Cover assembly, housing mechanism, and battery

Abstract

This application provides a cover assembly, a housing mechanism, and a battery. The cover assembly includes a plastic cover and a connector disposed on the plastic cover. The plastic cover and the connector are integrally formed. The connector includes a plastic shell and a conductive element disposed within the plastic shell. The plastic shell and the conductive element are also integrally formed. By integrally forming the connector with the plastic shell and the conductive element, and then integrally forming the connector with the plastic cover, the cover assembly is obtained. This eliminates gaps between the plastic shell and the conductive element, as well as between the connector and the plastic cover, thus improving the overall sealing performance of the cover assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to a cover assembly, a housing mechanism, and a battery. Background Technology

[0002] In batteries provided by related technologies, connectors (such as communication connectors) are bolted to the battery case. Under the action of the bolting force, the connector compresses the silicone sealing ring between the connector and the battery case to a certain extent, thereby achieving a sealing effect. However, as the silicone sealing ring ages and becomes misaligned, the sealing effect decreases, and moisture, dust, or impurities from outside the battery case can easily enter the battery case, leading to short circuits or electrical failures. Utility Model Content

[0003] Embodiments of this application provide a cover assembly, a housing mechanism, and a battery that can improve the technical problem of reduced connector sealing performance.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a cover assembly, including a plastic cover and a connector disposed on the plastic cover. The plastic cover and the connector are integrally formed. The connector includes a plastic housing and a conductor disposed within the plastic housing. The plastic housing and the conductor are integrally formed.

[0005] In one embodiment, the plastic housing includes a body and a boss protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the body, the boss extending circumferentially along the body and embedded in the plastic cover body.

[0006] In one embodiment, the boss includes an integrally formed first step portion and a second step portion, wherein the height of the first step portion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the body is greater than the height of the second step portion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the body.

[0007] In one embodiment, the plastic cover has an inner surface and an outer surface facing away from each other, the first step portion being closer to the inner surface of the plastic cover than the second step portion; and / or, the side surface of the second step portion facing away from the first step portion is flush with the outer surface of the plastic cover.

[0008] In one embodiment, a notch is formed on the boss, and a protrusion adapted to the notch is formed on the plastic cover, the protrusion extending into the notch; and / or, the thickness of the plastic cover is greater than the thickness of the boss.

[0009] In one embodiment, the plastic housing includes a body, the body including a base plate and a side plate disposed on one side of the base plate, the base plate and the side plate forming a receiving groove, the conductor passing through the base plate, and the first end of the conductor being received in the receiving groove, the opening of the receiving groove facing the outside of the plastic cover; and / or, both the plastic cover and the plastic housing are thermoplastic parts; and / or, the connector is a communication connector.

[0010] In one embodiment, the cover assembly further includes a circuit board disposed inside the plastic cover, and the conductor is connected to the circuit board.

[0011] In one embodiment, a BMS chip is disposed on the circuit board; and / or, the second end of the conductor is soldered to the circuit board; and / or, the conductor is a PIN pin.

[0012] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a housing mechanism, characterized in that it includes a housing body and the aforementioned cover assembly, wherein the housing body is connected to the plastic cover and together define a receiving cavity, and the second end of the conductor extends into the receiving cavity.

[0013] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a battery characterized by including a battery cell and the aforementioned housing mechanism, wherein the battery cell is disposed within the receiving cavity and electrically connected to the conductor.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application are as follows:

[0015] This embodiment of the application integrally molds the connector with a plastic shell and a conductor to form a connector, and then integrally molds the connector with a plastic cover to form a cover assembly. This eliminates gaps between the plastic shell and the conductor, as well as between the connector and the plastic cover, improving the overall sealing effect of the cover assembly. This method eliminates the need for sealing rings to seal the connector and the plastic cover, thus reducing the risk of seal failure and saving materials. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying 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.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the cover assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2This is an exploded structural diagram of the cover assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of section A;

