Power connector and energy storage system

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a power connector and an energy storage system. The power connector comprises an anode plug and an anode socket which can be in plug-in fit, or a cathode plug and a cathode socket which can be in plug-in fit, an insulating plug finger of the anode plug is in plug-in interference with a jack of the cathode socket, and a second plug shell of the anode socket is in plug-in interference with a first slot of the cathode plug; or, the insulation plug fingers of the cathode plug are in plug-in interference with the jacks of the anode socket, and the second plug shell of the cathode socket is in plug-in interference with the first slots of the anode plug. According to the technical scheme of the embodiment of the invention, the plug and the socket of the power connector can be prevented from being mistakenly assembled under the condition that the polarity is not matched.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of electrical connectors, and in particular to a power connector and an energy storage system. Background Art

[0002] Electrical connectors can achieve electrical conduction between two independent electrical structures. Power connectors are a type of electrical connector that usually need to withstand higher currents and voltages in circuits. In recent years, with the booming development of the energy storage field, the demand for power connectors has also surged.

[0003] Energy storage system refers to a device that can store electrical energy in the form of chemical energy, potential energy, kinetic energy, etc., and convert it into electrical energy to supply users when needed. In the energy storage system, some module devices, such as battery packs, power conversion systems (PCS), distribution modules, or power modules, generally transmit power through power connectors and transmission cables. The connection ends of these module devices generally need to distinguish between positive and negative poles. Correspondingly, the power connectors are also divided into positive power connectors and negative power connectors. Usually, the positive power connector includes a positive plug and a positive socket, and the negative power connector includes a negative plug and a negative socket. When the power connector is in use, the polarity of the plug and the socket need to match, otherwise it is easy to cause safety accidents. Utility Model Content

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a power connector and an energy storage system to prevent a plug and a socket of a power connector from being incorrectly assembled when the polarities do not match.

[0005] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a power connector is provided, which includes a positive plug and a positive socket that can be plugged and matched, or a negative plug and a negative socket that can be plugged and matched. The structures of the positive plug and the negative plug both include: a first insulating shell, an insulating finger located in the first insulating shell, an insulating plug surrounding the insulating finger, and a first electrical contact provided on the inner wall of the insulating plug, wherein the first insulating shell includes a first plug shell surrounding the insulating plug, a first slot is formed between the first plug shell and the insulating plug, and a second slot is formed between the insulating plug and the insulating finger, and along the plugging direction of the insulating finger, the insertion end surface of the insulating finger is located in front of the first electrical contact. The structures of the positive socket and the negative socket both include: a second insulating shell, and a second electrical contact located in the second insulating shell, wherein the second electrical contact is used for plugging and matching with the second slot, and the second electrical contact is also used for electrical contact with the first electrical contact, the second electrical contact has a socket, and the socket is used for plugging and matching with the insulating finger, the second insulating shell includes a second plug shell surrounding the second electrical contact, the second plug shell is used for plugging and matching with the first slot, a third slot is formed between the second plug shell and the second electrical contact, and the third slot is used for plugging and matching with the insulating plug tube and the first electrical contact as a whole, along the plugging direction of the second electrical contact, the insertion end face of the second plug shell is located in front of the insertion end face of the second electrical contact. In the design of the embodiment of the present application, the insulating finger of the positive plug interferes with the plugging and matching of the jack of the negative socket, and the second plug shell of the positive socket interferes with the plugging and matching of the first slot of the negative plug; or, the insulating finger of the negative plug interferes with the plugging and matching of the jack of the positive socket, and the second plug shell of the negative socket interferes with the plugging and matching of the first slot of the positive plug.

[0006] The design of the above-mentioned embodiment of the present application can prevent the plug and socket of the power connector from being incorrectly assembled when the polarity does not match, realize plug-in fool-proofing, and thus improve the safety of the power connector. For example, in some design situations, when an attempt is made to plug the negative plug into the positive socket by mistake, the second electrical contact of the positive socket can block the insulating finger of the negative plug outside the socket, so that the insulating finger cannot be inserted into the socket, and thus the negative plug and the positive socket cannot be plugged in and matched; when an attempt is made to plug the positive plug into the negative socket by mistake, the first plug shell or the insulating plug sleeve of the positive plug can block the second plug shell of the negative socket outside the first slot, so that the second plug shell cannot be inserted into the first slot, and thus the positive plug and the negative socket cannot be plugged in and matched.

[0007] In some embodiments, in a design situation where the insulating fingers of the positive plug interfere with the insertion socket of the negative socket, the shape of the insulating fingers of the positive plug matches the shape of the socket of the negative socket, and the area of ​​the insertion end surface of the insulating fingers of the positive plug is larger than the area of ​​the orifice of the socket of the negative socket; or, in a design situation where the insulating fingers of the negative plug interfere with the insertion socket of the positive socket, the shape of the insulating fingers of the negative plug matches the shape of the socket of the positive socket, and the area of ​​the insertion end surface of the insulating fingers of the negative plug is larger than the area of ​​the orifice of the socket of the positive socket.

[0008] For example, in some design situations, since the area of ​​the insertion end surface of the insulating finger of the negative plug is larger than the opening area of ​​the jack of the positive socket, the insulating finger of the negative plug and the jack of the positive socket are not matched in size, and the diameter of the insulating finger of the negative plug can be designed to be larger than the diameter of the jack of the positive socket, so that the jack of the positive socket cannot accommodate the insulating finger of the negative plug. In this way, when the negative plug is mistakenly attempted to be plugged into the positive socket, the second electrical contact of the positive socket will block the insulating finger of the negative plug outside the jack, so that the negative plug and the positive socket cannot be plugged in and matched.

[0009] In some embodiments, in a design situation where the second plug shell of the positive socket interferes with the first slot of the negative plug, the shape of the second plug shell of the positive socket matches the shape of the first slot of the negative plug, and the area of ​​the insertion end face of the second plug shell of the positive socket is larger than the notch area of ​​the first slot of the negative plug, or the inner edge area of ​​the insertion end face of the second plug shell of the positive socket is smaller than the inner edge area of ​​the notch of the first slot of the negative plug, or the outer edge area of ​​the insertion end face of the second plug shell of the positive socket is larger than the outer edge area of ​​the notch of the first slot of the negative plug.

[0010] In some embodiments, in a design situation where the second plug shell of the negative pole socket interferes with the first slot of the positive pole plug, the shape of the second plug shell of the negative pole socket matches the shape of the first slot of the positive pole plug, and the area of ​​the insertion end face of the second plug shell of the negative pole socket is larger than the notch area of ​​the first slot of the positive pole plug, or the inner edge area of ​​the insertion end face of the second plug shell of the negative pole socket is smaller than the inner edge area of ​​the notch of the first slot of the positive pole plug, or the outer edge area of ​​the insertion end face of the second plug shell of the negative pole socket is larger than the outer edge area of ​​the notch of the first slot of the positive pole plug.

[0011] For example, in some design situations, since the area of ​​the insertion end surface of the second plug shell of the negative socket is larger than the slot area of ​​the first slot of the positive plug, the second plug shell of the negative socket and the first slot of the positive plug are not matched in size, and the wall thickness of the second plug shell of the negative socket can be designed to be larger than the slot width of the first slot of the positive plug, so that the first slot of the positive plug cannot accommodate the second plug shell. In this way, when the positive plug is mistakenly attempted to be plugged into the negative socket, the first plug shell of the positive plug blocks the second plug shell of the negative socket outside the first slot, so that the positive plug and the negative socket cannot be plugged in and matched.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the insulating fingers of the positive plug is different from that of the insulating fingers of the negative plug; or the cross-sectional shape of the second plug shell of the positive socket is different from that of the second plug shell of the negative socket.

