclined toward the surrounding plate 200 in the direction of the surrounding plate 200 away from the base 100, so that... Figure 7 and Figure 18 By referring to each other, it can be seen that the guide surface 242 faces the direction of the front. Figure 7 The direction b in the middle is set in such a way that the guide surface 242 is oriented toward the direction of movement of the first conductive component 15 during the installation process. This allows the guide surface 242 to guide the first conductive component 15 during the installation process.

[0177] Specifically, during installation, the first conductive component 15 will first contact the guide surface 242. During the process of the operator pressing and releasing the first conductive component 15, the part of the first conductive component 15 located in the installation space 210 will move along the guide surface 242 until it is locked into the enclosure of the limiting stage 241. This setting can effectively reduce the difficulty of aligning the first conductive component 15 and the second conductive component 300 and improve assembly efficiency.

[0178] Figure 19 An exemplary structural schematic diagram of a connector 16 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown, with the structure of the base 100 facing the housing 12 on the side shown. See also... Figure 3 and Figure 19 In one embodiment of this application, the connector 16 further includes a boss 110, which is fixed to the surface of the base 100 facing the housing 12 and protrudes in a direction away from the base 100. The boss 110 has an annular structure. After installation, the boss 110 extends into the housing 12. The annular cavity inside the boss 110 communicates with the through hole on the base 100. Another part of the second conductive element 300 extends into the housing 12 through the through hole on the base 100 and the annular cavity of the boss 110.

[0179] See Figure 19 In one example of the embodiments of this application, the boss 110 and the base 100 are integral components. They can be processed by integral molding such as injection molding and demolding. This integral molding structure has better strength and fewer assembly steps, which can improve assembly efficiency. In another example of the embodiments of this application, the boss 110 and the base 100 are independent components that are fixedly connected. This separate structure is convenient for processing and production, as well as transportation and storage, which is conducive to mass production.

[0180] See Figure 12 Inside the outer casing 12 of the battery pack 11, the component connected to the second conductive element 300 is typically a copper busbar, namely the positive busbar 20 or negative busbar 21 mentioned in the aforementioned embodiments. This copper busbar is used to collect energy transmitted from each battery module within the battery pack 11, or to transmit external energy obtained from the first conductive element 15 by the second conductive element 300 to each battery module within the battery pack 11. The second conductive element 300 and this copper busbar are generally connected by fasteners. Specifically, fasteners such as screws or bolts pass through the second conductive element 300 and the copper busbar. During the fastening process, the pressure direction of the fastener on the second conductive element 300 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second conductive element 300. This causes the fastener to exert a large bending moment on the second conductive element 300. Excessive bending moment can cause the second conductive element 300 to bend or break.

[0181] Continue reading Figure 3 and Figure 19In the connector 16 provided in this application embodiment, a boss 110 is provided on the side of the base 100 facing the housing 12, so that the part of the second conductive element 300 extending into the housing 12 passes through the boss 110. In this way, during the installation process, the boss 110 can provide support for the second conductive element 300. The direction of this support force is opposite to the pressure direction of the fastener, and the two can cancel each other out. This can effectively reduce the bending moment generated by the fastener on the second conductive element 300 during the fastening process, and can effectively reduce the risk of the second conductive element 300 being bent or broken.

[0182] Continue reading Figure 19 In one embodiment of this application, the connector 16 further includes a limiting member 900. The limiting member 900 extends through the portion of the boss 110 and the second conductive member 300 into the housing 12. The limiting member 900 is used to fix the second conductive member 300 to the boss 110. The limiting member 900 can be a fastener such as a screw or bolt, or a component such as a rivet or a limiting pin. For the battery pack 11 in the aforementioned embodiment, before and during installation, before the fastening assembly 400 fixes the second conductive member 300 to the base 100, the second conductive member 300 and the base 100 can move relative to each other. During the handling process before installation, this relative movement may cause the second conductive member 300 to detach from the base 100. Secondly, during installation, this mobility of the second conductive member 300 relative to the base 100 may also cause the second conductive member 300 to be misaligned relative to the base 100 due to accidental factors such as collision or vibration. These misalignment problems will affect the assembly alignment of the first conductive member 15 and the second conductive member 300.

