Connecting waterproof structure

Abstract

This utility model relates to a waterproof connection structure. The waterproof connection structure includes two mating flanges and a mating insert plate. The mating flanges include flange connectors and sealing strips. The flange connectors have a pipe, flange edges at both ends, and a waterproof rim. The sealing strip is located on the side of the waterproof rim away from the pipe. The flange edges are fixed to the flow battery power box, aligning the pipe with the power box's cable outlet. The mating insert plate includes a snap-fit, an inner liner, and an outer handle. During assembly, the two flanges are fixed to adjacent power boxes via the flange edges. The waterproof rim abuts against the sealing strip, forming an annular protrusion. The insert plate is then inserted, causing the snap-fit ​​to engage. The inner liner and the protrusion are pressed together to form a waterproof seal. This utility model proposes a waterproof connection structure that is reliable in waterproofing and easy to maintain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of flow battery energy storage technology, and in particular to a waterproof connection structure between flow battery power boxes. Background Technology

[0002] Flow batteries (such as vanadium redox flow batteries) are key equipment for large-scale energy storage, and are widely used in scenarios such as new energy grid connection and grid peak shaving due to their advantages such as power and capacity decoupling, high safety, and long life. In practical applications, flow battery systems consist of multiple standardized power boxes placed side by side, and adjacent power boxes need to be electrically connected through cables and busbars.

[0003] The existing connection method has the following drawbacks:

[0004] (1) Poor waterproof performance: After the cable is led out from the bottom of the power box and connected through the cable trench, rainwater, condensation and salt spray can easily penetrate the connection part, leading to short circuit, insulation failure or metal corrosion.

[0005] (2) Cable waste: Cables need to be routed around the bottom and cable trenches, resulting in a large amount of path redundancy;

[0006] (3) Difficult to maintain: The connection parts are hidden in the cable trench, and maintenance requires disassembling multiple parts, which is cumbersome.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a connection structure that is reliable, waterproof, saves on cables, and is easy to maintain. Utility Model Content

[0008] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this utility model proposes a waterproof connection structure between flow battery power boxes, which is waterproof, reliable, and easy to maintain.

[0009] Specifically, this utility model proposes a waterproof connection structure between flow battery power boxes, comprising:

[0010] Two mating flanges, each of the mating flanges including a flange connector and a sealing strip, the flange connector including a pipe, a flange edge and a waterproof eaves, the flange edge and the waterproof eaves being respectively disposed at both ends of the pipe, the flange edge being used to mate and fix with the surface of the flow battery power box so that the pipe is connected to the cable outlet of the surface of the flow battery power box, and the sealing strip being disposed on the waterproof eaves and on the side away from the pipe;

[0011] A mating plate includes a buckle, a liner, and a handle, wherein the liner is disposed on the inner wall of the buckle, and the handle is disposed on the outer wall of the buckle;

[0012] The two connecting flanges are respectively fixed to the surfaces of two adjacent flow battery power boxes by the flange edges of their respective flange connectors. The waterproof eaves of the two connecting flanges are aligned and abutted together, so that the sealing strips of the two connecting flanges are squeezed against each other to form an annular protrusion. The connecting plate is inserted so that the buckle engages with the protrusion. The liner and the protrusion are squeezed against each other to form a waterproof seal.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the pipe matches the shape of the cable outlet of the flow battery power box.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pipe is rectangular or circular in shape, and the buckle shape corresponding to the docking plate is inverted U-shaped or semi-circular.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the flange edge and the waterproof eaves are respectively welded and fixed to the pipe.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the flange edge is fixed to the surface of the flow battery power box by bolt connection or welding.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing strip is connected to the waterproof eaves by adhesive bonding or bolt fixing.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing strip is made of an acid-resistant and waterproof material.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the material of the sealing strip is EPDM.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lining is connected to the inner wall of the buckle by adhesive bonding or bolt fixing, and the material of the lining is the same as the material of the sealing strip.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the handle is a C-shaped bent structure and is welded and fixed to the outer wall of the buckle.

