Plug, electric connector, battery pack and electric device

Abstract

The utility model provides a plug, an electric connector, a battery pack and an electric device, the plug is used for plugging with a socket of the electric connector, the socket comprises a jack terminal and a guide hole, and the plug comprises a first shell, a pin terminal and a guide column. The first shell comprises a bottom plate and a first annular wall connected with the bottom plate, and a first containing cavity is defined by the first annular wall. The pin terminal is arranged in the accommodating cavity and is used for being electrically connected with the jack terminal. The guide column is used for being connected with the guide hole in an inserted mode and comprises a first limiting part and a second limiting part. The first shell further comprises an installation hole, the guide column is arranged in the installation hole, and the hole wall of the installation hole comprises a first extension part extending towards the first annular wall and a second extension part extending away from the first annular wall. The first extension part limits the first limiting part, and the second extension part limits the second limiting part. The fixing length of the hole wall and the guide column can be increased, the mounting stability of the guide column is improved, and the probability of battery pack replacement failure caused by looseness of the guide column is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of connectors, specifically providing a plug, an electrical connector, a battery pack, and an electrical device. Background Technology

[0002] Short driving range is a major factor restricting the development of new energy vehicles, and consumers have severe range anxiety. In response to this situation, our company has launched a battery swapping solution, including building battery swapping stations, to address consumers' range anxiety and promote the development of pure electric new energy vehicles. The electrical connector between the battery pack and the vehicle body is a crucial component for enabling the battery swapping function.

[0003] Electrical connectors consist of a plug and a socket, which are plugged together to complete the electrical connection. Generally, electrical connectors for new energy vehicles consist of a plug that connects to the battery and a socket that connects to the vehicle. Battery packs with plugs can also be placed in battery swapping stations, where they can be charged and quickly swapped with the depleted battery pack in the vehicle.

[0004] However, when replacing the battery pack, the guide post often becomes loose, preventing the correct electrical connection between the plug and socket terminals, thus causing the quick battery pack replacement to fail. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the problem of battery pack replacement failure caused by loose guide posts in existing technologies, this invention provides a plug for insertion into a socket of an electrical connector. The socket includes a socket terminal and a guide hole. The plug includes a first housing, pin terminals, and a guide post. The first housing includes a base plate and a first annular wall connected to the base plate, the first annular wall forming a first receiving cavity. The pin terminals are disposed in the receiving cavity for electrical connection with the socket terminals. The guide post is used for insertion into the guide hole and includes a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion. The first housing also includes a mounting hole, in which the guide post is disposed. The wall of the mounting hole includes a first extension extending toward the first annular wall and a second extension extending away from the first annular wall. The first extension limits the first limiting portion, and the second extension limits the second limiting portion.

[0006] Compared to a structure where the mounting hole wall is not extended, a mounting hole wall that includes a first extension extending toward the first annular wall and a second extension extending away from the first annular wall can increase the length of the hole wall and the guide post, thereby increasing the length of the guide post, improving the stability of the guide post installation, and reducing the probability of battery pack replacement failure due to guide post loosening.

[0007] In an optional technical solution of this utility model, the height of the second extension is greater than the height of the first extension. When the plug and socket are in the plugged-in state, the distance between the first extension and the guide hole is relatively close. If the first extension is set too long, it is very likely to interfere with the guide hole, causing the guide post and guide hole to fail to connect properly. In this solution, the height of the second extension is set to be greater than the height of the first extension. That is, by increasing the height of the second extension, the fixed length of the guide post can be increased, thereby increasing the fixed stability of the guide post, while also avoiding interference between the excessively long first extension and the guide hole.

[0008] In an optional technical solution of this utility model, the height H1 of the first extension portion satisfies: 1mm ≤ H1 ≤ 2.5mm, and the height H2 of the second extension portion satisfies: 3mm ≤ H2 ≤ 5mm. Setting H1 and H2 within the above numerical ranges ensures the stable fixing of the guide post while avoiding interference between the first extension portion and the guide hole.

[0009] In an optional technical solution of this utility model, the second limiting part is formed by riveting.