[0183] Continue reading Figure 19 In the battery pack 11 provided in this application embodiment, by setting a limiting member 900 passing through another part of the second conductive member 300 and the boss 110, the degree of freedom of the second conductive member 300 relative to the boss 110 can be restricted, so that the second conductive member 300 can be kept fixed relative to the base 100. This can improve the stability of the position of the second conductive member 300 before and during installation. On the one hand, this structure can avoid the problem of the second conductive member 300 detaching from the base 100 before installation, and on the other hand, it can reduce the risk of accidental factors during installation affecting the assembly between the first conductive member 15 and the second conductive member 300.

[0184] Continue reading Figure 5In one embodiment of this application, the fastening assembly 400 includes a screw 410 and a head 420. After installation, the screw 410 is used to pass through the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300 and is threadedly connected to the base 100. The head 420 is fixed to the screw 410 and protrudes outward along the radial direction of the screw 410. The head 420 is used to press the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300 onto the surface of the base 100 away from the outer shell 12.

[0185] In one example of this application embodiment, a hole can be made on the surface of the base 100 away from the outer shell 12, and an internal thread can be tapped into the hole to form a threaded hole. During installation, the second conductive element 300 and the first conductive element 15 are stacked in front of the threaded hole in sequence. Then, the screw 410 of the fastening assembly 400 passes through the first conductive element 15 and the second conductive element 300 from the side of the first conductive element away from the second conductive element 300 until the screw 410 is screwed into the threaded hole on the base 100 and fixed. In another example of this application embodiment, a six-sided hole can be made on the surface of the base 100 away from the outer shell 12, and a six-sided nut can be placed in the hole. The rotation of the six-sided nut is restricted by the mutual abutment between the hole and the outer surface of the six-sided nut. Then, the screw 410 and the six-sided nut are locked together following the installation process in the previous embodiment.

[0186] See Figure 5 In the battery pack 11 provided in this application embodiment, the screw 410 with head 420 is similar to a bolt. Existing bolts can be directly used as fastening components 400. Bolts are common and easy to obtain, and no additional processing is required. This can reduce the processing steps of connector 16 and improve the processing efficiency of connector 16.

[0187] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view of another connector 16 and first conductive element 15 provided in this embodiment of the application, with emphasis on showing the structure of another fastening component 400 within the battery pack 11. See also... Figure 20 In one embodiment of this application, unlike the previous embodiments, the fastening assembly 400 includes a rod 430 and a nut 440. The rod 430 is fixed to the base 100 and protrudes from the base 100 toward the side away from the outer shell 12. After installation, the rod 430 is used to pass through the second conductive member 300 and the first conductive member 15 in sequence from the base 100 toward the side away from the outer shell 12. The nut 440 is located on the side of the first conductive member 15 away from the base 100, and the nut 440 is threadedly connected to the end of the rod 430 away from the base 100. Similar to the function of the head 420 in the previous embodiment, the nut 440 is used to press the first conductive member 15 and the second conductive member 300 onto the surface of the base 100 away from the outer shell 12.

[0188] In one example of this application embodiment, the rod 430 and the base 100 are integral components, which can be manufactured by injection molding or other integral molding methods. Similar to the previous example, integrally molded components have fewer assembly steps than separate components, which can improve the overall assembly efficiency of the connector 16. In another example of this application embodiment, the rod 430 can be directly made of an inverted bolt. For example, a six-hole face is provided on the surface of the base 100 away from the outer shell 12, and then the head of the bolt is placed in the six-hole face. The bolt's rotation is restricted by the mutual abutment between the bolt and the inner surface of the six-hole face. During the installation process, the second conductive element 300 and the first conductive element 15 are sequentially sleeved on the bolt's thread, and then the nut 440 is placed on the side of the first conductive element 15 away from the base 100 and locked with the end of the bolt's thread away from the base 100.

[0189] See Figure 20 In the battery pack 11 provided in this application embodiment, the rod 430 and nut 440 are similar to the head 420 and screw 410 in the previous embodiment. They can all be directly adopted from common components in the prior art without additional processing. This can reduce the processing steps of the connector 16 and improve the processing efficiency of the connector 16.

