Connector assemblies, battery packs and electrical devices

Abstract

This application discloses a connector assembly, a battery pack, and an electrical device. The connector assembly includes a control board and a connector, the connector being detachably mounted on the control board. The connector's dimensions in a first direction are adjustable to allow it to engage with a locking structure on the control board and to disengage from the locking structure. According to the connector assembly of this application, the connector, by changing its dimensions in the first direction, engages or disengages with a locking structure on the controller, allowing the connector to be detachably mounted on the control board. This avoids replacing the entire connector assembly when the connector needs to be replaced, reducing connector replacement costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of circuit technology, and more specifically, to a connector assembly, a battery pack, and an electrical device. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, connector assemblies include control boards and connectors, with the connectors soldered onto the control boards. However, when a connector needs to be replaced, the entire connector assembly often needs to be replaced, resulting in wasted costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application aims to at least partially address one of the aforementioned technical problems in the prior art. To this end, this application proposes a connector assembly that helps avoid cost waste.

[0004] This application also proposes a battery pack having the aforementioned connector assembly.

[0005] This application also proposes an electrical device having the aforementioned battery pack or the aforementioned connector assembly.

[0006] According to an embodiment of this application, a connector assembly includes a control board and a connector, the connector being detachably mounted on the control board, and the connector being dimensionally adjustable in a first direction to engage with a snap-fit ​​structure on the control board and to separate the connector from the snap-fit ​​structure.

[0007] According to the connector assembly of the present application embodiment, the connector can be engaged or disengaged from the snap-fit ​​structure on the controller by changing the size in the first direction, so that the connector can be detachably mounted on the control board. When the connector needs to be replaced, the entire connector assembly is avoided, reducing the replacement cost of the connector.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this application, the connector includes a connector body and at least two movable members connected to the connector body. In the first direction, the at least two movable members can move toward each other or away from each other to adjust the size of the connector in the first direction. The movable members can move in the first direction to engage with the snap-fit ​​structure.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this application, there are at least two snap-fit ​​structures, and when the at least two moving members move in the first direction, they can move to snap-fit ​​with the corresponding snap-fit ​​structure.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this application, the connector further includes an elastic element that connects the movable member to the connector body. The elastic element is adapted to apply a force to the movable member, the force being used to drive the movable member to move away from the connector body in the first direction, so as to drive the movable member to abut against the snap-fit ​​structure.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this application, the snap-fit ​​structure includes a first groove, the movable member being at least partially embedded in the first groove when moving toward the connector body, and the elastic member driving the movable member to abut against the groove wall of the first groove.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this application, the connector body has a second groove extending along the first direction, and the movable member is at least partially disposed within the second groove, the movable member being slidable within the second groove along the first direction.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this application, each of the moving parts includes a driven part and a sliding part, the driven part being disposed on one side of the connector body in the first direction, the sliding part being connected to the driven part, the connector body having a second groove extending along the first direction, and the sliding part being at least partially disposed within the second groove.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this application, the sliding part includes a first part and a second part, the second part being connected to the driven part through the first part, and in a second direction, the length of the second part being greater than the length of the first part. The snap-fit ​​structure includes a first groove, and in the first direction, the length of the first groove is greater than the length of the second part. The second part is adapted to be embedded in the first groove. The connector also includes an elastic element, which connects the moving part to the connector body. The moving part is capable of moving under the driving action of the elastic element until the second part abuts against the groove wall of the first groove. The second direction is different from the first direction.

[0015] According to some embodiments of this application, the control board is further provided with a guide groove, the first groove is connected to the guide groove, and in the second direction, the length of the first groove is greater than the length of the guide groove, and the first part is at least partially embedded in the guide groove.

[0016] According to some embodiments of this application, one of the connector body and the control board has a first groove, and the other has a first protrusion, the first protrusion being adapted to engage with the first groove.

[0017] According to some embodiments of this application, the first protrusion extends along the first direction.

[0018] According to some embodiments of this application, the connector assembly includes a clamping member disposed on the control plate, the surface of the connector facing away from the control plate being a fixed surface, and the clamping member being able to press the fixed surface to press the connector onto the control plate.

[0019] According to some embodiments of this application, the clamping member includes a fixed base and a movable member. The fixed base is disposed on the control plate, and the movable member is pivotally connected to the fixed base. The movable member is rotatable, causing the movable member to press against the fixed surface.

[0020] According to some embodiments of this application, the movable member includes a connecting portion and a pressing portion. The connecting portion is pivotally connected to the fixed base, and the connecting portion is connected to the pressing portion. The pressing portion and the connecting portion have an included angle, and the movable member is rotatable to cause the pressing portion to press against the fixed surface.

[0021] According to some embodiments of this application, one of the pressing part and the fixing surface has a second protrusion and the other has a second groove. When the pressing part presses against the fixing surface, the second protrusion and the second groove are fitted together.

