Fasteners and battery packs

Abstract

The utility model provides a fastener and a battery pack, which includes a fastener. The fastener is suitable for fixing a first component and a second component to each other. The fastener includes a fastener body and a first retaining arm and a second retaining arm. The fastener body defines an internal space. The fastener body has a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end in its longitudinal direction, and is provided with a first window and a second window. The first retaining arm is bent from the first longitudinal end toward the internal space and extends through the first window, and the second retaining arm is bent from the second longitudinal end toward the internal space and extends through the second window. The first retaining arm includes a first retaining portion and a first supporting portion for supporting the first retaining portion, and the second retaining arm includes a second retaining portion and a second supporting portion for supporting the second retaining portion. The first retaining portion and the second retaining portion are suitable for clamping at least a portion of the first component and at least a portion of the second component therebetween. The fastener has high fastening force and high assembly efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model generally relates to the technical field of fasteners. Background Art

[0002] The battery pack usually includes an upper shell and a lower shell, which together define a storage space for accommodating the battery. Usually, a dozen to dozens of bolts are needed to fasten the upper shell and the lower shell together. When assembling the battery pack, these bolts need to be tightened one by one, which results in low assembly efficiency of the battery pack. In addition, when the battery pack is installed on the vehicle, the bolts may also loosen due to vibration and bumps during the driving of the vehicle. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of the utility model is to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art and to provide an improved fastener.

[0004] To this end, a first aspect of the utility model provides a fastener, which is suitable for passing through a first component and a second component to fix the first component and the second component to each other, and the fastener includes: a fastener body, the fastener body has a generally tubular shape and defines an internal space, the fastener body has a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end in its longitudinal direction, and the fastener body is provided with a first window and a second window; and a first retaining arm and a second retaining arm, the first retaining arm is bent from the first longitudinal end toward the internal space and extends from the internal space through the first window, and the second retaining arm is bent from the second longitudinal end toward the internal space and extends from the internal space through the second window; wherein, the first retaining arm includes a first retaining portion and a first supporting portion extending through the first window, and the second retaining arm includes a second retaining portion and a second supporting portion extending through the second window; wherein, the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion are suitable for clamping at least a portion of the first component and at least a portion of the second component therebetween.

[0005] According to the above technical concept, the first aspect of the utility model may further include any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0006] In some optional forms, the first supporting portion extends through the first window and is suitable for abutting the inner edge of the first window to support the first retaining portion when the first retaining portion is pressed; the second supporting portion extends through the second window and is suitable for abutting the inner edge of the second window to support the second retaining portion when the second retaining portion is pressed.

[0007] In some optional forms, the first holding portion and the first supporting portion are both in a sheet-like shape and are substantially perpendicular to each other; the second holding portion and the second supporting portion are both in a sheet-like shape and are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0008] In some optional forms, the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm are arranged symmetrically.

[0009] In some optional forms, the fastener includes two first retaining arms and two second retaining arms, wherein the two first retaining arms are symmetrically arranged, and the two second retaining arms are symmetrically arranged.

[0010] In some optional forms, the fastener body includes a circumferential wall, a first folded edge and a second folded edge; wherein the circumferential wall is not closed in the circumferential direction of the fastener body and includes a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end adjacent to and opposite to each other; wherein the first folded edge and the second folded edge are bent toward the internal space from the first circumferential end and the second folded edge respectively, and wherein the first folded edge and the second folded edge are substantially parallel to each other and both extend substantially along the longitudinal direction.

[0011] In some optional forms, the fastener further includes at least one limiting protrusion, and the at least one limiting protrusion is arranged at the first circumferential end and / or the second circumferential end to limit the relative movement of the first folded edge and the second folded edge in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] In some optional forms, the at least one limiting protrusion extends from the first circumferential end and / or the second circumferential end toward the inner space in a manner inclined relative to the first folded edge and / or the second folded edge.

[0013] In some optional forms, the fastener is made of metal and is integrally formed by stamping.

