Elastic connector for battery pack

Abstract

The utility model discloses an elastic connector for a battery pack, which is used for connecting the battery pack and a vehicle body and comprises an upper fixing frame, a lower fixing frame and a connecting piece, the upper pole column is fixedly connected to the upper fixing frame, the upper pole column is further connected with an electric wire of the battery pack, and the upper pole column is provided with a connecting hole; the lower fixing frame is mounted on the vehicle body; and the lower pole column is elastically connected with the lower fixing frame, and the lower pole column is used for penetrating into the connecting hole of the upper pole column so as to enable the vehicle body to be electrically connected with the battery pack. The connector of the scheme can improve the stability of connection between the battery pack and the vehicle body and prolong the service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery pack connection technology, specifically a flexible connector for battery packs. Background Technology

[0002] Shuttles play a crucial role in warehouse management, enabling them to move flexibly along tracks to load and unload goods, achieving efficient storage and handling. Due to the extensive movement and complex environment within warehouses, shuttles are typically powered by battery packs. The shuttle body and battery pack are usually connected via connectors. Specifically, the male end of the connector can be placed on the shuttle body, and the female end on the battery pack. The connection between the battery pack and the shuttle body is achieved through the mating of the male and female ends of the connector, and vice versa.

[0003] Most existing battery packs and shuttle vehicle bodies use cell-to-terminal plug-in connections. This connection method has problems such as limited fatigue life and the two components being prone to loosening and detachment. Therefore, those skilled in the art are continuously striving to find battery pack connectors that can maintain good performance and connection stability during long-term use. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the deficiencies in the prior art, this utility model provides a flexible connector for battery packs, which solves the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] This application discloses: a flexible connector for a battery pack, used to connect the battery pack and a vehicle body, comprising:

[0006] The upper mounting bracket is installed on the battery pack;

[0007] The upper electrode post is fixedly connected to the upper fixing frame, and the upper electrode post is also connected to the wires of the battery pack. The upper electrode post is provided with a connection hole.

[0008] The lower mounting bracket is installed on the vehicle body;

[0009] The lower electrode post is elastically connected to the lower fixing bracket. The lower electrode post is used to pass through the connection hole of the upper electrode post so that the vehicle body is electrically connected to the battery pack.

[0010] Specifically, the upper fixing frame includes a first support plate and a second support plate that are detachably connected. The first support plate has a first groove, and the second support plate has a second groove. When the first support plate and the second support plate are connected, the first groove and the second groove form a receiving cavity for accommodating the upper electrode post. One end of the receiving cavity has a first window for the wires of the battery pack to pass through, and the other end of the receiving cavity has a second window for the lower electrode post to pass through.

[0011] Specifically, the connection hole is a through hole, and the wires of the battery pack and the lower terminal post are respectively inserted into the connection hole from both ends. The upper terminal post is also provided with a first threaded hole perpendicular to the connection hole, and a first screw for fastening the wires of the battery pack is provided in the first threaded hole.

[0012] Specifically, the upper electrode post is provided with a second threaded hole at the end opposite to the lower electrode post. The second threaded hole is parallel to the connecting hole, and a terminal block for fastening the wires of the battery pack is provided in the second threaded hole.

[0013] Specifically, the end of the connecting hole facing the lower pole post is tapered, and the end of the lower pole post used to pass through the connecting hole is also tapered.

[0014] Specifically, the lower fixing frame includes a third support plate and a fourth support plate that are detachably connected. The third support plate is used to connect with the vehicle body. The fourth support plate has a countersunk hole for installing the lower pole post at one end facing the upper fixing frame. The fourth support plate has a third groove communicating with the countersunk hole at one end facing away from the upper fixing frame. The lower pole post includes a connected head and a body. The diameter of the body is smaller than the maximum diameter of the head. A compression spring is sleeved on the end of the body facing the head. A spring retaining ring is connected to the end of the body extending into the third groove.

[0015] Specifically, the third support plate has a waist-shaped hole corresponding to the third groove. The waist-shaped hole is used for the wires of the vehicle body to pass through and connect to one end of the lower pole in the third groove.