[0022] According to some embodiments of this application, the connector has at least one first contact, the control board has at least one second contact, and when the connector is mounted on the control board, the first contact is adapted to contact the second contact to electrically connect the connector to the control board.

[0023] According to some embodiments of this application, the connector assembly further includes an indicator light disposed on the control board, wherein the indicator light is adapted to indicate the contact state between the first contact and the second contact, or the indicator light is adapted to indicate whether the connector is damaged.

[0024] According to some embodiments of this application, the control board is a BIC board or a BMC board.

[0025] A battery pack according to another embodiment of this application includes the connector assembly described above.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the battery pack of this application, the connector of its connector assembly can be engaged or disengaged from the snap-fit ​​structure on the controller by changing the size in the first direction, so that the connector can be detachably mounted on the control board. When the connector needs to be replaced, the entire connector assembly is avoided, and the replacement cost of the connector is reduced.

[0027] The electrical device according to another aspect of this application includes the battery pack or the connector assembly described above.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present application, the connector of the electrical equipment has its connector assembly whose connector is engaged or disengaged from the snap-fit ​​structure on the controller by changing the size in the first direction, so that the connector can be detachably mounted on the control board. When the connector needs to be replaced, the entire connector assembly is avoided, and the replacement cost of the connector is reduced.

[0029] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a top view of the connector assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a top view of the connector according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of the connector according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the control panel concealed clamping component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the clamping member according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a battery pack according to an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an electrical device according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an electrical device according to a second embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure label:

[0041] Electrical equipment 1000, battery pack 100, connector assembly 10, control board 1, first groove 11, guide groove 12, clamping member 13, fixed base 131, movable member 132, connecting part 1321, clamping part 1322, second contact 14, connector 2, connector body 21, moving member 22, driven part 221, sliding part 222, first part 2221, second part 2222, elastic member 223, second groove 23, first section 231, second section 232, fixed surface 24, first contact 25, body extension 25, first groove 31, first protrusion 32, second protrusion 33, second groove 34, indicator light 4. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0043] In the description of this application, 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0044] The following is combined Figures 1-10 This application describes in detail a connector assembly 10, a battery pack 100 having the connector assembly 10, and an electrical device 1000 having the battery pack 100 or the connector assembly 10 according to embodiments of the present application.

[0045] See Figures 1-3 As shown, the connector assembly 10 according to an embodiment of this application includes a control board 1 and a connector 2. The connector 2 is detachably mounted on the control board 1. The size of the connector 2 is adjustable in a first direction to allow the connector 2 to engage with a snap-fit ​​structure on the control board 1 and to allow the connector 2 to separate from the snap-fit ​​structure.

[0046] Specifically, by adjusting the size of connector 2 in the first direction, connector 2 can be engaged or disengaged from the snap-fit ​​structure on control board 1. This allows connector 2 to be detachably mounted on control board 1, enabling plug-and-play functionality. A circuit connection can be quickly established between connector 2 and control board 1 without soldering, avoiding poor contact caused by soldering issues (such as cold solder joints or short circuits). This improves the reliability of the electrical connection between connector 2 and control board 1 and ensures the stability of power transmission between them. When connector 2 needs to be replaced, it can be disassembled and replaced with another connector 2 without replacing the entire connector assembly 10. Control board 1 can be reused, reducing the replacement cost of connector 2.

[0047] Among them, the situation in which connector 2 needs to be replaced may be that connector 2 is faulty, or it may be that the corresponding interface of connector 2 needs to be replaced according to the different types of external devices (such as sensors, actuators, displays, etc.).

[0048] Optionally, the snap-fit ​​structure can be a snap-fit ​​protrusion, a snap-fit ​​groove, a snap fastener, etc., and the movable part 22 has a mounting structure that mates with the snap-fit ​​structure. For example, the snap-fit ​​structure is a snap-fit ​​protrusion, and the mounting structure of the movable part 22 is a snap-fit ​​groove. Another example is that the snap-fit ​​structure is a snap fastener, and the mounting structure of the movable part 22 is a snap-fit ​​slot.

[0049] For example, when it is necessary to replace the connector 2 with a different number of pins (pins or pins) to adapt to different external devices, it is not necessary to replace the entire connector assembly 10. Instead, the original connector 2 can be removed and replaced with a connector 2 with a different number of pins.

[0050] In some embodiments, when the connector assembly 10 is applied to the battery pack 100, the control board 1 can be soldered to the battery module of the battery pack 100, and the connector 2 can be installed on the control board 1. The connector 2 is used to connect to an external device so that the battery module can supply power to the external device.

[0051] In summary, the connection method of freely combining different connectors 2 with control board 1 can reduce the variety of control board 1, that is, it is no longer necessary to configure a special control board 1 for each connector 2, which facilitates the management of connector assembly 10. At the same time, it also simplifies the replacement process after connector 2 is damaged, allowing connector 2 to be combined with control board 1 more flexibly, and no longer rigid and difficult to change.

