Clamping mechanism and power supply system

Abstract

This application discloses a clamping mechanism and a battery charging system, relating to the field of battery charging tooling technology. The clamping mechanism includes a first clamping body, a second clamping body, and a conductive component. The first clamping body includes a first operating section and a first clamping section arranged at an angle. The second clamping body includes a second operating section and a second clamping section arranged at an angle. The first clamping section is located below the second clamping section and is configured to extend into the bottom of the battery pad. The second operating section is rotatably connected to the first operating section and has a clamped state and an open state. The conductive component is disposed on the second clamping section. In the clamped state, the first and second clamping sections are close to each other and configured to clamp the battery pad, and the conductive component is configured to be electrically connected to the battery pad and the charging device. In the open state, the first and second clamping sections are separated from each other. This application provides a miniaturized clamping mechanism that facilitates efficient battery charging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery charging tooling technology, and in particular to a clamping mechanism and a charging system. Background Technology

[0002] With the continued prosperity of the new energy vehicle market, the power battery industry has rapidly expanded its production capacity, demanding higher and higher energy density from lithium battery systems and higher integration of various battery pack components. In addition, the stock of lithium batteries in the market is increasing, which places higher demands on after-sales maintenance and repair of power batteries.

[0003] To improve the energy density of the battery pack system, the internal components of the battery pack are highly integrated and compactly laid out. The cell connection plates are flat and have small gaps around them, making it impossible to use traditional alligator clips for clamping.

[0004] In related technologies, charging equipment is usually used in conjunction with equalization fixtures to charge individual battery cells. The equalization fixture is usually mounted on the battery pack frame using a gate-shaped structure. The gate-shaped structure is equipped with a movable conductive mechanism that connects the battery cell plate and the charging equipment. This device is relatively heavy and bulky, and its installation is cumbersome, making it inconvenient for efficient charging. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above problems, this application provides a clamping mechanism and a power replenishment system, aiming to provide a miniaturized clamping mechanism that facilitates efficient power replenishment.

[0006] This application provides a clamping mechanism, including a first clamping body, a second clamping body, and a conductive component; the first clamping body includes a first operating section and a first clamping section arranged at an angle; the second clamping body includes a second operating section and a second clamping section arranged at an angle, the first clamping section being located below the second clamping section and configured to extend into the bottom of the pad; the second operating section is rotatably connected to the first operating section and has a clamped state and an open state; the conductive component is disposed on the second clamping section; wherein, in the clamped state, the first clamping section and the second clamping section are close to each other and are configured to clamp the pad, and the conductive component is configured to be electrically connected to the pad and a charging device; in the open state, the first clamping section and the second clamping section are separated from each other.

[0007] The technical solution of this application provides a simple and miniaturized clamping mechanism, which only uses a first clamping body, a second clamping body, and a conductive component. The first clamping body includes a first operating section and a first clamping section arranged at an angle. The second clamping body includes a second operating section and a second clamping section arranged at an angle, with the first clamping section located below the second clamping section. The second operating section is rotatably connected to the first operating section. When recharging is required, the second operating section is rotated to the open state to separate the first and second clamping sections. The first clamping section is inserted into the bottom of the positive electrode plate of the battery cell, and the second clamping section is placed above the plate. The second operating section is rotated to the clamping state to bring the first and second clamping sections closer together and clamp the plate. At this time, the conductive component is electrically connected to the positive electrode plate of the battery cell. The above steps are repeated to clamp another clamping mechanism on the negative electrode plate of the same battery cell. Finally, the positive and negative wire harness plugs of the recharging device are connected to the conductive components on the two clamping mechanisms respectively to achieve recharging of the battery cell. Therefore, the clamping mechanism of this solution only requires the cooperation of the first clamp, the second clamp, and the conductive components, and can be used in conjunction with the power replenishment equipment to achieve power replenishment, thus achieving a highly efficient power replenishment effect.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first clamping segment has a root and a tip. The root of the first clamping segment is connected to the first operating segment, and the tip of the first clamping segment is disposed away from the first operating segment. The thickness of the first clamping segment decreases from the root to the tip. This design, where the thickness of the first clamping segment gradually decreases from the root to the tip, allows the tip to be thinner and narrower, further reducing spatial interference when the first clamping segment is inserted into the bottom of the bar, and improving the convenience and smoothness of the insertion operation. In addition, by maintaining a larger thickness at the root, the connection strength and structural rigidity with the first operating segment can be improved, enabling stable bearing of the clamping force in the clamped state and preventing deformation or breakage of the first clamping segment, thus balancing insertion convenience and structural reliability.

[0009] In some embodiments, the maximum thickness of the first clamping segment is defined as M, which satisfies the condition: M≤1.5mm. This design, by limiting the maximum thickness M of the first clamping segment to no more than 1.5mm, makes the overall size of the first clamping segment more slender, allowing it to smoothly extend into the space below the highly integrated, narrow-gap battery cell plates inside the battery pack. This effectively avoids assembly interference with surrounding components, further improving the convenience and applicability of the clamping operation. At the same time, this thickness ensures that the first clamping segment has sufficient structural strength to meet the force requirements when clamping the battery cell plates, and also further enables the lightweight and miniaturized design of the clamping mechanism, facilitating handheld operation by the operator and improving the efficiency of battery cell charging operations.

