Protective device for MSD switch, power battery and operation machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to a protection device for an MSD switch, a power battery comprising the protection device and an operation machine comprising the power battery. The MSD switch includes a receptacle formed with a cavity. The protection device comprises a lock frame which is arranged adjacent to the socket and is provided with a lock hole, a retainer which can be locked with the lock frame in a removable manner, and an insulating block which is arranged on the retainer. And the retainer and the insulating block are configured in a way that when the retainer is locked on the lock frame, the insulating block is jointed in the concave cavity. The protection device is simple in structure and assembly, low in cost and high in universality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a manual service disconnect (MSD switch), and in particular to a protective device for the MSD switch, a power battery comprising the protective device, and an operating machine comprising the power battery. Background Art

[0002] The MSD switch used in electric vehicles or operating machinery is a high-voltage, high-current mechanical switch that disconnects the high-voltage circuit, ensuring a safer state for maintenance personnel or responding to emergencies. An MSD switch may include a socket (copper busbar, interlocking device), a plug (fuse, copper busbar, interlocking device, etc.), seals, and other accessories. The socket and plug together form a high-voltage interlocking circuit. In the event of extreme overcurrent or short-circuit conditions, the built-in fuse disconnects the high-voltage circuit. When maintaining the vehicle's electrical system, the plug can be removed from the socket to disconnect the high-voltage circuit.

[0003] When the MSD switch is unplugged from the socket, if the socket's copper busbar is exposed to the environment, there is a risk of high voltage power-on. Therefore, a protective device is needed to prevent this. Existing protective devices are expensive and have poor versatility. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to solve at least one of the above problems and / or other problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a protective device for an MSD switch is provided. The MSD switch includes a socket having a recessed cavity. The protective device comprises a locking frame, a retaining frame, and an insulating block. The locking frame is disposed adjacent to the socket and has a locking hole. The retaining frame is releasably lockable with the locking frame. The insulating block is mounted on the retaining frame. The retaining frame and the insulating block are configured such that, when the retaining frame is locked to the locking frame, the insulating block engages within the recessed cavity.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the retaining frame includes a cover portion covering the opening of the cavity, and the insulating block is mounted on the cover portion.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover plate portion is provided with a mounting hole, and the bolt passes through the mounting hole and is threadedly connected to the nut on the insulating block.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the nut is integrally formed on the insulating block by insert injection molding.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the retaining frame further includes an extending portion extending from one side of the cover portion toward the lock frame.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the retaining frame further includes a flange connected to the cover portion on a side opposite to the extension portion.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lock frame includes a main body and an inserting portion extending from the main body and having the lock hole. The retaining frame also includes a hooking portion connected to a side of the extension facing away from the cover portion and having the inserting hole. The inserting portion can pass through the inserting hole from one side of the hooking portion, so that the hooking portion is hooked on the inserting portion and the lock hole is exposed on the other side of the hooking portion.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the insulating block is made of a high voltage resistant rubber material.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a power battery is provided, comprising a housing, an MSD switch, and the protective device described above. The socket of the MSD switch can be mounted on a first wall of the housing. The lock frame can be mounted on a second wall of the housing.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lock frame is fixed to the second wall of the housing by bolts used to fix the battery cover of the power battery.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a working machine is provided, which includes the power battery as described above.

[0016] The protective device for MSD switches of this utility model has a simple structure and assembly, low cost, and strong versatility. By locking the retaining frame on which the insulating block is mounted to the locking frame, the insulating block is retained within the recess of the socket, thereby isolating the copper busbar in the recess from the maintenance environment, thereby achieving the protective function and meeting electrical protection requirements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The features and advantages of the present invention will be clearly understood through the detailed description provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following drawings are merely schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the present invention, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a power battery according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state where the plug of the MSD switch is unplugged from the socket.

[0019] Figure 2A schematic diagram showing a power battery according to this embodiment in a state where a protection device for an MSD switch is installed.

[0020] Figure 3 A perspective view showing the retaining frame and insulating block of the protective device.

[0021] Figure 4 Exploded view showing the guard's retaining frame and insulating block.

[0022] Figure 5 A perspective view showing the locking frame of the guard device.