[0016] Specifically, the resilient connector further includes an insulating tab cover plate for isolating the upper pole and the lower pole.

[0017] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0018] 1. In this embodiment, the connector is fixedly connected to the battery pack's wires (or the battery cell's wires) via the upper terminal post, and then the battery pack is electrically connected to the vehicle body by inserting the lower terminal post into the upper terminal post. Since the lower terminal post is elastically connected to the lower fixing bracket, it is buffered when the upper terminal post is inserted into the lower terminal post, avoiding wear and stress concentration problems caused by rigid contact, thus extending the service life. In addition, the lower terminal post is always subjected to an upward force applied by the elastic connector, ensuring that the lower terminal post is always in contact with the upper terminal post during vehicle vibration, avoiding the problem of the two separating due to loosening, and improving the stability of the connection between the battery pack and the vehicle body.

[0019] 2. The connector structure in this embodiment is simple and compact, which simplifies the assembly steps, reduces the alignment accuracy requirements, and enables operators to complete the assembly work quickly and accurately, thereby improving production efficiency and assembly success rate.

[0020] 3. The flexible connector can adapt to minor dimensional deviations and positional changes of the electrode posts, ensuring good contact under various working conditions and reducing the risk of performance degradation due to assembly errors.

[0021] To make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic connector used in the battery pack in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first support plate in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second window and the upper pole connecting hole facing the lower pole end in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth support plate in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower pole being installed on the fourth support plate in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third support plate in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0029] The reference numerals in the above figures are as follows: 1. Upper fixing frame; 11. First support plate; 12. Second support plate; 111. First groove; 121. First window; 122. Second window; 2. Upper pole post; 21. Connecting hole; 22. First threaded hole; 23. Second threaded hole; 3. Lower fixing frame; 31. Third support plate; 311. Waist-shaped hole; 32. Fourth support plate; 321. Countersunk hole; 322. Third groove; 4. Lower pole post; 41. Post head; 42. Post body; 5. Compression spring; 6. Spring retaining ring; 7. Pole lug cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "fixing," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "below," and "over" the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish between different terms in description and do not have any special meaning.

[0035] The flexible connector for the battery pack in this embodiment can be used to connect the shuttle's body and the battery pack.

[0036] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the flexible connector for the battery pack in this embodiment mainly includes: an upper fixing frame 1, an upper terminal post 2, a lower fixing frame 3, and a lower terminal post 4. The upper fixing frame 1 is mounted on the battery pack and used for fixed connection to the main body of the battery pack. The upper terminal post 2 is fixedly connected to the upper fixing frame 1 and has a connection hole 21 for connecting to the lower terminal post 4. After the upper fixing frame 1 is connected to the battery pack, the upper terminal post 2 is also fixedly connected to the battery pack's wiring. The lower fixing frame 3 is mounted on the shuttle vehicle body and used to support the lower terminal post 4. The lower terminal post 4 is elastically connected to the lower fixing frame 3. When the battery pack is connected to the vehicle body, the lower terminal post 4 can pass through the connection hole 21 of the upper terminal post 2 to achieve an electrical connection between the vehicle body and the battery pack. The lower terminal post 4 is also connected to the vehicle body's wiring. The upper terminal post 2 and the lower terminal post 4 are preferably made of copper, which has good conductivity and corrosion resistance.