[0013] For example, in some design situations, since the cross-sectional shape of the insulating fingers of the positive plug is different from that of the insulating fingers of the negative plug, the cross-sectional shape of the jack of the positive socket is also different from that of the jack of the negative socket, so that, based on the shape difference, the second electrical contact of the positive socket can block the insulating fingers of the negative plug outside the jack, and / or, the second electrical contact of the negative socket can block the insulating fingers of the positive plug outside the jack. For example, in some design situations, since the cross-sectional shape of the second plug shell of the positive socket is different from that of the second plug shell of the negative socket, the cross-sectional shape of the first slot of the positive plug is also different from that of the first slot of the negative plug, so that, based on the shape difference, the first plug shell or insulating plug barrel of the positive plug can block the second plug shell of the negative socket outside the first slot, and / or, the first plug shell or insulating plug barrel of the negative plug can block the second plug shell of the positive socket outside the first slot. In addition, the above-mentioned shape difference design also facilitates the operator to judge the polarity of the plug and socket by observing the appearance of this part.

[0014] In some embodiments, the jack is a round hole, and the first slot, the second slot, and the third slot are circular slots coaxially arranged with the round hole. With this embodiment, the plug can be inserted into the socket of the same polarity at multiple angles or even at any angle around its axis, which is not only convenient for operation, but also convenient for routing the transmission cable connected to the plug.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least one of the positive socket and the negative socket further includes: an annular insulating cap covering the insertion end surface of the second electrical contact. Such a design can not only provide mechanical protection and oxidation protection for the second electrical contact, but also reduce the possibility of accidental contact between other conductors other than the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact, thereby further improving the safety of the power connector.

[0016] In some embodiments, for at least one of the positive plug and the negative plug, along the insertion direction of the insulating finger, the insertion end face of the first plug shell, the insertion end face of the insulating finger, and the insertion end face of the insulating plug are arranged in sequence from back to front; and / or, for at least one of the positive socket and the negative socket, along the insertion direction of the second electrical contact, the insertion end face of the annular insulating cap and the insertion end face of the second plug shell are arranged in sequence from back to front.

[0017] In this embodiment, the insertion end faces are arranged in layers, and the two structures guide each other, which can make the insertion operation more convenient. In addition, the insertion end face of the first plug shell, the insertion end face of the insulating plug finger, and the insertion end face of the insulating plug can also be designed to be roughly flush, and the insertion end face of the annular insulating cap and the insertion end face of the second plug shell can also be designed to be roughly flush.

[0018] In some embodiments, there is a clearance fit between the insulating fingers and the socket, and there is a clearance fit between the second plug shell and the first slot. This design can make the relative movement between the insulating fingers and the socket, and the second plug shell and the first slot smoother during insertion, thereby making the insertion operation more convenient.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first insulating housing, the insulating fingers, and the insulating plug are integrally formed. For example, the first insulating housing, the insulating fingers, and the insulating plug can be integrally formed using materials such as insulating resin or insulating plastic through an injection molding process, which has a simple manufacturing process and high molding precision.

[0020] In some embodiments, the outer circumference of the second plug shell of the positive socket and the negative socket is provided with a first limiting portion, and the inner circumference of the first plug shell of the positive plug and the negative plug is provided with a second limiting portion, wherein the first limiting portion of the positive socket and the second limiting portion of the positive plug can limit each other to achieve locking, and can be separated from each other to achieve unlocking, and the first limiting portion of the negative socket and the second limiting portion of the negative plug can limit each other to achieve locking, and can be separated from each other to achieve unlocking; the circumference of the first plug shell of the positive plug and the negative plug is provided with a window penetrating the first plug shell, and the window is used to observe the relative position of the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion.

[0021] In this embodiment, the locking of the positive plug and the positive socket, as well as the locking of the negative plug and the negative socket adopt a visual design. Even if the operator is in a noisy environment, he can make judgments by observing the window. Therefore, compared with related technologies, safety hazards can be reduced.

[0022] In some embodiments, for any one of the plug-in combinations of the positive plug and the positive socket, and the negative plug and the negative socket, the peripheral side of the first plug shell has the above-mentioned window, and the outer peripheral side of the second plug shell has a card slot, that is, the above-mentioned first limiting portion. In this embodiment, the structure of the plug includes a lock buckle provided on the first insulating shell and capable of switching between a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein the lock buckle includes the above-mentioned second limiting portion, which is also located on the peripheral side of the first slot and is convex toward the first slot. When the lock buckle is in the locked state, the second plug shell is plugged and matched with the first slot, at least a part of the second limiting portion is located in the first slot and is limited by the card slot, and at least a part of the card slot is exposed to the target position in the window. When the lock buckle is in the unlocked state, the second limiting portion is separated from the first slot and is released from the limit of the card slot.

[0023] In some embodiments, the lock buckle may further include an operating portion linked to the second limiting portion, the operating portion being exposed outside the first insulating housing and being operated to switch the lock buckle between a locked state and an unlocked state. The operating portion may be triggered by an operation such as a pressing operation or a toggle operation, so that the lock buckle switches between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0024] In some embodiments, the operating portion is used to be pressed to switch the lock between the locked state and the unlocked state, and the structure of the lock may also include: a pin, which is arranged on the first insulating shell; a lever, which is pivotally arranged on the pin, and the lever includes a first lever arm and a second lever arm, wherein the operating portion is connected or abutted with the first lever arm, and the second limiting portion is connected with the second lever arm; and a spring, which abuts against the first insulating shell and the first lever arm respectively. In this embodiment, the operating portion and the second limiting portion of the lock are linked by the lever, and the structure is simple and reliable.

[0025] In some embodiments, the slot surrounds the second plug housing. When the plug is assembled with a socket of the same polarity at multiple rotation angles around its axis, or even at any rotation angle, the second limiting portion and the slot can limit each other, thereby achieving reliable locking.

[0026] Some embodiments of the present application also provide a connector device, which includes a positive power connector and a negative power connector, and the positive power connector and the negative power connector respectively have the structure of the power connector of any of the above embodiments. The positive power connector and the negative power connector can be sold and used as a complete set of products.

[0027] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, there is provided an energy storage system, comprising: a module device having a positive connection terminal and a negative connection terminal, and a positive power connector and a negative power connector. The positive power connector and the negative power connector respectively have the structure of the power connector described in any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the positive power connector comprises a positive plug and a positive socket that can be plugged in and matched, and the negative power connector comprises a negative plug and a negative socket that can be plugged in and matched, the positive socket is used to connect the positive connection terminal, the negative socket is used to connect the negative connection terminal, and the positive plug and the negative plug are respectively used to connect the transmission cable.

[0028] The types of module equipment include but are not limited to battery packs, PCS, power distribution modules, or power modules, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the energy storage system may include a battery pack and a power connector of any of the above embodiments, wherein the positive pole socket of the power connector is connected to the positive pole of the battery pack, the positive pole plug of the power connector is connected to the transmission cable, and the positive pole socket and the positive pole plug are plugged together to achieve electrical connection between the positive pole of the battery pack and the transmission cable; or, the negative pole socket of the power connector is connected to the negative pole of the battery pack, the negative pole plug of the power connector is connected to the transmission cable, and the negative pole socket and the negative pole plug are plugged together to achieve electrical connection between the negative pole of the battery pack and the transmission cable.