[0010] In some embodiments, the width of the first clamping section gradually decreases from its root to its tip. This design, by gradually reducing the width of the first clamping section from its root to its tip, creates an overall narrowing configuration at the front end. This further reduces the lateral space occupied by the tip, facilitating smooth insertion into the bottom of the battery cell plate within the compact and narrow assembly gaps inside the battery pack. It effectively avoids lateral interference with surrounding components, adjacent plates, and wiring harnesses, improving the smoothness and positioning accuracy of the insertion operation. At the same time, maintaining a larger width at the root enhances the connection strength and overall rigidity between the first clamping section and the first operating section, making it less prone to bending, deformation, or breakage under clamping force. This balances adaptability to confined spaces with structural load-bearing reliability, while also making the overall shape more compact, which is beneficial for miniaturizing the clamping mechanism and improving the operational efficiency of battery cell charging operations.

[0011] In some embodiments, the width of the tip of the first clamping segment is defined as W1, which satisfies the condition: W1≤2mm; the width of the root of the first clamping segment is defined as W2, which satisfies the condition: W2≤5mm. This design, by limiting the width of the tip W1 of the first clamping segment to no more than 2mm and the width of the root W2 to no more than 5mm, further enables the miniaturization of the overall width of the first clamping segment.

[0012] In some embodiments, the length of the first clamping segment is defined as L, which satisfies the condition: L≤8mm. This design, by limiting the length L of the first clamping segment to no more than 8mm, enables the first clamping segment to form a short and compact extension structure. While ensuring that it can be smoothly extended into the bottom of the battery cell for reliable support, it further reduces the overall space occupied by the front end of the clamping mechanism, avoiding interference in the length direction with peripheral components such as cells, separators, and wiring harnesses inside the highly integrated and compactly laid-out battery pack.

[0013] In some embodiments, the conductive component includes a conductive structural member and a conductive connector; the conductive structural member is disposed in the second clamping section; the conductive connector is connected to the conductive structural member; under clamping conditions, the conductive structural member is configured to be electrically connected to the battery cell, and the conductive connector is configured to be electrically connected to the charging device. This design, with its separate structure of the conductive component and conductive connector working together, is rationally laid out and highly integrated, enabling stable electrical connection while achieving mechanical clamping. In the clamping state, the conductive structural member can tightly fit against the battery cell and achieve reliable electrical contact, enabling efficient transmission of the charging current; the conductive connector is connected to the conductive structural member and can be directly connected to the charging device to form a complete charging circuit. This separate configuration ensures the conductivity reliability of the contact area with the battery cell and provides a dedicated connection interface for external wiring, avoiding interference between clamping and wiring. The overall structure is simple, compact, and small in size, suitable for use in the confined space inside the battery pack, effectively improving the convenience and efficiency of battery cell charging operations.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second clamping section is provided with a through hole extending from the side near the first clamping section to the side away from the first clamping section. A conductive structural component is movably inserted through the through hole. This design, by providing a through hole in the second clamping section extending from the side near the first clamping section to the side away from the first clamping section, allows the conductive structural component to be movably inserted within the through hole. This enables the conductive structural component to be movable relative to the through hole, allowing it to adaptively conform to the surface of the clamping pad when clamping the pad, effectively compensating for pad flatness errors and clamping gap differences, improving the stability and reliability of the electrical connection, reducing contact resistance, and adapting to pads of different thicknesses, thus enhancing the versatility of the clamping mechanism.

[0015] In some embodiments, the conductive structural component includes a conductive welding plate and a conductor. The conductive welding plate is located on the side of the second clamping section away from the first clamping section, and a conductive connector is connected to the conductive welding plate. The conductor is located on the side of the second clamping section closer to the first clamping section, with one end of the conductor passing through a through hole to connect with the conductive welding plate. The outer diameter of the conductor mating with the through hole is smaller than the diameter of the through hole, allowing the conductor to move within the through hole. Under clamping conditions, the conductor is configured to be electrically connected to the battery cell. This design, by making the outer diameter of the conductor mating with the through hole smaller than the diameter of the through hole, allows the conductor to move freely within the through hole. Under clamping conditions, it can adapt to the surface position and angle of the battery cell, automatically compensating for the flatness deviation of the battery cell and the clamping assembly gap, ensuring that the conductor and the battery cell always maintain a tight and reliable electrical contact, effectively reducing contact resistance and avoiding problems such as poor contact and overheating during the charging process. Simultaneously, the design of the conductive welding plate provides a flat and sufficient connection area for the conductive connector, enabling firm welding or fastening connections, making the current transmission between the external charging equipment and the conductive structural component more stable.