[0022] This utility model provides a waterproof connection structure between flow battery power boxes. The first waterproof seal is formed by the mutual compression of sealing strips on two mating flanges, and the second waterproof seal is formed by the mating insert plate and the sealing strips. This improves the overall waterproof performance of the structure and makes maintenance convenient.

[0023] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and illustrative, and are intended to provide further explanation of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further explanation of the present invention. They are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with this specification, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the waterproof connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the connecting flange in the diagram.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the docking plate in the diagram.

[0028] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a waterproof connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the connecting flange in the diagram.

[0030] Figure 6 The diagram shows the usage state of the waterproof connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the diagram.

[0032] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0033] Connecting waterproof structure 100

[0034] 110 mating flange

[0035] Flange connector 111

[0036] Sealing strip 112

[0037] Pipeline 113

[0038] Flange edge 114

[0039] Waterproof eaves 115

[0040] 120 Connecting Plate

[0041] Buckle 121

[0042] Lining 122

[0043] Handle 123

[0044] Flow battery power box 200 Detailed Implementation

[0045] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0046] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this application or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0047] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0048] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0049] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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 on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0050] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. In addition, although the terminology used in this application is selected from commonly known and used terms, some terms mentioned in this application's specification may have been chosen by the applicant according to his or her judgment, and their detailed meanings are explained in the relevant sections of this description. Moreover, this application should be understood not only through the actual terms used, but also through the meaning implied by each term.

[0051] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the waterproof connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the connecting flanges. As shown, a waterproof connection structure 100 between flow battery power boxes is designed to solve the waterproof sealing problem of the electrical connection parts between adjacent power boxes. The waterproof connection structure 100 mainly includes two connecting flanges 110 and a connecting insert plate 120, achieving reliable protection through structural adaptation and double sealing.

[0052] Two connecting flanges 110 serve as the connection base, each including a flange connector 111 and a sealing strip 112. The flange connector 111 consists of a pipe 113, a flange edge 114, and a waterproof eaves 115, with the flange edge 114 and waterproof eaves 115 fixed to both ends of the pipe 113. The flange edge 114 serves as the connection interface with the flow battery power box 200, fixed to the surface of the power box. Its dimensions match the preset mounting position on the power box surface, ensuring that the pipe 113 can connect to the cable outlet of the power box, providing a through channel for electrical components such as cables and busbars, avoiding the length redundancy caused by cable detours in traditional connection methods. The waterproof eaves 115, as a key structure for sealing and water blocking, is typically designed in a C-shape or other grooved form. A sealing strip 112 is fixed to the side away from the pipe 113. The groove of the waterproof eaves 115 intercepts water vapor flowing along the surface, creating a waterproof redundancy, while the sealing strip 112 provides a seal due to its elastic deformation properties.

[0053] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A schematic diagram of the connecting plate is shown. As shown, the connecting plate 120 includes a snap fastener 121, an inner liner 122, and a handle 123. The snap fastener 121 is shaped to fit the pipe 113. The inner liner 122 is fixed to the inner wall of the snap fastener 121, and its material can be the same as the sealing strip 112. Through the elastic fit of the same material, the sealing effect is enhanced. The handle 123 is located on the outer wall of the snap fastener 121. The handle 123 provides a force point for placing and removing the connecting plate 120, facilitating the installation and maintenance of the waterproof structure 100.

[0054] During assembly, the two connecting flanges 110 are first fixed to the surfaces of adjacent flow battery power boxes via their respective flange edges 114, aligning and connecting the pipe 113 with the cable outlet. Then, the two flow battery power boxes are brought together so that the waterproof eaves 115 of the two connecting flanges 110 are directly opposite each other. At this point, the sealing strips 112 on both sides deform under pressure, forming an annular protrusion, constituting the first waterproof seal. Finally, the snap-fit ​​121 of the connecting plate 120 is aligned with the annular protrusion and inserted. The connecting plate 120, relying on its own weight, settles into place, tightly engaging the snap-fit ​​121 with the protrusion. Simultaneously, the inner liner 122 deforms under pressure against the protrusion, forming the second waterproof seal. This double-seal design, through the combination of structural compression and material elastic deformation, effectively prevents the intrusion of rainwater, condensation, salt spray, etc., significantly improving the waterproof rating of the connecting waterproof structure 100.