[0023] Description of reference numerals:

[0024] 1. Shell; 2. Socket; 21. Cavity; 3. Locking frame; 31. Main body; 32. Plug-in portion; 321. Locking hole; 4. Retaining frame; 41. Hanging portion; 411. Plug-in hole; 42. Extension portion; 43. Cover portion; 431. Mounting hole; 44. Flanging; 5. Insulating block; 6. Bolt; 7. Nut; 8. Gasket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, many specific details are set forth so that those skilled in the art can more fully understand and implement the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be implemented without some of these specific details. Furthermore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. On the contrary, any combination of the features and elements described below may be considered to implement the present invention, regardless of whether they relate to different embodiments. Therefore, the following aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as elements or limitations of the claims unless expressly set forth in the claims.

[0026] Hereinafter, the terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements / components other than the listed elements / components.

[0027] Figure 1 and Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a power battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the power battery according to this embodiment may include a housing 1, a plurality of battery modules (not shown), one or more MSD switches electrically connected between adjacent battery modules, and a protective device for each MSD switch.

[0028] The housing 1 can broadly include the battery cover, tray, various battery holders, end plates, and more. The housing 1 forms the "skeleton" of the power battery, providing support, resistance to mechanical shock and vibration, and environmental protection (e.g., waterproofing and dustproofing). Multiple battery modules are installed in the housing 1 to power electric vehicles or working machinery.

[0029] The MSD switch includes a socket 2 and a plug (not shown). The socket 2 is connected in series between two adjacent battery modules, or between every two or more battery modules. The socket 2 may be equipped with copper busbars (typically two) for electrical connection to the plug, an interlocking device that forms a high-voltage interlock circuit with the plug, and other features. The plug may also be equipped with a fuse that automatically disconnects the high-voltage circuit in the event of an extreme overcurrent or short circuit, a copper busbar that electrically connects to the socket's copper busbar to connect the fuse to the high-voltage circuit, and an interlocking device that forms a high-voltage interlock circuit with the socket.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the socket 2 may be formed with a cavity 21 for receiving a plug. One axial end of the cavity 21 has an opening. The plug can be inserted into the cavity 21 from the opening and fixed to the socket 2 via a snap-fit ​​structure on the outer side of the peripheral wall of the socket 2 corresponding to the cavity 21, thereby closing the high-voltage circuit of the power battery, wherein the fuse on the plug is connected to the high-voltage circuit. When the plug is unplugged from the socket 2 and the high-voltage circuit is disconnected, the copper busbar on the socket 2 is exposed. Since the two copper busbars are close to each other, there is a risk of electric shock if maintenance personnel accidentally touch the two copper busbars at the same time. By assembling a protective device on the socket, the copper busbars can be isolated and prevented from being accidentally touched by maintenance personnel.

[0031] refer to Figures 2 to 5 The protective device in this embodiment may include a lock frame 3, a retaining frame 4 and an insulating block 5.

[0032] The lock frame 3 is fixed on the housing 1 of the power battery at a position adjacent to the socket 2, for example, on the top wall of the housing 1 or the battery cover. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 5 As shown, the lock frame 3 may include a main body 31 and an inserting portion 32. The main body 31 is generally elongated and can overlap the edge of the top wall of the housing 1. The main body 31 can be secured to the housing 1, for example, by bolts (particularly bolts securing the battery cover). The inserting portion 32 extends outwardly from the top wall of the housing 1 in the width direction approximately in the middle of the main body 31, thereby being suspended above the socket 2. A lock hole 321 is provided in the center of the inserting portion 32 for the lock to pass through.

[0033] One end of the retainer 4 ( Figures 2 to 4 The upper end shown in FIG. 2 is releasably locked to the lock frame 3. The retaining frame 4 at least covers the opening of the cavity 21. Figure 3and Figure 4 As shown, the retaining frame 4 of this embodiment may include a hanging portion 41, an extending portion 42, a cover portion 43 and a flange 44 arranged in sequence from top to bottom.

[0034] When the retaining frame 4 is locked to the locking frame 3, the hooking portion 41 is located at a position substantially corresponding to the bottom of the socket 2 and extends substantially in the vertical direction. The hooking portion 41 can be abutted against the side wall of the housing 1. The central portion of the hooking portion 41 is provided with an insertion hole 411 for the insertion portion 32 of the locking frame 3 to pass through. When the insertion portion 32 passes through the insertion hole 411, the locking frame 3 and the retaining frame 4 are in a fixed position. Figure 2 In the state shown, a lock can be set at the lock hole 321 for locking.