[0037] Using the above solution, the connector in this embodiment is fixedly connected to the battery pack's wires (or the battery cell's wires) via the upper terminal post 2, and then the battery pack is electrically connected to the vehicle body by inserting the lower terminal post 4 into the upper terminal post 2. Since the lower terminal post 4 is elastically connected to the lower fixing bracket 3, it is buffered when the upper terminal post 2 and the lower terminal post 4 are inserted, avoiding wear and stress concentration problems caused by rigid contact, thus extending the service life. In addition, the lower terminal post 4 is always subjected to an upward force applied by the elastic connector, ensuring that the lower terminal post 4 is always in contact with the upper terminal post 2 during vehicle vibration, avoiding the problem of the two separating due to loosening, and improving the stability of the connection between the battery pack and the vehicle body.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the upper fixing frame 1 in this embodiment includes a first support plate 11 and a second support plate 12 that are detachably connected. The first support plate 11 has a first groove 111, and the second support plate 12 has a second groove (not shown). The second groove can be mirrored with the first groove 111. When the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 are connected, the first groove 111 and the second groove together form a receiving cavity for accommodating the upper electrode post 2. One end of the receiving cavity has a first window 121, and the other end has a second window 122. The first window 121 is arranged facing the interior of the battery pack so that the wires of the battery pack can pass through the receiving cavity to connect with the upper electrode post 2. The second window 122 is arranged facing the lower fixing frame 3 so that the lower electrode post 4 can pass into the connection hole 21 of the upper electrode post 2. Preferably, the size of the second window 122 is larger than the size of the connection hole 21 of the upper electrode post 2 so that the lower electrode post 4 can pass through. When the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 are connected by fasteners, they can clamp the upper pole post 2 together to prevent the upper pole post 2 from loosening or shifting under vibration or external force.

[0039] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the connection hole 21 in this embodiment can be a through hole, through which the battery pack wires and the lower terminal 4 can pass from both ends of the connection hole 21. To facilitate the connection between the upper terminal 2 and the battery pack wires, this embodiment uses fasteners for a detachable connection. Specifically, a first threaded hole 22 perpendicular to the connection hole 21 can be provided on the upper terminal 2. After the battery pack wires pass through the connection hole 21, the battery pack wires are fixedly connected to the upper terminal 2 by screwing a first screw into the first threaded hole 22. Alternatively, a second threaded hole 23 parallel to the connection hole 21 can be provided on the upper terminal 2. A terminal block is then welded to the end of the battery pack wire. A second screw is then passed through the terminal block and screwed into the second threaded hole 23, which also achieves a fixed connection between the battery pack wires and the upper terminal 2. Furthermore, the upper terminal 2 can be provided with both the first threaded hole 22 and the second threaded hole 23 as described above, so that during actual use, the operator can flexibly choose the connection method according to the length of the wires and the angle and height of their engagement with the upper terminal 2.

[0040] Better, such as Figure 3 As shown, the end of the connecting hole 21 facing the lower pole 4 is tapered, and correspondingly, the end of the lower pole 4 used to pass through the connecting hole 21 is also tapered. In this way, not only is the contact area between the two increased, improving the transmission efficiency, but it also makes it easier for the lower pole 4 to pass through the connecting hole 21 of the upper pole 2.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the lower fixing frame 3 in this embodiment includes a third support plate 31 and a fourth support plate 32 that are detachably connected. The third support plate 31 is used to connect with the vehicle body, and the fourth support plate 32 is used to install the lower pole post 4. Specifically, as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the fourth support plate 32 has a countersunk hole 321 for installing the lower pole post 4 at one end facing the upper fixing frame 1, and a third groove 322 at the other end facing away from the upper fixing frame 1, which communicates with the countersunk hole 321. The lower pole post 4 includes a connected (or integral) pole head 41 and a pole body 42, wherein the pole body 42 is cylindrical, and the pole head 41 is partially cylindrical and partially conical, with the maximum diameter of the pole head 41 (the diameter of the cylindrical portion) being larger than the diameter of the pole body 42. A compression spring 5 is fitted on the outer wall of the end of the pole body 42 facing the pole head 41, and a portion of the pole body 42 extends into the third groove 322, with a spring retaining ring 6 engaged at the end of the portion extending into the third groove 322. In the initial state, the compression spring 5, supported by the countersunk hole 321 step, firmly lifts the lower pole post 4. When the equipment is in operation (the lower pole post 4 is connected to the upper pole post 2), the lower pole post 4 slides smoothly down, forming axial resistance with the compression spring 5, effectively buffering the movement and ensuring stable operation until the upper fixed frame 1 slides to its final position. The compression spring 5, through its elastic connection between the lower pole post 4 and the lower fixed frame 3, effectively absorbs the effects of external forces such as vibration and impact, ensuring that there is no loosening or separation during long-term stable operation, significantly improving connection reliability.