[0014] The second aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack, comprising: an upper shell, the upper shell is a first component and includes a first periphery; a lower shell, the lower shell is a second component and includes a second periphery; and a plurality of fasteners according to the first aspect of the present invention; wherein the upper shell and the lower shell jointly define a housing space for accommodating batteries of the battery pack, and the first periphery is fixed to the second periphery by a plurality of the fasteners.

[0015] In some embodiments, the battery pack further includes a gasket disposed between the first periphery and the second periphery.

[0016] The fastener according to the utility model can provide a higher fastening force, high assembly efficiency and not easy to loosen. The battery pack according to the utility model can be firmly and efficiently assembled by the fastener. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood through the following optional embodiments described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals identify the same or similar components, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fastener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 and Figure 3 They are Figure 1 Different cross-sectional views of the fastener in;

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of a fastener in FIG.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A top view of a fastener in FIG.

[0022] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, wherein the upper shell and the lower shell of the battery pack are connected by Figure 1 The fasteners shown are fastened together; and

[0023] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B They are Figure 6 A partial enlarged view and a partial cross-sectional view of the battery pack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The implementation and use of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely exemplary of specific ways to implement and use the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. When describing the structural positions of the various components, such as up, down, top, bottom, etc., the expressions of orientation are not absolute, but relative. When the various components are arranged as shown in the figure, these orientation expressions are appropriate, but when the positions of the various components in the figure change, these orientation expressions also change accordingly.

[0025] In the present invention, the longitudinal direction of a cylindrical or tubular component refers to the direction parallel to the central axis of the component, the circumferential direction of a cylindrical or tubular component refers to the direction along the circumference of the component, and the radial direction of a cylindrical or tubular component refers to the direction passing through the central axis of the component and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the component.

[0026] The terms "first", "second", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. In the present utility model, unless otherwise expressly provided, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed", etc. should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0027] Figures 1 to 5 A fastener 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figures 6 to 7B A battery pack 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figures 6 to 7B The fastener 100 is adapted to pass through the first fastening hole 202 of the first member 200 and the second fastening hole 302 of the second member 300 to fix the first member 200 and the second member 300 to each other. The fastener 100 includes a fastener body 102, a first retaining arm 104 and a second retaining arm 106. The fastener body 102 has a generally tubular shape and defines an inner space 108, the fastener body 102 has a first longitudinal end 114 and a second longitudinal end 116 in its longitudinal direction L, and the fastener body 102 is provided with a first window 110 and a second window 112. The first retaining arm 104 is bent from the first longitudinal end 114 toward the inner space 108 and extends from the inner space 108 through the first window 110, and the second retaining arm 106 is bent from the second longitudinal end 116 toward the inner space 108 and extends from the inner space 108 through the second window 112. The first holding arm 104 includes a first holding portion 118 extending through the first window 110 and a first supporting portion 120 for supporting the first holding portion 118, and the second holding arm 106 includes a second holding portion 122 extending through the second window 112 and a second supporting portion 124 for supporting the second holding portion 122. The first holding portion 118 and the second holding portion 122 are suitable for clamping at least a portion of the first member 200 and at least a portion of the second member 300 therebetween.

[0029] The first retaining portion 118 and the second retaining portion 122 of the fastener 100 can clamp at least a portion of the first member 200 and at least a portion of the second member 300 therebetween, thereby fastening the first member 200 and the second member 300 together. When the first member 200 and the second member 300 have a tendency to separate from each other and pressure is applied to the first retaining portion 118 and the second retaining portion 122, the first retaining portion 118 of the first retaining arm 104 will be supported by the first support portion 120 and the second retaining portion 122 of the second retaining arm 106 will be supported by the second support portion 124, so that the first retaining portion 118 and the second retaining portion 122 will not be excessively deformed or damaged due to pressure, thereby continuing to clamp the first member 200 and the second member 300 and preventing the first member 200 and the second member 300 from separating from each other. In other words, the fastener 100 can provide a higher fastening force. In addition, compared with traditional bolts, the fastener 100 is not easy to loosen.

[0030] Combined with reference Figures 6 to 7B , the fastener 100 can be applied to the battery pack 10. The fastener 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be introduced below by taking the fastener 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention applied to the battery pack 10 as an example. However, it can be understood that the application scenario of the fastener 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto, but can be applied to a variety of scenarios for fastening two components together.