[0052] In related technologies, connectors are soldered onto control boards. However, when a connector needs to be replaced, the entire connector assembly often needs to be replaced, resulting in wasted costs.

[0053] According to the embodiments of this application, the connector assembly 10 changes its size in the first direction by means of the connector 2, thereby engaging or disengaging with the snap-fit ​​structure on the controller 1, so that the connector 2 can be detachably mounted on the control board 1. When the connector 2 needs to be replaced, the entire connector assembly 10 is avoided, thus reducing the replacement cost of the connector 2.

[0054] In some embodiments of this application, see Figures 1-5 As shown, connector 2 includes connector body 21 and at least two moving parts 22. The moving parts 22 are connected to connector body 21. In a first direction, the at least two moving parts 22 can move towards each other or away from each other to adjust the size of connector 2 in the first direction. The moving parts 22 can move in the first direction to engage with the snap-fit ​​structure. Specifically, when the at least two moving parts 22 move towards or away from each other in the first direction, they can engage with the snap-fit ​​structure to form a mechanical lock, which can effectively resist loosening caused by external forces such as vibration and insertion / extraction forces. At the same time, the moving parts 22 can be engaged or unlocked by simple mechanical actions (such as pressing, sliding, etc.) without the need for tools, realizing simple and quick installation or removal of connector 2.

[0055] In some embodiments of this application, see Figures 1-6 As shown, there are at least two locking structures, and at least two movable parts 22 can move to engage with the corresponding locking structure when moving in the first direction. Specifically, at least two movable parts 22 cooperate with at least two locking structures to form multiple symmetrical locking fulcrums, distributing external forces to multiple locking fulcrums and avoiding the risk of movable part 22 breaking due to overload of a single fulcrum. For example, in the battery pack 100 of the electrical equipment 1000, there are two movable parts 22, which respectively engage with the locking structures on the left and right sides of the control board 1, which can withstand more vibration loads and meet the reliability requirements of the battery pack 100.

[0056] Optionally, the number of movable parts 22 can be two, three, four, or more, and the number of snap-fit ​​structures matches the number of movable parts 22. For example... Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, there are two moving parts 22 and two snap-fit ​​structures. In the first direction, the two moving parts 22 are located at opposite ends of the connector body 21.

[0057] In some embodiments of this application, see Figures 1-3 , Figure 5As shown, the connector 2 also includes an elastic element 223, which connects the movable element 22 to the connector body 21. The elastic element 223 is adapted to apply a force to the movable element 22, which is used to drive the movable element 22 to move away from the connector body 21 in a first direction, so as to drive the movable element 22 to abut against the snap-fit ​​structure.

[0058] Specifically, when connector 2 is installed on control board 1, the moving part 22 can be driven to move towards connector body 21 in the first direction by hand or with tools, and then connector 2 is connected to control board 1. That is, the moving part 22 is engaged with the snap-fit ​​structure. At this time, the force provided by elastic element 223 keeps the moving part 22 actively abutting against the snap-fit ​​structure. Elastic element 223 provides dynamic force to connector 2 and control board 1, preventing the connection from loosening due to vibration. Thus, the connection between connector 2 and control board 1 can be fixed without additional action. When disassembling, it is only necessary to overcome the elastic force of elastic element 223 to push the moving part 22 to close, that is, to push the two moving parts 22 closer to each other, so that the moving part 22 no longer abuts against the snap-fit ​​structure. The operation is simple and saves time.

[0059] It should be understood that the "direction away from connector body 21" mentioned above is the direction in which the total length of the moving part 22 and connector body 21 increases in the first direction. Similarly, the "direction closer to connector body 21" is the direction in which the total length of the moving part 22 and connector body 21 decreases in the first direction.

[0060] Optionally, the elastic element 223 can be a spring, a metal sheet, a rubber elastomer, etc., and this application does not impose specific restrictions.

[0061] In some embodiments of this application, the elastic element 223 may be a material that remains unfolded in the initial state, or a spring-like structure.

[0062] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 2 , Figure 6 As shown, the snap-fit ​​structure includes a first groove 11. When the movable member 22 moves towards the connector body 21, it can be at least partially embedded in the first groove 11. An elastic member 223 drives the movable member 22 to abut against the groove wall of the first groove 11. Specifically, after the movable member 22 is embedded in the first groove 11, the elastic member 223 drives the movable member 22 to abut against the groove wall of the first groove 11. The groove wall of the first groove 11 can provide a horizontal constraint on the movable member 22 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (shown in the x-axis and y-axis directions) to prevent connector 2 from becoming loose from control board 1.

