Conductive terminal and battery pack
By designing conductive terminals with surface contact to improve the overcurrent capacity of the battery pack, the problem of heat accumulation caused by existing terminal accessory structures is solved, ensuring the safety and performance of the battery pack.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-07
AI Technical Summary
The design of existing battery pack terminal accessories results in poor current carrying capacity, which easily leads to heat accumulation, causing excessive temperature rise and posing a fire hazard.
Design a conductive terminal including a main body, a transition part, a clamping part, and a guiding part. The clamping part gradually approaches in a direction away from the main body, and the angle between the clamping part and the first plane is controlled to be between 1° and 10° to ensure that the insert terminal forms a surface contact when inserted, thereby improving the current carrying capacity.
The surface contact design enhances electrical connection, improves battery pack performance, reduces the risk of heat buildup, meets temperature rise standards, and ensures safety.
Smart Images
Figure CN224096905U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of terminal accessory technology, and in particular to a conductive terminal and a battery pack. Background Technology
[0002] With the continuous development of tool manufacturing technology, power tools are increasingly being used in various work scenarios. Power tools can utilize the electrical energy stored in their own battery packs, eliminating the need for external power input. Furthermore, the battery cells within the packs can be repeatedly charged and discharged, thus improving the convenience of using power tools.
[0003] Terminal accessories are crucial components of battery packs. Utilizing their conductivity, they connect to the charging equipment during battery charging and to the power tool's circuitry during battery discharge. Therefore, the structure of the terminal accessories significantly impacts the battery pack's performance. Current battery packs employ an S-shaped design in the female terminal accessories, resulting in point contact when the male prong terminal is inserted. This design leads to poor current-carrying capacity, heat accumulation, and excessively high overall terminal temperature rise, failing to meet product temperature rise standards (receptacle standard ≤45K). Furthermore, high temperatures can also pose a fire hazard to the battery pack and the entire device.
[0004] Therefore, how to design the structure of terminal accessories to ensure the performance of the battery pack is an important issue. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a conductive terminal and a battery pack that can help ensure the performance of the battery pack.
[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide a conductive terminal. The conductive terminal includes a main body and a transition portion, a clamping portion, and a guiding portion extending from the main body. The transition portion, clamping portion, and guiding portion are symmetrically disposed on both sides of a first plane. The two clamping portions gradually approach each other in a direction away from the main body, and the angle between the plane containing the clamping portions and the first plane ranges from 1° to 10°.
[0007] This application also provides a battery pack, which includes a housing, multiple battery cells mounted on the housing, a circuit board electrically connected to the battery cells, and conductive terminals connected to the circuit board. The battery cells, circuit board, and conductive terminals form a current path, and electrical energy is input / output via the conductive terminals. The conductive terminals are as described above, and are used to hold insert terminals and form surface contact with the insert terminals.
[0008] The conductive terminal provided in this application has an inclined surface on the clamping portion that mates with the insert. Even as the two clamping portions gradually approach each other in a direction away from the main body, the angle between the plane containing the clamping portion and the first plane is controlled to be between 1° and 10°. This allows the two clamping portions to move and deform in a direction away from each other when the insert terminal is inserted into the conductive terminal, through a squeezing action. This transforms the inclined surface in the initial state into a straight surface in the mating state, i.e., a plane that forms surface contact with the inserted insert terminal. This ensures effective electrical connection between the conductive terminal and the insert terminal, improves the current-carrying capacity at the connection point, and ensures the performance of the battery pack.
[0009] In some embodiments, the clamping portion is configured as a flat plate, and two clamping portions are used to clamp the two sides of the insert terminal in a direction parallel to the first plane. In this way, by providing a flat plate-shaped clamping portion, the mating area between the clamping portion and the insert terminal after deformation can be ensured.
[0010] In some embodiments, the thickness of the clamping portion is 0.3 mm to 1 mm.
[0011] In some embodiments, the width of the clamping portion is 1 mm to 2.5 mm.
[0012] In some embodiments, the clamping portion has grooves that divide the clamping portion into multiple sections. This multi-segment structure formed by the grooves prevents dust from entering the mating surfaces.
