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 being plugged with a socket of the electric connector. The plug comprises a first shell, a pin terminal, a temperature monitoring device and a temperature sensing fixing piece. The pin terminal is arranged in the first shell and comprises a metal body and a second shell, the metal body is arranged in the second shell, and the second shell is provided with a first groove. The temperature monitoring device is arranged in the first groove. The temperature sensing fixing piece comprises a top cover and a first limiting part connected with the top cover, the top cover is arranged above the temperature monitoring device, and the first limiting part extends into the first groove and is limited between the temperature monitoring device and the metal body. A second groove is formed in the side face, facing the first limiting part, of the metal body. The metal body with the second groove does not hinder downward insertion of the first limiting part, when the insertion depth exceeds the bottom of the second groove, the first limiting part extrudes the temperature monitoring device to enable the surface of the temperature monitoring device to deform, and the temperature monitoring device is limited between the temperature monitoring device and the metal body.

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] Electrical connectors require monitoring of terminal temperature. If the terminal temperature is too high, the outer insulation shell of the terminal will melt, causing the plug and socket to become difficult to insert and remove.

[0005] To avoid interference between the temperature sensor's output wire and other components of the electrical connector, our company places the temperature sensor at the end of the terminal assembly. However, during repeated plugging and unplugging of the plug and socket, there is a risk that the temperature sensor may fall off the plug. Utility Model Content

[0006] To reduce the risk of the temperature sensor detaching from the plug during repeated plugging and unplugging, this invention provides a plug for insertion into a socket of an electrical connector. The socket includes a socket terminal, and the plug includes a first housing, pin terminals, a temperature monitoring device, and a temperature-sensing fixing member. The pin terminals are used for electrical connection to the socket terminals and are disposed within the first housing. The pin terminals include a metal body and an insulating second housing. The metal body is disposed within the second housing, which has a first groove. The temperature monitoring device is disposed within the first groove. The temperature-sensing fixing member is used to fix the temperature monitoring device. The temperature-sensing fixing member includes a top cover and a first limiting portion connected to the top cover. The top cover is disposed above the temperature monitoring device, and the first limiting portion extends into the first groove and is positioned between the temperature monitoring device and the metal body. The side of the metal body facing the first limiting portion has a second groove.

[0007] When the temperature sensing fixture is installed, the metal body with the second groove will not obstruct the downward insertion of the first limiting part. When the first limiting part is inserted to a depth exceeding the bottom of the second groove, the first limiting part will squeeze the temperature monitoring device to deform the elastic shell on its surface. Under the thrust, the first limiting part can continue to be inserted until the top cover contacts the second shell. Finally, the first limiting part is limited between the temperature monitoring device and the metal body.

[0008] In an optional technical solution of this utility model, the depth of the second groove along the Z direction is H1, and the total length of the first limiting part and the top cover along the Z direction is L1. H1 and L1 satisfy: 2mm ≤ H1 ≤ 5mm, and / or 3H1 > L1 > H1. Setting H1 and L1 within the above range ensures that the second groove has sufficient clearance for the temperature-sensing fixing component, while the first limiting part has sufficient length to be limited between the temperature monitoring device and the metal body.

[0009] In an optional technical solution of this utility model, the temperature monitoring device includes an elastic shell, a temperature sensing element, and a wiring harness. The temperature sensing element is disposed inside the elastic shell, and the wiring harness extends into the elastic shell and is electrically connected to the temperature sensing element. The elastic shell is compressed within the first groove.

[0010] In an optional technical solution of this utility model, the second housing includes a first wall and a second wall connected in a ring, the wall thickness of the first wall is greater than the wall thickness of the second wall, and the first groove is disposed on the first wall.

[0011] In the optional technical solution of this utility model, the wall thickness H2 of the first wall satisfies: 1.5mm≤H2≤4mm.

[0012] In an optional technical solution of this utility model, the temperature sensing fixing member further includes a second limiting part connected to the top cover, and a third limiting part is provided on the outer side of the second housing, and the second limiting part and the third limiting part are engaged.

[0013] In an optional technical solution of this utility model, the top cover is disposed on the end of the second housing, and the top cover includes a third groove that abuts against the side of the metal body, the curvature of the third groove being the same as the curvature of the sidewall of the metal body.

[0014] This utility model also provides an electrical connector, which includes the above-described plug.

[0015] This utility model also provides a battery pack, which includes the above-mentioned plug.