[0029] By using the power connector designed in the above embodiment of the present application in the energy storage system, it is possible to prevent the plug and socket of the power connector from being incorrectly assembled when the polarity does not match, thereby achieving fool-proof insertion, thereby improving the safety of the use of the power connector, and further improving the safety and reliability of the energy storage system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a power connector according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0031] Figure 2A It is a schematic diagram of the front view structure of a positive power connector according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0032] Figure 2B is a schematic side view of a positive power connector according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0033] Figure 2C is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a positive power connector according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0034] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a positive electrode plug according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0035] Figure 3B is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a positive electrode plug according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0036] Figure 3C It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a positive electrode socket according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0037] Figure 3D is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a positive electrode socket according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0038] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the front view of a negative power connector according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0039] Figure 4B is a schematic side view of a negative power connector according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0040] Figure 4C is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a negative power connector according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0041] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a negative electrode plug according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0042] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of a negative electrode plug according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0043] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a negative electrode socket according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0044] Figure 5D is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of a negative electrode socket according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0045] Fig. 6A A schematic diagram of the insertion interference between the negative plug and the positive socket according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0046] Figure 6B A schematic diagram of the insertion interference between the positive plug and the negative socket according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0047] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an energy storage system according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0048] Reference numerals:

[0049] 500-power connector; 100-positive power connector; 300-negative power connector; 20a-positive plug; 20b-negative plug;

[0050] 40a-positive pole socket; 40b-negative pole socket; 21-first insulating housing; 22-insulating insert finger; 23-insulating insert sleeve; 24-first electrical contact;

[0051] 25-first plug shell; 26-first slot; 27-second slot; 41-second insulating shell; 42-second electrical contact; 43-jack;

[0052] 44-second plug-in shell; 45-third slot; 46-ring-shaped insulating cap; 31-round chamfer; 251-viewing window; 441-card slot; 28-locking buckle;

[0053] 281-operating part; 282-second limiting part; 283-pin shaft; 284-lever; 2841-first lever arm; 2842-second lever arm; 285-spring;

[0054] S1, S2-axis; P1, P2-insertion end surface; 600-energy storage system; 610-module equipment; 620-transmission cable; 6101-battery pack;

[0055] 6102-power distribution module; 6103-PCS; Q1-insertion direction of the insulating plug finger; Q2-insertion direction of the second electrical contact. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0057] The terms used in the following embodiments are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting of the present application. As used in the specification and appended claims of the present application, the singular expressions "a", "an", "said", "above", "the" and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more", unless there is a clear contrary indication in the context.

[0058] References to "one embodiment" or "a specific embodiment" described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of the present application include a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment. The terms "include", "comprising", "having" and their variations all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0059] In the energy storage system, some module devices, such as battery packs, PCS, distribution modules, or power modules, generally transmit power between them through power connectors and transmission cables. The connection ends of these module devices generally need to distinguish between positive and negative poles. Correspondingly, the power connectors are also divided into positive power connectors and negative power connectors. Usually, the positive power connector includes a positive plug and a positive socket, and the negative power connector includes a negative plug and a negative socket. The positive plug and the negative plug are generally connected to the transmission cable, and the positive socket and the negative socket are generally connected to the connection ends of the corresponding polarities of the above-mentioned module devices. The positive plug is generally provided with a plug protrusion, and the positive socket is provided with a socket that matches the plug protrusion, so that the positive plug can be plugged and matched with the positive socket. Similarly, the negative plug is generally provided with a plug protrusion, and the negative socket is provided with a socket that matches the plug protrusion, so that the negative plug can be plugged and matched with the negative socket.

[0060] When using the power connector, it is necessary to strictly pay attention to whether the polarity of the plug and the socket match, otherwise it is easy to cause safety accidents. In some related technologies, the plug protrusion of the positive plug and the plug protrusion of the negative plug are designed with different column diameters. For example, the plug protrusion of the positive plug is designed to have a larger column diameter, and the socket of the positive socket is correspondingly designed to have a larger aperture, and the plug protrusion of the negative plug is designed to have a smaller column diameter, and the socket of the negative socket is correspondingly designed to have a smaller aperture. In this way, the plug-in and fool-proofing of the positive power connector and the negative power connector can be achieved to a certain extent (fool-proofing can be understood as preventing before the process error occurs). For example, the plug protrusion of the positive plug cannot be matched with the socket with a smaller aperture of the negative socket due to its larger column diameter. However, since the plug protrusion of the negative plug is designed with a smaller column diameter, it may still be mistakenly inserted into the socket with a larger aperture of the positive socket, resulting in the electrical contact in the negative plug and the electrical contact in the positive socket contacting each other or being very close to each other, which is easy to cause a short circuit or voltage breakdown accident.

[0061] In view of this, the embodiment of the present application provides a power connector and an energy storage system to prevent the plug and socket of the power connector from being incorrectly assembled when the polarity does not match, that is, to achieve foolproof insertion of the positive power connector and the negative power connector. The embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] Figure 1 FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a power connector 500 according to some embodiments of the present application. Figure 1 As shown, the power connector 500 provided in some embodiments of the present application may be a positive power connector 100 or a negative power connector 300, wherein the positive power connector 100 includes a positive plug 20a and a positive socket 40a, and the negative power connector 300 includes a negative plug 20b and a negative socket 40b.

[0063] Figure 2A FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the front view of the positive power connector 100 in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 2B FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a positive power connector 100 in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 2C The positive power connector 100 in some embodiments of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 2B The structure of the positive electrode plug 20a can be referred to Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, Figure 3A Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the positive plug 20a in some embodiments of the present application, Figure 3B In some embodiments of the present application, the positive electrode plug 20a is Figure 3A The structure of the positive electrode socket 40a can be referred to Figure 3C and Figure 3D As shown, Figure 3C Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the positive electrode socket 40a in some embodiments of the present application, Figure 3D In some embodiments of the present application, the positive electrode socket 40a is Figure 3C Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at CC.

[0064] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the positive plug 20a includes: a first insulating shell 21, an insulating finger 22 located in the first insulating shell 21, an insulating plug 23 surrounding the insulating finger 22, and a first electrical contact 24 provided on the inner wall of the insulating plug 23. The first insulating shell 21 includes a first plug shell 25 surrounding the insulating plug 23, a first slot 26 is formed between the first plug shell 25 and the insulating plug 23, and a second slot 27 is formed between the insulating plug 23 and the insulating finger 22. Along the insertion direction Q1 of the insulating finger 22, the insertion end surface of the insulating finger 22 is located in front of the first electrical contact 24, so that when the positive plug 20a and the positive socket 40a are inserted into each other (hereinafter referred to as opposite insertion), the insertion end surface of the insulating finger 22 approaches the positive socket 40a earlier than the first electrical contact 24. For the insulating finger 22 or the insulating plug 23, its insertion end surface can be understood as the surface of its structure that first enters the socket structure.

[0065] like Figure 3C and Figure 3D Combined with Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown, the positive socket 40a includes: a second insulating shell 41, and a second electrical contact 42 located in the second insulating shell 41. The second electrical contact 42 is used to be plugged and matched with the second slot 27. In addition, the second electrical contact 42 is also used to electrically contact the first electrical contact 24. The second electrical contact 42 has a plug hole 43, and the plug hole 43 is used to be plugged and matched with the insulating plug finger 22. The second insulating shell 41 includes a second plug shell 44 surrounding the second electrical contact 42, and the second plug shell 44 is used to be plugged and matched with the first slot 26. A third slot 45 is formed between the second plug shell 44 and the second electrical contact 42, and the third slot 45 is used to be plugged and matched with the insulation plug 23 and the first electrical contact 24 as a whole. Along the insertion direction Q2 of the second electrical contact 42, the insertion end surface of the second plug shell 44 is located in front of the insertion end surface of the second electrical contact 42. Thus, when the positive plug 20a and the positive socket 40a are plugged together, the insertion end surface of the second plug shell 44 approaches the positive plug 20a earlier than the insertion end surface of the second electrical contact 42. For the second electrical contact 42 or the second plug shell 44, its insertion end surface can be understood as the surface that first enters the plug structure in its structure.

