An FPC connector fixing structure and battery pack

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of power battery technology, and in particular to an FPC connector fixing structure and a battery pack. The FPC connector fixing structure includes a fixing bracket, which comprises a mounting part for fixing the FPC connector and a support leg for fixing it to a battery end plate. The support leg is equipped with a locking spring, which engages with a locking hole or slot on the battery end plate during insertion, thus preventing the fixing bracket from detaching from the battery end plate. When assembling the fixing bracket onto the battery end plate, no fastener tightening is required. Simply insert the support leg of the fixing bracket into the battery end plate; when fully inserted, the locking spring on the support leg engages precisely with the locking hole or slot on the battery end plate, preventing detachment. The assembly operation is convenient and time-saving, and the assembled component is less prone to loosening during use, improving the reliability of the FPC connector's fixation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of power battery technology, and in particular to an FPC connector fixing structure and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Connectors, as key components for transmitting current, signals, or data, are crucial for stability and reliability. With the development of new energy vehicles, connector assembly not only requires excellent electrical contact performance but also needs to meet multiple demands such as miniaturization, high-density integration, ease of installation and maintenance, and shock and vibration resistance. Currently, power battery packs primarily use FPC connectors to collect battery module status information, such as voltage and temperature data, and transmit this information to the battery management system connected to the FPC connector. In existing battery pack products, FPC connectors are typically fixed to the end plate of the battery module via adapters, usually adapter plates or adapter brackets. The FPC connector is fixed to the adapter plate or adapter bracket, which is then connected to the battery module's end plate using fasteners, structural adhesive, or riveting. Because both structural adhesive bonding and riveting methods present inconveniences for later disassembly and maintenance, fasteners are more commonly used. These fasteners are typically threaded fasteners, such as bolts and screws. Both assembly and disassembly require tightening these threaded fasteners, resulting in relatively low efficiency. More importantly, this method of fixing is prone to instability during use. Battery packs mounted on vehicle bodies inevitably experience bumps and vibrations, which can cause threaded fasteners to loosen. This can lead to insecure FPC connectors, resulting in abnormal voltage and temperature readings and affecting the overall performance and reliability of the connector. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an FPC connector fixing structure to solve the problem of the FPC connector not being securely fixed inside the battery pack in the prior art; the purpose of this utility model is also to provide a battery pack to solve the problem that the FPC connector inside the existing battery pack is not securely fixed, which affects the overall performance and reliability of the connector.

[0004] The FPC connector fixing structure of this utility model adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] An FPC connector fixing structure includes a fixing bracket, which includes a mounting part for fixing the FPC connector and a support leg for fixing it to a battery end plate. The support leg is provided with a locking spring, which is used to engage with a snap-fit ​​hole or snap-fit ​​groove on the battery end plate during the insertion of the support leg into the battery end plate to achieve anti-detachment assembly between the fixing bracket and the battery end plate.

[0006] Furthermore, the locking spring includes a sheet-like base and upper and lower springs disposed on the sheet-like base. The upper spring extends upward to engage with the engagement hole or engagement groove on the battery end plate during the insertion of the support leg into the battery end plate. The lower spring extends downward and engages with the groove on the support leg to achieve axial anti-detachment assembly between the locking spring and the support leg. The support leg is provided with a circumferential anti-detachment structure that cooperates with the sheet-like base, or the sheet-like base is provided with a circumferential anti-detachment structure that cooperates with the support leg to achieve circumferential anti-detachment assembly between the locking spring and the support leg.

[0007] Furthermore, the sheet-like substrate is provided with vertically extending constriction channels, and the support leg is inserted into the constriction channels to achieve circumferential anti-detachment assembly between the locking spring and the support leg, and the constriction channels constitute the circumferential anti-detachment structure.

[0008] Furthermore, the fixing bracket is a U-shaped bracket with the opening facing downwards. The top of the U-shaped bracket constitutes the mounting part, and the two parallel sides of the U-shaped bracket constitute the support legs. Both support legs are provided with locking springs, and the two support legs are used to fix the bracket to the opposite sides of the battery end plate.

[0009] Furthermore, the top of the fixed bracket is provided with a weight-reducing liquid passage.

[0010] Furthermore, the support leg is equipped with a spring clip removal channel to enable quick disassembly of the locking spring clip and the battery end plate.