[0035] The extension portion 42 may include a first section and a second section. The first section extends obliquely downward from the hook portion 41 and toward the opening of the concave cavity 21 of the socket 2. The second section extends from the end of the first section away from the hook portion 41 substantially along the axial direction of the socket 2 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 The horizontal direction in FIG. 1 extends to and exceeds the open end of the socket 2.

[0036] The cover portion 43 extends from the end of the extension portion 42 facing away from the hook portion 41 (i.e., the end of the second section facing away from the first section), substantially parallel to the plane of the opening of the cavity 21. The surface area of ​​the cover portion 43 is slightly larger than the opening area of ​​the cavity 21. The cover portion 43 is provided with, for example, two mounting holes for mounting the insulating block 5, which will be described in detail below.

[0037] The cross-section of the socket 2 and its cavity 21 is preferably square. Thus, the socket 2 has an upper sidewall and a lower sidewall disposed opposite each other. The flange 44 and the extension 42 are disposed on opposite sides of the cover portion 43, respectively, so that the second section of the extension 42 can mate with the upper sidewall of the socket 2, and the flange 44 can mate with the lower sidewall of the socket 2.

[0038] The insulating block 5 is mounted on the side of the retaining frame 4 facing the cavity 21. The shape of the insulating block 5 can be adapted to that of the cavity 21, preferably being square. A space can be provided between the upper edge of the insulating block 5 and the second section of the extension 42 to accommodate the upper sidewall of the socket 2. A space can be provided between the lower edge of the insulating block 5 and the flange 44 to accommodate the lower sidewall of the socket 2. When the retaining frame 4 is locked to the locking frame 3, the insulating block 5 is at least partially engaged within the cavity 21, preventing accidental contact with the copper busbar within the socket 2.

[0039] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4In this embodiment, the insulating block 5 is fixed to the cover portion 43 of the retaining frame 4 by a threaded connection. More specifically, the protective device of this embodiment further includes a bolt 6, a nut 7, and a gasket 8. As an example, the insulating block 5 can be made of a soft insulating material such as high-voltage-resistant rubber. The nut 7 can be integrally formed on the insulating block 5 by insert molding. The bolt 6 can pass through the gasket 8 and the mounting hole 431 of the cover portion 43 to be threadedly connected to the nut 7 on the insulating block 5.

[0040] In another embodiment, a receiving hole may be provided on the insulating block 5, and the nut 7 is received in the receiving hole and fixed to the insulating block 5 by welding, bonding, etc. This is particularly applicable when the insulating block 5 is made of a hard insulating material.

[0041] The lock frame 3 and the retaining frame 4 can be made of steel or high-strength resin material. For example, the retaining frame 4 can be formed by 3D printing technology or stamping.

[0042] The present invention also provides a power battery including the above-mentioned protective device, and a working machine including the above-mentioned power battery. The power battery may include a plurality of battery cells, and the plurality of battery cells may be divided into a plurality of battery modules. For example, each battery module may include one, two, or more than three battery cells. An MSD switch may be provided between two adjacent battery modules. Thus, a corresponding number of protective devices can be prepared for the working machine. The lock frames 3 of these protective devices are respectively fixed between each two adjacent battery modules, and under the normal condition that the plug is plugged into the socket 2, the corresponding retaining frame 4 and the insulating block 5 are placed as a whole in the tool box of the working machine.

[0043] Industrial Applicability

[0044] The protective device according to the present invention is particularly suitable for operating machinery powered by power batteries, which have high-voltage circuits and require MSD switches to protect maintenance personnel or respond to emergencies. However, it should be understood that the protective device according to the present invention can also be used in other equipment with MSD switches, such as electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and high-voltage distribution cabinets.

[0045] When the MSD switch plug is removed from the socket to disconnect the high-voltage circuit, the copper busbar inside the socket is exposed to the environment. If maintenance tools or other conductive objects fall, or if maintenance personnel accidentally touch both copper busbars at the same time, the high-voltage circuit may close, creating a dangerous situation. Therefore, a protective device is required to protect the socket.