[0016] This utility model also provides an electrical device, which includes the aforementioned plug. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 It is a 3D diagram of the plug;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the plug and socket not being plugged in.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the plug;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the pin terminals, temperature monitoring device, and temperature sensing fastener in their unassembled state.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature-sensing fixing component;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the pin terminal;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the plug;

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0025] Figure Labels

[0026] Plug 100;

[0027] First shell 110;

[0028] end wall 111;

[0029] Pin terminal 120;

[0030] Metallic body 121;

[0031] Second groove 1211;

[0032] Second shell 122;

[0033] First groove 1221, first wall 1222, second wall 1223, elastic card 1224, third limiting part 1225;

[0034] Temperature monitoring device 130;

[0035] Temperature sensing fixture 140;

[0036] Top cover 141, first limiting part 142, second limiting part 143. Detailed Implementation

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] To reduce the risk of the temperature monitoring device detaching from the plug during repeated plugging and unplugging processes, such as Figure 1As shown, this application provides a plug 100 and an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a plug 100 and a socket. The plug 100 is used to connect to the socket, and the socket includes a socket terminal. The plug 100 includes a first housing 110, a pin terminal 120, a temperature monitoring device 130, and a temperature-sensing fixing member 140. The pin terminal 120 is used to electrically connect to the socket terminal and is disposed in the first housing 110. The pin terminal 120 includes a metal body 121 and an insulating second housing 122. The metal body 121 is disposed within the second housing 122, and the second housing 122 has a first groove 1221. The temperature monitoring device 130 is disposed within the first groove 1221 and contacts the metal body 121. The temperature-sensing fixing member 140 is used to fix the temperature monitoring device 130. The temperature-sensing fixing member 140 includes a top cover 141 and a first limiting part 142 connected to the top cover 141. The top cover 141 is disposed above the temperature monitoring device 130. The first limiting part 142 extends into a first groove 1221 and is located between the temperature monitoring device 130 and the metal body 121. A second groove 1211 is provided on the side of the metal body 121 facing the first limiting part 142. Specifically, the temperature monitoring device 130 includes an elastic shell, a temperature sensing element, and a wiring harness. The temperature sensing element is disposed inside the elastic shell, and the wiring harness extends into the elastic shell and is electrically connected to the temperature sensing element. If the second groove is not provided on the metal body 121, it is difficult for the first limiting part 142 to be inserted into the gap between the temperature monitoring device 130 and the metal body 121, and the temperature-sensing monitoring device 130 is at risk of falling off the plug 100. This application provides a second groove 1211 on the metal body 121. When the temperature sensing fixing member 140 is installed, the metal body 121 with the second groove 1211 will not obstruct the downward insertion of the first limiting part 142. When the first limiting part 140 is inserted to a depth exceeding the bottom of the second groove 1211, the first limiting part 140 presses the temperature monitoring device 130, causing the elastic shell of the temperature monitoring device 130 to deform. Under the thrust, the first limiting part 142 can continue to be inserted until the top cover 141 contacts the second shell 122. Finally, the first limiting part 142 is confined between the temperature monitoring device 130 and the metal body 121.

[0042] In an optional embodiment of this application, the temperature monitoring device 130 can measure temperature without contacting the metal body 121; alternatively, the temperature monitoring device 130 can be configured to measure temperature in contact with the metal body 121. A material with high thermal conductivity can also be placed between the temperature monitoring device 130 and the metal body 121.

[0043] In optional embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 and 3As shown, the plug 100 includes a plug end and a tail end. The plug end is used to connect to the socket. The temperature monitoring device 130 and the first recess 1221 that accommodates it are both located at the tail end of the plug 100. In this way, the temperature monitoring device 130 can measure the temperature of the pin terminal 120 while also facilitating the output of the temperature monitoring device 130 without interfering with other components, and the plug structure is relatively simple.

[0044] In optional embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4-8 As shown, the depth of the second groove 1211 along the Z direction is H1, and the total length of the first limiting part 142 and the top cover 141 along the Z direction is L1. H1 and L1 satisfy: 2mm≤H1≤5mm, and / or 3H1>L1>H1. The wiring harness of the temperature monitoring device 130 and the top cover 141 will occupy a certain height in the Z direction. If the ratio of H1 to L1 is too small, the first limiting part 142 will be blocked by the metal body before it is inserted into the contact elastic shell. If the ratio of H1 to L1 is too large, the part of the first limiting part 142 that is squeezed by the temperature monitoring device 130 and the metal body will be too small, which will cause the problem of insecure fixation. Setting the ratio of H1 to L1 within the above-mentioned value range can simultaneously ensure the smooth installation of the temperature sensing fastener 140 and the secure fixation of the temperature monitoring device. Specifically, H1 can be 2mm, 3mm, 3.4mm, 3.7mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, or 5mm.