[0063] The first groove 11 has an outer end groove wall and a side groove wall. When the movable member 22 is embedded in the first groove 11, the elastic member 223 can drive the movable member 22 to abut against the outer end groove wall of the first groove 11. The outer end groove wall is located on the side of the two first grooves 11 that is far away from each other in the first direction. The side groove wall is connected to the outer end groove wall and is located on both sides of the outer end groove wall perpendicular to the first direction, that is, the side groove wall is located on both sides of the outer end groove wall in the second direction. The two side groove walls are connected by the inner end groove wall and is located on the side of the two first grooves 11 that is close to each other in the first direction. The inner end groove wall is arranged opposite to the outer end groove wall.

[0064] For example Figure 2 As shown, with Figure 2 Taking the first groove 11 on the left side as an example, the outer end groove wall is located on the left side of the first groove 11 on the left side, and the side groove walls are located on the front and rear sides of the first groove 11 on the left side.

[0065] In some embodiments, the shape of the first groove 11 can be trapezoidal, dovetail-shaped, etc. For example Figure 6 As shown, the first groove 11 has a shape that is a combination of rectangle and dovetail shape. Specifically, the shape of the first groove 11 can be designed according to actual needs. The special shape of the first groove 11 has a guiding function. The moving part 22 automatically slides into the correct position along the side wall of the first groove 11 under the push of the elastic part 223, which reduces the difficulty of manual alignment and has the effect of preventing mistaken identity.

[0066] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 5 As shown, the connector body 21 has a second groove 23 extending along a first direction. The movable member 22 is at least partially disposed within the second groove 23, and the movable member 22 can slide within the second groove 23 along the first direction. Specifically, the second groove 23 provides an installation position for the movable member 22 to be embedded in the connector body 21, and the second groove 23 can guide the movable member 22, preventing it from shaking or shifting during movement.

[0067] In some embodiments, the shape of the second groove 23 can be trapezoidal, dovetail-shaped, T-shaped, etc. For example Figure 5 As shown, the second groove 23 has a shape that is a combination of rectangle and swallowtail shape.

[0068] In some embodiments of this application, see Figures 2-5As shown, each moving part 22 includes a driven part 221 and a sliding part 222. The driven part 221 is disposed on one side of the connector body 21 in the first direction, and the sliding part 222 is connected to the driven part 221. The connector body 21 has a second groove 23 extending along the first direction, and the sliding part 222 is at least partially disposed within the second groove 23. Specifically, when driven by a hand or tool, the driven part 221 can move towards the connector body 21, thereby causing the sliding part 222 to move within the second groove 23. The driven part 221 is specifically designed to receive external driving forces (such as finger pressing, mechanical pushing, electromagnetic force, etc.) and is not limited by the spatial constraints inside the second groove 23. The driven part 221 is directly exposed on the outside of the connector body 21. The sliding part 222 is embedded in the second groove 23 and focuses on realizing the linear sliding function in the first direction. The shape of the sliding part 222 can be optimized according to the shape of the second groove 23 to a low-friction, high-guided-precision structure (such as a rectangular column, a "T" block, a dovetail tenon, etc.) to avoid interference from external operating forces on the sliding trajectory.

[0069] In some embodiments, one end of the elastic member 223 is connected to the connector body 21, and the other end is connected to the driven part 221.

[0070] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 5 As shown, the sliding part 222 includes a first part 2221 and a second part 2222. The second part 2222 is connected to the driven part 221 through the first part 2221. In the second direction, the length of the second part 2222 is greater than the length of the first part 2221. The snap-fit ​​structure includes a first groove 11. In the first direction, the length of the first groove 11 is greater than the length of the second part 2222. The second part 2222 is adapted to be embedded in the first groove 11. The connector 2 also includes an elastic member 223. The elastic member 223 connects the moving member 22 and the connector body 21. The moving member 22 can move under the driving action of the elastic member 223 to abut against the groove wall of the second part 2222 and the first groove 11. The second direction is different from the first direction. Specifically, in the second direction, the length of the second part 2222 is greater than that of the first part 2221, the sliding part 222 forms a stepped structure, and the elastic member 223 makes the second part 2222 abut against the groove wall (specifically the outer end groove wall) of the first groove 11 and restricts the movement of the sliding part 222, thereby fixing the connector 2 and the control plate 1.

[0071] Since the length of the first groove 11 is greater than the length of the second part 2222, after the second part 2222 is embedded in the first groove 11, the elastic member 223 drives the moving member 22 to move along the first direction. The part of the second part 2222 that is longer than the first part 2221 can form a stop with the groove wall of the first groove 11 and restrict the movement of the sliding part 222, thereby fixing the connector 2 and the control plate 1.

[0072] In some embodiments not shown in the figures, the length of the first groove 11 in the first direction may be equal to the length of the second part 2222.

