Connector assembly and battery pack

Abstract

The connector assembly comprises a first connector, a second connector and a lock spring, the first connector comprises a connector body and a connecting pipe part, the connecting pipe part is arranged in the radial direction of the connector body and connected and communicated with the connector body, and the connecting pipe part is used for being connected and communicated with a cooling water pipe; the second joint is used for connecting and communicating with the liquid cooling plate, and the second joint part is telescopically inserted into the joint main body and communicates with the connecting pipe part; the lock spring is installed on the connector body, detachably connected with the second connector and used for controlling locking / unlocking of the second connector in the connector body. And when the locking spring unlocks the second joint in the joint main body, the second joint can move towards the connecting pipe part relative to the joint main body so as to adjust the insertion depth of the second joint in the joint main body. The connector assembly is convenient for a user to operate, the overall assembly efficiency of the battery pack is improved, and the reliability of connection between the cooling water pipe and the liquid cooling plate is ensured when the connector assembly is assembled and applied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of battery pack heat dissipation technology, and in particular relates to a connector assembly and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] In automotive battery packs, the liquid cooling plate and coolant pipes are connected and linked using connector assemblies. In current automotive battery pack layouts, to achieve higher battery utilization, the liquid cooling system requires better flow distribution, leading to the development of numerous connector models and types. To increase the energy density of the battery pack, the space within the pack, excluding the battery cells, needs to be compressed, which correspondingly reduces the space available for connector assemblies. However, the overall length of existing connector assemblies is fixed, making it difficult to assemble and connect the liquid cooling plate and coolant pipes using connector assemblies when the battery pack space is limited, thus affecting the overall assembly efficiency of the battery pack. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a connector assembly and a battery pack for solving the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A connector assembly, used in a battery pack, for connecting and communicating cooling water pipes and a liquid cooling plate within the battery pack; the connector assembly includes:

[0006] The first connector includes a connector body and a connecting pipe section. The connecting pipe section is disposed in the radial direction of the connector body and is connected to and communicates with the connector body. The connecting pipe section is used to connect to and communicate with the cooling water pipe.

[0007] The second connector is used to connect and communicate with the liquid cooling plate. The second connector portion can be retractably inserted into the connector body and communicates with the connecting pipe portion.

[0008] A locking spring, mounted on the connector body and detachably connected to the second connector, is used to control the locking / unlocking of the second connector within the connector body;

[0009] When the locking spring releases the second connector from its locking position within the connector body, the second connector can move relative to the connector body toward the connecting tube portion to adjust the insertion depth of the second connector within the connector body.

[0010] Understandably, the aforementioned structural design allows the connector assembly to adjust the insertion depth of the second connector within the connector body. This enables the connector assembly to connect the liquid cooling plate and cooling water pipe even in confined spaces within the battery pack, facilitating user operation and improving the overall assembly efficiency of the battery pack. Simultaneously, a locking spring is used to control the locking / unlocking of the second connector within the connector body. The structural characteristics of the locking spring ensure the reliability of the connection between the cooling water pipe and the liquid cooling plate during assembly.

[0011] In one embodiment, a slot is provided on the connector body, and the locking spring portion is fitted into the slot;

[0012] The second connector has an annular groove, and the part of the locking spring that is fitted into the groove can engage with the annular groove to lock the second connector onto the connector body.

[0013] It is understandable that a locking spring, which is fitted into the slot and engages with the annular groove on the second connector, is used to lock the second connector onto the connector body. This allows people to release the locking spring by opening it, thus facilitating operation.

[0014] In one embodiment, an abutment surface is formed on the connector body;

[0015] The locking spring has a bent portion that abuts against the contact surface. The bent portion is capable of moving relative to the connector body along the contact surface in the radial direction of the connector body to unlock the locking spring from locking the second connector onto the connector body.

[0016] In one embodiment, a plurality of sealing rings are installed inside the connector body. The plurality of sealing rings can deform under the compression of the second connector inserted into the connector body, for assembling and sealing the second connector and the connector body.

[0017] Understandably, by utilizing the deformation caused by the compression of multiple sealing rings, multiple seals can be achieved between the second connector and the connector body to ensure the sealing performance of the assembly between the second connector and the connector body.

[0018] In one embodiment, the plurality of sealing rings includes a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring;

[0019] The connector body is further equipped with a partition and a limiting ring. The partition is disposed between the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring to separate the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring. The limiting ring is disposed on the side of the second sealing ring away from the partition and is connected to the connector body to limit the second sealing ring to the inside of the connector body.