[0190] Figure 21 The present application provides an exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of the first conductive element 15 of a connector 16 from another perspective, with emphasis on showing a structural example of a fastening assembly 400 including a neck 450, a fastening head 460 and an insulating sleeve 470. Figure 22 An exemplary schematic diagram of a fastening assembly 400 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown, wherein the view is emphasized from an axial side perspective. Figure 21 The central fastening assembly 400 includes a neck 450, a fastening head 460, and an insulating sleeve 470.

[0191] See Figure 21 and Figure 22 In one embodiment of this application, before assembly, the fastening assembly 400 further includes a neck 450, a fastening head 460, and an insulating sleeve 470. The neck 450 is fixed to one end of the head 420 away from the screw 410, and the fastening head 460 is fixed to one end of the neck 450 away from the head 420. The fastening head 460 can be regarded as another head of the fastening assembly 400. The function of the fastening head 460 is to facilitate the fastening of the fastening tool during the fastening process. Specifically, during the fastening process, the fastening tool can be sleeved on the fastening head 460 to establish a temporary fixed relationship between the fastening tool and the fastening assembly 400, so as to facilitate the fastening of the fastening tool.

[0192] In addition, the fastening head 460 and the neck 450 can also be used as a preset torque structure. For example, the thickness and length of the neck 450 can be designed according to the preset torque requirement. In this way, when the torque applied by the fastening tool to the fastening assembly 400 reaches the preset torque during use, the fastening assembly 400 will break at the neck 450. The advantage of this setting is that there is no need to manually control the output torque of the fastening tool, and the use of controllable torque fastening tools can be eliminated, which can reduce the cost of using the connector 16.

[0193] In this embodiment of the application, before installation, the insulating sleeve 470 surrounds the fastening head 460 and the neck 450, and the inner wall of the insulating sleeve 470 has an annular protrusion 480. The annular protrusion 480 protrudes towards the inside of the insulating sleeve 470 and engages with the neck 450. The insulating sleeve 470 is made of insulating material. After installation, the insulating sleeve 470 separates from the connector 16 along with the broken neck 450 and the fastening head 460.

[0194] To meet the requirements of a large rated torque, the fastening assembly 400 generally needs to be made of metal, which leads to the risk of electric shock during installation. The insulating sleeve 470 provided in this embodiment can serve as a barrier for operators to handle the fastening assembly 400, preventing operators from directly contacting the metal parts such as the fastening head 460. This can effectively reduce the risk of electric shock caused by the fastening assembly 400.

[0195] Secondly, after the neck rod 450 breaks, the fastening head 460 separates from the other parts of the fastening assembly 400 and may fall deep into the installation space 210. In the battery pack 11 provided in this application embodiment, the insulating sleeve 470 remains fixed to the broken neck rod 450 and the fastening head 460. In this way, by adaptively matching the volume of the insulating sleeve 470 with the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the installation opening 230, the inner wall of the installation opening 230 restricts the insulating sleeve 470 to a certain extent. The insulating sleeve 470 can restrict the position of the broken neck rod 450 and the fastening head 460 to prevent the broken neck rod 450 and the fastening head 460 from falling into the depth of the installation space 210. Furthermore, the insulating sleeve 470 can also serve as a gripping part for the operator to remove the broken neck rod 450 and the fastening head 460, thus avoiding electric shock accidents during the removal process.

[0196] Figure 23 This paper exemplarily illustrates a cross-sectional view of another connector 16 and a first conductive element 15 provided in an embodiment of this application, with emphasis on showing a structural example of another fastening assembly 400 including a neck 450, a fastening head 460, and an insulating sleeve 470. Figure 24 An exemplary schematic diagram of another fastening assembly 400 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown, wherein the view is emphasized from an axial side perspective. Figure 23 The central fastening assembly 400 includes a neck 450, a fastening head 460, and an insulating sleeve 470.