[0016] In some embodiments, the conductor includes a movable mating section, a welding end, and a conductive disk. The movable mating section passes through the through hole, and its outer diameter is smaller than the diameter of the through hole, allowing the movable mating section to move axially along the through hole and to swing circumferentially relative to the through hole. The welding end is connected to one end of the movable mating section and is connected to a conductive welding plate. The conductive disk is connected to the other end of the movable mating section, and the surface of the conductive disk away from the movable mating section is flat. Under clamping conditions, the flat surface of the conductive disk away from the movable mating section is configured to fit against the pad. This design allows the conductive disk to adaptively fine-tune according to the actual position, angle, and surface flatness of the pad during clamping, effectively eliminating assembly gap errors and pad flatness deviations, ensuring that the flat surface at the bottom of the conductive disk is always in close contact with the pad, significantly reducing contact resistance, and avoiding problems such as poor contact and localized overheating during electrical replenishment. Meanwhile, the planar conductive disk increases the effective contact area with the plate, improving the stability and conductivity of current transmission; the floating and swinging design of the movable mating section reduces the requirements for clamping alignment accuracy, simplifies operation, and improves the adaptability and efficiency of power replenishment operations in confined spaces.

[0017] In some embodiments, the conductive connector includes a conductive wire harness and a plug socket. One end of the conductive wire harness is connected to a conductive structural component, and the other end of the conductive wire harness is connected to the plug socket. The plug socket is configured to electrically connect with the plug of the charging device. This design enables quick plugging and unplugging with the charging device, eliminating the need for cumbersome wiring or tightening operations, and significantly improving the assembly and disassembly efficiency during battery cell charging.

[0018] In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism further includes a first insulator and a second insulator; the first insulator covers the outer surface of the first clamping body; and the second insulator covers the outer surface of the second clamping body. This design allows the first and second insulators to provide insulation protection for the first and second clamping bodies respectively. This effectively prevents direct contact between the clamping mechanism and live components such as battery cells, contacts, and wiring harnesses, thus avoiding short circuits and other safety hazards, and improving the safety and reliability of power replenishment operations, especially when the operator handles the device or when the clamping mechanism is inserted into the confined space inside the battery pack.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first clamping body is a rigid plastic component. This design, using a rigid plastic component to fabricate the first clamping body, allows it to possess good structural rigidity and support strength, enabling it to stably withstand clamping forces when clamping the pads without easily bending or deforming. Simultaneously, the rigid plastic itself possesses excellent insulation properties, achieving insulation within the structural body, reducing additional insulation processing steps, lowering the risk of short circuits and leakage, and improving the safety of electrical repair operations.

[0020] In some embodiments, an elastomer is provided at the rotatable connection between the first operating segment and the second operating segment. This design allows the elastomer to provide a continuous elastic clamping force when the pad is clamped, ensuring that the conductive component and the pad remain in stable, pressed contact, thus preventing poor electrical connection due to loosening.

[0021] This application also provides a power replenishment system, including a power replenishment device and the aforementioned clamping mechanism, wherein the conductive components of the clamping mechanism are electrically connected to the power replenishment device.

[0022] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, specific embodiments of this application are given below. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 An exploded view of a clamping mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 An exploded view of the clamping mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application from another perspective;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application when clamping the bar sheet;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application during power replenishment.

[0028] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0029] 100. Clamping mechanism; 10. First clamping body; 11. First operating section; 12. First clamping section; 121. Root; 122. Tip; 20. Second clamping body; 21. Second operating section; 22. Second clamping section; 221. Through hole; 30. Conductive component; 31. Conductive structural component; 311. Conductive welding plate; 312. Conductor; 3121. Movable mating section; 3122. Welding end; 3123. Conductive disk; 32. Conductive connector; 321. Conductive wire harness; 322. Plug and socket; 40. First insulator; 50. Second insulator; 60. Elastic body;

[0030] 200. Battery pack; 210. Pulp.

[0031] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] 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.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0035] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" 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 the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component 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 the embodiments of this application.

[0038] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" 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.

[0039] With the continued prosperity of the new energy vehicle market, the power battery industry has rapidly expanded its production capacity, demanding higher and higher energy density from lithium battery systems and higher integration of various battery pack components. In addition, the stock of lithium batteries in the market is increasing, which places higher demands on after-sales maintenance and repair of power batteries.

[0040] To improve the energy density of the battery pack system, the internal components of the battery pack are highly integrated and compactly laid out. The cell connection plates are flat and have small gaps around them, making it impossible to use traditional alligator clips for clamping.

[0041] In related technologies, charging equipment is usually used in conjunction with equalization fixtures to charge individual battery cells. The equalization fixture is usually mounted on the battery pack frame using a gate-shaped structure. The gate-shaped structure is equipped with a movable conductive mechanism that connects the battery cell plate and the charging equipment. This device is relatively heavy and bulky, and its installation is cumbersome, making it inconvenient for efficient charging.

[0042] To address the aforementioned issues, this application proposes a clamping mechanism 100, aiming to provide a miniaturized clamping mechanism 100 that facilitates efficient power replenishment. The following detailed description, in conjunction with specific accompanying drawings and embodiments, provides further information.