[0066] Figure 4A FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the front view of the negative power connector 300 in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 4B FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a negative power connector 300 in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 4C The negative power connector 300 in some embodiments of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 4B The structure of the negative electrode plug 20b can be referred to Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, Figure 5A Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the negative electrode plug 20b in some embodiments of the present application, Figure 5B In some embodiments of the present application, the negative electrode plug 20b is Figure 5A The structure of the negative electrode socket 40b can be referred to Figure 5C and Figure 5D As shown, Figure 5C Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the negative electrode socket 40b in some embodiments of the present application, Figure 5D In some embodiments of the present application, the negative electrode socket 40b is Figure 5C In the drawings of the embodiments of the present application, for ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used for the same functions of the positive power connector 100 and the negative power connector 300 .

[0067] like Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, the negative plug 20b includes: a first insulating shell 21, an insulating finger 22 located in the first insulating shell 21, an insulating plug 23 surrounding the insulating finger 22, and a first electrical contact 24 provided on the inner wall of the insulating plug 23. The first insulating shell 21 includes a first plug shell 25 surrounding the insulating plug 23, a first slot 26 is formed between the first plug shell 25 and the insulating plug 23, and a second slot 27 is formed between the insulating plug 23 and the first electrical contact 24 and the insulating finger 22. Along the insertion direction Q1 of the insulating finger 22, the insertion end surface of the insulating finger 22 is located in front of the first electrical contact 24, so that when the negative plug 20b and the negative socket 40b are plugged together, the insertion end surface of the insulating finger 22 approaches the negative socket 40b before the first electrical contact 24.

[0068] like Figure 5C and Figure 5D Combined with Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the negative pole socket 40b includes: a second insulating shell 41, and a second electrical contact 42 located in the second insulating shell 41. The second electrical contact 42 is used to be plugged and matched with the second slot 27. In addition, the second electrical contact 42 is also used to electrically contact the first electrical contact 24. The second electrical contact 42 has a plug hole 43, and the plug hole 43 is used to be plugged and matched with the insulating plug finger 22. The second insulating shell 41 includes a second plug shell 44 surrounding the second electrical contact 42, and the second plug shell 44 is used to be plugged and matched with the first slot 26. A third slot 45 is formed between the second plug shell 44 and the second electrical contact 42, and the third slot 45 is used to be plugged and matched with the insulating plug 23 and the first electrical contact 24 as a whole. Along the insertion direction Q2 of the second electrical contact 42, the insertion end surface of the second plug shell 44 is located in front of the insertion end surface of the second electrical contact 42. In this way, when the negative plug 20b and the negative socket 40b are plugged together, the insertion end surface of the second plug shell 44 approaches the negative plug 20b earlier than the insertion end surface of the second electrical contact 42.

[0069] like Fig. 6AAs shown, it is a schematic diagram of the insertion interference between the negative plug 20b and the positive socket 40a according to some embodiments of the present application. In the design of the power connector of the embodiment of the present application, the insulating finger 22 of the negative plug 20b and the socket 43 of the positive socket 40a are inserted and interfered in the structural design. Insertion interference can be understood as that when trying to insert the two structures into each other, the two structures block each other so that insertion and matching cannot be achieved. In this way, when trying to insert the negative plug 20b into the positive socket 40a by mistake, the second electrical contact 42 of the positive socket 40a can block the insulating finger 22 of the negative plug 20b outside the socket 43, so that the insulating finger 22 cannot be inserted into the socket 43, so that the negative plug 20b and the positive socket 40a cannot be inserted and matched.

[0070] In addition, if Figure 6B As shown, in the design of the power connector of the embodiment of the present application, the second plug shell 44 of the negative pole socket 40b and the first slot 26 of the positive pole plug 20a are also plug-in interfered in the structural design. In this way, when an attempt is made to plug the positive pole plug 20a and the negative pole socket 40b into each other by mistake, the positive pole plug 20a can block the second plug shell 44 of the negative pole socket 40b outside the first slot 26, so that the second plug shell 44 cannot be inserted into the first slot 26, and thus, the positive pole plug 20a and the negative pole socket 40b cannot be plug-in matched.

[0071] Therefore, the design of the above-mentioned embodiment of the present application can prevent the plug and socket of the power connector from being incorrectly assembled when the polarity does not match, thereby achieving fool-proof insertion, thereby improving the safety of using the power connector.

[0072] In other embodiments of the present application, the insulating fingers 22 of the positive plug 20a and the plug hole 43 of the negative socket 40b can also be designed to be plug-in interference in structure, and the second plug shell 44 of the positive socket 40a and the first slot 26 of the negative plug 20b can be designed to be plug-in interference in structure. The principles of plug-in fool-proofing in these embodiments are similar to those in the embodiments described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0073] In the embodiment of the present application, in order to achieve foolproof insertion of the positive power connector 100 and the negative power connector 300, the design can be considered from the size and / or shape of the insulating fingers 22, the sockets 43, the insulating plug tube 23, the second plug shell 44, and the first slot 26.

[0074] The following is a detailed description of the design situation in which the insulating fingers 22 of the negative plug 20b interfere with the insertion holes 43 of the positive socket 40a, and the second plug shell 44 of the negative socket 40b interferes with the first slot 26 of the positive plug 20a.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present application, the shape of the insulating finger 22 of the negative plug 20b can be designed to match the shape of the socket 43 of the positive socket 40a, and the area of ​​the insertion end surface of the insulating finger 22 of the negative plug 20b is designed to be larger than the opening area of ​​the socket 43 of the positive socket 40a. In the embodiments of the present application, for example, the cross section of the insulating finger 22, the insulating plug 23, the socket 43, the second plug shell 44, the first slot 26, etc. refers to the cross section orthogonal to the axial direction thereof, and "the shape of the insulating finger 22 matches the shape of the socket 43" can be understood as that the cross-sectional shape of the insulating finger 22 is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the socket 43, for example, they can be both circular or polygonal. The opening of the socket 43 refers to the insertion port of the socket 43 for the insulating finger 22 to be inserted, and similarly, for example, the notch of the first slot 26 refers to the insertion port of the first slot 26 for the second plug shell 44 to be inserted.

[0076] Since the insertion end surface area of ​​the insulating finger 22 of the negative plug 20b is larger than the opening area of ​​the insertion hole 43 of the positive socket 40a, the insulating finger 22 of the negative plug 20b and the insertion hole 43 of the positive socket 40a are not matched in size. Fig. 6A As shown, the insulating finger 22 of the negative plug 20b can be designed to be cylindrical and its diameter can be designed to be D1, and the plug hole 43 of the positive socket 40a can be designed to be cylindrical and its diameter can be designed to be D2, and D1>D2 (D1 and D2 in the figure are only for illustration, and their sizes in the figure are not used to represent the actual size of the product), so that the plug hole 43 of the positive socket 40a cannot accommodate the insulating finger 22 of the negative plug 20b. In this way, when the negative plug 20b is mistakenly attempted to be plugged into the positive socket 40a, the second electrical contact 42 of the positive socket 40a blocks the insulating finger 22 of the negative plug 20b outside the plug hole 43, so that the negative plug 20b and the positive socket 40a cannot be plugged and matched.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present application, the shape of the second plug shell 44 of the negative electrode socket 40b can be designed to match the shape of the first slot 26 of the positive electrode plug 20a, and, as shown in FIG. Figure 6B As shown, the inner edge area of ​​the insertion end face of the second plug shell 44 of the negative pole socket 40b (the insertion end face of the second plug shell 44 is annular, including the inner edge SS1 and the outer edge SS2) is designed to be smaller than the inner edge area of ​​the notch of the first slot 26 of the positive pole plug 20a (the notch of the first slot 26 is annular, including the inner edge SS3 and the outer edge SS4). In the embodiment of the present application, "the shape of the second plug shell 44 matches the shape of the first slot 26" can be understood as that the cross-sectional shape of the second plug shell 44 is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the first slot 26, for example, they can both be circular rings or polygonal rings.