[0197] See Figure 23 and Figure 24 In one embodiment of this application, similar to the aforementioned embodiments, before assembly, the fastening assembly 400 also includes a neck 450, a fastening head 460, and an insulating sleeve 470. The difference from the aforementioned embodiments is that the neck 450 is fixed to the end of the nut 440 away from the bolt, and the fastening head 460 is fixed to the end of the neck 450 away from the nut 440. The function of the fastening head 460 is to facilitate the fastening of the fastening tool during the fastening process. Specifically, during the fastening process, the fastening tool can be sleeved on the fastening head 460 to establish a temporary fixed relationship between the fastening tool and the fastening assembly 400, so as to facilitate the fastening of the fastening tool.

[0198] In this embodiment, the functions of the neck 450, fastening head 460, and insulating sleeve 470 are the same as those in the aforementioned embodiments. The specific effects of the neck 450, fastening head 460, and insulating sleeve 470 in this embodiment can be found in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0199] Figure 21 and Figure 23 The size range of the insulating sleeve 470 in this embodiment of the application is also exemplarily shown, with reference to a simulated experimental sphere 19. Figure 21 and Figure 23 The dashed circle represents the simulated experimental sphere 19, which is used to replace the fixed foreign object. The diameter D of the simulated experimental sphere 19 is less than 50 mm. (See also...) Figure 21 and Figure 22 In one embodiment of this application, the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the insulating sleeve 470 is less than 50 mm. Specifically, the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the insulating sleeve 470 can be selected as 45 mm, 40 mm, 30 mm, 24 mm or 19 mm, etc. The minimum range of the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the insulating sleeve 470 needs to meet the installation requirements of the fastening head 460 and the neck 450. Therefore, this embodiment of the application does not specifically limit the minimum range of the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the insulating sleeve 470.

[0200] See Figure 21 and Figure 23By limiting the maximum inscribed circle diameter of the insulating sleeve 470 to less than 50mm, the safety protection level of the connector 16 provided in this embodiment of the application at the insulating sleeve 470 can meet the requirements of IPXXA. During the installation process, it can prevent the back of the operator's hand from coming into contact with metal parts such as the fastening head 460 through the opening of the insulating sleeve 470. This structural design has good safety, which on the one hand helps the overall safety of the connector 16 to approach international safety standards, and on the other hand facilitates the promotion and use of the connector 16.

[0201] A second aspect of this application provides an energy storage cabinet 10, which is a basic unit of an energy storage device used to store electrical energy. (See reference...) Figure 6 The energy storage cabinet 10 provided in this application embodiment includes a cabinet body 23 and a plurality of first conductive elements 15 and a plurality of battery packs 11 of any of the aforementioned embodiments housed within the cabinet body 23. Taking two adjacent battery packs 11 as an example, the connector 16 of one of the battery packs 11 is connected to the connector 16 of the other battery pack 11 through a first conductive element 15. Because the energy storage cabinet 10 provided in this application embodiment includes the battery packs 11 mentioned in any of the aforementioned embodiments, the energy storage cabinet 10 provided in this application embodiment also has the technical effects of the battery packs 11 in any of the aforementioned embodiments. For the technical effects of the energy storage cabinet 10, please refer to the foregoing description, which will not be repeated here.

[0202] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. All such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the protection scope of this application, and should not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery pack includes a housing and a connector fixed to the housing; The connector includes: A base, which is fixed to the outer casing; A surrounding panel, fixed to the base and perpendicular to the outer shell, the surrounding panel and the base enclose each other to form an installation space, the surrounding panel having a notch communicating with the installation space, the notch for allowing a first conductive element to extend into the installation space; A second conductive element, a portion of which is located within the mounting space and is used to be electrically connected to the first conductive element, and another portion of which passes through the base and extends into the housing; A fastening assembly for passing through the first conductive element and the second conductive element to secure the first conductive element and the second conductive element to the base, wherein the height of the enclosure is greater than the height of the portion of the fastening assembly located within the mounting space.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the enclosure away from the base is used to form an installation opening, and the notch is located on one side of the installation opening and communicates with the installation opening.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The maximum inscribed circle diameter of the mounting port is less than 50 mm.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The enclosure has a limiting edge facing the mounting space, the limiting edge forming part of the mounting opening, and the portion of the fastening assembly located within the mounting space is located between the limiting edge and the base.

5. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The maximum inscribed circle diameter of the notch is less than 50 mm.

6. The battery pack according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The connector also includes a cover plate that is connected to the enclosure and movable relative to the enclosure, or the cover plate that is detachably connected to the enclosure. The cover plate covers the mounting port.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connector also includes a rotating shaft and a torsion spring. The cover plate is connected to the surrounding plate through the rotating shaft. The torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft. One movable end of the torsion spring abuts against the cover plate, and the other movable end of the torsion spring abuts against the surrounding plate. With the cover plate open at the mounting port, the torsion spring supports the cover plate so that the cover plate remains open at the mounting port.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The battery pack includes two connectors, the positive terminal of the battery pack includes the second conductive element of one of the two connectors, and the negative terminal of the battery pack includes the second conductive element of the other of the two connectors; With the cover of one of the connectors in the open mounting port state, the cover of one of the connectors is at least partially located on the side of the cover of the other connector facing away from the enclosure.

9. The battery pack according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The connector also includes a locking element that passes through the cover plate and is threadedly connected to the enclosure plate, the locking element being used to secure the cover plate and the enclosure plate.

10. The battery pack according to any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that, The cover plate includes a first part and a second part, the first part being fixed to the surface of the second part and protruding outward, the first part covering the mounting opening, and the second part covering a portion of the notch.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, characterized in that, The distance between the end of the second part away from the first part and the base is less than 12mm.

12. The battery pack according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The second part includes a groove and a plurality of connecting beams, the groove dividing the second part into two sub-parts along the direction of the enclosure away from the base, one of the two sub-parts being located on the side of the other facing the base; The plurality of connecting beams are spaced apart within the groove, and each connecting beam is connected at both ends to different sub-parts.

13. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The connector further includes a limiting platform, which is fixed to the inner surface of the enclosure and protrudes from the inner surface of the enclosure toward the mounting space. The limiting platform is used to surround the portion of the first conductive element that extends into the mounting space.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, characterized in that, The limiting platform has a guide surface, which is located at one end of the limiting platform away from the surrounding plate and is inclined toward the surrounding plate in the direction that the surrounding plate is away from the base.

15. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that, The connector further includes a boss that is fixed to the surface of the base facing the housing and protrudes in a direction away from the base. The boss extends into the housing, and the other portion of the second conductive element passes through the base and the boss and extends into the housing.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15, characterized in that, The connector further includes a limiting member that passes through the boss and the other portion of the second conductive member, the limiting member being used to fix the second conductive member to the boss.

17. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-16, characterized in that, The fastening assembly includes a screw and a head. The screw passes through the first conductive element and the second conductive element and is threadedly connected to the base. The head is fixed to the screw and protrudes outward along the radial direction of the screw. The head is used to press the first conductive element and the second conductive element onto the surface of the base away from the housing.

18. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-16, characterized in that, The fastening assembly includes a rod and a nut, the rod being fixed to the base and protruding from the base toward a side opposite to the housing; The rod is used to pass through the first conductive element and the second conductive element and is threadedly connected to the nut, which is used to press the first conductive element and the second conductive element onto the surface of the base away from the outer shell.

19. The battery pack according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The fastening assembly further includes a neck rod, a fastening head, and an insulating sleeve. The neck rod is fixed to the end of the head away from the screw, and the fastening head is fixed to the end of the neck rod away from the head; or, the neck rod is fixed to the end of the nut away from the rod, and the fastening head is fixed to the end of the neck rod away from the nut. The insulating sleeve surrounds the fastening head and the neck rod, and the inner wall of the insulating sleeve has an annular protrusion that protrudes toward the interior of the insulating sleeve and engages with the neck rod.

20. The battery pack according to claim 19, characterized in that, The maximum inscribed circle diameter of the insulating sleeve is less than 50 mm.

21. An energy storage cabinet, characterized in that, The energy storage cabinet includes a cabinet body, a first conductive element housed within the cabinet body, and two battery packs as described in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the connector of one of the battery packs is connected to the connector of the other battery pack via the first conductive element.

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