[0011] Furthermore, the fixed bracket is equipped with a buffer component. After the fixed bracket is inserted into the battery end plate, the buffer component is pressed between the fixed bracket and the battery end plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the fixing bracket is provided with a post for inserting the battery end plate into the insertion hole, and the post is provided with a glue groove to achieve secondary fixing of the fixing bracket and the battery end plate when glue is applied into the glue groove.

[0013] Furthermore, the support leg has a foolproof assembly post for mating with the battery end plate to achieve foolproof assembly.

[0014] Beneficial Effects: This utility model of FPC connector fixing structure is a pioneering invention. The FPC connector can be fixedly installed on the mounting part of the fixing bracket. The support legs of the fixing bracket are used for fixing to the battery end plate. The support legs are equipped with locking springs. When assembling the fixing bracket onto the battery end plate, there is no need to tighten the fasteners. Simply insert the support legs of the fixing bracket into the battery end plate. When inserted into place, the locking springs on the support legs will engage with the snap-fit ​​holes or snap-fit ​​slots on the battery end plate, thus achieving anti-detachment assembly between the fixing bracket and the battery end plate. The assembly operation is convenient and time-saving. Moreover, after assembly, it is not easy to loosen during use, improving the fixing reliability of the FPC connector.

[0015] The battery pack of this utility model adopts the following technical solution:

[0016] The battery pack includes a battery module. The battery module has a battery end plate at its end. An FPC connector is fixedly connected to the battery end plate via an FPC connector fixing structure. The FPC connector fixing structure includes a fixing bracket. The fixing bracket includes a mounting part for fixing the FPC connector and a support leg for fixing it to the battery end plate. The support leg is provided with a locking spring. The locking spring is used to engage with the locking hole or locking groove on the battery end plate during the insertion of the support leg into the battery end plate, thereby achieving anti-detachment assembly between the fixing bracket and the battery end plate.

[0017] Furthermore, the locking spring includes a sheet-like base and upper and lower springs disposed on the sheet-like base. The upper spring extends upward to engage with the engagement hole or engagement groove on the battery end plate during the insertion of the support leg into the battery end plate. The lower spring extends downward and engages with the groove on the support leg to achieve axial anti-detachment assembly between the locking spring and the support leg. The support leg is provided with a circumferential anti-detachment structure that cooperates with the sheet-like base, or the sheet-like base is provided with a circumferential anti-detachment structure that cooperates with the support leg to achieve circumferential anti-detachment assembly between the locking spring and the support leg.

[0018] Furthermore, the sheet-like substrate is provided with vertically extending constriction channels, and the support leg is inserted into the constriction channels to achieve circumferential anti-detachment assembly between the locking spring and the support leg, and the constriction channels constitute the circumferential anti-detachment structure.

[0019] Furthermore, the fixing bracket is a U-shaped bracket with the opening facing downwards. The top of the U-shaped bracket constitutes the mounting part, and the two parallel sides of the U-shaped bracket constitute the support legs. Both support legs are provided with locking springs, and the two support legs are used to fix the bracket to the opposite sides of the battery end plate.

[0020] Furthermore, the top of the fixed bracket is provided with a weight-reducing liquid passage.

[0021] Furthermore, the support leg is equipped with a spring clip removal channel to enable quick disassembly of the locking spring clip and the battery end plate.

[0022] Furthermore, the fixed bracket is equipped with a buffer component. After the fixed bracket is inserted into the battery end plate, the buffer component is pressed between the fixed bracket and the battery end plate.

[0023] Furthermore, the fixing bracket is provided with a post for inserting the battery end plate into the insertion hole, and the post is provided with a glue groove to achieve secondary fixing of the fixing bracket and the battery end plate when glue is applied into the glue groove.

[0024] Furthermore, the support leg has a foolproof assembly post for mating with the battery end plate to achieve foolproof assembly.

[0025] Beneficial Effects: This utility model battery pack is an improved invention. The FPC connector is fixedly mounted on a fixed bracket, and the support legs of the fixed bracket are fixedly mounted on the battery end plate. The support legs are equipped with locking springs. When assembling the fixed bracket onto the battery end plate, no fastener tightening is required. Simply insert the support legs of the fixed bracket into the battery end plate, and when fully inserted, the locking springs on the support legs will engage with the snap-fit ​​holes or slots on the battery end plate, thus preventing the fixed bracket from detaching from the battery end plate. The assembly operation is convenient and time-saving, and the assembly is less prone to loosening during use, improving the reliability of the FPC connector. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of the battery pack of this utility model (battery module not shown).