[0013] In some embodiments, the conductive terminal further includes a first insertion portion and a second insertion portion disposed inside the main body, the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion being used to clamp the two sides of the insert terminal entering the inner side of the main body. In this way, the clamping of the insert terminal by the insertion portion can improve the mating stability between the conductive terminal and the insert terminal.
[0014] In some embodiments, the conductive terminal further includes at least one first bend and one second bend, the first bend connecting the main body and the first insertion portion, and the second bend connecting the main body and the second insertion portion. In this way, different clamping portions can be configured through the bends.
[0015] In some embodiments, the first bend and the second bend are located on the same side or different sides of the main body. Attached Figure Description
[0016] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.
[0017] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery pack provided in some embodiments of this application;
[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a battery pack provided in some embodiments of this application;
[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery pack and interface socket provided in some embodiments of this application;
[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram at point A;
[0021] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the conductive terminals provided in some embodiments of this application;
[0022] Figure 6 This is a top view schematic diagram of the conductive terminal provided in some embodiments of this application;
[0023] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the conductive terminal provided in some other embodiments of this application;
[0024] Figure 8 This is a top view of the conductive terminals provided in some other embodiments of this application;
[0025] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the conductive terminal provided in some embodiments of this application;
[0026] Figure 10 This is a top view of the conductive terminal provided in some embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the various embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details have been presented in the various embodiments of this application to enable readers to better understand this application. However, even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments, the technical solutions claimed in this application can be implemented. The division of the various embodiments below is for the convenience of description and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of this application. The various embodiments can be combined with and referenced by each other without contradiction.
[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.
[0029] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0030] Please see Figures 1 to 4 This application provides a battery pack, which includes a housing 110, multiple battery cells installed within the housing 110, a circuit board 130 electrically connecting the battery cells, and conductive terminals 10 connected to the circuit board 130. The battery cells, circuit board 130, and conductive terminals 10 form a current path, through which electrical energy is input / output. The conductive terminals 10 are used to clamp the plug terminals 22 of power tools or chargers to form an electrical connection. The conductive terminals 10 and the plug terminals 22 form surface contact, thereby increasing the contact area and reducing the impedance between them.
[0031] The battery pack housing 110 can adopt a split structure, including a bottom shell 1101 and a top cover 1102, with the battery cells placed in the cavity formed by the bottom shell 1101. The top cover 1102 is connected to the bottom shell 1101 to form a closed outer shell, which protects the internal components. One side of the top cover 1102 can be provided with a plug-in port 1103 that mates with the interface socket 21 of a power tool or charger. The plug-in port 1103 exposes conductive terminals 10, and positioning can be achieved when mating and connecting with the interface socket 21 of the power tool or charger through the plug-in port 1103. The interface socket 21 is provided with insert terminals 22, into which the conductive terminals 10 can be inserted and form surface contact. The top cover 1102 of the housing 110 includes a sliding groove extending in the front-to-back direction. The sliding groove is distributed at both ends of the top cover 1102 to guide the battery pack to slide and insert. A locking knob 1104 can be provided on the other side of the top cover 1102 to facilitate detachable connection of the battery pack to the power tool / charger.
[0032] The battery pack is connected to the circuitry of a power tool or to a charger via conductive terminals 10. By designing a beveled surface at the insertion portion of the conductive terminal 10 relative to the insertion direction of the insert terminal 22, surface contact between the conductive terminal 10 and the insert terminal 22 is ensured, guaranteeing the current-carrying capacity at the contact point. This ensures the performance of the battery pack 100. Figure 2 As shown, the conductive terminals 10 are arranged at intervals along the same edge of the circuit board 130.
[0033] Multiple battery cells can be connected in series and / or parallel to form a battery pack 120. The multiple battery cells of the battery pack 120 are arranged longitudinally in at least two rows, and different cells are electrically connected by connecting tabs located at the ends of the cells. The battery pack 120 is fixed by a cell bracket, which is sleeved on the ends of the multiple battery cells to arrange the multiple cells into a whole, facilitating installation into the housing.