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of section B;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a top view of the connector in the cover assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along the CC direction;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a top view of the cover assembly provided in an embodiment of this application, where the conductors are omitted.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Sectional view along the DD direction.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 10. Cover assembly;

[0027] 1. Plastic cover; 11. Protrusion;

[0028] 2. Connector;

[0029] 21. Plastic outer shell; 211. Body; 2110. Outer peripheral surface; 2111. Base plate; 2112. Side plate; 2113. Receiving groove; 212. Boss; 2121. First step; 2122. Second step; 2123. Notch;

[0030] 22. Conductor; 221. First end; 222. Second end. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] Furthermore, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. In this application, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" generally refer to the upper and lower positions of the device in its actual use or operation, specifically the directions shown in the accompanying drawings; while "inner" and "outer" refer to the outline of the device.

[0033] 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. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] The terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the words "example" or "for example" are used to indicate exemplification, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "example" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application is not to be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than another embodiment or design. The use of the words "example" or "for example" is intended to present relative concepts in a clear manner.

[0037] To facilitate understanding of the present application, the spline curves and arrows used in the reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are explained below: spline curves without arrows indicate solid parts, that is, parts with solid structures; spline curves with arrows indicate virtual parts, that is, parts without solid structures.

[0038] Firstly, please see Figures 1 to 8 This application provides a cover assembly 10, including a plastic cover 1 and a connector 2 disposed on the plastic cover 1. The plastic cover 1 and the connector 2 are integrally formed. The connector 2 includes a plastic shell 21 and a conductor 22 disposed inside the plastic shell 21. The plastic shell 21 and the conductor 22 are integrally formed.

[0039] The cover assembly 10 includes a plastic cover 1. Optionally, the material of the plastic cover 1 includes a thermoplastic. Thermoplastics are materials that soften when heated, harden when cooled, and can be reused repeatedly during multiple heating and cooling processes. As an example, thermoplastics include one of polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The plastic cover 1 can be flat or cap-shaped. The plastic cover 1 is used to connect with the shell body and form a receiving case, such as a battery case, wherein the plastic cover 1 and the shell body together define a receiving cavity. In the thickness direction of the plastic cover 1, the plastic cover 1 has two opposing sides, namely an outer side and an inner side, and correspondingly, the plastic cover 1 has two opposing surfaces, namely an outer surface and an inner surface, with the outer surface corresponding to the outer side and the inner surface corresponding to the inner side. The inner surface of the plastic cover 1 faces the receiving cavity, and the outer surface of the plastic cover 1 faces away from the receiving cavity.

[0040] The cover assembly 10 also includes a connector 2. The connector 2 is used to connect two or more active devices to transmit current or signals. Optionally, the connector 2 is a communication connector. The connector 2 passes through the plastic cover 1, that is, the connector 2 penetrates both the inner and outer surfaces of the plastic cover 1. More specifically, the plastic cover 1 and the connector 2 are integrally molded. As an example, the plastic cover 1 and the connector 2 can be injection molded together. In this way, no gap is formed between the plastic cover 1 and the connector 2, thereby reducing the risk of moisture, dust, and other impurities from the outside of the plastic cover 1 entering the inside of the plastic cover 1.

[0041] Furthermore, connector 2 includes a plastic housing 21 and a conductor 22, with the conductor 22 passing through the plastic housing 21. Optionally, the material of the plastic housing 21 may be thermoplastic; the material of the conductor 22 may be metal. It should be noted that the material of the plastic housing 21 and the material of the plastic cover 1 may be the same or different. As an example, the conductor 22 is a pin, and the number of pins may be one or more. The conductor 22 is used to transmit data or current, and the plastic housing 21 protects the conductor 22. More specifically, the plastic housing 21 and the conductor 22 are integrally formed. As an example, the plastic housing 21 and the conductor 22 can be injection molded together. In this way, no gaps are formed between the plastic housing 21 and the conductor 22, thereby reducing the risk of moisture, dust, and other impurities from outside the plastic housing 21 entering the plastic housing 21 and improving the safety of connector 2.