[0020] Understandably, the above-mentioned structural design prevents the first and second sealing rings from falling out of the connector body when the second connector is retractably pulled out of the connector body due to the movement of the second connector.

[0021] In one embodiment, the retaining ring is connected to the connector body by a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0022] It is understandable that the retaining ring is connected to the connector body by a snap-fit ​​mechanism, which facilitates the assembly of the retaining ring onto the connector body.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second connector has a plug-in connector for engaging with the liquid cooling plate to allow the second connector to communicate with the liquid cooling plate.

[0024] The connector is fitted with multiple third sealing rings for sealing the second connector and the liquid cooling plate during assembly.

[0025] It is understandable that multiple third sealing rings are used to seal the second connector and the liquid cooling plate assembly, thus achieving multiple seals between the second connector and the liquid cooling plate to ensure the sealing performance of the assembly between the second connector and the liquid cooling plate.

[0026] In one embodiment, the second connector is disposed independently of the first connector.

[0027] It is understandable that the first connector and the second connector can be manufactured separately, so that the connector assembly can be matched with different specifications of the second connector according to the different specifications of the liquid cooling plate and respectively plugged into the same first connector, thereby realizing the universality of the first connector in the connector assembly and reducing development and design costs.

[0028] In one embodiment, the second connector is capable of adjusting its position relative to the connector body in the circumferential direction.

[0029] Understandably, since the relative position between the second connector and the connector body in the circumferential direction of the connector body can be adjusted, the second connector can rotate on the connector body to prevent the cooling water pipe from bending.

[0030] This application also claims protection for a battery pack, including a liquid cooling plate, a cooling water pipe, and the aforementioned connector assembly;

[0031] The first connector is connected to and communicates with the cooling water pipe, and the second connector is connected to and communicates with the liquid cooling plate.

[0032] Due to the application of the above solution, this application has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0033] The connector assembly and battery pack claimed in this application, through the aforementioned structural design, allow the connector assembly to adjust the insertion depth of the second connector into the connector body. This enables the connector assembly to connect the liquid cooling plate and cooling water pipe even when the space inside the battery pack is relatively congested, facilitating user operation and improving the overall assembly efficiency of the battery pack. Simultaneously, a locking spring is used to control the locking / unlocking of the second connector within the connector body. Utilizing the structural characteristics of the locking spring, the reliability of the connection between the cooling water pipe and the liquid cooling plate during assembly and application is ensured. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a connector assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the second connector and the locking spring provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection of the second connector, locking spring, and limiting retaining ring provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Reference numerals: 100, connector assembly; 10, first connector; 11, connector body; 111, slot; 112, abutment surface; 113, limiting groove; 114, groove; 12, connecting pipe section; 20, second connector; 21, annular groove; 22, plug connector; 30, locking spring; 31, bending section; 32, lifting section; 40, third sealing ring; 50, sealing ring; 51, first sealing ring; 52, second sealing ring; 60, partition; 70, limiting retaining ring; 71, protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0042] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0043] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0044] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is 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 can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0046] The connector assembly 100 claimed in this application is used in a battery pack (not shown) to connect and communicate with a cooling water pipe (not shown) and a liquid cooling plate (not shown) in the battery pack.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a connector assembly 100 provided in one embodiment of this application includes a first connector 10, a second connector 20, and a locking spring 30. The first connector 10 includes a connector body 11 and a connecting tube 12. The connecting tube 12 is disposed in the radial direction of the connector body 11 and is connected to and communicates with the connector body 11. The connecting tube 12 is used to connect to and communicate with a cooling water pipe. The second connector 20 is used to connect to and communicate with a liquid cooling plate. The second connector 20 is partially retractably inserted into the connector body 11 and communicates with the connecting tube 12. The locking spring 30 is installed on the connector body 11 and detachably connected to the second connector 20. It is used to control the locking / unlocking of the second connector 20 in the connector body 11. When the locking spring 30 releases the second connector 20 from locking in the connector body 11, the second connector 20 can move relative to the connector body 11 toward the connecting tube 12 to adjust the insertion depth of the second connector 20 in the connector body 11.