[0045] In optional embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, the second housing 122 includes a first wall 1222 and a second wall 1223 connected in a ring. The wall thickness of the first wall 1222 is greater than the wall thickness of the second wall 1223. A first groove 1221 is disposed on the first wall 1222. Optionally, the second housing 122 can be directly injection molded onto the metal body 121. The wall thickness H2 of the first wall 1222 satisfies: 1.5mm ≤ H2 ≤ 4mm. If H2 is too small, the space to accommodate the temperature monitoring device 130 will be too small, making installation difficult. If H2 is too large, a gap will be generated between the first limiting part 142 and the temperature monitoring device 130 and the metal body, making it difficult to fix securely, and the space occupied by the pin terminal 120 will also increase. Setting H2 within the above-mentioned value range can ensure the smooth and secure installation of the temperature monitoring device 130 while avoiding excessive space occupation. Specifically, H2 can be 1.5mm, 1.8mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, or 4mm. Optionally, such as Figure 3 and Figure 8As shown, the first housing 110 of the plug 100 is provided with a first through hole for the pin terminal 120 to pass through. The second housing 122 is provided with an elastic clip 1224. When the pin terminal 120 is installed into the first housing 110, the elastic clip 1224 is squeezed by the end wall 111 of the through hole of the first housing 110 and elastically deformed, so that the pin can continue to be inserted. When the elastic clip 1224 moves under the end wall 111, it releases the elastic deformation and thus locks into the first housing 110. Therefore, the pin terminal 120 can be quickly installed in the first housing 110.

[0046] In optional embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, the temperature-sensing fixing member 140 also includes a second limiting part 143 connected to the top cover 141. The temperature-sensing fixing member 140, composed of the top cover 141, the first limiting part 142, and the second limiting part 143, is generally U-shaped. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a top cover 141 is disposed on the end of the second housing 122. The top cover 141 includes a third groove that abuts against the side of the metal body 121. The curvature of the third groove is the same as the curvature of the sidewall of the metal body. Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, a third limiting part 1225 is provided on the outer side of the second housing 122, and the second limiting part 143 and the third limiting part 1225 are engaged. The second limiting part 143 is provided with a hollow structure, through which the wiring harness of the temperature monitoring device 130 can extend to the outside of the second housing 122.

[0047] This application also provides a battery pack, the electrical connector including the aforementioned plug 100. This utility model also provides an electrical device. The electrical device of this utility model includes a plug in an optional embodiment. The electrical device can be, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, 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.

[0048] 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 including socket terminals, characterized in that, The plug includes: First shell; A pin terminal is used for electrical connection with the socket terminal. The pin terminal is disposed in the first housing. The pin terminal includes a metal body and an insulating second housing. The metal body is disposed in the second housing. The second housing is provided with a first groove. A temperature monitoring device is installed inside the first groove; A temperature-sensing fastener is used to fix the temperature monitoring device. The temperature-sensing fastener includes a top cover and a first limiting part connected to the top cover. The top cover is disposed above the temperature monitoring device, and the first limiting part extends into the first groove and is limited between the temperature monitoring device and the metal body. The metal body has a second groove on the side facing the first limiting part.

2. The plug as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The depth of the second groove along the Z direction is H1, and the total length of the first limiting part and the top cover along the Z direction is L1. H1 and L1 satisfy: 2mm≤H1≤5mm, and / or 3H1>L1>H1.

3. The plug as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The temperature monitoring device includes an elastic housing, a temperature sensing element, and a wiring harness. The temperature sensing element is disposed inside the elastic housing, and the wiring harness extends into the elastic housing and is electrically connected to the temperature sensing element. The elastic housing is compressed within the first groove.

4. The plug as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second housing includes a first wall and a second wall connected in a ring, the thickness of the first wall being greater than the thickness of the second wall, and the first groove being disposed on the first wall.

5. The plug as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The wall thickness H2 of the first wall satisfies: 1.5mm≤H2≤4mm.

6. The plug as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The temperature-sensing fixing component also includes a second limiting part connected to the top cover, and a third limiting part is provided on the outer side of the second housing, with the second limiting part and the third limiting part engaging.

7. The plug as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The top cover is disposed on the end of the second housing, and the top cover includes a third groove that abuts against the side of the metal body, the curvature of the third groove being the same as the curvature of the sidewall of the metal body.

8. An electrical connector, characterized in that, Includes a socket and a plug as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A battery pack, characterized in that, Includes the plug as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the plug as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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