[0031] The battery pack 10 may include an upper shell 200 as a first component and a lower shell 300 as a second component, and the upper shell 200 and the lower shell 300 together define a storage space for accommodating a battery. The upper shell 200 includes a first periphery 204, and the lower shell 300 includes a second periphery 304, and the first periphery 204 may be fixed to the second periphery 304 by a plurality of fasteners 100. Specifically, the first periphery 204 may be provided with a plurality of first fastening holes 202 at intervals along its circumferential direction, and the second periphery 304 may be provided with a plurality of second fastening holes 302 at intervals along its circumferential direction. When assembling the battery pack 10, the upper shell 200 is placed on the lower shell 300 so that each first fastening hole 202 is aligned with each second fastening hole 302, and each fastener 100 is passed through the corresponding first fastening hole 202 and second fastening hole 302, so that the first retaining portion 118 and the second retaining portion 122 of the fastener 100 clamp a portion of the first periphery 204 and a portion of the second periphery 304 therebetween. Specifically, the first retaining portion 118 abuts against the upper surface of the first periphery 204, and the second retaining portion 122 abuts against the lower surface of the second periphery 304, thereby clamping a portion of the first periphery 204 and a portion of the second periphery 304 therebetween. In this way, the first periphery 204 and the second periphery 304 can be fastened together by a plurality of fasteners 100, thereby fastening the upper shell 200 and the lower shell 300 together.

[0032] The battery pack 10 may further include a gasket 400, which is disposed between the first periphery 204 and the second periphery 304. The first retaining portion 118 and the second retaining portion 122 of the fastener 100 are adapted to clamp a portion of the first periphery 204, a portion of the second periphery 304, and a portion of the gasket 400 therebetween. By selecting gaskets 400 of different thicknesses, the fastener 100 can adapt to the thickness of the first periphery 204 and the second periphery 304 of battery packs 10 of different specifications, so that the fastener 100 can firmly fasten the upper shell 200 and the lower shell 300 together when applied to battery packs 10 of different specifications. For example, when the first periphery 204 and the second periphery 304 of the battery pack 10 are thicker, a thinner gasket 400 can be selected; when the first periphery 204 and the second periphery 304 of the battery pack 10 are thinner, a thicker gasket 400 can be selected. The gasket 400 can be made of an elastic material, such as rubber. The gasket 400 made of elastic material can also absorb or compensate for the dimensional deviation of the upper shell 200 and the lower shell 300 of the battery pack 10 during the installation process, thereby ensuring the sealing and reliability of the connection between the upper shell 200 and the lower shell 300. The gasket 400 may include a plurality of openings 402 spaced apart along its circumferential direction for the fastener 100 to pass through.

[0033] Return to reference Figures 1 to 5The fastener 100 can be made of metal and integrally formed by stamping a metal sheet, which is low in cost and simple in process. The fastener body 102 can be formed into a generally tubular shape by bending a metal sheet. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener body 102 has a generally square cross-section and has a first side portion 126, a second side portion 128, a third side portion 130, and a fourth side portion 132, wherein the first side portion 126 and the third side portion 130 are opposite to each other, and the second side portion 128 and the fourth side portion 132 are opposite to each other. It is conceivable that in other embodiments, the fastener body 102 may also have a cross-section of other suitable shapes, such as a rectangular, circular, or elliptical cross-section.

[0034] For clarity and ease of understanding, the following description is made with reference to an XYZ rectangular coordinate system, wherein the X direction is perpendicular to the first side portion 126 , the Y direction is perpendicular to the second side portion 128 and the fourth side portion 132 , and the Z direction is parallel to the central axis of the fastener body 102 .