[0048] It is understood that the connector assembly 100 of this application can adjust the insertion depth of the second connector 20 when it is inserted into the connector body 11, so that the connector assembly 100 can assemble and connect the liquid cooling plate and the cooling water pipe even when the space inside the battery pack is relatively congested, which facilitates the user's operation and improves the overall assembly efficiency of the battery pack. At the same time, the locking spring 30 is used to control the locking / unlocking of the second connector 20 in the connector body 11. By utilizing the structural characteristics of the locking spring, the reliability of the connection between the cooling water pipe and the liquid cooling plate is ensured when the connector assembly 100 is assembled and applied.

[0049] It should be noted that before the connector assembly 100 of this application is assembled in the battery pack, the locking spring 30 can be used to release the second connector 20 from the connector body 11. Then, the second connector 20 is driven to be inserted into the connector body 11 as much as possible to reduce the overall external size of the connector assembly 100. After that, the connector assembly 100 is placed into the battery pack. When the second connector 20 needs to be connected to the connecting connector (not shown) on the liquid cooling plate, the second connector 20 can be pulled out from the connector body 11 and connected to the corresponding connecting connector. Finally, the locking spring 30 is used to lock the second connector 20 into the connector body 11, and the assembly connection between the connector assembly 100 and the liquid cooling plate is completed.

[0050] In this application, the first connector 10 and / or the second connector 20 are integrally injection molded from plastic. Preferably, both the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are integrally injection molded from plastic, which facilitates their production. Here, the material of both the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 is thermoplastic resin.

[0051] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the connector body 11 has a slot 111, and a portion of the locking spring 30 is fitted into the slot 111; the second connector 20 has an annular groove 21, and the portion of the locking spring 30 fitted into the slot 111 can engage with the annular groove 21 to lock the second connector 20 onto the connector body 11. In other words, the locking spring 30, fitted into the slot 111 and engaging with the annular groove 21 on the second connector 20, locks the second connector 20 onto the connector body 11. This allows users to release the locking spring 30 by opening it, facilitating operation.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, an abutment surface 112 is formed on the connector body 11; wherein, a bent portion 31 is formed on the locking spring 30, the bent portion 31 abuts against the abutment surface 112, and the bent portion 31 can move relative to the connector body 11 along the abutment surface 112 in the radial direction of the connector body 11 to unlock the locking spring 30 from locking the second connector 20 on the connector body 11. Here, a limiting groove 113 is formed on the connector body 11, the limiting groove 113 can engage with the bent portion 31 to limit the bent portion 31, so that the locking spring 30 is always in the unlocked state without external force.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, a lifting portion 32 is formed on the locking spring 30, which is used for lifting by hand. This facilitates the lifting and driving of the locking spring 30 by hand.

[0054] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the second connector 20 has a plug connector 22 for plugging into the liquid cooling plate to allow communication between the second connector 20 and the liquid cooling plate. The plug connector 22 is fitted with multiple third sealing rings 40 for sealing the assembly of the second connector 20 and the liquid cooling plate. In other words, using multiple third sealing rings to seal the assembly of the second connector 20 and the liquid cooling plate achieves multiple seals between the second connector 20 and the liquid cooling plate, ensuring the airtightness of the assembly. Here, two third sealing rings 40 are configured, arranged alternately along the axial direction of the plug connector 22. It is understood that in other embodiments, the number of third sealing rings 40 may also be three, four, or even more, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0055] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the second connector 20 is independently provided relative to the first connector 10. That is, the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be manufactured separately, so that the connector assembly 100 can be matched with different specifications of the second connector 20 according to different specifications of the liquid cooling plate and respectively plugged into the same first connector 10, thereby realizing the universality of the first connector 10 in the connector assembly 100 and reducing development and design costs.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the second connector 20 is capable of adjusting its position relative to the connector body 11 in the circumferential direction. Because the relative position between the second connector 20 and the connector body 11 in the circumferential direction of the connector body 11 can be adjusted, the second connector 20 can rotate on the connector body 11 to prevent the cooling water pipe from bending.