[0078] Since the inner edge area of ​​the insertion end surface of the second plug shell 44 of the negative socket 40b is smaller than the inner edge area of ​​the notch of the first slot 26 of the positive plug 20a, the second plug shell 44 of the negative socket 40b and the first slot 26 of the positive plug 20a are not matched in size, so that the first slot 26 of the positive plug 20a cannot accommodate the second plug shell 44. In this way, when the positive plug 20a is mistakenly attempted to be plugged into the negative socket 40b, the second plug shell 44 is blocked outside the first slot 26 by the insulating plug 23, so that the positive plug 20a and the negative socket 40b cannot be plugged and matched.

[0079] In some embodiments, the outer edge area of ​​the insertion end surface of the second plug shell 44 of the negative electrode socket 40b can be designed to be larger than the outer edge area of ​​the notch of the first slot 26 of the positive electrode plug 20a, or the area of ​​the insertion end surface of the second plug shell 44 of the negative electrode socket 40b can be designed to be larger than the notch area of ​​the first slot 26 of the positive electrode plug 20a. In these embodiments, the first slot 26 of the positive electrode plug 20a cannot accommodate the second plug shell 44, so that the positive electrode plug 20a and the negative electrode socket 40b cannot be plugged and matched.

[0080] Therefore, by designing the size difference as described above, foolproof insertion of the positive power connector 100 and the negative power connector 300 can be achieved.

[0081] In other embodiments of the present application, in order to achieve fool-proof insertion of the positive power connector 100 and the negative power connector 300, the insulating finger 22 of the positive plug 20a can also be designed to interfere with the insertion of the socket 43 of the negative socket 40b, and the second plug shell 44 of the positive socket 40a can be designed to interfere with the insertion of the first slot 26 of the negative plug 20b. Specifically, the shape of the insulating finger 22 of the positive power connector 100 can be designed to match the shape of the socket 43 of the negative power connector 300, and the area of ​​the insertion end surface of the insulating finger 22 of the positive power connector 100 can be designed to be larger than the opening area of ​​the socket 43 of the negative power connector 300; the shape of the second plug shell 44 of the positive socket 40a can be designed to match the shape of the first slot 26 of the negative plug 20b, and the area of ​​the insertion end surface of the second plug shell 44 of the positive socket 40a can be designed to be larger than the slot area of ​​the first slot 26 of the negative plug 20b, or the inner edge area of ​​the insertion end surface of the second plug shell 44 of the positive socket 40a can be designed to be smaller than the inner edge area of ​​the slot of the first slot 26 of the negative plug 20b, or the outer edge area of ​​the insertion end surface of the second plug shell 44 of the positive socket 40a can be designed to be larger than the outer edge area of ​​the slot of the first slot 26 of the negative plug 20b. This embodiment is not shown in the drawings. The principle of realizing fool-proof insertion of the positive power connector 100 and the negative power connector 300 is similar to that of the above embodiment, and can be understood by referring to the description of the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0082] In the power connectors of some embodiments of the present application, the cross-sectional shape of the insulating fingers of the positive power connector and the cross-sectional shape of the insulating fingers of the negative power connector can be designed to be different. These embodiments are not illustrated in the drawings, but are described in text below.

[0083] For example, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the insulating fingers of the positive power connector can be designed to be circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the insulating fingers of the negative power connector can be designed to be a regular hexagon, and the diameter of the circle can be equal to, greater than, or less than the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the regular hexagon. There are many other design solutions based on the shape difference of the insulating fingers of the positive power connector and the negative power connector, which are not listed here one by one.

[0084] Since the cross-sectional shape of the jack of the positive power connector matches the cross-sectional shape of the insulating fingers of the positive power connector, and the cross-sectional shape of the jack of the negative power connector matches the cross-sectional shape of the insulating fingers of the negative power connector, in these embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the jack of the positive power connector is also different from the cross-sectional shape of the jack of the negative power connector, so that, based on the shape difference, the second electrical contact of the positive socket can block the insulating fingers of the negative plug outside the jack, and / or, the second electrical contact of the negative socket can block the insulating fingers of the positive plug outside the jack. In addition, the design of the shape difference also makes it easy for the operator to judge the polarity of the plug and socket by observing the appearance of this part.

[0085] In the power connectors of some embodiments of the present application, the cross-sectional shape of the second plug shell of the positive power connector and the cross-sectional shape of the second plug shell of the negative power connector may also be designed to be different. These embodiments are not illustrated in the drawings, but are described in text below.

[0086] For example, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the second plug shell of the positive power connector can be designed as a circular ring, and the cross-sectional shape of the second plug shell of the negative power connector can be designed as a regular hexagonal ring, and the ring width of the circular ring can be equal to, greater than, or less than the ring width of the regular hexagonal ring. There are many other design solutions based on the shape difference of the second plug shells of the positive power connector and the negative power connector, which are not listed here one by one.

[0087] Since the cross-sectional shape of the first slot of the positive power connector matches the cross-sectional shape of the second plug shell of the positive power connector, and the cross-sectional shape of the first slot of the negative power connector matches the cross-sectional shape of the second plug shell of the negative power connector, in these embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the first slot of the positive power connector is also different from the cross-sectional shape of the first slot of the negative power connector, so that, based on the shape difference, the first plug shell or the insulating plug barrel of the positive plug can block the second plug shell of the negative socket outside the first slot, and / or, the first plug shell or the insulating plug barrel of the negative plug can block the second plug shell of the positive socket outside the first slot. In addition, the design of the shape difference also makes it easy for the operator to judge the polarity of the plug and socket by observing the appearance of this part.

[0088] Through the above-mentioned design of the shape difference between the insulating fingers and the second plug shell, the positive power connector and the negative power connector can also be plugged in and out without mistakes, and the operator can also judge the polarity of the plug and the socket by observing the above-mentioned shape difference.

[0089] In the embodiment of the present application, the appearance of the positive power connector 100 and the negative power connector 300 can also be designed to be differentiated. For example, the first insulating shell 21 and the second insulating shell 41 of the positive power connector 100 can be designed to be blue, and the first insulating shell 21 and the second insulating shell 41 of the negative power connector 300 can be designed to be yellow; for example, the appearance of the first insulating shell 21 of the positive power connector 100 and the negative power connector 300 can be designed to show obvious differences; for example, polarity markings can be designed on the first insulating shell 21 of the positive power connector 100 and the negative power connector 300; more implementation methods are not listed here one by one. The difference in appearance design of the positive power connector 100 and the negative power connector 300 can assist the operator in making judgments on the polarity of the plug and the socket, thereby reducing erroneous operations and further improving the safety of the use of power connectors.

[0090] like Figure 3A , Figure 3C , Figure 5A and Figure 5C As shown, in some embodiments of the present application, in the structure of the positive power connector 100 and the negative power connector 300, the jack 43 can be designed as a circular hole, and the first slot 26, the second slot 27, and the third slot 45 can be designed as an annular slot coaxially arranged with the circular hole. In this way, the axes of the jack 43, the first slot 26, the second slot 27, and the third slot 45 are coincident within a certain error range, so that, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A As shown, the positive plug 20a can be assembled with the positive socket 40a at multiple rotation angles around the axis S1, or even at any rotation angle. Figure 4A As shown, the negative plug 20b can be assembled with the negative socket 40b at multiple rotation angles around the axis S2, or even at any rotation angle. With the design of this embodiment, the positive plug 20a and the positive socket 40a, and the negative plug 20b and the negative socket 40b can be assembled at multiple angles, or even at any angle, respectively, which is not only convenient for operation, but also convenient for routing the transmission cables respectively connected to the positive plug 20a and the negative plug 20b.