[0073] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 As shown, the second groove 23 has a first segment 231 and a second segment 232. In the second direction, the length of the second segment 232 is greater than the length of the first segment 231. The first part 2221 is at least partially located on the first segment 231, and the second part 2222 is located on the second segment 232. During the movement of the moving member 22 in the first direction, the second part 2222 may selectively abut against the groove wall of the second segment 232 to limit the limit distance of the moving member 22 in the first direction.

[0074] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 As shown, in the first direction, the length of the second part 2222 is less than the length of the second segment 232. The second part 2222 is adapted to be embedded in the second segment 232. The movable member 22 can move to the groove wall of the second part 2222 and the second segment 232 under the driving action of the elastic member 223.

[0075] The second segment 232 also has an outer end groove wall and a side groove wall. The elastic member 223 drives the moving member 22 to abut against the outer end groove wall of the second segment 232. The outer end groove wall is located on the side of the two second segments 232 that is far away from each other in the first direction. The side groove wall is connected to the outer end groove wall and is located on both sides of the outer end groove wall perpendicular to the first direction, that is, on both sides of the outer end groove wall in the second direction. The two side groove walls are connected by an inner end groove wall. The inner end groove wall is located on the side of the two second segments 232 that is close to each other in the first direction. The inner end groove wall is arranged opposite to the outer end groove wall. For example Figure 2 As shown, with Figure 5 Taking the second segment 232 on the right side as an example, the outer end groove wall is located at the right end of the second segment 232 on the right side, and the side groove wall is located at the front and rear sides of the second segment 232 on the right side.

[0076] In some embodiments, in the first direction, the length of the second segment 232 is not less than the length of the first groove 11.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first direction is Figure 1 The x-axis direction shown includes both the positive and negative x-axis directions. The second direction is... Figure 1 The y-axis direction is shown (including the positive and negative directions of the y-axis).

[0078] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 2 , Figure 6As shown, the control panel 1 is also provided with a guide groove 12. The first groove 11 is connected to the guide groove 12. In the second direction, the length of the first groove 11 is greater than the length of the guide groove 12. The first part 2221 is at least partially embedded in the guide groove 12. Specifically, the length of the guide groove 12 in the second direction matches the first part 2221 of the sliding part 222. For example, the length of the guide groove 12 in the second direction is equal to the first part 2221 of the sliding part 222. Thus, the guide groove 12 guides the movement of the moving member 22.

[0079] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, one of the connector body 21 and the control board 1 has a first groove 31, and the other has a first protrusion 32. The first protrusion 32 is adapted to be fitted into the first groove 31. Specifically, the fit between the first groove 31 and the first protrusion 32 enables the installation and positioning of the connector 2 and the control board 1. When the first protrusion 32 is inserted into the first groove 31, the relative positions of the connector body 21 and the control board 1 in the first and second directions are fixed, providing a basis for the fit between the moving part 22 and the first groove 11.

[0080] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 5 As shown, the first protrusion 32 extends along the first direction. Specifically, the first protrusion 32 extends along the first direction and is constructed in an elongated shape, which facilitates its insertion and engagement with the first groove 31, providing a better installation foundation for the installation and positioning function of the connector 2 and the control board 1. Furthermore, the engagement of the elongated first protrusion 32 with the first groove 31 improves the installation stability of the connector body 21 and the control board 1. When the first protrusion 32 is inserted into the first groove 31, it ensures that the relative positions of the connector body 21 and the control board 1 are fixed in the first and second directions. In addition, the moving part 22 engages with the first groove 11, thereby achieving multiple limiting fixation of the connector 2 and the control board 1 in the first and second directions.

[0081] Optionally, the first protrusion 32 can also be a regular shape such as a cylinder, cone, or sphere, or an irregular shape such as a wave, sawtooth, dot matrix, or freeform surface. Similarly, the first groove 31 is a shape that matches the first protrusion 32. For example, the first protrusion 32 is a cylindrical protrusion, and the first groove 31 is a cylindrical groove of the same size.

[0082] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7As shown, the connector assembly 10 includes a clamping member 13, which is disposed on the control plate 1. The surface of the connector 2 facing away from the control plate 1 is a fixed surface 24. The clamping member 13 can clamp the fixed surface 24 to press the connector 2 against the control plate 1. Specifically, the clamping member 13 applies pressure to the fixed surface 24 to limit the relative movement of the connector 2 and the control plate 1 in the z-direction, which can effectively resist dynamic loads such as vibration and impact on the connector assembly 10 and prevent the connection between the connector 2 and the control plate 1 from becoming loose.

[0083] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7 As shown, the clamping component 13 includes a fixed base 131 and a movable component 132. The fixed base 131 is mounted on the control plate 1, and the movable component 132 is pivotally connected to the fixed base 131. The movable component 132 can rotate to press against the fixed surface 24. Specifically, the movable component 132 is pivotally connected to the fixed base 131, allowing the movable component 132 to rotate freely around the pivot point. This allows the movable component 132 to adjust the clamping angle and position according to actual needs, flexibly adapting to fixed surfaces 24 of different shapes and sizes, thus improving the versatility of the clamping component 13. Simultaneously, the movable component 132 can clamp or loosen the fixed surface 24 simply by rotating, resulting in a simple and time-efficient operation. This significantly improves work efficiency and reduces labor costs during the disassembly of the connector 2.