[0034] The battery cell has positive and negative terminals, forming positive and negative interfaces for connecting to external circuits, respectively. Multiple battery cells are connected in series and parallel via connecting tabs, which include positive connecting tabs, negative connecting tabs, and intermediate connecting tabs. The connecting tabs provide electrical connection, and the battery cells are electrically connected through the intermediate connecting tabs. Simultaneously, the positive and negative connecting tabs can be connected to output terminals to output the energy stored in the multiple battery cells or to receive electrical energy input from external sources. The connecting tabs are soldered to the positive and negative terminals of the battery cells. It should be noted that the connecting tabs are made of non-magnetic material, such as nickel-plated copper; furthermore, each side of the multiple battery cells has at least one connecting tab; in this embodiment, the number of connecting tabs on each side of the multiple battery cells is [number missing].
[0035] In this embodiment, the positive electrode connecting piece is directly / indirectly connected to one of the conductive terminals 10; the negative electrode connecting piece is directly / indirectly connected to one of the conductive terminals 10.
[0036] like Figures 5 to 10 As shown, the conductive terminal 10 provided in this embodiment includes a main body 11 and a transition portion 1111, a clamping portion 1112, and a guide portion 1113 extending from the main body 11. The guide portion 1113, the clamping portion 1112, and the transition portion 1111 are arranged sequentially along the insertion and removal direction of the battery pack. The two transition portions 1111, the two clamping portions 1112, and the two guide portions 1113 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first plane.
[0037] The conductive terminal 10 is formed by cutting and / or bending a metal part. The main body 11 of the conductive terminal 10 is generally U-shaped, including a first part 111 and a second part 112 opposite to each other and a third part 113 connected between the first part 111 and the second part 112. The first part 111 and the second part 112 are both planar structures, and their areas are larger than the rest of the conductive terminal 10, resulting in good heat dissipation.
[0038] Specifically, the first portion 111 and the second portion 112 of the main body 11 each extend on both sides of the first plane to form a transition portion 1111, a clamping portion 1112, and a guide portion 1113. The conductive terminal 10 also includes a pin portion 12 protruding downward from the bottom of the main body 11. The conductive terminal 10 is fixed to the circuit board 130 via the pin portion 12, and the conductive terminal 10 is electrically connected to the circuit board 130, serving as an input / output port for the battery pack's electrical energy. The pin portion 12 includes three pins located below the main body 11. The circuit board 130 includes mounting holes penetrating the board surface, through which the pins pass and are soldered to the circuit board 130 for fixation.
[0039] In this embodiment, the transition portion 1111 forms a receiving surface, and the two transition portions 1111 gradually approach each other in a direction away from the main body portion 11, so that the distance between the two clamping portions 1112 is closer than the distance between the two transition portions 1111, thereby improving the clamping force between the two clamping portions 1112.
[0040] In this embodiment, the clamping portion 1112 forms a clamping bevel, and the guide portion 1113 forms a bent shape. The distance between the two clamping portions 1112 is in the insertion direction of the insert terminal 22 (i.e., Figure 6 The distance between the two clamping portions 1112 increases in the direction indicated by the arrow S, meaning the two clamping portions 1112 move further apart from front to back. The clamping portions 1112 are the parts that form tight electrical contact with the insert terminal 22, creating a complete planar contact effect. When the insert terminal 22 is inserted between the two clamping portions 1112, the two clamping portions 1112 function as electrical contacts. The distance between the two guiding portions 1113 decreases in the insertion direction of the insert terminal 22, meaning the two guiding portions 1113 gradually approach each other from front to back, forming a fish-mouth shape, facilitating the insertion of the insert terminal 22.
[0041] The two clamping portions 1112 gradually approach each other in a direction away from the main body 11, and the angle between the plane containing the clamping portions 1112 and the first plane ranges from 1° to 10°. That is, the plane containing the two clamping portions 1112 is inclined relative to the first plane, and the inclination angle of the inclination can be set within a range of 10° depending on the thickness of the insert terminal 22; for example, the inclination angle can be set to 5°, 6°, or 7°. The clamping portions 1112 are flat, and the two clamping portions 1112 are used to clamp the insert terminal 22 on both sides in a direction parallel to the first plane. The minimum distance between the two clamping portions 1112 is less than the thickness of the insert terminal 22, so that when the insert terminal 22 is inserted into the conductive terminal 10, the two clamping portions 1112 can elastically deform in a direction away from each other under compression. This deformation of the two clamping portions 1112 achieves surface contact between the conductive terminal 10 and the insert terminal 22. Ensure the electrical connection between conductive terminal 10 and plug terminal 22, improve the overcurrent capacity at the connection point, and ensure the performance of the battery pack.