[0043] Please see Figures 1 to 4 In one embodiment of this application, the clamping mechanism 100 includes a first clamping body 10, a second clamping body 20, and a conductive component 30; the first clamping body 10 includes a first operating section 11 and a first clamping section 12 arranged at an angle; the second clamping body 20 includes a second operating section 21 and a second clamping section 22 arranged at an angle, the first clamping section 12 being located below the second clamping section 22 and configured to extend into the bottom of the pad 210; the second operating section 21 is rotatably connected to the first operating section 11 and has a clamped state and an open state; the conductive component 30 is disposed on the second clamping section 22; wherein, under the condition of clamping state, the first clamping section 12 and the second clamping section 22 are close to each other and are configured to clamp the pad 210, and the conductive component 30 is configured to be electrically connected to the pad 210 and the power supply device; under the condition of open state, the first clamping section 12 and the second clamping section 22 are separated from each other.

[0044] Understandably, the clamping mechanism 100 is designed to adapt to the charging scenario of the highly integrated and narrow-gap battery cell 210 in the power battery pack 200. The overall structure is a handheld clamp-like miniaturized structure, which replaces the use of traditional gate-type equalization tooling. It realizes the quick clamping, positioning and conductivity of the battery cell 210, and solves the problems of traditional charging tooling being large in size, cumbersome in installation and unable to adapt to the small-gap battery cell 210, thus achieving efficient and convenient charging effect.

[0045] The first clamping body 10 is bent at an angle, with a non-linear structure, forming two functional sections: operation and clamping. Its shape is ergonomically designed for hand gripping and operation, and its compact size allows the first clamping section 12 of the first clamping body 10 to extend into the narrow gap at the bottom of the pad 210. The first clamping body 10 serves as the basic supporting structure of the clamping mechanism 100, forming a clamping pair with the second clamping body 20. The first clamping section 12 extends into the bottom of the pad 210, providing a lower support clamping surface and achieving lifting and clamping of the bottom of the pad 210. Simultaneously, it provides a rotating mounting base for the second clamping body 20, ensuring the stability of the opening and closing action of the clamping mechanism 100. Specifically, the first clamping body 10 can be made of insulated plastic, glass fiber reinforced nylon, high-hardness, or a lightweight alloy with an outer insulating layer. The first clamping body 10 can be a one-piece bent structure or a separate welded / riveted structure.

[0046] The second clamp 20 is a bent, angled structure adapted to the first clamp 10. The second clamping section 22 is straight and used to fit the upper surface of the pad 210. Its overall size matches the first clamp 10, ensuring a miniaturized design. The second clamp 20 and the first clamp 10 are hinged to form an openable clamping structure, enabling switching between clamping and opening actions. The second clamping section 22 serves as the upper pressing clamping surface, working with the first clamping section 12 to clamp and fix the pad 210. Simultaneously, it provides an mounting carrier for the conductive component 30, enabling its positioning and fixation. The second clamp 20 can be made of insulating engineering plastics or lightweight, high-strength insulating composite materials.

[0047] The conductive component 30 is used to achieve point-to-point contact with the electrode plate 210 in the clamped state to transmit the supplementary current; at the same time, it serves as a connection port for external supplementary power equipment to realize the electrical connection between the supplementary power harness and the electrode plate 210. The conductive component 30 can be a columnar, sheet-like, plate-like, needle-like, block-like, or other structural components, as long as it can achieve conductive connection with the electrode plate 210 and the supplementary power equipment in the clamped state.

[0048] In summary, the technical solution of this application provides a simple and miniaturized clamping mechanism 100, which only uses the cooperation of a first clamping body 10, a second clamping body 20, and a conductive component 30. The first clamping body 10 includes a first operating section 11 and a first clamping section 12 arranged at an angle. The second clamping body 20 includes a second operating section 21 and a second clamping section 22 arranged at an angle, such that the first clamping section 12 is located below the second clamping section 22, and the second operating section 21 is rotatably connected to the first operating section 11. When recharging is required, rotate the second operating section 21 to the open state to separate the first clamping section 12 and the second clamping section 22 from each other; extend the first clamping section 12 into the bottom of the positive electrode plate 210 of the battery cell, and place the second clamping section 22 above the plate 210; rotate the second operating section 21 to the clamping state to bring the first clamping section 12 and the second clamping section 22 closer together to clamp the plate 210, at which time the conductive component 30 is electrically connected to the positive electrode plate 210 of the battery cell; repeat the above steps to clamp another clamping mechanism 100 on the negative electrode plate 210 of the same battery cell; finally, connect the positive and negative wire harness plugs of the recharging device to the conductive components 30 on the two clamping mechanisms 100 respectively to achieve recharging of the battery cell. Therefore, the clamping mechanism 100 of this solution only requires the cooperation of the first clamping body 10, the second clamping body 20 and the conductive component 30, and can be used in conjunction with the recharging device to achieve recharging, thus achieving a highly efficient recharging effect.