[0042] Typically, the cover assembly 10 can be prepared by two-stage injection molding: first, the conductor 22 and plastic are used to obtain the connector 2 through a first injection molding process, and then the connector 2 and plastic are used to obtain the cover assembly 10 through a second injection molding process.

[0043] In summary, this embodiment of the application integrally molds the connector 2 with the plastic shell 21 and the conductor 22 to form the connector 2, and then integrally molds the connector 2 with the plastic cover 1 to form the cover assembly 10. This eliminates the gaps between the plastic shell 21 and the conductor 22, as well as the gaps between the connector 2 and the plastic cover 1, thus improving the overall sealing effect of the cover assembly 10. This method eliminates the need for a sealing ring to seal the connector 2 and the plastic cover 1, thereby reducing the risk of seal failure and saving materials. In addition, the above technical solution can effectively reduce the manufacturing process of the cover assembly 10 and reduce its production cost.

[0044] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 8 The plastic shell 21 includes a body 211 and a boss 212 protruding from the outer peripheral surface 2110 of the body 211. The boss 212 extends circumferentially along the body 211 and is embedded in the plastic cover 1.

[0045] The plastic housing 21 includes a body 211 and a boss 212, wherein the boss 212 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 2110 of the body 211. This increases the thickness of the portion of the plastic housing 21 with the boss 212. The boss 212 is embedded within the plastic cover 1. That is, when the connector 2 and the plastic are processed through a second injection molding process to obtain the cover assembly 10, the boss 212 will come into contact with the high-temperature molten plastic. The presence of the boss 212 increases the local thickness of the plastic housing 21, thereby reducing the risk of deformation of the plastic housing 21, improving the dimensional stability of the connector 2, and enhancing the connection accuracy between the connector 2 and the plastic cover 1. The boss 212 extends circumferentially along the body 211, allowing it to be embedded as much as possible within the plastic cover 1. Optionally, the boss 212 is arranged around the body 211.

[0046] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 8 The thickness of the plastic cover 1 is greater than the thickness of the boss 212. In this way, the boss 212 can be at least partially embedded in the plastic cover 1, which enhances the bonding strength between the boss 212 and the plastic cover 1 and improves the reliability of the connection between the connector 2 and the plastic cover 1.

[0047] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 The boss 212 includes an integrally formed first step portion 2121 and a second step portion 2122. The height of the first step portion 2121 protruding from the outer peripheral surface 2110 of the body 211 is greater than the height of the second step portion 2122 protruding from the outer peripheral surface 2110 of the body 211.

[0048] The boss 212 includes a first step portion 2121 and a second step portion 2122, which are integrally formed together during the molding process of the plastic shell 21. The first step portion 2121 and the second step portion 2122 have different dimensions. Specifically, the height of the first step portion 2121 protruding from the outer peripheral surface 2110 of the body 211 is greater than the height of the second step portion 2122 protruding from the outer peripheral surface 2110 of the body 211. This allows the boss 212 to form a multi-level embedded structure with the plastic cover 1, further improving the stability of the connection between the plastic shell 21 and the plastic cover 1.

[0049] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 8The plastic cover 1 has inner and outer surfaces facing away from each other, with the first step portion 2121 closer to the inner surface of the plastic cover 1 than the second step portion 2122. It can be seen that when the connector 2 is subjected to an inward force, the boss 212 as a whole can form a stop with the plastic cover 1; when the connector 2 is subjected to an outward force, the first step portion 2121 of the boss 212 can form a stop with the plastic cover 1. This effectively improves the reliability of the connection between the plastic shell 21 and the plastic cover 1.

[0050] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 8 The surface of the second step portion 2122 facing away from the first step portion 2121 is flush with the outer surface of the plastic cover 1. In other words, the surface of the second step portion 2122 facing away from the first step portion 2121 is the outer surface of the second step portion 2122. The flushness of the outer surface of the second step portion 2122 with the outer surface of the plastic cover 1 prevents a break between the second step portion 2122 and the plastic cover 1, thus avoiding the formation of a groove. Such a groove could easily trap water, posing a risk to the operation of the connector 2.