[0035] The fastener body 102 may include a circumferential wall 134, a first folded edge 136, and a second folded edge 138. The circumferential wall 134 is not closed in the circumferential direction of the fastener body 102 and includes a first circumferential end 140 and a second circumferential end 142 adjacent to each other and opposite to each other. The first folded edge 136 and the second folded edge 138 are bent toward the inner space 108 from the first circumferential end 140 and the second circumferential end 142, respectively, and the first folded edge 136 and the second folded edge 138 are also adjacent to each other and opposite to each other. The first folded edge 136 and the second folded edge 138 are substantially parallel to each other and both extend substantially along the longitudinal direction L of the fastener body 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the first folded edge 136 and the second folded edge 138 extend substantially parallel to the XZ plane. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side 126, the second side 128 and the fourth side 132 of the fastener body 102 can each be formed by corresponding portions of the circumferential wall 134, and the third side 130 of the fastener body 102 is formed by corresponding portions of the circumferential wall 134 and the first fold edge 136 and the second fold edge 138.

[0036] The first folded edge 136 and the second folded edge 138 can increase the rigidity of the fastener body 102. Moreover, the first folded edge 136 and the second folded edge 138 can abut against each other when the fastener body 102 is subjected to external force, thereby improving the structural stability of the fastener 100 and preventing the fastener body 102 from being greatly deformed or damaged. Fig. 7A and Figure 7BWhen the upper shell 200 and the lower shell 300 tend to move toward each other in the horizontal direction / Y direction, the second side 128 or the fourth side 132 of the fastener body 102 is squeezed in the horizontal direction. At this time, the first folded edge 136 and the second folded edge 138 at the third side 130 will abut against each other to ensure the structural stability of the fastener 100.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 100 also includes two limiting protrusions 144, which extend from the first circumferential end 140 toward the internal space 108 in a manner inclined relative to the first folded edge 136 (i.e., inclined relative to the second folded edge 138) to limit the relative movement of the first folded edge 136 and the second folded edge 138 in the longitudinal direction L / Z direction during, for example, transportation and / or installation of the fastener 100, thereby ensuring the structural stability of the fastener 100.

[0038] It is understandable that, in some embodiments, the limiting lug may also be provided at the second circumferential end. Alternatively, in other embodiments, limiting lugs may be provided at both the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end; for example, one limiting lug may be provided at the first circumferential end and one limiting lug may be provided at the second circumferential end, and the two limiting lugs may extend toward the inner space from the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end, respectively, in a manner inclined relative to the first folded edge and / or the second folded edge.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 100 includes two first retaining arms 104 extending from the first longitudinal end 114 of the fastener body 102, the two first retaining arms 104 are respectively disposed at the second side 128 and the fourth side 132 and are symmetrical about the XZ plane. The fastener 100 also includes two second retaining arms 106 extending from the second longitudinal end 116 of the fastener body 102, the two second retaining arms 106 are respectively disposed at the second side 128 and the fourth side 132 and are symmetrical about the XZ plane. In addition, the first retaining arm 104 and the second retaining arm 106 disposed at the second side 128 are symmetrical about the XY plane, and cooperate with each other to clamp a portion of the first periphery 204 and a portion of the second periphery 304 therebetween. The first retaining arm 104 and the second retaining arm 106 disposed at the fourth side 132 are symmetrical about the XY plane, and cooperate with each other to clamp a portion of the first periphery 204 and a portion of the second periphery 304 therebetween.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the second side portion 128 of the fastener body 102 is provided with two first windows 110 for the first retaining arm 104 to extend out and two second windows 112 for the second retaining arm 106 to extend out; and the fourth side portion 132 of the fastener body 102 is provided with two first windows 110 for the first retaining arm 104 to extend out and two second windows 112 for the second retaining arm 106 to extend out. The two first windows 110 of the second side portion 128 and the two first windows 110 of the fourth side portion 132 are symmetrical to each other about the XZ plane. The two second windows 112 of the second side portion 128 and the two second windows 112 of the fourth side portion 132 are symmetrical to each other about the XZ plane.

[0041] Reference Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , the fastener 100 can be used in two orientations when in use. Specifically, the fastener 100 can be used in two orientations. Fig. 7A The first peripheral edge 204 and the second peripheral edge 304 are fastened together by passing through the first fastening hole 202 and the second fastening hole 302; the fastener 100 can also be fastened with respect to Fig. 7A The inverted orientation (also referred to as the second orientation) passes through the first fastening hole 202 and the second fastening hole 302 to fasten the first periphery 204 and the second periphery 304 together. In this way, the fastener 100 can be easily matched with a robot to achieve automated assembly and improve assembly efficiency.