[0049] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment of this application, the first clamping segment 12 has a root 121 and a tip 122. The root 121 of the first clamping segment 12 is connected to the first operating segment 11, and the tip 122 of the first clamping segment 12 is disposed away from the first operating segment 11. The thickness of the first clamping segment 12 decreases in the direction from the root 121 to the tip 122.

[0050] Understandably, the root 121 refers to the transition area connecting the first clamping section 12 and the first operating section 11, which is the end of the first clamping section 12 closer to the first operating section 11, and is the connection part where the first clamping section 12 and the first operating section 11 form an angled structure. The tip 122 refers to the free end of the first clamping section 12 away from the first operating section 11, which is the front end that extends into the bottom of the battery cell 210.

[0051] With this design, the thickness of the first clamping section 12 gradually decreases from the root 121 to the tip 122, making the tip 122 thinner and narrower. This further reduces spatial interference when the first clamping section 12 is inserted into the bottom of the bar plate 210, improving the convenience and smoothness of the insertion operation. In addition, by maintaining a large thickness at the root 121, the connection strength and structural rigidity with the first operating section 11 can be improved. Under clamping conditions, it can stably withstand clamping force, preventing the first clamping section 12 from deforming or breaking, thus balancing the convenience of insertion with structural reliability.

[0052] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment of this application, the maximum thickness of the first clamping segment 12 is defined as M, which satisfies the condition: M≤1.5mm.

[0053] This design, by limiting the maximum thickness M of the first clamping section 12 to no more than 1.5mm, makes the overall size of the first clamping section 12 more slender, allowing it to smoothly extend into the space below the highly integrated and narrowly spaced battery cell plate 210 inside the battery pack 200. This effectively avoids assembly interference with surrounding components, further improving the convenience and applicability of clamping operations. At the same time, this thickness ensures that the first clamping section 12 has sufficient structural strength to meet the force requirements when clamping the plate 210, and also further realizes the lightweight and miniaturized design of the clamping mechanism 100, making it easier for operators to hold and operate, and improving the efficiency of battery cell charging operations.

[0054] As some examples, the maximum thickness M of the first clamping segment 12 can be 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1.0mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, etc.

[0055] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment of this application, the width of the first clamping segment 12 gradually decreases in the direction from the root 121 to the tip 122 of the first clamping segment 12.

[0056] This design, by gradually reducing the width of the first clamping section 12 from the root 121 to the tip 122, makes the first clamping section 12 have a narrow front end configuration, which further reduces the lateral space occupied by the tip 122. This facilitates smooth insertion into the bottom of the cell plate 210 in the compact and narrow assembly gap inside the battery pack 200, effectively avoiding lateral interference with surrounding components, adjacent plates 210 and wiring harnesses, and improving the smoothness and positioning accuracy of the insertion operation. At the same time, the larger width of the root 121 can improve the connection strength and overall rigidity between the first clamping section 12 and the first operating section 11, making it less prone to bending, deformation or breakage when clamped. It takes into account the adaptability to narrow spaces and the structural load-bearing reliability, while making the overall shape more compact, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the clamping mechanism 100 and improves the operation efficiency of cell charging operation.

[0057] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment of this application, the width of the tip 122 of the first clamping segment 12 is defined as W1, which satisfies the condition: W1≤2mm; the width of the root 121 of the first clamping segment 12 is defined as W2, which satisfies the condition: W2≤5mm.

[0058] This design, by limiting the width W1 of the tip 122 of the first clamping section 12 to no more than 2mm and the width W2 of the root 121 to no more than 5mm, further miniaturizes the overall width of the first clamping section 12. The tip 122 width W1 of no more than 2mm significantly reduces the lateral dimension of the front end, facilitating precise insertion into the bottom of the cell plate 210 in the highly integrated and confined environment inside the battery pack 200. This effectively avoids lateral interference with surrounding cells 210, wiring harnesses, and structural components, improving the ease of insertion and positioning. The root 121 width W2 of no more than 5mm ensures sufficient connection strength and structural rigidity at the connection between the first clamping section 12 and the first operating section 11, meeting the load-bearing requirements under clamping force and preventing deformation or breakage. It also avoids excessive space occupation due to excessive width, balancing structural reliability and overall miniaturization requirements. This allows for better adaptation to maintenance and charging scenarios of the highly integrated power battery pack 200, improving clamping operation efficiency and applicability.

[0059] As examples, the width W1 of the tip 122 of the first clamping segment 12 can be 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, 2mm, etc. The width W2 of the root 121 of the first clamping segment 12 can be 4.5mm, 4.6mm, 4.7mm, 4.8mm, 4.9mm, 5mm, etc.

[0060] Please see Figure 1In one embodiment of this application, the length of the first clamping segment 12 is defined as L, which satisfies the condition: L≤8mm.

[0061] This design, by limiting the length L of the first clamping section 12 to no more than 8mm, enables the first clamping section 12 to form a short and compact insertion structure. While ensuring that it can be smoothly inserted into the bottom of the battery cell 210 for reliable support, it further reduces the overall space occupied by the front end of the clamping mechanism 100, and avoids interference in the length direction with the battery cells, separators, wiring harnesses and other surrounding components inside the highly integrated and compactly laid-out battery pack 200.