[0010] In an optional technical solution of this utility model, the distance between the first limiting part and the second limiting part is L1, and the total length of the guide post is L2. L1 and L2 satisfy: 20% ≤ L1 / L2 ≤ 30%. The distance L1 between the first limiting part and the second limiting part is the fixed length of the guide post. Setting the ratio of the fixed length L1 of the guide post to the total length L2 of the guide post within the above-mentioned value range can ensure the installation stability of the guide post while avoiding excessive size of the plug.

[0011] In the optional technical solution of this utility model, the distance L1 between the first limiting part and the second limiting part and the total length L2 of the guide post satisfy: 11mm≤L1≤21mm, 52mm≤L2≤63mm.

[0012] In an optional technical solution of this utility model, a sealing ring is provided between the guide post and the wall of the mounting hole. This prevents moisture from entering the plug through the gap between the guide post and the wall of the mounting hole.

[0013] In an optional technical solution of this utility model, at least two sealing rings are provided between the guide post and the wall of the mounting hole. Because the fixed length of the guide post is increased, the length of the guide post within the wall of the mounting hole is also lengthened, increasing the sealing requirements. Providing at least two sealing rings can improve the sealing performance between the guide post and the wall of the mounting hole.

[0014] In an optional technical solution of this utility model, an annular groove is provided on the guide post, and the sealing ring is disposed within the annular groove. The sealing ring is pressed between the annular groove of the guide post and the wall of the mounting hole, and the gap between the guide post and the wall of the mounting hole can be sealed by the elastic deformation of the sealing ring.

[0015] In an optional technical solution of this utility model, the portion of the guide post extending out of the mounting hole in a direction away from the first annular wall is called the protruding section, and the portion of the guide post fixed in the mounting hole is called the fixed section. The diameter of the protruding section is greater than or equal to the diameter of the fixed section. The second limiting part is formed by riveting the protruding section of the guide post. The diameter of the protruding section is set to be greater than or equal to the diameter of the fixed section. After the riveting process, the size of the second limiting part increases, and the limiting structure between the second limiting part and the second extension part becomes more stable.

[0016] In an optional technical solution of this utility model, the guide post includes a first guide post and a second guide post, and the guide hole includes a first guide hole and a second guide hole. The first guide post includes a first contact segment for contacting the first guide hole, and the second guide post includes a second contact segment for contacting the second guide hole. The length of the first contact segment is greater than the length of the second contact segment. The length of the contact between the guide post and the guide hole affects the insertion and extraction force between them. The longer the total contact length between the guide post and the guide hole, the greater the friction and the greater the insertion and extraction force. Therefore, by setting the length of the first contact segment to be greater than the length of the second contact segment, the contact length between the second guide post and the second guide hole is reduced. The total contact length between the guide post and the guide hole is reduced, the friction is reduced, and the required insertion and extraction force is reduced. Therefore, plugging and unplugging the plug and socket during the battery swapping process is easier and smoother, and the battery swapping time is shortened. Furthermore, the lengths L3 of the first contact segment and L4 of the second contact segment can satisfy: 20mm≤L3≤33mm, 3mm≤L4≤8mm.

[0017] This utility model also provides an electrical connector, which includes a socket and the aforementioned plug. The socket includes a jack terminal and a guide hole. The jack terminal is electrically connected to the jack terminal, and the guide post is inserted into the guide hole.

[0018] This utility model also provides a battery pack, including the aforementioned plug.

[0019] This utility model also provides an electrical device, including the aforementioned battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 Diagram of the plug;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the plug;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the plug and socket in an unplugged state.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the plug and socket in the plugged-in state.

[0024] Figure Labels

[0025] Plug 100;

[0026] First shell 110;

[0027] Base plate 111;

[0028] First annular wall 112;

[0029] Hole wall 113;

[0030] First extension 1131, second extension 1132;

[0031] Pin terminal 120;

[0032] Guide column 130;

[0033] First limiting part 131, second limiting part 132, first guide post 133, second guide post 134;

[0034] Sealing ring 140;

[0035] Socket 200. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following describes optional embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "distance", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc., 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 utility model 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 limitations on this utility model.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0039] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set" and "connection" 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 direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] The connector achieves rapid connection and disconnection via a quick-connect and disconnection mechanism. The electrical connection between the plug and socket relies on the insertion of the plug's pins and the socket's holes. For quick and precise insertion, guide posts on the plug and guide holes on the socket are needed. Specifically, the height of the guide posts must be greater than the height of the pins to ensure priority insertion. However, a larger guide post height makes fixing difficult and can lead to loosening during use.