[0091] In some embodiments of the present application, when the positive plug 20a is inserted into the positive socket 40a, and the negative plug 20b is inserted into the negative socket 40b, there is a clearance fit between the two insulating fingers 22 and their respective corresponding sockets 43, and there is a clearance fit between the two second plug shells 44 and their respective corresponding first slots 26. Clearance fit refers to a fit with a gap, wherein the minimum value of the gap can be zero. In the clearance fit, the tolerance band of the hole is above the tolerance band of the shaft, that is, the actual size of the hole is greater than or equal to the actual size of the shaft. This design can make the relative movement between the insulating fingers 22 and the socket 43, and the second plug shell 44 and the first slot 26 smoother during insertion, thereby making the insertion operation more convenient.

[0092] In some embodiments of the present application, when the positive plug 20a is inserted into the positive socket 40a, and the negative plug 20b is inserted into the negative socket 40b, there is an interference fit between the two first electrical contacts 24 and the respective second electrical contacts 42. Interference fit refers to a fit with interference, wherein the minimum interference can be zero, and in the interference fit, the tolerance zone of the hole is below the tolerance zone of the shaft. The design of this embodiment can make the electrical contact between the first electrical contact 24 and the corresponding second electrical contact 42 more reliable, thereby making the electrical connection performance of the power connector more reliable.

[0093] like Figure 3D and Figure 5D As shown, in some embodiments of the present application, the structures of the positive socket 40a and the negative socket 40b may also respectively include: an annular insulating cap 46 covering the insertion end surface of the second electrical contact 42. The annular insulating cap 46 and the second electrical contact 42 may be fixedly connected by bonding or interference fitting. Such a design can not only provide mechanical protection and oxidation protection for the second electrical contact 42, but also reduce the possibility of accidental contact between other conductors except the first electrical contact 24 and the second electrical contact 42, thereby further improving the safety of the power connector.

[0094] In some embodiments of the present application, in the structure of the positive power connector 100 and the negative power connector 300, the edges of the insertion end surfaces of the insulating fingers 22, the insulating plug sleeve 23, the annular insulating cap 46, and the second plug shell 44 have round chamfers 31 (such as Figure 3B and Figure 5B As shown, only some of the round chamfers 31) or oblique chamfers are shown. The chamfer design can disperse the stress of the parts, improve the mechanical properties of the parts, reduce the damage between the parts, and facilitate the assembly of the parts.

[0095] In some embodiments of the present application, in the structure of the positive plug 20a, as shown in FIG. Figure 3BAs shown, the insertion end surface of the first plug shell 25, the insertion end surface of the insulating plug finger 22 and the insertion end surface of the insulating plug tube 23 can be designed to be substantially flush. Figure 3D As shown, the insertion end surface of the second plug housing 44 and the insertion end surface of the annular insulating cap 46 may also be designed to be substantially flush.

[0096] In some embodiments of the present application, in the structure of the negative electrode plug 20b, as shown in FIG. Figure 5B As shown, the insertion end surface of the first plug shell 25, the insertion end surface of the insulating plug finger 22, and the insertion end surface of the insulating plug tube 23 are substantially flush. In the structure of the negative electrode socket 40b, as shown in FIG. Figure 5D As shown, along the insertion direction Q2 of the second electrical contact 42, that is, along the relative insertion direction from the negative socket 40b to the negative plug 20b, the insertion end surface P1 of the annular insulating cap 46 and the insertion end surface P2 of the second plug shell 44 are arranged in sequence from back to front. When the negative plug 20b and the negative socket 40b are plugged in, the annular insulating cap 46 covering the second electrical contact 42 first enters the insulating plug tube 23, then the insulating plug finger 22 enters the plug hole 43 of the second electrical contact 42, and then the second plug shell 44 and the first plug shell 25 are plugged in. At this point, the second electrical contact 42 and the first electrical contact 24 are fully and reliably electrically contacted. During the plug-in process of the negative plug 20b and the negative socket 40b, the structures of the two guide each other, making the plug-in operation more convenient. In some embodiments, the insertion end surface P1 of the annular insulating cap 46 of the negative electrode socket 40 b and the insertion end surface P2 of the second plug shell 44 may also be designed to be substantially flush with the positive electrode socket 40 a.

[0097] In some embodiments, for at least one of the positive plug 20a and the negative plug 20b, along the insertion direction Q1 of the insulating plug finger 22, the insertion end face of the first plug shell 25, the insertion end face of the insulating plug finger 22, and the insertion end face of the insulating plug barrel 23 can also be designed to be arranged in sequence from back to front. These embodiments are not shown in the drawings. The insertion end faces are arranged in layers, and the mutual guidance between the two structures can make the insertion operation more convenient.

[0098] In some embodiments of the present application, Figure 3B and Figure 5B As shown, the first insulating shell 21, insulating fingers 22 and insulating plug barrel 23 of the positive plug 20a and the negative plug 20b can be integrally formed. For example, the first insulating shell 21, insulating fingers 22 and insulating plug barrel 23 can be made of insulating resin or insulating plastic and integrally formed by injection molding, which has a simple manufacturing process and high molding precision.

[0099] In some related technologies, such as positive power connectors or negative power connectors, the plug and the socket are locked by a lock. When the plug and the socket are inserted into place, the lock will make a sound such as "click" due to mechanical friction. The operator generally listens to the sound to distinguish whether the plug and the socket are inserted into place and locked. However, the operator is prone to make wrong judgments in a noisy environment, so this locking design has certain safety hazards.

[0100] According to some embodiments of the present application, the design of the power connector can not only realize fool-proof insertion of the positive power connector 100 and the negative power connector 300, but also realize reliable locking of the positive plug 20a and the positive socket 40a, and the negative plug 20b and the negative socket 40b.

[0101] In these embodiments, the outer circumference of the second plug shell 44 of the positive socket 40a and the negative socket 40b is designed with a first limiting portion, and the inner circumference of the first plug shell 25 of the positive plug 20a and the negative plug 20b is designed with a second limiting portion. The first limiting portion of the positive socket 40a and the second limiting portion of the positive plug 20a can limit each other to achieve locking, and can be separated from each other to achieve unlocking. The first limiting portion of the negative socket 40b and the second limiting portion of the negative plug 20b can limit each other to achieve locking, and can be separated from each other to achieve unlocking. In addition, the circumference of the first plug shell 25 of the positive plug 20a and the negative plug 20b has a window running through it, and the window can be used to observe the relative position of the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion. Even if the operator is in a noisy environment, he can observe the relative position of the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion through the viewing window, so as to determine whether the plug and the socket have been reliably locked.