[0062] As some examples, the length L of the first clamping segment 12 can be 7mm, 7.1mm, 7.2mm, 7.3mm, 7.4mm, 7.5mm, 7.6mm, 7.7mm, 7.8mm, 7.9mm, 8mm, etc.

[0063] Please see Figures 1 to 4 In one embodiment of this application, the conductive component 30 includes a conductive structure 31 and a conductive connector 32; the conductive structure 31 is disposed on the second clamping section 22; the conductive connector 32 is connected to the conductive structure 31; under the condition of clamping, the conductive structure 31 is configured to be electrically connected to the bar plate 210, and the conductive connector 32 is configured to be electrically connected to the power supply device.

[0064] Understandably, the conductive structural component 31 serves as a conductive carrier within the clamping mechanism 100, used to conduct the electrical signals / currents of the battery cell 210 to the conductive connector 32. The conductive connector 32 serves as a dedicated connection interface for external power supply equipment, used to achieve electrical connection between the conductive structural component 31 and the power supply equipment.

[0065] This design employs a separate structure for the conductive component 30, with the conductive structural member 31 and the conductive connector 32 working together. This design is rationally laid out and highly integrated, enabling stable electrical connection while achieving mechanical clamping. In the clamped state, the conductive structural member 31 tightly fits the battery cell plate 210, achieving reliable electrical contact and efficient transmission of the charging current. The conductive connector 32 connects to the conductive structural member 31, allowing direct connection to external charging equipment to form a complete charging circuit. This separate design ensures the conductivity reliability of the contact points with the plate 210 while providing a dedicated connection interface for external wiring, avoiding interference between clamping and wiring. The overall structure is simple, compact, and small in size, suitable for use in the confined space inside the battery pack 200, effectively improving the convenience and efficiency of battery cell charging operations.

[0066] Please see Figure 2In one embodiment of this application, the second clamping section 22 is provided with a through hole 221, which extends from the side near the first clamping section 12 to the side away from the first clamping section 12, and the conductive structural member 31 is movably disposed in the through hole 221.

[0067] This design, by opening a through hole 221 in the second clamping section 22, extending from the side near the first clamping section 12 to the side away from the first clamping section 12, allows the conductive structural component 31 to be movably inserted into the through hole 221. This enables the conductive structural component 31 to be movably positioned relative to the through hole 221, allowing it to adaptively conform to the surface of the pad 210 when clamping the pad 210. This effectively compensates for the flatness error of the pad 210 and the difference in clamping gap, improves the stability and reliability of the electrical connection, reduces contact resistance, and can adapt to pads 210 of different thicknesses, thus improving the versatility of the clamping mechanism 100.

[0068] Please see Figures 1 to 2 In one embodiment of this application, the conductive structural member 31 includes a conductive welding plate 311 and a conductor 312; the conductive welding plate 311 is located on the side of the second clamping section 22 away from the first clamping section 12, and the conductive connector 32 is connected to the conductive welding plate 311; the conductor 312 is located on the side of the second clamping section 22 close to the first clamping section 12, one end of the conductor 312 passes through the through hole 221 to connect with the conductive welding plate 311, and the outer diameter of the conductor 312 that mates with the through hole 221 is smaller than the aperture of the through hole 221, so that the conductor 312 can move within the through hole 221; under the condition of clamping, the conductor 312 is configured to be electrically connected to the plate 210.

[0069] Understandably, the conductive welding plate 311, as the transfer carrier between the conductive connector 32 and the conductor 312, can provide a large area and a flat welding or connection surface to facilitate a firm connection with the conductive connector 32 and reduce connection resistance.

[0070] The conductor 312 serves as a current transmission channel, enabling current transmission between the electrode plate 210 and the conductive welding plate 311. The conductor 312 can be a structural component such as a copper pillar, a nickel-plated copper pillar, a brass conductive pillar, or a hard alloy conductive pillar.

[0071] This design, by making the outer diameter of the conductor 312 that mates with the through hole 221 smaller than the diameter of the through hole 221, allows the conductor 312 to move freely within the through hole 221. In the clamped state, it can adapt to the surface position and angle of the battery cell 210, automatically compensating for flatness deviations and clamping gaps, ensuring that the conductor 312 and the battery cell 210 maintain a tight and reliable electrical contact at all times. This effectively reduces contact resistance and avoids problems such as poor contact and overheating during the power supply process. Simultaneously, the design of the conductive welding plate 311 provides a flat and sufficient connection area for the conductive connector 32, enabling firm welding or tight connection, making the current transmission between the external power supply equipment and the conductive structural component 31 more stable.