[0041] To address the issue of battery pack replacement failure caused by loose guide posts in existing technologies, such as... Figure 1-4 As shown, this application provides a plug 100 and an electrical connector including the plug. The electrical connector also includes a socket 200 that is inserted into the plug 100. The socket 200 includes a socket terminal and a guide hole. The plug 100 includes a first housing 110, a pin terminal 120, and a guide post 130. The first housing 110 includes a base plate 111 and a first annular wall 112 connected to the base plate 111, the first annular wall 112 forming a first receiving cavity. The pin terminal 120 is disposed in the receiving cavity for electrical connection with the aforementioned socket terminal. The guide post 130 is used for insertion into the aforementioned guide hole, and the guide post 130 includes a first limiting portion 131 and a second limiting portion 132. The first housing 110 also includes a mounting hole in which the guide post 130 is disposed. The wall 113 of the mounting hole includes a first extension portion 1131 extending toward the first annular wall 112 and a second extension portion 1132 extending away from the first annular wall 112. The first extension 1131 limits the first limiting portion 131, and the second extension 1132 limits the second limiting portion 132. Optionally, the second limiting portion 132 can be formed by riveting.

[0042] Compared to a structure where the mounting hole wall is not extended, the mounting hole wall 113 includes a first extension 1131 extending toward the first annular wall 112 and a second extension 1132 extending away from the first annular wall 112. This can increase the length of the mounting hole wall 113 and the guide post 130, thereby increasing the length of the guide post 130, improving the stability of the guide post 130 installation, and reducing the probability of the guide post 130 becoming loose and causing battery pack replacement failure.

[0043] In optional embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the height of the second extension 1132 is greater than the height of the first extension 1131. When the plug 100 and socket 200 are in the plugged-in state, the distance between the first extension 1131 and the guide hole is relatively close. If the first extension 1131 is set too long, it is very likely that the first extension 1131 will interfere with the guide hole, causing the guide post 130 to fail to connect properly with the guide hole. In this solution, the height of the second extension 1132 is set to be greater than the height of the first extension 1131. That is, by increasing the height of the second extension 1132, the fixed length of the guide post 130 can be increased, thereby increasing the fixed stability of the guide post 130, while also avoiding interference between the first extension 1131 and the guide hole due to excessive length.

[0044] In an optional embodiment of this application, the height H1 of the first extension 1131 satisfies: 1mm ≤ H1 ≤ 2.5mm, and the height H2 of the second extension 1132 satisfies: 3mm ≤ H2 ≤ 5mm. Setting H1 and H2 within the above-mentioned numerical ranges ensures the stable fixation of the guide post 130 while avoiding interference between the first extension 1131 and the guide hole. Specifically, H1 can be 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, or 2.5mm; H2 can be 3mm, 3.4mm, 3.8mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, or 5mm.

[0045] In an optional embodiment of this application, the distance between the first limiting part 131 and the second limiting part 132 is L1, and the total length of the guide post 130 is L2. L1 and L2 satisfy: 20% ≤ L1 / L2 ≤ 30%. The distance L1 between the first limiting part 131 and the second limiting part 132 is the fixed length of the guide post. Setting the ratio of the fixed length L1 of the guide post to the total length L2 of the guide post within the above-mentioned value range can ensure the installation stability of the guide post while avoiding excessive plug size. Optionally, the distance L1 between the first limiting part and the second limiting part and the total length L2 of the guide post satisfy: 11mm ≤ L1 ≤ 21mm, 52mm ≤ L2 ≤ 63mm. Specifically, L1 can be 11mm, 13mm, 15mm, 16mm, 18mm, or 21mm; L2 can be 52mm, 56mm, 58mm, 59mm, 61mm, or 63mm.