[0102] The specific structural form of the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion is not limited. In some embodiments, the first limiting portion can be a card slot, and the second limiting portion can be a card protrusion formed on the lock buckle. The following is a further detailed description of the locking design of the plug and the socket in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0103] like Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, in the structure of the positive power connector 100, the peripheral side of the first plug shell 25 has a window 251, as shown in FIG. Figure 3C and Figure 3D As shown, the second plug housing 44 has a slot 441 on its circumferential side, and the slot 441 can be used as the first limiting portion. Figure 2C As shown, the positive plug 20a further includes a lock 28 disposed on the first insulating housing 21 and capable of switching between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0104] Similar, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4AAs shown, in the structure of the negative power connector 300, the peripheral side of the first plug shell 25 has a window 251, as shown in FIG. Figure 5C and Figure 5D As shown, the second plug housing 44 has a slot 441 on its circumferential side, and the slot 441 can be used as the first limiting portion. Figure 4A and Figure 4C As shown, the negative plug 20b further includes a lock 28 disposed on the first insulating housing 21 and capable of switching between a locked state and an unlocked state. The mechanical locking principle of the lock 28 of the negative power connector 300 is similar to that of the lock 28 of the positive power connector 100, and the lock 28 of the positive power connector 100 is taken as an example for specific description.

[0105] like Figure 2A , Figure 2C and Figure 3B As shown, the structure of the lock buckle 28 includes the second limiting portion 282, which is also located on the peripheral side of the first slot 26 and is convex toward the first slot 26. When the lock buckle 28 is in a locked state, the second plug housing 44 is plugged and matched with the first slot 26, at least a portion of the second limiting portion 282 is located in the first slot 26 and is limited by the card slot 441, and at least a portion of the card slot 441 is exposed to the target position in the window 251 (such as Figure 2A When the lock 28 is in the unlocked state, the second limiting portion 282 is disengaged from the first slot 26 and releases the limiting position with the card slot 441. At this time, the positive plug 20a can be separated from the positive socket 40a.

[0106] Continue to refer to Figure 2A , Figure 2C and Figure 3B As shown, the structure of the lock buckle 28 may further include an operating portion 281 that is linked to the second limiting portion 282, and is used to be operated to switch the lock buckle 28 between the locked state and the unlocked state. In the embodiment of the present application, "the second limiting portion 282 is linked to the operating portion 281" can be understood as that the movement of either the second limiting portion 282 or the operating portion 281 can drive the other to move.

[0107] When the positive plug 20a and the positive socket 40a are inserted into place, the second limiting portion 282 and the slot 441 limit each other. At this time, the lock buckle 28 is in a locked state, and at least a portion of the slot 441 is exposed to the target position in the window 251 (such as Figure 2AAs shown in the figure, the operator can judge whether the positive plug 20a and the positive socket 40a are inserted in place and locked by observing this window 251. For example, when at least a part of the slot 441 is exposed to the target position in the window 251, it can be determined that the positive plug 20a and the positive socket 40a have been inserted in place and locked; when at least a part of the slot 441 is not exposed in the window 251, or is exposed in the window 251 but does not reach the target position, it can be determined that the positive plug 20a and the positive socket 40a are not inserted in place, let alone locked. The locking of the positive plug 20a and the positive socket 40a in this embodiment adopts a visual design. Even if the operator is in a noisy environment, he can make a judgment by observing the window 251. Therefore, compared with the related art, the safety hazards can be reduced.

[0108] In some embodiments of the present application, the operating portion 281 of the lock buckle 28 can be triggered by an operation such as a pressing operation or a toggle operation, so that the lock buckle 28 can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific structural design of the lock buckle 28. For example, based on different operating modes of the lock buckle 28, the lock buckle 28 may also have different structural designs.

[0109] like Figure 2C As shown, in some embodiments, for the positive plug 20a, the operating portion 281 of the lock 28 is used to be pressed to switch the lock 28 between the locked state and the unlocked state. In terms of structural design, the lock 28 includes not only the operating portion 281 and the second limiting portion 282, but also a pin 283 provided on the first insulating shell 21, a lever 284 pivotably provided on the pin 283, and a spring 285 for applying a preload, wherein the lever 284 includes a first lever arm 2841 and a second lever arm 2842, the operating portion 281 abuts or is connected to the first lever arm 2841, the second limiting portion 282 is connected to the second lever arm 2842, and the spring 285 abuts against the first insulating shell 21 and the first lever arm 2841, respectively. The specific type of the spring 285 is not limited, for example, it can be a cylindrical spring or a torsion spring.

[0110] In this embodiment, the operating portion 281 and the second limiting portion 282 are linked by the lever 284, and the structure is simple and reliable. When the lock buckle 28 is in the locked state, pressing the operating portion 281 can make the second limiting portion 282 disengage from the first slot 26 and release the mutual limit with the card slot 441, so as to switch the lock buckle 28 to the unlocked state. At this time, the positive plug 20a can be pulled out of the positive socket 40a. The second limiting portion 282 can be designed as a hook shape as shown in the figure, which has a guiding inclined surface. When the positive plug 20a and the positive socket 40a are plugged into each other, as the positive plug 20a is pushed forward, first, the guiding inclined surface of the second limiting portion 282 slides over the insertion end of the second plug shell 44, and is pushed by the insertion end of the second plug shell 44 to move in the direction away from the first slot 26. Then, the second limiting portion 282 slides along the outer surface of the second plug shell 44 for a distance until at least a part of it enters the slot 441 of the second plug shell 44 and is limited by the slot 441. At this point, the positive plug 20a and the positive socket 40a are inserted into place and locked.

[0111] For the negative power connector 300, the operating portion 281 and the second limiting portion 282 of the lock 28 can also be connected by a pin 283 (such as Figure 5A As shown in the figure), levers (not shown in the figure) and springs (not shown in the figure) realize the above-mentioned mechanical locking principle, which will not be repeated here.

[0112] It should be noted that, although the mechanical locking principle of the lock 28 of the negative power connector 300 may be similar to that of the lock 28 of the positive power connector 100, the appearance styles of the two may be different, and these differences include but are not limited to the specific position of the operating portion 281, the specific structural style of the operating portion 281, the specific position of the window 251, the specific shape of the window 251, etc. The operator can judge the polarity of the plug by observing these differences. In some embodiments, the lock 28 of the negative power connector 300 and the lock 28 of the positive power connector 100 may also adopt the same appearance style, and this application does not specifically limit this.

[0113] In some embodiments, Figure 3C As shown, in the design of the positive electrode socket 40a, the slot 441 surrounds the second plug shell 44, thereby forming a closed ring. Figure 2A As shown, when the positive plug 20a is assembled with the positive socket 40a at multiple rotation angles around the axis S1, or even at any rotation angle, the second limiting portion 282 can limit each other with the locking groove 441, thereby achieving reliable locking of the positive plug 20a and the positive socket 40a. Figure 5C As shown, in the design of the negative electrode socket 40b, the slot 441 surrounds the second plug shell 44, so that Figure 4AAs shown, when the negative plug 20b is assembled with the negative socket 40b at multiple rotation angles or even any rotation angle relative to the axis S2, the second limiting portion 282 can limit each other with the locking groove 441, thereby achieving reliable locking of the negative plug 20b and the negative socket 40b.

[0114] Some embodiments of the present application further provide a connector device, which includes the positive power connector 100 and the negative power connector 300 described in any of the above embodiments. The positive power connector 100 and the negative power connector 300 can be sold and used as a complete set of products.

[0115] like Figure 7 As shown, some embodiments of the present application provide an energy storage system 600, which includes a module device 610 having a positive connection terminal and a negative connection terminal, and a positive power connector 100 and a negative power connector 300 according to any of the above embodiments, wherein the positive socket 40a is used to connect the positive connection terminal of the module device 610, the negative socket 40b is used to connect the negative connection terminal of the module device 610, and the positive plug 20a and the negative plug 20b are respectively used to connect the transmission cable 620.

[0116] The energy storage system 600 may include one or more of the above-mentioned module devices 610 that need to distinguish the polarity of the connection end. The functional types of the module devices 610 include but are not limited to battery packs, PCS, distribution modules, power modules, etc.