[0042] Specifically, the clamping part 1112 has a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the guide part 1113, and the second end is connected to the transition part 1111; the distance between the two first ends is less than the distance between the two second ends, and the distance between the two second ends is less than or equal to the thickness of the insert terminal 22.
[0043] In this embodiment, the thickness of the clamping part 1112 can be from 0.3 mm to 1 mm, for example, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, and 1 mm. By controlling the thickness of the clamping part 1112, high material costs and difficulties in inserting the insert terminal 22 due to excessive thickness can be avoided. At the same time, low structural strength and susceptibility to damage from external forces can be avoided due to insufficient thickness.
[0044] Furthermore, the width of the clamping part 1112 can be from 1 mm to 2.5 mm, for example, 1 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.2 mm, or 2.5 mm. By controlling the width of the clamping part 1112, material waste and space occupation due to excessive width can be avoided. At the same time, poor electrical contact with the insert terminal 22 and poor fixing effect of the insert terminal 22 can be avoided due to insufficient width.
[0045] like Figure 5As shown, the clamping part has a groove 101, which divides the clamping part 1112 into multiple sections. The groove 101 creates a segmented structure on the clamping part 1112, meaning that the clamping part 1112 is divided along the height direction of the conductive terminal 10. On one hand, the groove 101 reduces the resistance when inserting the insert terminal 22, facilitating the mating of the insert terminal 22. On the other hand, the groove 101 facilitates dust removal; the segmented structure prevents dust from entering the mating surface and affecting the electrical connection. In practice, one end of the groove 101 can penetrate the guide part 1113. That is, the groove 101 extends from the edge of the guide part 1113 towards the main body 11. The number of grooves 101 can be one, two, or three.
[0046] In this embodiment, the conductive terminal 10 further includes a first insertion portion 114 and a second insertion portion 115 disposed inside the main body portion 11. The first insertion portion 114 and the second insertion portion 115 are used to clamp the two sides of the insert terminal 22 that enters the inner side of the main body portion 11. The first insertion portion 114 and the second insertion portion 115 are disposed opposite to each other.
[0047] The first insertion portion 114 is connected to one side of the main body portion 11, and the second insertion portion 115 is connected to the other side of the main body portion 11. Both the first insertion portion 114 and the second insertion portion 115 are located inside the main body portion 11. The first insertion portion 114 and the second insertion portion 115 can form a two-section structure that mates with the insert terminal 22. That is, while the two clamping portions 1112 are pressing against both sides of the insert terminal 22, the first insertion portion 114 and the second insertion portion 115 can be pressed against the portion of the insert terminal 22 located inside the main body portion 11. This creates multiple mating positions between the insert terminal 22 and the conductive terminal 10, improving the mating effect between the insert terminal 22 and the conductive terminal 10 and ensuring tight contact between the insert terminal 22 and the conductive terminal 10.
[0048] like Figures 7 to 10 As shown, a first clamping surface 1141 may be provided on the side of the first insertion portion 114 facing the second insertion portion 115, and a second clamping surface 1151 may be provided on the side of the second insertion portion 115 facing the first insertion portion 114. The first clamping surface 1141 and the second clamping surface 1151 are parallel to the plane of symmetry of the conductive terminal 10. That is, the portion of the first insertion portion 114 and the second insertion portion 115 that are close to each other can be made into a plane. By making the portion of the first insertion portion 114 and the second insertion portion 115 that are close to each other into a plane, a tight fit with the insert terminal 22 can be ensured. At the same time, the first insertion portion 114 and the second insertion portion 115 that are partially connected to the main body portion 11 are more easily deformed, which is beneficial for insert insertion.
[0049] In this embodiment, a first guide surface 1142 may be provided on the side of the first plug-in portion 114 facing the second plug-in portion 115, and the first guide surface 1142 is in contact with the side of the first clamping surface 1141 near the guide portion 1113. A second guide surface 1152 may be provided on the side of the second plug-in portion 115 facing the first plug-in portion 114, and the second guide surface 1152 is in contact with the side of the second clamping surface 1151 near the guide portion 1113. The distance between the first guide surface 1142 and the second guide surface 1152 gradually increases in the insertion direction of the plug terminal 22.