[0042] Continue to refer to Figures 1 to 5 as well as Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , the first retaining arm 104 and the second retaining arm 106 at the second side 128 and the first window 110 and the second window 112 of the second side 128 will be mainly introduced below, while the first retaining arm 104 and the second retaining arm 106 at the fourth side 132 and the first window 110 and the second window 112 of the fourth side 132 will not be described in detail.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the first retaining arm 104 at the second side portion 128 includes a first section 146 and a second section 148. The first section 146 extends from the first longitudinal end 114 of the fastener body 102 and is generally arc-shaped to impart a certain degree of elasticity to the first retaining arm 104. The second section 148 extends from the first section 146 toward the interior space 108 of the fastener body 102 and protrudes from the interior space 108 through the two first windows 110.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the second section 148 includes two first retaining portions 118 and two first supporting portions 120. Each first supporting portion 120 is used to support a corresponding first retaining portion 118. Each first retaining portion 118 and a corresponding first supporting portion 120 extend to the outside of the fastener body 102 via a corresponding first window 110. In an initial state or an uninstalled state of the fastener 100, there may or may not be a gap between the first retaining portion 118 and the inner edge of the corresponding first window 110, and there may or may not be a gap between the first supporting portion 120 and the inner edge of the corresponding first window 110. The first supporting portion 120 may abut against the inner edge of the first window 110 to support the first retaining portion 118 when the first retaining portion 118 is pressed.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the first retaining portion 118 and the first supporting portion 120 are both in a sheet-like shape and are approximately perpendicular to each other. The first retaining portion 118 extends approximately parallel to the X-axis and is at an acute angle to the XY plane. The first supporting portion 120 extends approximately parallel to the YZ plane. The first window 110 is approximately L-shaped so that the first retaining portion 118 and the corresponding first supporting portion 120 can extend to the outside of the fastener body 102 through it. The two first windows 110 are symmetrical about the YZ plane. In the illustrated embodiment, each first retaining portion 118 and the corresponding first supporting portion 120 are not directly connected. It is understood that in other embodiments not shown, each first retaining portion 118 and the corresponding first supporting portion 120 can be directly connected to each other, in other words, can be integrated with each other.

[0046] Combined with reference Fig. 7A and Figure 7B When the first periphery 204 and the second periphery 304 of the battery pack 10 tend to separate from each other and the first retaining portion 118 is subjected to pressure from the first periphery 204 substantially along the Z direction, the two ends of the first support portion 120 in the longitudinal direction L / Z direction are adapted to respectively abut against the first retaining portion 118 and the inner edge of the first window 110 to provide support for the first retaining portion 118. In this way, the pressure acting on the first retaining portion 118 can be transmitted to the fastener body 102 via the first support portion 120, so that the first retaining portion 118 will not be excessively deformed or damaged due to the pressure, thereby preventing the first periphery 204 and the second periphery 304 from separating from each other.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the first support portion 120 may further include a first guide portion 150. When the fastener 100 is inserted into the first fastening hole 202 and the second fastening hole 302 in the second orientation, the first guide portion 150 may mechanically interfere with the edge of the first fastening hole 202 to guide the first retaining arm 104 to elastically deform at least partially toward the inner space 108 to allow the fastener 100 to pass through the first fastening hole 202 and the second fastening hole 302. When the fastener 100 is inserted into place, the first retaining arm 104 may restore the original state under the action of the elastic restoring force and cooperate with the second retaining arm 106 to fasten the first peripheral edge 204 and the second peripheral edge 304 together.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the second retaining arm 106 at the second side portion 128 includes a first section 152 and a second section 154. The first section 152 extends from the second longitudinal end 116 of the fastener body 102 and is generally arc-shaped to impart a certain degree of elasticity to the second retaining arm 106. The second section 154 extends from the first section 152 toward the interior space 108 of the fastener body 102 and protrudes from the interior space 108 through the two second windows 112.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the second section 154 includes two second retaining portions 122 and two second supporting portions 124, each second supporting portion 124 being used to support a corresponding second retaining portion 122. Each second retaining portion 122 and the corresponding second supporting portion 124 extend to the outside of the fastener body 102 via a corresponding second window 112. The second supporting portion 124 can abut against the inner edge of the second window 112 to support the second retaining portion 122 when the second retaining portion 122 is pressed. In the illustrated embodiment, the second retaining portion 122 and the second supporting portion 124 are both in a sheet-like shape and are substantially perpendicular to each other. The second retaining portion 122 extends substantially parallel to the X-axis and forms an acute angle with the XY plane. The second supporting portion 124 extends substantially parallel to the YZ plane. The second window 112 is substantially L-shaped, so that the second retaining portion 122 and the corresponding second supporting portion 124 extend to the outside of the fastener body 102 via it. The two second windows 112 are symmetrical about the YZ plane. Each of the first windows 110 at the second side 128 is substantially aligned with a corresponding one of the second windows 112 in the Z direction.