[0117] For example, in some embodiments, Figure 7 As shown, the energy storage system 600 may include a battery pack 6101 and a positive power connector 100 and a negative power connector 300 of any of the above embodiments. The positive socket 40a is connected to the positive electrode of the battery pack 6101, the positive plug 20a is connected to the transmission cable 620, and the positive socket 40a and the positive plug 20a are plugged in and matched to realize the electrical connection between the positive electrode of the battery pack 6101 and the transmission cable 620. The negative socket 40b is connected to the negative electrode of the battery pack 6101, the negative plug 20b is connected to the transmission cable 620, and the negative socket 40b and the negative plug 20b are plugged in and matched to realize the electrical connection between the negative electrode of the battery pack 6101 and the transmission cable 620.

[0118] like Figure 7As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, multiple battery packs 6101 can form a series structure through a transmission cable 620, a positive power connector 100, and a negative power connector 300. In addition, the series structure formed by multiple battery packs 6101 can also be connected to the input side of the distribution module 6102 through the transmission cable 620, the positive power connector 100, and the negative power connector 300, and the output side of the distribution module 6102 can also be connected to the input side of the PCS 6103 through the transmission cable 620, the positive power connector 100, and the negative power connector 300, and the output side of the PCS 6103 can be used to output three-phase AC power.

[0119] Figure 7 It is only a simplified schematic diagram of the energy storage system 600 of some embodiments of the present application. The structure of the energy storage system 600 of the embodiment of the present application is not limited to Figure 7 As shown, for example, in some embodiments, in addition to including one or more of the above-mentioned module devices 610 that need to distinguish the polarity of the connection end, the energy storage system 600 may also include at least one other module device that does not need to distinguish the polarity of the connection end. The other module device may be, for example, a battery management system (BMS), an energy management system (EMS), a fuse module, or a capacitor module, etc. The connection between these module devices can use a traditional connector, which is not limited to the embodiments of the present application.

[0120] Applying the design of the power connector of the above embodiment of the present application in the energy storage system 600 can prevent the plug and socket of the power connector from being incorrectly assembled when the polarity does not match, thereby achieving fool-proof insertion, thereby improving the safety of the use of the power connector, and further improving the safety and reliability of the energy storage system 600.

[0121] The above are only specific implementations of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A power connector, characterized in that: It includes a positive plug and a positive socket that can be plugged in and matched, or a negative plug and a negative socket that can be plugged in and matched, wherein: The positive plug and the negative plug both include: a first insulating shell, an insulating finger located in the first insulating shell, an insulating plug surrounding the insulating finger, and a first electrical contact provided on the inner wall of the insulating plug, wherein the first insulating shell includes a first plug shell surrounding the insulating plug, a first slot is formed between the first plug shell and the insulating plug, a second slot is formed between the insulating plug and the insulating finger, and along the insertion direction of the insulating finger, the insertion end surface of the insulating finger is located in front of the first electrical contact; The positive socket and the negative socket both include: a second insulating shell, and a second electrical contact located in the second insulating shell, wherein the second electrical contact is used to be plugged into the second slot, the second electrical contact is also used to be in electrical contact with the first electrical contact, the second electrical contact has a socket, the socket is used to be plugged into the insulating finger, the second insulating shell includes a second plug shell surrounding the second electrical contact, the second plug shell is used to be plugged into the first slot, a third slot is formed between the second plug shell and the second electrical contact, the third slot is used to be plugged into the insulating plug and the first electrical contact as a whole, along the plug-in direction of the second electrical contact, the insertion end face of the second plug shell is located in front of the insertion end face of the second electrical contact; The insulating fingers of the positive plug interfere with the jack of the negative socket, and the second plug shell of the positive socket interferes with the first slot of the negative plug; or the insulating fingers of the negative plug interfere with the jack of the positive socket, and the second plug shell of the negative socket interferes with the first slot of the positive plug.

2. The power connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the case where the insulating fingers of the positive plug interfere with the socket of the negative socket, the shape of the insulating fingers of the positive plug matches the shape of the socket of the negative socket, and the area of ​​the insertion end surface of the insulating fingers of the positive plug is larger than the opening area of ​​the socket of the negative socket; or In a design situation where the insulating fingers of the negative plug interfere with the socket of the positive socket, the shape of the insulating fingers of the negative plug matches the shape of the socket of the positive socket, and the area of ​​the insertion end surface of the insulating fingers of the negative plug is larger than the opening area of ​​the socket of the positive socket.

3. The power connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the case where the second plug shell of the positive socket interferes with the first slot of the negative plug, the shape of the second plug shell of the positive socket matches the shape of the first slot of the negative plug, and, The area of ​​the insertion end surface of the second plug shell of the positive socket is larger than the notch area of ​​the first slot of the negative plug; or The inner edge area of ​​the insertion end surface of the second plug shell of the positive socket is smaller than the inner edge area of ​​the notch of the first slot of the negative plug; or The outer edge area of ​​the insertion end surface of the second plug shell of the positive pole socket is larger than the outer edge area of ​​the notch of the first insertion slot of the negative pole plug.

4. The power connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the case where the second plug shell of the negative socket interferes with the first slot of the positive plug, the shape of the second plug shell of the negative socket matches the shape of the first slot of the positive plug, and, The area of ​​the insertion end surface of the second plug shell of the negative pole socket is larger than the notch area of ​​the first slot of the positive pole plug; or The inner edge area of ​​the insertion end surface of the second plug shell of the negative pole socket is smaller than the inner edge area of ​​the notch of the first slot of the positive pole plug; or The outer edge area of ​​the insertion end surface of the second plug shell of the negative pole socket is larger than the outer edge area of ​​the notch of the first insertion slot of the positive pole plug.

5. The power connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shape of the insulating fingers of the positive plug is different from the cross-sectional shape of the insulating fingers of the negative plug; or The cross-sectional shape of the second plug shell of the positive electrode socket is different from the cross-sectional shape of the second plug shell of the negative electrode socket.

6. The power connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insertion hole is a round hole, and the first slot, the second slot, and the third slot are annular slots coaxially arranged with the round hole.

7. The power connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the positive electrode socket and the negative electrode socket further includes an annular insulating cap covering an insertion end surface of the second electrical contact.

8. The power connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: For at least one of the positive electrode socket and the negative electrode socket, along the insertion direction of the second electrical contact, the insertion end surface of the annular insulating cap and the insertion end surface of the second plug shell are arranged in sequence from back to front.

9. The power connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The outer circumference of the second plug shell of the positive socket and the negative socket is provided with a first limiting portion, and the inner circumference of the first plug shell of the positive plug and the negative plug is provided with a second limiting portion, wherein the first limiting portion of the positive socket and the second limiting portion of the positive plug can limit each other to achieve locking, and can be separated from each other to achieve unlocking, and the first limiting portion of the negative socket and the second limiting portion of the negative plug can limit each other to achieve locking, and can be separated from each other to achieve unlocking; The peripheral sides of the first plug shells of the positive plug and the negative plug are each provided with a viewing window penetrating the first plug shell, and the viewing window is used to observe the relative positions of the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion.

10. An energy storage system, characterized in that: include: A battery pack and a power connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9; The positive electrode socket of the power connector is connected to the positive electrode of the battery pack, the positive electrode plug of the power connector is connected to the transmission cable, and the positive electrode socket and the positive electrode plug are plugged and matched to realize the electrical connection between the positive electrode of the battery pack and the transmission cable; or The negative pole socket of the power connector is connected to the negative pole of the battery pack, the negative pole plug of the power connector is connected to the transmission cable, and the negative pole socket and the negative pole plug are plugged together to achieve electrical connection between the negative pole of the battery pack and the transmission cable.

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