[0084] In some embodiments, the fixed base 131 has a rotating shaft, and the movable member 132 is rotatably connected to the fixed base 131 via the rotating shaft.

[0085] In other embodiments, the movable member 132 has a rotating shaft, and the movable member 132 is rotatably connected to the fixed base 131 via the rotating shaft.

[0086] In some other embodiments, the rotating shaft is a separate component that passes through the fixed base 131 and the movable part 132.

[0087] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7As shown, the movable part 132 includes a connecting part 1321 and a clamping part 1322. The connecting part 1321 is pivotally connected to the fixed base 131, and the connecting part 1321 is connected to the clamping part 1322. The clamping part 1322 and the connecting part 1321 have an included angle, and the movable part 132 can rotate to cause the clamping part 1322 to press against the fixed surface 24. Specifically, the design of the included angle between the connecting part 1321 and the clamping part 1322 greatly optimizes the operating experience. When the movable part 132 presses against the fixed surface 24, it is not necessary to completely cover the fixed surface 24 with the movable part 132. Simply rotate the movable part 132, and using the included angle between the clamping part 1322 and the connecting part 1321, the clamping part 1322 can be quickly made to fit against the fixed surface 24, reducing the operating stroke and time. When it is necessary to disassemble and assemble the connector 2, the efficiency of disassembly and assembly is significantly improved, and the labor operation cost is reduced. Meanwhile, the angle between the clamping part 1322 and the connecting part 1321 allows the clamping part 1322 to contact the fixing surface 24 at a specific angle, which can be adapted to various complex shapes of fixing surfaces 24. No matter whether the fixing surface 24 is a plane, a slope or a surface with a certain curvature, the clamping part 1322 can achieve a tight fit with the fixing surface 24, ensuring the stability of the fixation and effectively avoiding problems such as unstable connection and loosening caused by poor contact between the clamping part 1322 and the fixing surface 24.

[0088] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7 As shown, one of the clamping part 1322 and the fixing surface 24 has a second protrusion 33, and the other has a second groove 34. When the clamping part 1322 clamps the fixing surface 24, the second protrusion 33 and the second groove 34 engage. Specifically, the engagement of the second protrusion 33 and the second groove 34 forms a mechanical locking structure. When the clamping part 1322 clamps the fixing surface 24, the second protrusion 33 is embedded in the second groove 34, interlocking like a mortise and tenon joint, effectively restricting the connector 2 in the horizontal direction (i.e., Figure 1 The displacement (in any direction on the xy plane shown). Even under harsh working conditions such as vibration and impact, it can prevent connector 2 from loosening or falling off.

[0089] In some embodiments of this application, the connector 2 includes a connector body 21, and a fixing surface 24 is disposed on the connector body 21.

[0090] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 5 , Figure 6As shown, connector 2 has at least one first contact 25, and control board 1 has at least one second contact 14. When connector 2 is mounted on control board 1, the first contact 25 is adapted to contact the second contact 14 to electrically connect connector 2 and control board 1. Specifically, when the first contact 25 of connector 2 contacts the second contact 14 of control board 1, a physical conductive path is directly formed between the first contact 25 and the second contact 14, minimizing resistance loss and signal attenuation during signal transmission, effectively resisting interference from external vibrations and impacts, and avoiding problems such as open circuits, short circuits, or signal interruptions caused by poor contact between connector 2 and control board 1. For example, when electrical equipment 1000 is working, its own vibration can easily affect the electrical connection between connector 2 and control board 1, while the design of the first contact 25 and the second contact 14 can ensure the stability of the electrical connection between connector 2 and control board 1.

[0091] In some embodiments, the connector 2 includes a connector body 21, and a first contact 25 is disposed on the connector body 21.

[0092] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 As shown, the connector 2 also includes a body extension 25, which is connected to the connector body 21, and a first contact 25 is disposed on the body extension 25.

[0093] In some embodiments of this application, the control board 1 is a BIC (Battery Information Collector) board.

[0094] In some embodiments of this application, the control board 1 is a BMC (Battery Management Controller) board.

[0095] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the connector assembly 10 also includes an indicator light 4, which is mounted on the control board 1. The indicator light 4 is adapted to indicate the contact status between the first contact 25 and the second contact 14. Specifically, the indicator light 4 can display the connection status between the first contact 25 and the second contact 14 in real time through different colors (e.g., green for normal contact, red for no contact), quantity, flashing frequency, color gradient, etc. Operators can quickly determine whether the circuit is conducting normally by using the indicator light without disassembling the connector 2, avoiding delays in troubleshooting equipment failures caused by poor contact.