[0050] The first guide surface 1142 and the second guide surface 1152 serve as guides, directing the insert terminal 22 into the position between the first insertion portion 114 and the second insertion portion 115. Through the first guide surface 1142 and the second guide surface 1152, a guide portion with a larger opening can be formed near the insertion portion of the first insertion portion 114 and the second insertion portion 115, thereby facilitating the smooth insertion of the insert terminal 22.
[0051] like Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the main body 11 of the conductive terminal 10 may further include at least one first bent portion 102 and a second bent portion 103. The first bent portion 102 connects the first part 111 and the first insertion part 114, and the second bent portion 103 connects the second part 112 and the second insertion part 115. The bent portions serve a connecting function in the main body 11. One end of the first bent portion 102 is connected to the first part 111, and the other end of the first bent portion 102 is connected to the first insertion part 114. One end of the second bent portion 103 is connected to the second part 112, and the other end of the second bent portion 103 is connected to the second insertion part 115. The first bent portion 102 and the second bent portion 103 facilitate the connection of the insertion parts. Simultaneously, they facilitate deformation of the insertion parts to achieve a tight fit with the insert terminal 22.
[0052] Multiple first bends 102 and second bends 103 can be spaced apart to form a segmented structure, preventing dust from entering the mating surface between the plug-in portion and the insert terminal 22. In practice, the first bends 102 and second bends 103 can be located on the same side or different sides of the first portion 111 and the second portion 112. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The first bend 102 and the second bend 103 are shown to be located on the same side of the first portion 111 and the second portion 112. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The first bend 102 and the second bend 103 are shown to be located on different sides of the first part 111 and the second part 112.
[0053] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific implementations of this application, and in practical applications, various changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.
Claims
1. A conductive terminal, comprising a main body portion and a transition portion, a clamping portion, and a guiding portion extending from the main body portion, wherein a plane parallel to the extending direction of the main body portion and located between two of the main body portions is defined as a first plane, and the transition portion, the clamping portion, and the guiding portion are symmetrically disposed on both sides of the first plane; characterized in that: The two clamping portions gradually approach each other in a direction away from the main body, and the angle between the plane containing the clamping portions and the first plane ranges from 1° to 10°.
2. The conductive terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping part is configured as a flat plate, and the two clamping parts are used to clamp the two sides of the insert terminal in a direction parallel to the first plane.
3. The conductive terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that: The clamping part has a groove, which divides the clamping part into multiple sections.
4. The conductive terminal according to claim 3, characterized in that: The thickness of the clamping part is 0.3 mm to 1 mm, and the width of a single clamping part is 1 mm to 2.5 mm.
5. The conductive terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive terminal further includes a first insertion portion and a second insertion portion disposed inside the main body portion, the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion being used to clamp on both sides of the insert terminal entering the inside of the main body portion.
6. The conductive terminal according to claim 5, characterized in that: The conductive terminal further includes at least one first bend and one second bend, wherein the first bend connects the main body and the first insertion part, and the second bend connects the main body and the second insertion part.
7. The conductive terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first bend and the second bend are located on the same side or different sides of the main body.
8. A battery pack, comprising: The device comprises a housing, multiple battery cells mounted on the housing, a circuit board electrically connected to the battery cells, and conductive terminals connected to the circuit board. The battery cells, the circuit board, and the conductive terminals constitute a current path, and electrical energy is input / output via the conductive terminals. The conductive terminals are characterized in that they are used to connect to plug terminals of power tools or chargers, the plug terminals are in surface contact with the conductive terminals, and the conductive terminals include a main body and a clamping portion extending from the main body. When the plug terminal is inserted into the clamping portion, the plane of the clamping portion is parallel to the plane of the plug terminal.
9. The battery pack according to claim 8, characterized in that: The plurality of conductive terminals are arranged at intervals along the same edge of the circuit board.
10. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that: A plane parallel to the extension direction of the main body and located between the two main bodies is defined as a first plane, which coincides with the plane where the insert terminal is located.