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The main view;

[0028] Figure 3 An explosion diagram illustrating the fixing bracket and locking spring clips;

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The main view;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fixed support structure;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the locking spring.

[0032] Figure 7 A structural schematic diagram of the locking spring from another perspective;

[0033] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure for fixing the locking spring to the fixed bracket;

[0034] In the diagram: 1. Tree-shaped buckle; 2. FPC connector; 3. Base plate; 4. Fixing bracket; 5. Locking spring; 6. Battery end plate;

[0035] 401. Mounting section; 402. Support leg; 403. Foolproof assembly column; 404. Snap-on mounting hole; 405. Weight-reducing liquid passage hole; 406. Silicone foam; 407. Insert post; 408. Glue application groove; 409. Groove;

[0036] 501. Sheet-like substrate; 502. Upper spring sheet; 503. Lower spring sheet; 504. Spring arm; 505. Closing channel;

[0037] 601. Snap-fit ​​hole; 602. Insertion hole; 603. Foolproof mating part. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Existing FPC connector adapters are fixed to the battery end plate using threaded fasteners, which results in unreliable fixation. To solve this problem, this invention provides an FPC connector fixing structure and battery pack, which improves the fixation reliability of the FPC connector. The basic inventive concept of this invention is: to fix the FPC connector to the battery end plate using a fixing bracket, to provide a spring-loaded structure on the fixing bracket, and to provide snap-fit ​​holes or slots on the battery end plate. During the assembly of the fixing bracket onto the battery end plate, the spring-loaded structure snaps into the snap-fit ​​holes or slots on the battery end plate, thereby achieving anti-detachment assembly between the fixing bracket and the battery end plate. After assembly, the fixing bracket is less likely to loosen from the battery end plate, thus improving the connector's fixation reliability.

[0039] Based on the above inventive concept, the embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below.

[0040] Embodiments of the battery pack of this utility model:

[0041] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the battery pack includes a battery module (not shown in the figure), a battery end plate 6 at the end of the battery module, and an FPC connector 2 and an FPC connector fixing structure. The FPC connector 2 is fixedly assembled to the battery end plate 6 through the FPC connector fixing structure. The FPC connector 2 includes a base plate 3 and a connector disposed on the base plate 3. Figure 3-4 As shown, the FPC connector fixing structure includes a fixing bracket 4. The fixing bracket 4 includes a mounting part 401 for fixing the FPC connector 2 and a support leg 402 for fixing it to the battery end plate 6. The mounting part 401 is provided with a snap-fit ​​mounting hole 404 for mounting a snap-fit. The base plate 3 of the FPC connector 2 is fixed to the fixing bracket 4 by a tree-shaped snap-fit ​​1. Since the base plate 3 of the FPC connector 2 is a rectangular plate, a mounting hole is provided near both ends along the length direction of the base plate 3 of the FPC connector 2. The two mounting holes are symmetrically arranged. Correspondingly, the mounting part 401 of the fixing bracket 4 is designed to be rectangular, and two snap-fit ​​mounting holes 404 are symmetrically provided on the mounting part 401. The base plate 3 of the FPC connector 2 is tightly fixed to the fixing bracket 4 by two tree-shaped snap-fit ​​1 to ensure the reliability and stability of the fixing. The support leg 402 is provided with a locking spring 5, and the battery end plate 6 is provided with a snap-fit ​​hole 601 or a snap-fit ​​groove that can cooperate with the locking spring 5. During the process of inserting the support leg 402 into the battery end plate 6, the locking spring 5 is snapped into the snap-fit ​​hole 601 or the snap-fit ​​groove on the battery end plate 6 to achieve the anti-detachment assembly of the fixed bracket 4 and the battery end plate 6.

[0042] like Figure 3-5As shown, the fixed bracket 4 is a U-shaped bracket with an opening facing downwards. The top of the U-shaped bracket forms the mounting portion 401, and the two parallel sides of the U-shaped bracket form the support legs 402. Locking elastic pieces 5 are provided on both support legs 402, and the two support legs 402 are fixedly installed on the opposite side surfaces of the battery end plate 6. The fixed bracket 4 is a symmetrical structure, and two locking elastic pieces 5 are symmetrically provided on the fixed bracket 4. Through the two locking elastic pieces 5 and the battery end plate 6 for fixed assembly, the two side surfaces of the battery end plate 6 are fully utilized to ensure the stability and reliability of the fixed assembly. In addition, the space inside the battery pack is limited. With this structure of the fixed bracket 4, the occupied space can be minimized as much as possible, and the structure is more compact. In another embodiment, the fixed bracket 4 can also be of other structures, such as a "ji" - shaped bracket. The top of the "ji" - shaped bracket forms the mounting portion 401, and the two side arms of the "ji" - shaped bracket form the support legs 402. Locking elastic pieces 5 are provided on the two support legs 402 for fixed assembly with the opposite side surfaces of the battery end plate 6.