[0050] Combined with reference Fig. 7A and Figure 7BWhen the first periphery 204 and the second periphery 304 of the battery pack 10 tend to separate from each other and the second retaining portion 122 is subjected to pressure from the second periphery 304 substantially along the Z direction, the two ends of the second support portion 124 in the longitudinal direction L / Z direction are adapted to respectively abut against the second retaining portion 122 and the inner edge of the second window 112 to provide support for the second retaining portion 122. In this way, the pressure acting on the second retaining portion 122 can be transmitted to the fastener body 102 via the second support portion 124, so that the second retaining portion 122 will not be excessively deformed or damaged due to the pressure, thereby preventing the first periphery 204 and the second periphery 304 from separating from each other.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the second support portion 124 may further include a second guide portion 156. When the fastener 100 is inserted into the first fastening hole 202 and the second fastening hole 302 in the first orientation, the second guide portion 156 may mechanically interfere with the edge of the first fastening hole 202 to guide the second retaining arm 106 to elastically deform at least partially toward the inner space 108 to allow the fastener 100 to pass through the first fastening hole 202 and the second fastening hole 302. When the fastener 100 is inserted into place, the second retaining arm 106 may restore the original state under the action of the elastic restoring force and cooperate with the first retaining arm 104 to fasten the first periphery 204 and the second periphery 304 together.

[0052] It is understood that the configuration and number of the first retaining arm 104, the second retaining arm 106, the first window 110, and the second window 112 are merely exemplary. It is understood that the fastener may also include other suitable configurations and numbers of the first retaining arm, the second retaining arm, the first window, and the second window. For example, in other embodiments, the first retaining arm may include only one first retaining portion and one first supporting portion, and correspondingly, the second retaining arm may also include only one second retaining portion and one second supporting portion. For example, in other embodiments, the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm at one or both of the second side portion and the fourth side portion may not be symmetrical to each other.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, a reinforcement structure is also provided on the fastener body 102 to improve the rigidity of the fastener body 102. The reinforcement structure includes a first reinforcement rib 158 provided near the first window 110 of the second side portion 128 and the fourth side portion 132, a second reinforcement rib 160 provided near the second window 112 of the second side portion 128 and the fourth side portion 132, and a third reinforcement rib 162 provided on the first side portion 126. The first reinforcement rib 158, the second reinforcement rib 160, and the third reinforcement rib 162 all extend substantially in the longitudinal direction L / Z direction. It is understood that the position and number of the reinforcement ribs of the fastener body are not limited thereto, but can be provided as required.

[0054] It should also be understood that the various components and features described herein may be made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to polymers, rubbers, metals, and other suitable materials or combinations of materials known to those skilled in the art. Figures 1 to 7B The illustrated embodiment merely shows the shape, size and arrangement of the various optional components of the fastener 100 and the battery pack 10 according to the present invention, but it is only for illustration and not limitation, and other shapes, sizes and arrangements may be adopted without departing from the concept and scope of the present invention.