[0055] The present invention provides a waterproof connection structure 100 between flow battery power boxes, which not only shortens the cable length and reduces material costs by directly connecting the pipes 113, but also enables quick disassembly and assembly by means of the design of the buckles 121 and handles 123, simplifying the maintenance process. At the same time, the shape of the pipes 113 and the buckles 121 can be adapted to meet the connection requirements of power boxes of different specifications, and has good practicality and adaptability.

[0056] In some examples, the shape of pipe 113 matches the shape of the cable outlet of the flow battery power box 200. This design ensures that electrical connection components such as cables and busbars can smoothly enter pipe 113 from inside the power box through the outlet, reducing path obstruction. At the same time, the consistency of shape reduces the risk of moisture intrusion from the gap between pipe 113 and the outlet, providing effective protection for subsequent sealing.

[0057] In some examples, the flange connector 111 is rectangular or circular in shape, and its pipe 113 is also rectangular or circular in shape, corresponding to the snap-fit ​​121 of the mating plate 120 being inverted U-shaped or semi-circular in shape. (See reference) Figures 1 to 3 When the pipe 113 is rectangular, the buckle 121 is designed as an inverted U-shape, and its two vertical sides can wrap around the edge of the rectangular pipe 113 to ensure that the force is even when it is fastened. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a waterproof connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The diagram shows the structure of the connecting flange. As shown, in this example, when pipe 113 is circular, the snap fastener 121 is semi-circular. The arc-shaped inner wall of snap fastener 121 can completely fit against the annular protrusion on the outer circumference of the circular pipe 113. This shape correspondence not only enhances the stability of the snap fastener 121 and the protrusion, preventing the connecting plate 120 from loosening under vibration or external force, but also ensures uniform compression density between the liner 122 and the protrusion, further strengthening the reliability of the double seal. This allows the structure to maintain good waterproof performance and ease of assembly in power box connections of different specifications.

[0058] In some examples, flange 114 and waterproof eaves 115 are welded to pipe 113 respectively. Welding can achieve a tight connection of the three through high-temperature fusion, which not only ensures structural strength and can withstand the contact force when the power box is brought together and the vibration load during long-term use, but also eliminates the assembly gap between components, providing a basis for the effective compression of the subsequent sealing strip 112 and reducing the risk of water leakage.

[0059] In some examples, the flange 114 is fixed to the surface of the flow battery power box by bolting or welding. Bolting secures the flange to the power box surface through pre-drilled mounting holes without damaging the power box's structure. Subsequent adjustments to the power box position or maintenance of the connecting flange 110 can be easily achieved by removing the bolts, making it particularly suitable for scenarios requiring regular maintenance or fine-tuning of initial installation accuracy. Welding, on the other hand, fuses the flange 114 to the power box surface into a seamless connection, further enhancing overall sealing and resistance to external forces. This method is more suitable for harsh outdoor environments such as strong winds, heavy rain, or salt spray, as well as for scenarios requiring extremely high connection stability and long-term non-disassembly. Both fixing methods ensure that the conduit 113 is precisely aligned with the power box's cable outlet, guaranteeing the installation of electrical components and subsequent waterproof sealing.

[0060] In some examples, the sealing strip 112 is connected to the waterproof eaves 115 by adhesive bonding or bolt fixing. Adhesive bonding allows the sealing strip 112 to form a tight fit with the surface of the waterproof eaves 115, which is especially suitable when the surface of the waterproof eaves 115 is flat and the strip cross-section is regular. It can eliminate small gaps between the strip and the waterproof eaves 115 and improve the initial sealing effect. Bolt fixing, on the other hand, uses mechanical tightening to firmly press the strip onto the waterproof eaves 115. Even under long-term compression, temperature changes, or vibration, it can prevent the strip from loosening due to elastic fatigue. This method is more suitable for scenarios with larger strip sizes or higher requirements for sealing reliability. Both connection methods ensure that the sealing strip 112 deforms uniformly upon contact, forming a complete annular protrusion, creating conditions for the secondary sealing of the mating insert plate 120, and together forming a reliable double waterproof system.