[0046] In an optional embodiment of this application, a sealing ring 140 is provided between the guide post 130 and the wall 113 of the mounting hole. This prevents moisture from entering the plug 100 through the gap between the guide post 130 and the wall 113 of the mounting hole. Optionally, at least two sealing rings 140 are provided between the guide post 130 and the wall 113 of the mounting hole. Because the fixed length of the guide post 130 is increased, the length of the guide post 130 within the wall 113 of the mounting hole is lengthened, increasing the sealing requirements. Providing at least two sealing rings 140 improves the sealing performance between the guide post 130 and the wall 113 of the mounting hole. Specifically, an annular groove is provided on the guide post 130, and the sealing ring 140 is disposed within the annular groove. The sealing ring 140 is pressed between the annular groove of the guide post 130 and the wall 113 of the mounting hole, and the elastic deformation of the sealing ring 140 seals the gap between the guide post 130 and the wall 113 of the mounting hole. Understandably, the number of annular grooves and sealing rings depends on the actual sealing requirements, and can be two, three or more.

[0047] In optional embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the portion of the guide post 130 extending out of the mounting hole in a direction away from the first annular wall 112 is the protruding section, and the portion of the guide post 130 fixed in the mounting hole is the fixed section. The diameter of the protruding section is greater than or equal to the diameter of the fixed section. The second limiting part 132 is formed by press-fitting the protruding section of the guide post 130. The diameter of the protruding section is set to be greater than or equal to the diameter of the fixed section. After the press-fitting process, the size of the second limiting part 132 increases, and the limiting structure between the second limiting part 132 and the second extension part 1132 is more stable.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the guide post 130 includes a first guide post 133 and a second guide post 134. The corresponding guide hole of the socket includes a first guide hole and a second guide hole. The first guide post 133 is inserted into the first guide hole, and the second guide post 134 is inserted into the second guide hole. The first guide post 133 includes a first contact segment 1331 for contacting the first guide hole, and the second guide post 134 includes a second contact segment 1341 for contacting the second guide hole. The length of the first contact segment 1331 is greater than the length of the second contact segment 1341. The length of the contact between the guide post and the guide hole affects the insertion and extraction force between them. The longer the total contact length between the guide post and the guide hole, the greater the friction and the greater the insertion and extraction force. Therefore, by setting the length of the first contact segment 1331 to be greater than the length of the second contact segment 1341, the contact length between the second guide post 134 and the second guide hole is reduced. The total contact length between the guide post and the guide hole is reduced, the friction is reduced, and the required insertion and extraction force is reduced. Therefore, plugging and unplugging the plug 100 and socket 200 during the battery pack replacement process is easier and smoother, and the battery pack replacement time is also shortened.

[0049] In an optional embodiment of this application, the length L3 of the first contact segment 1331 and the length L4 of the second contact segment 1341 satisfy the following conditions: 20mm ≤ L3 ≤ 33mm, 3mm ≤ L4 ≤ 8mm. Setting the lengths L3 and L4 of the first contact segment 1331 and the second contact segment 1341 within the above-mentioned numerical range ensures that the plug 100 and the socket 200 perform their guiding function while providing appropriate insertion and extraction force, facilitating battery pack replacement. Specifically, L3 can be 20mm, 21mm, 23mm, 27mm, 30mm, or 33mm; L4 can be 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, or 8mm.

[0050] In optional embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the first guide post 133 and the second guide post 134 have similar overall structures. Both the first guide post 133 and the second guide post 134 have a conical section at their top, which facilitates insertion of the guide post into the guide hole. In this embodiment, the first guide post 133 further includes a first conical section and a first support section, with a first contact section 1331 connecting the first conical section and the first support section. The second guide post 134 further includes a second conical section and a second support section, with a second contact section 1341 connecting the second conical section and the second support section. The radial dimension of the first support section is smaller than the radial dimension of the first contact section 1331, and the radial dimension of the second support section is smaller than the radial dimension of the second contact section 1341. Therefore, the first support section and the first guide hole will not contact each other to generate friction, and the second support section and the second guide hole will not contact each other to generate friction, thus reducing insertion and extraction resistance. In the specific insertion process, the first conical segment and the second conical segment first enter the guide hole respectively; then the first contact segment 1331 enters the first guide hole and the two make contact, the second contact segment 1341 enters the second guide hole and the two make contact; finally, the second support segment enters the second guide hole and the first support segment enters the first guide hole.