[0046] According to the protective device for an MSD switch of the present invention, the locking frame 3 is always fixed to one side of the socket 2. When the plug is normally connected to the socket 2, the retaining frame 4 and insulating block 5 of the multiple protective devices can be placed in a tool box for use in a working machine. When the MSD switch plug is removed from the socket 2, for example during maintenance work, the retaining frame 4 and insulating block 5 can be removed from the tool box. The insulating block 5 is aligned with the opening of the cavity 21 of the socket 2 and pushed in, causing the extension 42 and flange 44 of the retaining frame 4 to move along the side wall of the socket 2. The insertion portion 32 of the locking frame 3 can pass through the insertion hole 411 of the hook portion 41, exposing the locking hole 321. A lock can be inserted through the locking hole 321 to lock the hook portion 41 of the retaining frame 4 between the lock and the main body 31, thereby locking the retaining frame 4 to the locking frame 3.

[0047] The locking of the retaining frame 4 and the locking frame 3 holds the insulating block 5 in the cavity 21 of the socket 2. Thus, the insulating block 5 isolates the copper busbar in the cavity 21 from the maintenance environment, preventing accidental closure of the high-voltage circuit due to accidental contact of the copper busbar by maintenance personnel, thereby achieving the protective function and meeting the electrical protection requirements.

[0048] The lock frame 3 of the protective device of the present invention is always fixed to one side of the socket 2, and the retaining frame 4 and the insulating block 5 can be arranged as a whole and placed in the tool box of the operating machine, which is easy for maintenance personnel to use and store at any time.

[0049] The protective device of the utility model can be locked by using different types of maintenance locks and has strong versatility.

[0050] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments disclosed above without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the practice of the present invention disclosed herein. This specification and the examples disclosed herein should be considered as illustrative only, and the true scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A protective device for an MSD switch, the MSD switch comprising a socket (2) formed with a cavity (21), characterized in that: The protective device comprises: A lock frame (3), the lock frame (3) being arranged adjacent to the socket (2) and provided with a lock hole (321); a retaining frame (4), the retaining frame (4) being releasably lockable with the locking frame (3); and an insulating block (5), the insulating block (5) being mounted on the retaining frame (4), The retaining frame (4) and the insulating block (5) are configured such that when the retaining frame (4) is locked to the locking frame (3), the insulating block (5) is engaged in the concave cavity (21).

2. The protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that The retaining frame (4) includes a cover portion (43) covering the opening of the cavity (21), and the insulating block (5) is mounted on the cover portion (43).

3. The protective device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cover plate portion (43) is provided with a mounting hole (431), and a bolt (6) passes through the mounting hole (431) and is threadedly connected to a nut (7) on the insulating block (5).

4. The protective device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The nut (7) is integrally formed on the insulating block (5) by insert injection molding.

5. The protection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The retaining frame (4) further comprises an extension portion (42) extending from one side of the cover portion (43) toward the locking frame (3).

6. The protective device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The retaining frame (4) further includes a flange (44) connected to the cover portion (43) on a side opposite to the extension portion (42).

7. The protective device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lock frame (3) comprises a main body (31) and an inserting portion (32) extending from the main body (31) and having the locking hole (321); the retaining frame (4) further comprises a hanging portion (41) connected to a side of the extending portion (42) facing away from the cover portion (43) and having the inserting hole (411); the inserting portion (32) can pass through the inserting hole (411) from one side of the hanging portion (41), so that the hanging portion (41) is hung on the inserting portion (32) and the locking hole (321) is exposed on the other side of the hanging portion (41).

8. The protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The insulating block (5) is made of a high voltage-resistant rubber material.

9. A power battery, characterized in that: The power battery comprises a housing (1), an MSD switch and a protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the socket (2) of the MSD switch is mounted on a first wall of the housing (1), and the lock frame (3) is mounted on a second wall of the housing (1).

10. The power battery according to claim 9, characterized in that: The lock frame (3) is fixed to the second wall of the housing (1) via bolts used to fix the battery cover of the power battery.

11. A working machine, characterized in that: The working machine includes the power battery according to claim 9 or 10.

Images