[0096] It should be understood that the number, color, flashing frequency, and color gradient of the indicator lights 4 can all represent the connection status between the connector 2 and the control board 1. They can be designed according to the actual situation, and this application does not impose any specific restrictions here.

[0097] For example, see Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, there are two indicator lights 4. The first indicator light 4 is red when it is lit, and the second indicator light 4 is green when it is lit. When the connector 2 is not properly installed with the control board 1, and the first contact 25 and the second contact 14 have poor contact, the first indicator light 4 will light up red, and the second indicator light 4 will not light up. When the connector 2 and the control board 1 are properly installed, and the first contact 25 and the second contact 14 have good contact, the first indicator light 4 will not light up, and the second indicator light 4 will light up green.

[0098] In some embodiments, the indicator light 4 is adapted to indicate whether the connector 2 is damaged. For example, the connector assembly 10 can be applied to the battery pack 100. When the connector 2 is damaged, the indicator light 4, which is electrically connected to the connector 2, will light up red. At this time, after the connector 2 is replaced, the indicator light 4 will turn off or light up green.

[0099] The following is an example of a specific implementation:

[0100] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, connector 2 is mounted on top of control board 1 via a movable element 22 (e.g., a snap-fit), and is pressed and fixed to connector 2 by clamping element 13 on control board 1. Connector 2 is connected to indicator light 4, which can indicate whether the first contact 25 of connector 2 and the second contact 14 of control board 1 are in good contact, thereby determining whether connector 2 is properly installed on control board 1.

[0101] See Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, connector 2 consists of connector body 21 and moving part 22; connector body 21 has a first protrusion 32 and a second groove 23. First contact 25 is disposed on body extension 25.

[0102] See Figure 6 As shown, the control board 1 is provided with a second contact 14, a first groove 11, a guide groove 12 and a first recess 31.

[0103] See Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, before connector 2 is installed, the movable part 132 of the clamping member 13 can rotate around the rotation axis of the fixed base 131. When installing connector 2, press the movable part 22 with your finger or a tool to compress the elastic member 223, shortening the distance between the connector body 21 and the movable part 22. Install downwards, allowing the movable part 22 of connector 2 to fall into the first groove 11, while the first protrusion 32 falls into the first recess 31. Then, release the movable part 22. At this time, under the action of the elastic member 223, the movable part 22 of connector 2 will spring back to abut against the outer end wall of the first groove 11, and the movable part 22 will snap into the first groove 11 of the control board 1. The first contact 25 of connector 2 contacts the second contact 14 on the control board 1 to achieve signal transmission. After installation, rotate the movable part 132 in the clamping member 13 by 90° so that the clamping part 1322 of the movable part 132 abuts against the fixing surface 24 on the connector body 21. The clamping part 1322 has a second groove 34, and the fixing surface 24 has a second protrusion 33. The second protrusion 33 and the second groove 34 cooperate to fix the connector 2 and the control plate 1. The connector 2 is locked on the control plate 1 by the two clamping members 13.

[0104] After installation, when power is applied to the control board 1, if the connector 2 is properly installed with the control board 1 and the first contact 25 and the second contact 14 are in full contact, the green indicator light 4 will light up. If the first contact 25 and the second contact 14 are not in full contact, the red indicator light 4 will light up, indicating that the connector 2 and the control board 1 are not properly installed.

[0105] See Figure 8 As shown, the battery pack 100 according to another embodiment of this application includes the connector assembly 10 described above.

[0106] According to another embodiment of the present application, the connector 2 of the connector assembly 10 of the present application changes its size in the first direction, thereby engaging or disengaging with the snap-fit ​​structure on the controller 1, so that the connector 2 can be detachably mounted on the control board 1. When the connector 2 needs to be replaced, the entire connector assembly 10 is avoided, and the replacement cost of the connector 2 is reduced.

[0107] See Figure 9 As shown, the electrical device 1000 according to another aspect of this application includes the battery pack 100 described above.

[0108] See Figure 10 As shown, an electrical device 1000 according to some embodiments of this application includes the connector assembly 10 described above.

[0109] According to the embodiments of the present application, the connector 2 of the connector assembly 10 of the electrical equipment 10 can be engaged or disengaged from the snap-fit ​​structure on the controller 1 by changing the size in the first direction, so that the connector 2 can be detachably installed on the control board 1. When the connector 2 needs to be replaced, the entire connector assembly 10 is avoided, and the replacement cost of the connector 2 is reduced.

[0110] Optionally, the electrical equipment 1000 can be vehicles, ships, airplanes, machine tools, household appliances, etc.

[0111] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0112] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., 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, 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.

[0113] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0114] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A connector assembly (10), characterized in that, include: A control board (1) and a connector (2), wherein the connector (2) is detachably mounted on the control board (1), and the size of the connector (2) is adjustable in a first direction to allow the connector (2) to engage with a snap-fit ​​structure on the control board (1) and to allow the connector (2) to disengage from the snap-fit ​​structure.