[0072] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment of this application, the conductor 312 includes a movable mating section 3121, a welding end 3122, and a conductive disk 3123. The movable mating section 3121 passes through the through hole 221, and the outer diameter of the movable mating section 3121 is smaller than the diameter of the through hole 221, so that the movable mating section 3121 can move along the axial direction of the through hole 221 and can swing circumferentially relative to the through hole 221. The welding end 3122 is connected to one end of the movable mating section 3121 and is connected to the conductive welding plate 311. The conductive disk 3123 is connected to the other end of the movable mating section 3121, and the surface of the conductive disk 3123 away from the movable mating section 3121 is a plane. Under the condition of clamping, the plane of the conductive disk 3123 away from the movable mating section 3121 is configured to fit against the pad 210.

[0073] This design allows the conductive disk 3123 to adaptively fine-tune according to the actual position, angle, and surface flatness of the pad 210 during clamping, effectively eliminating assembly gap errors and flatness deviations of the pad 210. This ensures that the bottom plane of the conductive disk 3123 is always in close contact with the pad 210, significantly reducing contact resistance and preventing problems such as poor contact and localized overheating during power replenishment. Simultaneously, the planar conductive disk 3123 increases the effective contact area with the pad 210, improving current transmission stability and conductivity. The floating and swinging design of the movable mating section 3121 reduces the requirements for clamping alignment accuracy, simplifies operation, and improves the adaptability and efficiency of power replenishment operations in confined spaces.

[0074] Please see Figures 1 to 2 In one embodiment of this application, the conductive connector 32 includes a conductive wire harness 321 and a plug socket 322. One end of the conductive wire harness 321 is connected to the conductive structural member 31, and the other end of the conductive wire harness 321 is connected to the plug socket 322. The plug socket 322 is configured to be electrically connected to the plug of the power supply device.

[0075] Understandably, the conductive wire harness 321 has a certain degree of flexibility, which can flexibly adjust the routing direction to avoid interference with the internal components of the battery pack 200 in a confined space, while not affecting the opening and closing and clamping action of the clamping mechanism 100.

[0076] The 322 plug and socket can form a standardized interface, ensuring a stable and reliable connection. It can effectively reduce contact resistance, prevent loosening and poor connection, and achieve stable transmission of the supplementary current.

[0077] This design allows for quick plug-and-play connection with charging equipment, eliminating the need for cumbersome wiring or tightening operations, and significantly improving the efficiency of assembly and disassembly during battery cell charging.

[0078] Please see Figures 1 to 2 In one embodiment of this application, the clamping mechanism 100 further includes a first insulator 40 and a second insulator 50; the first insulator 40 covers the outer surface of the first clamping body 10; and the second insulator 50 covers the outer surface of the second clamping body 20.

[0079] Understandably, the first insulator 40 is used to provide insulation protection for the first clamp 10, isolating the first clamp 10 from external live parts. The first insulator 40 can be applied to the outer surface of the first clamp 10 by means of injection molding, dip coating, encapsulation, adhesive bonding, etc., and the first insulator 40 can be made of materials with excellent insulation properties, temperature resistance, and wear resistance, such as silicone, fluororubber, glass fiber reinforced insulating plastic, and polyimide.

[0080] The second insulator 50 is used to provide insulation protection for the second clamp 20, isolating the second clamp 20 from external live parts. The second insulator 50 can also be applied to the outer surface of the second clamp 20 by injection molding, dip coating, encapsulation, adhesive bonding, or other methods. The second insulator 50 can also be made of materials with excellent insulation properties, temperature resistance, and wear resistance, such as silicone, fluororubber, glass fiber reinforced insulating plastic, and polyimide.

[0081] This design allows the first insulator 40 and the second insulator 50 to provide insulation protection for the first clamp 10 and the second clamp 20, respectively. This effectively prevents the clamping mechanism 100 from directly contacting live components such as battery cells, battery strips 210, and wiring harnesses, thus avoiding safety hazards such as short circuits, when the operator holds the clamping mechanism 100 and it is inserted into the narrow space inside the battery pack 200. This improves the safety and reliability of the power replenishment operation.

[0082] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment of this application, the first clamp 10 is a hard plastic part.

[0083] This design, using hard plastic parts to prepare the first clamping body 10, can give the first clamping body 10 good structural rigidity and support strength. When clamping the bar plate 210, it can stably withstand the clamping force and is not easy to bend or deform. At the same time, hard plastic itself has excellent insulation properties, which can achieve insulation effect on the structure itself, reduce additional insulation processing steps, reduce the risk of short circuit and leakage, and improve the safety of power replenishment operations.

[0084] In practical applications, the first clamp 10 can be made of hard plastics such as glass fiber reinforced nylon, polycarbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyoxymethylene.

[0085] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment of this application, an elastic body 60 is provided at the rotatable connection between the first operating segment 11 and the second operating segment 21.

[0086] With this design, the elastomer 60 can provide a continuous elastic clamping force when clamping the bar plate 210, so that the conductive component 30 and the bar plate 210 always maintain a stable and tight contact, avoiding the problem of poor electrical connection due to loosening.

[0087] In practical applications, the elastomer 60 can be selected from one of the following: torsion spring, compression spring, tension spring, elastic rubber body, or metal sheet.