[0061] In some examples, the sealing strip 112 is made of an acid-resistant and waterproof material, based on the application environment and functional requirements of the flow battery power box. Because flow battery systems are often deployed outdoors or in industrial settings, they not only face the erosion of liquid media such as rainwater and condensation, but some environments may also contain acidic substances formed by trace leaks of battery electrolyte and industrial waste gas deposition. If the sealing strip 112 does not possess both acid resistance and waterproof properties, it is prone to material aging, corrosion cracking, or seal failure after long-term use. This can lead to moisture and acidic media penetrating electrical connection points, causing short circuits, insulation degradation, or corrosion of metal parts. Therefore, the selection of an acid-resistant and waterproof material ensures that the sealing strip 112 maintains a stable physical form and elasticity in complex environments, providing a durable and reliable guarantee for the first layer of waterproof sealing, matching the long-term lifespan requirements of the flow battery system. Preferably, the material of the sealing strip 112 is EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer). Because EPDM's molecular structure contains no polar groups, it possesses extremely high chemical stability. It resists the penetration of rainwater and condensation, as well as corrosion from weak acids (such as carbonic acid and organic acids that may be generated in battery systems) and salt spray, preventing swelling and cracking due to chemical reactions. Simultaneously, it exhibits excellent elastic recovery, allowing it to fully deform and fill the tiny gaps on the surface of the waterproof eaves 115 when the two flanges 110 are pressed together, forming a tight first seal. Furthermore, it is not prone to permanent deformation after long-term compression, maintaining a stable sealing effect. In addition, EPDM has outstanding weather resistance, adapting to outdoor high and low temperature cycles and ultraviolet radiation, preventing material aging and failure due to climatic factors.

[0062] In some examples, the inner liner 122 is connected to the inner wall of the buckle 121 by adhesive bonding or bolt fixing, and the material of the inner liner 122 is the same as that of the sealing strip 112. Adhesive bonding allows for a seamless fit between the inner liner 122 and the inner wall of the buckle 121, which is particularly suitable for scenarios where the inner wall of the buckle 121 is flat and the inner liner 122 has regular dimensions, preventing seal failure due to assembly gaps. Bolting strengthens the connection through mechanical fastening, preventing displacement of the inner liner 122 even in environments with long-term vibration or temperature changes, making it more suitable for applications with larger inner liner 122 dimensions or extremely high reliability requirements. The inner liner 122 and the sealing strip 112 are made of the same material, utilizing the same elastic modulus and deformation characteristics of homogeneous materials. When the mating plate 120 is fastened, the annular protrusion formed by the inner liner 122 and the sealing strip 112 will deform synchronously, preventing gaps due to differences in material hardness and elasticity, and ensuring a double seal.

[0063] In some examples, the handle 123 has a C-shaped bend and is welded to the outer wall of the buckle 121. The C-shaped bend conforms to the human hand's gripping habits, providing a force point when installing or removing the mating plate 120, facilitating quick alignment of the annular protrusion for engagement or disengagement, significantly improving efficiency, especially in outdoor or confined spaces. The welding method integrates the handle 123 with the buckle 121, ensuring it won't loosen during repeated lifting or applying force. It should be noted that, due to the actual installation position of the waterproof structure 100 at a certain height, the handle 123 is positioned on one side of the buckle 121 rather than on the top for ease of operation.

[0064] Figure 6 The diagram shows the usage state of the waterproof connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A is shown in the attached figures. The following is a brief description of the assembly and disassembly process of the waterproof structure 100, in conjunction with all the attached figures.