[0051] In optional embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2As shown, the first contact segment 1331 is an integral unit located between the first conical segment and the first support segment. However, the first contact segment 1331 can also be composed of separate parts. For example, the first contact segment may include two separate parts, and the first guide post may form a structure of first conical segment - first contact segment part - first support segment - first contact segment part - first support segment. The second contact segment 1341 can be similarly configured, and will not be described further here. The number of separate parts is not limited and can include two, three, or four separate parts. In the same plug, the first guide post and the second guide post can be combined using the various structures described above. For example, only the first contact segment and the second contact segment may use a separate structure, or both may use an integral structure, or both may use a separate structure. The number of separate parts can also be combined as needed. In other embodiments of this application, the support segment can also be directly connected to the conical segment. The support segment directly connected to the conical segment is a contact segment. When the guide post enters the guide hole, the support segment enters the guide hole first. However, since the radial dimension of the support segment directly connected to the conical segment is relatively small and does not contact the guide hole, it cannot accurately position and guide the insertion of the pin segment and the socket terminal. Only when the contact segment enters the guide hole and contacts the guide hole can the insertion of the pin terminal and the socket terminal be accurately guided. Therefore, the length of the support segment directly in contact with the conical segment needs to be limited to a small range.

[0052] This utility model also provides a battery pack and an electrical device including the battery pack. The battery pack includes the aforementioned plug 100, and the electrical device can be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, electric toy, power tool, electric vehicle, electric car, ship, spacecraft, etc. Among them, electric toys can include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc., and spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.

[0053] The technical solution of this utility model has been described in conjunction with the optional embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of this utility model is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A plug for mating with a socket of an electrical connector, the socket comprising a socket terminal and a guide hole, characterized in that, The plug includes: A first housing, the first housing comprising a base plate and a first annular wall connected to the base plate, the first annular wall forming a first receiving cavity; A pin terminal, wherein the pin terminal is disposed in the receiving cavity, for electrical connection with the socket terminal; and A guide post, which is used to be inserted into the guide hole, and the guide post includes a first limiting part and a second limiting part; The first housing further includes a mounting hole, the guide post is disposed in the mounting hole, and the wall of the mounting hole includes a first extension extending toward the first annular wall and a second extension extending away from the first annular wall; The first extension portion limits the first limiting portion, and the second extension portion limits the second limiting portion.

2. The plug as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the second extension is greater than the height of the first extension.

3. The plug as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The height H1 of the first extension satisfies: 1mm≤H1≤2.5mm, and the height H2 of the second extension satisfies: 3mm≤H2≤5mm.

4. The plug as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The second limiting part is formed by press riveting.

5. The plug as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the first limiting part and the second limiting part is L1, and the total length of the guide post is L2. L1 and L2 satisfy: 20% ≤ L1 / L2 ≤ 30%.

6. The plug as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The distance L1 between the first limiting part and the second limiting part and the total length L2 of the guide post satisfy: 11mm≤L1≤21mm, 52mm≤L2≤63mm.

7. The plug as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing ring is provided between the guide post and the wall of the mounting hole.

8. The plug as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The number of sealing rings is at least two.

9. The plug as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The guide post is provided with an annular groove, and the sealing ring is disposed in the annular groove.

10. The plug as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The portion of the guide post that extends out of the mounting hole in a direction away from the first annular wall is called the protruding section, and the portion of the guide post that is fixed in the mounting hole is called the fixed section. The diameter of the protruding section is greater than or equal to the diameter of the fixed section.

11. The plug as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The guide post includes a first guide post and a second guide post, and the guide hole includes a first guide hole and a second guide hole. The first guide post includes a first contact segment for contacting the first guide hole, and the second guide post includes a second contact segment for contacting the second guide hole. The length of the first contact segment is greater than the length of the second contact segment.

12. The plug as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The lengths L3 of the first contact segment and L4 of the second contact segment satisfy: 20mm≤L3≤33mm, 3mm≤L4≤8mm.

13. An electrical connector, characterized in that, The electrical connector includes a socket and a plug as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, the socket including a jack terminal and a guide hole, the pin terminal being electrically connected to the jack terminal, and the guide post being inserted into the guide hole.

14. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery pack includes a plug as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, The electrical device includes the battery pack as described in claim 14.

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