[0051] In some implementations, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 A notch 2123 is formed on the boss 212, and a protrusion 11 adapted to the notch 2123 is formed on the plastic cover 1, with the protrusion 11 extending into the notch 2123. Typically, the plastic shell 21 is formed first, and the notch 2123 is pre-formed on the boss 212 of the plastic shell 21. During the molding process of the plastic cover 1, molten plastic flows into the notch 2123 and solidifies to form the protrusion 11. The protrusion 11 enhances the strength of the plastic cover 1 and improves the bonding effect between the plastic cover 1 and the plastic shell 21. The number of notches 2123 can be one or more. As an example, the number of notches 2123 is multiple, and the number of bosses 212 is equal to the number of notches 2123, with each notch 2123 corresponding to a boss 212.

[0052] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 6 The plastic shell 21 includes a body 211, which includes a base plate 2111 and a side plate 2112 disposed on one side of the base plate 2111. The base plate 2111 and the side plate 2112 enclose each other to form a receiving groove 2113. A conductor 22 is disposed on the base plate 2111, and the first end 221 of the conductor 22 is received in the receiving groove 2113. The opening of the receiving groove 2113 faces the outside of the plastic cover 1.

[0053] The main body 211 includes a base plate 2111 and a side plate 2112. The side plate 2112 is disposed on one side of the base plate 2111, and the base plate 2111 and the side plate 2112 together define a receiving groove 2113. The opening of the receiving groove 2113 faces outward, that is, the opening of the receiving groove 2113 faces the outside of the plastic cover 1. The conductor 22 is inserted into the plastic shell 21, specifically inserted into the base plate 2111. The conductor 22 has two opposing ends, namely a first end 221 and a second end 222, wherein the first end 221 of the conductor 22 is received in the receiving groove 2113. That is, the first end 221 of the conductor 22 extends to the outside of the plastic cover 1. In order to reduce the risk of the first end 221 being damaged by external forces, the first end 221 is received in the receiving groove 2113, thereby protecting the first end 221 of the conductor 22. In addition, the base plate 2111 can also reduce the risk of deformation of the plastic shell 21 to some extent during the second injection molding process.

[0054] In some embodiments, both the plastic cover 1 and the plastic shell 21 are thermoplastic parts. This allows the plastic cover 1 and plastic shell 21 to be injection molded by heating and then cooling, while also ensuring the strength of the plastic cover 1 and plastic shell 21.

[0055] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 6 The cover assembly 10 also includes a circuit board (not shown), which is disposed inside the plastic cover 1, and a conductor 22 is connected to the circuit board. The connection between the conductor 22 and the circuit board can be direct or indirect.

[0056] In some embodiments, the second end 222 of the conductor 22 is soldered to a circuit board. This further simplifies the structure of the cover assembly 10.

[0057] In some embodiments, a BMS chip is disposed on the circuit board. This allows for the transmission of current or signals between the connector 2 and the BMS chip. The BMS (Battery Management System) chip can be used to manage and control the operation of the battery cells. Optionally, the cover assembly 10 also includes a CCS (Cells Contact System) bracket, which is disposed inside the plastic cover 1, and the circuit board is fixed to the CCS bracket. Optionally, the CCS bracket is an insulating component, such as a plastic component.

[0058] Secondly, this application provides a housing mechanism, including a housing body and the aforementioned cover assembly 10. The housing body is connected to the plastic cover 1 and together define a receiving cavity. The second end 222 of the conductor 22 extends into the receiving cavity.

[0059] The housing mechanism includes the aforementioned cover assembly 10, and therefore has all the beneficial effects of the aforementioned cover assembly 10, which will not be elaborated here.

[0060] In some embodiments, the shell body is a base, the plastic cover 1 is cap-shaped, and the plastic cover 1 is upside down on the base and together define the receiving cavity.