[0055] The technical content and technical features of the utility model have been disclosed above. However, it is understandable that under the creative idea of ​​the utility model, those skilled in the art can easily make modifications, variations and equivalents of these embodiments according to the disclosed content. For example, a feature shown or described as part of an embodiment can be used together with another embodiment to produce another embodiment. The present disclosure is intended to cover these modifications, variations and equivalents. The description of the above embodiments is exemplary rather than restrictive, and the scope of protection of the utility model is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A fastener, the fastener (100) being adapted to pass through a first member (200) and a second member (300) to fix the first member (200) and the second member (300) to each other, characterized in that: The fastener (100) comprises: A fastener body (102) having a generally tubular shape and defining an interior space (108), the fastener body (102) having a first longitudinal end (114) and a second longitudinal end (116) in a longitudinal direction (L) thereof, the fastener body (102) being provided with a first window (110) and a second window (112); and a first retaining arm (104) and a second retaining arm (106), wherein the first retaining arm (104) is bent from the first longitudinal end (114) toward the interior space (108) and extends from the interior space (108) through the first window (110), and the second retaining arm (106) is bent from the second longitudinal end (116) toward the interior space (108) and extends from the interior space (108) through the second window (112); The first retaining arm (104) includes a first retaining portion (118) and a first supporting portion (120) extending through the first window (110), and the second retaining arm (106) includes a second retaining portion (122) and a second supporting portion (124) extending through the second window (112); The first retaining portion (118) and the second retaining portion (122) are suitable for clamping at least a portion of the first component (200) and at least a portion of the second component (300) therebetween.

2. The fastener according to claim 1, characterized in that The first supporting portion (120) extends through the first window (110) and is suitable for abutting against the inner edge of the first window (110) to support the first retaining portion (118) when the first retaining portion (118) is pressed; the second supporting portion (124) extends through the second window (112) and is suitable for abutting against the inner edge of the second window (112) to support the second retaining portion (122) when the second retaining portion (122) is pressed.

3. The fastener according to claim 1, characterized in that The first retaining portion (118) and the first supporting portion (120) are both in a sheet-like shape and are substantially perpendicular to each other; the second retaining portion (122) and the second supporting portion (124) are both in a sheet-like shape and are substantially perpendicular to each other.

4. The fastener according to claim 1, characterized in that The first retaining arm (104) and the second retaining arm (106) are arranged symmetrically.

5. The fastener according to claim 4, characterized in that The fastener (100) comprises two first retaining arms (104) and two second retaining arms (106), wherein the two first retaining arms (104) are symmetrically arranged, and the two second retaining arms (106) are symmetrically arranged.

6. The fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The fastener body (102) includes a circumferential wall (134), a first folded edge (136) and a second folded edge (138); wherein the circumferential wall (134) is not closed in the circumferential direction of the fastener body (102) and includes a first circumferential end (140) and a second circumferential end (142) adjacent to and opposite to each other; wherein the first folded edge (136) and the second folded edge (138) are respectively bent from the first circumferential end (140) and the second circumferential end (142) toward the internal space (108), and wherein the first folded edge (136) and the second folded edge (138) are substantially parallel to each other and both extend substantially along the longitudinal direction (L).

7. The fastener according to claim 6, characterized in that The fastener (100) also includes at least one limiting protrusion (144), which is arranged at the first circumferential end (140) and / or the second circumferential end (142) to limit the relative movement of the first folded edge (136) and the second folded edge (138) in the longitudinal direction (L).

8. The fastener according to claim 7, characterized in that The at least one limiting protrusion (144) extends from the first circumferential end (140) and / or the second circumferential end (142) toward the internal space (108) in a manner inclined relative to the first folded edge (136) and / or the second folded edge (138).

9. The fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The fastener (100) is made of metal and is integrally formed by stamping.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that: The battery pack (10) comprises: An upper shell, the upper shell being a first component (200) and comprising a first periphery (204); a lower shell, the lower shell being the second member (300) and comprising a second periphery (304); and A plurality of fasteners (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; The upper shell and the lower shell together define a storage space for accommodating batteries of the battery pack (10), and the first peripheral edge (204) is fixed to the second peripheral edge (304) by a plurality of fasteners (100).

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, characterized in that: The battery pack (10) further includes a gasket (400), wherein the gasket (400) is disposed between the first periphery (204) and the second periphery (304).

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