[0057] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, a plurality of sealing rings 50 are installed inside the connector body 11. These sealing rings 50 are deformable under the pressure of the second connector 20 inserted into the connector body 11, thus sealing the assembly of the second connector 20 and the connector body 11. In other words, by utilizing the deformation of the multiple sealing rings 50 under pressure, multiple seals can be achieved between the second connector 20 and the connector body 11, ensuring the airtightness of the assembly between them. Here, two sealing rings 50 are configured; it is understood that in other embodiments, the number of sealing rings 50 may also be three, four, or even more, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0058] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the plurality of sealing rings 50 include a first sealing ring 51 and a second sealing ring 52; wherein, a partition 60 and a limiting ring 70 are also installed inside the connector body 11. The partition 60 is disposed between the first sealing ring 51 and the second sealing ring 52 to separate the first sealing ring 51 and the second sealing ring 52. The limiting ring 70 is disposed on the side of the second sealing ring 52 away from the partition 60 and connected to the connector body 11 to limit the second sealing ring 52 within the connector body 11. This prevents the first sealing ring 51 and the second sealing ring 52 from falling out of the connector body 11 when the second connector 20 is partially retractably pulled out from the connector body due to the movement of the second connector 20.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the retaining ring 70 is connected to the connector body 11 by a snap-fit ​​mechanism. This facilitates the assembly of the retaining ring 70 onto the connector body 11. Here, a protrusion 71 is formed on the retaining ring 70, and a groove 114 is formed on the connector body 11. The protrusion 71 and the groove 114 engage to retain the retaining ring 70 onto the connector body 11.

[0060] This application also provides a battery pack, including a liquid cooling plate, a cooling water pipe and the aforementioned connector assembly 100; the connecting pipe portion 12 on the first connector 10 is connected and communicates with the cooling water pipe, and the second connector 20 is connected and communicates with the liquid cooling plate.

[0061] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0062] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, used in a battery pack, for connecting and communicating a cooling water pipe and a liquid cooling plate in the battery pack; characterized in that, The connector assembly (100) includes: The first connector (10) includes a connector body (11) and a connecting pipe (12). The connecting pipe (12) is disposed in the radial direction of the connector body (11) and is connected to and communicates with the connector body (11). The connecting pipe (12) is used to connect to and communicate with the cooling water pipe. The second connector (20) is used to connect and communicate with the liquid cooling plate. The second connector (20) is partially retractable and inserted into the connector body (11) and communicates with the connecting pipe (12). A locking spring (30) is installed on the connector body (11) and detachably connected to the second connector (20) for controlling the locking / unlocking of the second connector (20) within the connector body (11); When the locking spring (30) releases the second connector (20) from locking within the connector body (11), the second connector (20) can move relative to the connector body (11) toward the connecting tube (12) to adjust the insertion depth of the second connector (20) within the connector body (11).

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector body (11) is provided with a slot (111), and the locking spring (30) is partially fitted into the slot (111); The second connector (20) has an annular groove (21), and the part of the locking spring (30) that is fitted into the groove (111) can engage with the annular groove (21) to lock the second connector (20) onto the connector body (11).

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, An abutment surface (112) is formed on the connector body (11); The locking spring (30) has a bent portion (31) formed thereon, the bent portion (31) abuts against the abutting surface (112), and the bent portion (31) is capable of moving relative to the connector body (11) along the abutting surface (112) in the radial direction of the connector body (11) to unlock the locking spring (30) from locking the second connector (20) on the connector body (11).

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector body (11) is equipped with a plurality of sealing rings (50). The plurality of sealing rings (50) can be deformed under the compression of the second connector (20) inserted into the connector body (11) to assemble and seal the second connector (20) and the connector body (11).

5. The connector assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plurality of sealing rings (50) include a first sealing ring (51) and a second sealing ring (52); The connector body (11) is further equipped with a partition (60) and a limiting ring (70). The partition (60) is disposed between the first sealing ring (51) and the second sealing ring (52) to separate the first sealing ring (51) and the second sealing ring (52). The limiting ring (70) is disposed on the side of the second sealing ring (52) away from the partition (60) and connected to the connector body (11) to limit the second sealing ring (52) to the connector body (11).

6. The connector assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The limiting retaining ring (70) is connected to the connector body (11) by a snap-fit ​​method.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connector (20) has a plug (22) for plugging into the liquid cooling plate so that the second connector (20) communicates with the liquid cooling plate; The connector (22) is fitted with a plurality of third sealing rings (40) for sealing the second connector (20) and the liquid cooling plate during assembly.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connector (20) is set independently relative to the first connector (10).

9. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connector (20) is capable of adjusting its position relative to the connector body (11) in the circumferential direction.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, Includes a liquid cooling plate, cooling water pipes, and a connector assembly (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; The connecting pipe (12) on the first connector (10) is connected to and communicates with the cooling water pipe, and the second connector (20) is connected to and communicates with the liquid cooling plate.

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