[0043] As Figure 6-7 shown, the locking elastic piece 5 includes a sheet - like base body 501 and upper and lower elastic pieces provided on the sheet - like base body 501. The upper elastic piece 502 extends upwards and is snapped into the clamping hole 601 on the battery end plate 6 during the insertion of the support leg 402 into the battery end plate 6. The elastic arms 504 on both sides of the upper elastic piece 502 press on the outer side surface of the battery end plate 6 to control the inclination deformation angle of the upper elastic piece 502 and prevent the inclination angle of the upper elastic piece 502 from being too large. Of course, the battery end plate 6 can also be provided with a clamping groove, and the upper elastic piece 502 of the locking elastic piece 5 is snapped into the clamping groove. A groove 409 (see Figure 5 ) is provided on the inner side surface of the support leg 402 of the fixed bracket 4. The lower elastic piece 503 of the locking elastic piece 5 extends downwards, as Figure 8As shown, when the locking spring 5 is assembled onto the fixed bracket 4, the lower spring 503 engages with the groove 409 on the support leg 402 to achieve axial anti-disengagement assembly between the locking spring 5 and the support leg 402. The fixed bracket 4 is provided with a stop surface, which engages with the locking spring 5 in the insertion direction to determine whether the locking spring 5 is properly inserted. When properly inserted, the lower spring 503 engages precisely with the groove 409 on the support leg 402. The sheet-like base 501 is provided with a circumferential anti-disengagement structure that engages with the support leg 402. Specifically, the circumferential anti-disengagement structure is a vertically extending constriction channel 505. The support leg 402 is inserted into the constriction channel 505 to achieve circumferential anti-disengagement assembly between the locking spring 5 and the support leg 402. The locking spring 5 is an integrally formed structure. The lower two opposite sides of the sheet-like base 501 are folded outward to form a vertically extending constriction channel 505 on the sheet-like base 501. The support leg 402 is inserted into the converging channel 505. The converging channel 505 guides the locking spring 5 onto the support leg 402 and improves the stability after assembly, making it less likely for the locking spring 5 to loosen relative to the support leg 402 in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a vertically extending through groove or through hole can be provided on the sheet-like substrate 501. The shape of the through groove or through hole matches the shape of the support leg 402, and the support leg 402 is inserted into the through groove or through hole to achieve circumferential anti-detachment assembly between the locking spring 5 and the support leg 402.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the locking spring 5 is snapped and fixed to the fixed bracket 4 by the lower spring 503. The locking spring 5 is made of metal sheet, and the fixed bracket 4 is an insulating bracket. The fixed bracket 4 and the locking spring 5 are molded separately, resulting in relatively low processing costs, convenient assembly, and easy disassembly. In another embodiment, the locking spring 5 may only have an upper spring 502 without a lower spring 503. The locking spring 5 is directly injection molded together with the fixed bracket 4. In this case, a separate mold is required, resulting in relatively high costs.

[0045] like Figure 3As shown, the top of the mounting bracket 4 is provided with several weight-reducing liquid passage holes 405. This serves two purposes: firstly, it reduces the weight of the mounting bracket 4; secondly, temperature changes may cause condensation inside the battery pack, and the weight-reducing liquid passage holes 405 prevent liquid from accumulating on the mounting bracket 4 and affecting its insulation performance. The mounting bracket 4 is equipped with a buffer component, which is silicone foam 406. Silicone foam 406 is relatively soft and has good elastic deformation capacity. After the mounting bracket 4 is inserted into the battery end plate 6, the silicone foam 406 is pressed between the mounting bracket 4 and the battery end plate 6 to prevent the mounting bracket 4 from wobbling back and forth and to provide good cushioning. Of course, the buffer component can also be other structures, such as a spring. Considering future maintenance and replacement, the support leg 402 of the mounting bracket 4 is provided with a spring clip removal channel to allow for quick disassembly of the locking spring clip 5 from the battery end plate 6, facilitating the maintenance and replacement of the connector.