2. The connector assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector (2) includes a connector body (21) and at least two movable members (22), which are connected to the connector body (21). In the first direction, the at least two movable members (22) can move toward each other or away from each other to adjust the size of the connector (2) in the first direction. The movable members (22) can move in the first direction to engage with the snap-fit ​​structure.

3. The connector assembly (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​structure is at least two, and at least two of the moving parts (22) can move to snap-fit ​​with the corresponding snap-fit ​​structure when they move in the first direction.

4. The connector assembly (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector (2) further includes an elastic element (223) that connects the movable element (22) to the connector body (21). The elastic element (223) is adapted to apply a force to the movable element (22) to drive the movable element (22) to move away from the connector body (21) in the first direction, so as to drive the movable element (22) to abut against the snap-fit ​​structure.

5. The connector assembly (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​structure includes a first groove (11), and the movable member (22) is at least partially embedded in the first groove (11) when it moves toward the connector body (21), and the elastic member (223) drives the movable member (22) to abut against the groove wall of the first groove (11).

6. The connector assembly (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector body (21) has a second groove (23) extending along the first direction, and the movable member (22) is at least partially disposed within the second groove (23) and is slidable within the second groove (23) along the first direction.

7. The connector assembly (10) according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, Each of the moving parts (22) includes a driven part (221) and a sliding part (222), the driven part (221) being disposed on one side of the connector body (21) in the first direction, the sliding part (222) being connected to the driven part (221), the connector body (21) having a second groove (23) extending along the first direction, and the sliding part (222) being at least partially disposed within the second groove (23).

8. The connector assembly (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sliding part (222) includes a first part (2221) and a second part (2222). The second part (2222) is connected to the driven part (221) through the first part (2221). In the second direction, the length of the second part (2222) is greater than the length of the first part (2221). The snap-fit ​​structure includes a first groove (11). In the first direction, the length of the first groove (11) is greater than the length of the second part (2222). The second part (2222) is adapted to be embedded in the first groove (11). The connector (2) also includes an elastic element (223). The elastic element (223) connects the moving part (22) and the connector body (21). The moving part (22) can move under the driving action of the elastic element (223) to abut against the groove wall of the second part (2222) and the first groove (11). The second direction is different from the first direction.

9. The connector assembly (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control panel (1) is also provided with a guide groove (12), the first groove (11) is connected to the guide groove (12), and in the second direction, the length of the first groove (11) is greater than the length of the guide groove (12), and the first part (2221) is at least partially embedded in the guide groove (12).

10. The connector assembly (10) according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, One of the connector body (21) and the control board (1) has a first groove (31) and the other has a first protrusion (32), the first protrusion (32) being adapted to be fitted into the first groove (31).

11. The connector assembly (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first protrusion (32) extends along the first direction.

12. The connector assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The connector assembly (10) includes a clamping member (13) disposed on the control plate (1). The surface of the connector (2) facing away from the control plate (1) is a fixed surface (24). The clamping member (13) can clamp the fixed surface (24) to press the connector (2) against the control plate (1).

13. The connector assembly (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The clamping member (13) includes a fixed base (131) and a movable member (132). The fixed base (131) is disposed on the control plate (1). The movable member (132) is pivotally connected to the fixed base (131). The movable member (132) can rotate to press the fixed surface (24).

14. The connector assembly (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The movable part (132) includes a connecting part (1321) and a pressing part (1322). The connecting part (1321) is pivotally connected to the fixed base (131). The connecting part (1321) is connected to the pressing part (1322). The pressing part (1322) and the connecting part (1321) have an included angle. The movable part (132) can rotate to cause the pressing part (1322) to press against the fixed surface (24).

15. The connector assembly (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that, One of the pressing part (1322) and the fixing surface (24) has a second protrusion (33) and the other has a second groove (34). When the pressing part (1322) presses against the fixing surface (24), the second protrusion (33) and the second groove (34) are fitted together.

16. The connector assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector (2) has at least one first contact (25), and the control board (1) has at least one second contact (14). When the connector (2) is mounted on the control board (1), the first contact (25) is adapted to contact the second contact (14) to make the connector (2) electrically connected to the control board (1).

17. The connector assembly (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The connector assembly (10) further includes an indicator light (4), which is disposed on the control board (1); The indicator light (4) is adapted to indicate the contact state between the first contact (25) and the second contact (14), or the indicator light (4) is adapted to indicate whether the connector (2) is damaged.

18. The connector assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control board (1) is a BIC board or a BMC board.

19. A battery pack (100), characterized in that, include: The connector assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1-18.

20. An electrical appliance (1000), characterized in that, include: The battery pack (100) as described in claim 19 or the connector assembly (10) as described in any one of claims 1-18.

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