[0088] This application also proposes a power replenishment system, which includes a clamping mechanism 100. The specific structure of the clamping mechanism 100 is as described in the above embodiments. Since this power replenishment system adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here. The conductive component 30 of the clamping mechanism 100 is electrically connected to the power replenishment device.

[0089] In some embodiments, when the charging system is in use, the first operating section 11 of the first clamping body 10 and the second operating section 21 of the second clamping body 20 are pressed to separate the first clamping section 12 and the second clamping section 22 from each other; the first clamping section 12 is inserted into the bottom of the positive electrode plate 210 of the battery cell, and the second clamping section 22 is placed above the plate 210; the first operating section 11 of the first clamping body 10 and the second operating section 21 of the second clamping body 20 are released, and under the elastic force of the elastic body 60, the first clamping section 12 and the second clamping section 22 move closer to each other and clamp the plate 210; the above steps are repeated to clamp another clamping mechanism 100 on the negative electrode plate 210 of the same battery cell; the positive and negative wire harness plugs of the charging device are connected to the plug sockets 322 on the two clamping mechanisms 100 respectively, and the charging device is turned on to charge the battery cell.

[0090] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A clamping mechanism, characterized by, include: The first clamping body includes a first operating section and a first clamping section arranged at an angle; The second clamping body includes a second operating section and a second clamping section arranged at an angle, the first clamping section being located below the second clamping section and configured to extend into the bottom of the bar plate; the second operating section is rotatably connected to the first operating section and has a clamped state and an open state; A conductive component is disposed in the second clamping section; In the clamped state, the first clamping segment and the second clamping segment are close to each other and configured to clamp the bar, and the conductive component is configured to be electrically connected to the bar and the power supply device; in the open state, the first clamping segment and the second clamping segment are separated from each other.

2. The clamping mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The first clamping segment has a root and a tip, the root of the first clamping segment is connected to the first operating segment, and the tip of the first clamping segment is disposed away from the first operating segment; The thickness of the first clamping segment decreases in the direction from the root to the tip.

3. The clamping mechanism of claim 2, wherein, If the maximum thickness of the first clamping segment is defined as M, then the condition M≤1.5mm is satisfied.

4. The clamping mechanism of claim 2, wherein The width of the first clamping segment gradually decreases from the root to the tip.

5. The clamping mechanism of claim 4, wherein, If the width of the tip of the first clamping segment is defined as W1, then the condition W1≤2mm is satisfied. If the width of the root of the first clamping segment is defined as W2, then the condition W2≤5mm is satisfied.

6. The clamping mechanism of claim 2, wherein If the length of the first clamping segment is defined as L, then the condition is satisfied: L≤8mm.

7. The clamping mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The conductive component includes: A conductive structural component is disposed in the second clamping section; A conductive connector, connected to the conductive structural component; Under the clamping condition, the conductive structural member is configured to be electrically connected to the plate, and the conductive connector is configured to be electrically connected to the power supply device.

8. The clamping mechanism of claim 7, wherein, The second clamping section is provided with a through hole, which extends from the side near the first clamping section to the side away from the first clamping section, and the conductive structural member is movably inserted through the through hole.

9. The clamping mechanism of claim 8, wherein, The conductive structural component includes: A conductive welding plate is located on the side of the second clamping section away from the first clamping section, and the conductive connector is connected to the conductive welding plate; A conductor is located on the side of the second clamping section near the first clamping section. One end of the conductor passes through the through hole to connect with the conductive welding plate. The outer diameter of the conductor that mates with the through hole is smaller than the diameter of the through hole, so that the conductor can move within the through hole. Under the clamping condition, the conductor is configured to be electrically connected to the plate.

10. The clamping mechanism of claim 9, wherein, The conductor includes: A movable fitting section is inserted through the through hole, and the outer diameter of the movable fitting section is smaller than the diameter of the through hole, so that the movable fitting section can move along the axial direction of the through hole and can swing circumferentially relative to the through hole. The welding end is connected to one end of the movable mating section and is connected to the conductive welding plate; A conductive disk is connected to the other end of the movable mating section, and the surface of the conductive disk away from the movable mating section is flat; under the clamping condition, the flat surface of the conductive disk away from the movable mating section is configured to fit against the bar.

11. The clamping mechanism of claim 7, wherein, The conductive connector includes a conductive wire harness and a plug socket. One end of the conductive wire harness is connected to the conductive structural member, and the other end of the conductive wire harness is connected to the plug socket. The plug socket is configured to be electrically connected to the plug of the power supply device.

12. The clamping mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The clamping mechanism further includes: The first insulator covers the outer surface of the first clamp; The second insulator is wrapped around the outer surface of the second clamp.

13. The clamping mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first clamp is a hard plastic part.

14. The clamping mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, An elastic body is provided at the rotational connection between the first operating segment and the second operating segment.

15. A power supplementing system, characterized by, include: Power supply equipment; The clamping mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the conductive component of the clamping mechanism is electrically connected to the power supply device.

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