[0042] Better, such as Figure 6 As shown, the third support plate 31 in this embodiment is provided with a waist-shaped hole 311, which corresponds to the position of the third groove 322 on the fourth support plate 32, so that the vehicle body's wires can pass through, thereby connecting the vehicle body's wires to one end of the lower pole post 4 located in the third groove 322. The waist-shaped hole 311 allows the vehicle body's wires to move flexibly.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector in this embodiment also includes an insulating tab cover plate 7, which is used to isolate the upper tab and the lower tab in the non-working state. Specifically, the tab cover plate 7 is placed on the upper fixing bracket 1 and the lower fixing bracket 3 support, which can prevent the lower electrode post 4 from penetrating into the connection hole 21 of the upper electrode post 2, thereby preventing the two from being connected and conducting, and preventing personnel from directly contacting the charged electrode post.

[0044] In summary, the method of using the flexible connector for the battery pack in this embodiment is as follows: the first support plate 11 of the upper fixing frame 1 is installed on the battery pack, then the upper terminal 2 is connected to the wires of the battery pack, and then the second support plate 12 is connected to the first support plate 11 to fix the upper terminal 2; the lower terminal 4 is installed on the fourth support plate 32, and the wires of the vehicle body are passed through the waist-shaped hole 311 on the third support plate 31 to connect with the lower terminal 4, and then the lower fixing frame 3 is installed on the vehicle body; when it is necessary to replace the battery pack for the shuttle, the upper fixing seat of the battery pack is aligned with the lower fixing seat on the vehicle body to realize the insertion of the battery pack and the vehicle body.

[0045] This utility model uses specific embodiments to illustrate the principle and implementation of the utility model. The above description of the embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core idea of ​​the utility model. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation and application scope based on the idea of ​​the utility model. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the utility model.

Claims

1. A flexible connector for a battery pack, used to connect the battery pack and a vehicle body, characterized in that, include: The upper mounting bracket is installed on the battery pack; The upper electrode post is fixedly connected to the upper fixing frame, and the upper electrode post is also connected to the wires of the battery pack. The upper electrode post is provided with a connection hole. The lower mounting bracket is installed on the vehicle body; The lower electrode post is elastically connected to the lower fixing bracket. The lower electrode post is used to pass through the connection hole of the upper electrode post so that the vehicle body is electrically connected to the battery pack.

2. The flexible connector for a battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper fixing frame includes a first support plate and a second support plate that are detachably connected. The first support plate has a first groove and the second support plate has a second groove. When the first support plate and the second support plate are connected, the first groove and the second groove form a receiving cavity for accommodating the upper electrode post. One end of the receiving cavity has a first window for the wires of the battery pack to pass through, and the other end of the receiving cavity has a second window for the lower electrode post to pass through.

3. The flexible connector for a battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection hole is a through hole, and the wires of the battery pack and the lower terminal post are respectively inserted into the connection hole from both ends. The upper terminal post is also provided with a first threaded hole perpendicular to the connection hole, and a first screw for fastening the wires of the battery pack is provided in the first threaded hole.

4. The flexible connector for a battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper electrode post is provided with a second threaded hole at the end opposite to the lower electrode post. The second threaded hole is parallel to the connecting hole and has a terminal block for fastening the wires of the battery pack inside.

5. The flexible connector for a battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the connecting hole facing the lower pole post is tapered, and the end of the lower pole post used to pass through the connecting hole is also tapered.

6. The resilient connector for a battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower fixing frame includes a third support plate and a fourth support plate that are detachably connected. The third support plate is used to connect with the vehicle body. The fourth support plate has a countersunk hole for installing the lower pole post at one end facing the upper fixing frame. The fourth support plate has a third groove communicating with the countersunk hole at one end facing away from the upper fixing frame. The lower pole post includes a connected head and a body. The diameter of the body is smaller than the maximum diameter of the head. A compression spring is fitted on the end of the body facing the head. A spring retaining ring is connected to the end of the body extending into the third groove.

7. The resilient connector for a battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The third support plate has a waist-shaped hole corresponding to the third groove. The waist-shaped hole is used for the wires of the vehicle body to pass through and connect to one end of the lower pole in the third groove.

8. The resilient connector for a battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The resilient connector also includes an insulating tab cover plate for isolating the upper pole and the lower pole.

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