[0065] Assembly process: First, fix the flange edges 114 of the two connecting flanges 110 to the surface of the adjacent flow battery power box 200 using bolts or welding, ensuring that the pipe 113 is precisely aligned and connected with the cable outlet of the power box. Then, bring the two power boxes 200 together so that the waterproof eaves 115 of the two connecting flanges 110 are directly opposite each other, and the sealing strips 112 on both sides are pressed against each other to form an annular protrusion. Finally, hold the handle 123 of the connecting plate 120, align the buckle 121 with the annular protrusion and insert it. The connecting plate 120 (metal material) falls into place under its own weight, so that the buckle 121 engages with the protrusion. The inner liner 122 is pressed against the protrusion to form a double waterproof seal, completing the assembly.

[0066] Disassembly process: First, lift the mating plate 120 upwards using handle 123 to separate the clip 121 from the annular protrusion. Then, pull open the two power boxes 200 to disengage the waterproof eaves 115 of the two mating flanges 110 from contact, restoring the sealing strip 112 to its original position. Finally, by removing the bolts (or cutting the weld points), separate the flange edge 114 of the mating flange 110 from the surface of the power box 200 to complete the overall disassembly. If only the sealing strip 112 needs to be replaced, it is not necessary to disassemble the flange connector 111.

[0067] The waterproof connection structure between the power boxes of the flow battery provided by this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0068] 1. Double waterproofing: The sealing strip is squeezed to form the first seal, and the inner lining and the protrusion are squeezed to form the second seal, effectively blocking rainwater, salt spray, etc.

[0069] 2. Saves on cables: Electrical connections are made directly through conduits, eliminating the need for detours and reducing material waste;

[0070] 3. Convenient maintenance: The connector board can be quickly installed and removed using clips, without disassembling the power box body;

[0071] 4. High adaptability: The shape of the pipes and clips is adjustable (rectangular / circular), suitable for different specifications of flow battery power boxes.

[0072] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A waterproof connection structure between power boxes of a flow battery, characterized in that, include: Two mating flanges, each of the mating flanges including a flange connector and a sealing strip, the flange connector including a pipe, a flange edge and a waterproof eaves, the flange edge and the waterproof eaves being respectively disposed at both ends of the pipe, the flange edge being used to mate and fix with the surface of the flow battery power box so that the pipe is connected to the cable outlet of the surface of the flow battery power box, and the sealing strip being disposed on the waterproof eaves and on the side away from the pipe; A mating plate includes a buckle, a liner, and a handle, wherein the liner is disposed on the inner wall of the buckle, and the handle is disposed on the outer wall of the buckle; The two connecting flanges are respectively fixed to the surfaces of two adjacent flow battery power boxes by the flange edges of their respective flange connectors. The waterproof eaves of the two connecting flanges are aligned and abutted together, so that the sealing strips of the two connecting flanges are squeezed against each other to form an annular protrusion. The connecting plate is inserted so that the buckle engages with the protrusion. The liner and the protrusion are squeezed against each other to form a waterproof seal.

2. The waterproof connection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the pipe matches the shape of the cable outlet of the flow battery power box.

3. The waterproof connection structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The pipe is rectangular or circular in shape, and the corresponding snap-fit ​​shape of the mating plate is inverted U-shaped or semi-circular.

4. The waterproof connection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flange edge and the waterproof eaves are welded and fixed to the pipe, respectively.

5. The waterproof connection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flange edge is fixed to the surface of the flow battery power box by bolt connection or welding.

6. The waterproof connection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing strip is connected to the waterproof eaves by adhesive or bolts.

7. The waterproof connection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing strip is made of an acid-resistant and waterproof material.

8. The waterproof connection structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The sealing strip is made of EPDM.

9. The waterproof connection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lining is connected to the inner wall of the buckle by adhesive or bolts, and the material of the lining is the same as that of the sealing strip.

10. The waterproof connection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The handle has a C-shaped bend structure and is welded and fixed to the outer wall of the buckle.

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