[0061] In some embodiments, the shell body is a box, the plastic cover 1 is flat, the plastic cover 1 is supported on the box and together define the receiving cavity.

[0062] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a battery including a battery cell and the aforementioned housing mechanism, wherein the battery cell is disposed within a receiving cavity and electrically connected to a conductor 22.

[0063] A battery cell, also known as a battery unit, is the basic unit for converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Optionally, the battery cell is a rechargeable cell, which can convert chemical energy into electrical energy and vice versa. A battery can contain one or more battery cells.

[0064] The battery includes the aforementioned housing mechanism, and therefore the battery has all the beneficial effects of the aforementioned housing mechanism, which will not be elaborated here.

[0065] In some implementations, the battery includes at least one of a battery module and a battery pack.

[0066] In some implementations, the battery pack is a low-voltage battery pack with an output voltage less than or equal to 48V. For example, battery pack 100 may be a 12V low-voltage battery pack, a 24V low-voltage battery pack, or a 48V low-voltage battery pack.

[0067] In some implementations, the low-voltage battery pack is a starter battery pack. A starter battery pack, also known as a starting power supply, is a power source used to provide initial power to a device or system to start it up. As an example, a starter battery pack includes an automotive starter power supply.

[0068] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A cover assembly (10), characterized in that, It includes a plastic cover (1) and a connector (2) inserted through the plastic cover (1). The plastic cover (1) and the connector (2) are integrally formed. The connector (2) includes a plastic shell (21) and a conductor (22) inserted through the plastic shell (21). The plastic shell (21) and the conductor (22) are integrally formed.

2. The cover assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plastic shell (21) includes a body (211) and a boss (212) protruding on the outer peripheral surface (2110) of the body (211). The boss (212) extends circumferentially along the body (211) and is embedded in the plastic cover (1).

3. The cover assembly (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The boss (212) includes an integrally formed first step portion (2121) and a second step portion (2122). The height of the first step portion (2121) protruding from the outer peripheral surface (2110) of the body (211) is greater than the height of the second step portion (2122) protruding from the outer peripheral surface (2110) of the body (211).

4. The cover assembly (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plastic cover (1) has an inner surface and an outer surface that are opposite to each other, and the first step portion (2121) is closer to the inner surface of the plastic cover (1) than the second step portion (2122); And / or, the side surface of the second step portion (2122) facing away from the first step portion (2121) is flush with the outer surface of the plastic cover (1).

5. The cover assembly (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, A notch (2123) is formed on the boss (212), and a protrusion (11) adapted to the notch (2123) is formed on the plastic cover (1), the protrusion (11) extending into the notch (2123); and / or, the thickness of the plastic cover (1) is greater than the thickness of the boss (212).

6. The cover assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The plastic shell (21) includes a body (211), the body (211) includes a base plate (2111) and a side plate (2112) disposed on one side of the base plate (2111). The base plate (2111) and the side plate (2112) enclose to form a receiving groove (2113). The conductor (22) passes through the base plate (2111), and the first end (221) of the conductor (22) is received in the receiving groove (2113). The opening of the receiving groove (2113) faces the outside of the plastic cover (1); and / or, the plastic cover (1) and the plastic shell (21) are both thermoplastic plastic parts; and / or, the connector (2) is a communication connector.

7. The cover assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The cover assembly (10) also includes a circuit board disposed on the inner side of the plastic cover (1), and the conductor (22) is connected to the circuit board.

8. The cover assembly (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, A BMS chip is provided on the circuit board; and / or, the second end (222) of the conductor (22) is soldered on the circuit board; and / or, the conductor (22) is a PIN pin.

9. A housing mechanism, characterized in that, Includes a shell body and a cover assembly (10) as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the shell body is connected to the plastic cover (1) and together define a receiving cavity, and the second end (222) of the conductor (22) extends into the receiving cavity.

10. A battery, characterized in that, It includes a battery cell and a housing mechanism as described in claim 9, wherein the battery cell is disposed within the receiving cavity and is electrically connected to the conductor (22).

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