[0046] The mounting bracket 4 is also equipped with two insertion posts 407, and the battery end plate 6 has insertion holes 602 (see...). Figure 1 The insertion post 407 is used to insert into the insertion hole 602 of the battery end plate 6. The insertion post 407 is provided with a glue groove 408, which can be glued into the glue groove 408. The fixing bracket 4 and the battery end plate 6 are bonded together by hot melt glue, realizing the secondary fixing of the fixing bracket 4 and the battery end plate 6 to cope with the harsh working conditions of severe vibration. The spring clip fixing and the adhesive fixing have a dual fixing effect, further improving the fixing reliability.

[0047] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the mounting side of the battery end plate 6 is provided with a foolproof mating part 603, and the support leg 402 has a foolproof assembly post 403 (see...). Figure 3 During the fixed assembly process, the foolproof assembly column 403 cooperates with the foolproof mating part 603 to realize the quick assembly of the fixed bracket 4 and the battery end plate 6, ensuring that the assembly is error-free.

[0048] This utility model battery pack adopts a brand-new FPC connector fixing structure, which can improve fixing stability, simplify the installation process, enhance adaptability to different connectors and installation environments, and facilitate later maintenance and replacement, thereby effectively improving the overall performance and reliability of the connector system.

[0049] This utility model also provides an embodiment of an FPC connector fixing structure, the specific structure of which is the same as the FPC connector fixing structure in the above-described battery pack embodiment, and will not be described again here.

[0050] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. The patent protection scope of the present utility model shall be determined by the claims. Similarly, any equivalent structural changes made based on the description and drawings of the present utility model shall also be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An FPC connector fixing structure, characterized in that: The device includes a mounting bracket, which includes a mounting part for fixing the FPC connector and a support leg for fixing it to the battery end plate. The support leg is provided with a locking spring, which is used to engage with the locking hole or locking groove on the battery end plate during the insertion of the support leg into the battery end plate to achieve anti-detachment assembly between the device and the battery end plate.

2. The FPC connector fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking spring includes a sheet-like base and upper and lower springs disposed on the sheet-like base. The upper spring extends upward to engage with the engagement hole or engagement groove on the battery end plate during the insertion of the support leg into the battery end plate. The lower spring extends downward and engages with the groove on the support leg to achieve axial anti-detachment assembly between the locking spring and the support leg. The support leg is provided with a circumferential anti-detachment structure that cooperates with the sheet-like base, or the sheet-like base is provided with a circumferential anti-detachment structure that cooperates with the support leg to achieve circumferential anti-detachment assembly between the locking spring and the support leg.

3. The FPC connector fixing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sheet-like substrate has vertically extending constriction channels. The support leg is inserted into the constriction channels to achieve a circumferential anti-detachment assembly between the locking spring and the support leg. The constriction channels constitute the circumferential anti-detachment structure.

4. The FPC connector fixing structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The fixed bracket is a U-shaped bracket with the opening facing downwards. The top of the U-shaped bracket forms the mounting part, and the two parallel sides of the U-shaped bracket form the support legs. Each support leg is provided with a locking spring. The two support legs are used to fix the bracket to the opposite sides of the battery end plate.

5. The FPC connector fixing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The top of the fixed bracket is equipped with a weight-reducing liquid passage.

6. The FPC connector fixing structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The support leg is equipped with a spring clip removal channel to enable quick removal of the locking spring clip from the battery end plate.

7. The FPC connector fixing structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The fixed bracket is equipped with a buffer component. After the fixed bracket is inserted into the battery end plate, the buffer component is pressed between the fixed bracket and the battery end plate.

8. The FPC connector fixing structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The mounting bracket is equipped with a post for inserting the battery end plate into the insertion hole. The post is equipped with a glue groove to achieve secondary fixation between the mounting bracket and the battery end plate when glue is applied into the glue groove.

9. The FPC connector fixing structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The support leg has a foolproof assembly post for mating with the battery end plate to achieve foolproof assembly.

10. A battery pack, comprising a battery module, wherein a battery end plate is provided at the end of the battery module, and an FPC connector is fixedly connected to the battery end plate by a fixing structure, characterized in that: The fixing structure is the FPC connector fixing structure according to any one of claims 1-9.

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