Connector and battery pack

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of connectors, and discloses a connector and a battery pack. A connecting hole is formed in a shell. The connector comprises a connector body and a locking piece. Specifically, one end of the connector body penetrates through the connecting hole. A sealing piece is arranged on the connector body, and the sealing piece can seal the connector body and the connecting hole. The locking piece is adapted to be arranged in the shell, and the locking piece locks the sealing piece on the shell. The disclosed connector and the battery pack solve or improve the problem of poor sealing effect at the connecting position of the connector and the shell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of connector technology, specifically to connectors and battery packs. Background Technology

[0002] The battery pack includes a housing with a connector connected to it. The connector connects to the battery cells inside the housing, and the battery cells are charged or discharged through the connector.

[0003] In related technologies, a circular hole is formed on the connector body, and a through hole is formed on the housing at the corresponding position of the circular hole. The connector is fixed to the housing by bolts passing through the circular hole and the through hole, thus completing the connector installation. A sealing ring is installed on the bolt to seal the gap between the circular hole and the bolt. However, the bolt is located on the outer surface of the housing, and the bolt is easily loosened by external forces, causing the seal at the bolt connection to fail, allowing water to enter the housing, and resulting in damage to the battery pack. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, this application provides a connector and a battery pack to solve or improve the problem of poor sealing effect at the connection between the connector and the housing.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a connector suitable for connection to a housing, wherein the housing has a connection hole, and the connector includes: The connector body has one end that passes through the connection hole, and a sealing element is provided on the connector body. The sealing element abuts against the housing and can seal the connection hole. A locking element, adapted to be disposed within the housing, the locking element being connected to the seal or the connector body to lock the seal onto the housing.

[0006] In this embodiment, the connector body extends through the connection hole. A portion of the connector body is located outside the housing, and a portion is located inside the housing. The portion outside the housing is used to connect to an electrical appliance or power source, while the portion inside the housing is used to connect to a battery cell. A seal is disposed on the connector body, and a locking member is disposed inside the housing. The locking member locks the seal onto the housing, causing the seal to press against and seal against the outer wall of the housing at the edge of the connection hole. Alternatively, the locking member locks the connector body onto the housing, further locking the seal onto the housing. Compared to related technologies that use bolt holes in the seal to connect and press the seal onto the housing, this application does not require opening holes in the seal, and the locking member is disposed inside the housing, resulting in a better sealing effect.

[0007] In one optional embodiment, the sealing element includes a sealing plate with a through hole. The connector body is sleeved and fixed on the through hole, and the through hole is sealed to the connector body. The sealing plate abuts against the outer wall of the housing, and the sealing plate can seal the connection hole. The locking element locks the sealing plate onto the housing.

[0008] In one alternative embodiment, the seal further includes a sealing ring disposed on the sealing plate, the sealing plate and the sealing ring being capable of sealing the connection hole.

[0009] In one optional embodiment, the connector body is provided with a first connecting post, the first connecting post passes through the connecting hole, the side wall of the first connecting post is provided with at least one locking block, a first gap is provided between the locking block and the sealing plate, and the side wall of the housing provided with the connecting hole is adapted to be disposed within the first gap. The locking component includes a snap-fit ​​ring with an inner hole. The inner hole wall has a notch corresponding to the locking block, and the snap-fit ​​ring can snap into the first gap.

[0010] In one alternative embodiment, the snap ring is provided with a toggle block.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the locking element includes: Multiple lead screws are provided on one side of the sealing plate opposite to the housing, and the multiple lead screws penetrate the housing; Multiple first nuts are disposed inside the housing, and the multiple first nuts are connected to the multiple lead screws one by one.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, the connector body is provided with a second connecting post, the second connecting post passing through the connecting hole, and the outer side wall of the second connecting post is provided with a second thread; The locking component includes a second nut, which is threadedly connected to the second connecting post to lock the sealing plate onto the housing.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, the second nut is provided with a plurality of protrusions on its periphery, the plurality of protrusions being adapted to abut against the inner wall of the housing.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, the seal includes a connecting tube sleeved on the connector body, the inner wall of the connecting tube being sealed to the connector body, the outer wall of the connecting tube being sealed and fixedly connected to the inner wall of the through hole, and the portion of the connecting tube located inside the housing being provided with a third thread. The locking component is a third nut, which is threadedly connected to the connecting pipe to lock the sealing plate onto the housing.

[0015] A battery pack includes: a connector; The housing has the connection hole provided on it; A battery cell is disposed within the housing and is electrically connected to the connector body. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a connector disposed on the outside of a housing according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first locking member installed on a connector according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second locking member installed on a connector according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third locking member installed on a connector according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector according to an embodiment of the present application, in which the third locking element is located inside the housing; Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the connector and housing in a battery pack according to an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Connector body; 2. Sealing plate; 3. Clamping block; 4. First connecting post; 5. Clamping ring; 501. Notch; 502. Actuating block; 6. Lead screw; 7. First nut; 8. Second connecting post; 9. Second nut; 10. Protrusion; 11. Housing; 12. Sealing ring; 13. Connecting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0021] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] The battery pack includes a housing with a connector connected to it. The connector connects to the battery cells inside the housing, and the battery cells are charged or discharged through the connector.

[0023] In related technologies, a circular hole is formed on the connector body, and a through hole is formed on the housing corresponding to the circular hole. A bolt passes through the circular hole and the through hole to fix the connector to the housing, completing the connector installation. A sealing ring is installed on the bolt to seal the gap between the circular hole and the bolt. However, since the bolt is located on the outer surface of the housing, it is easily loosened by external forces, leading to seal failure at the bolt connection, water ingress into the housing, and damage to the battery pack. Therefore, this application provides a connector and a battery pack to solve or improve the problem of poor sealing at the connection between the connector and the housing.

[0024] The following is combined Figures 1 to 6 This describes an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] According to an embodiment of this application, in one aspect, a connector is provided, suitable for connection to a housing 11, wherein the housing 11 has a connection hole 13, such as... Figures 1 to 6As shown, the connector includes: a connector body 1 and a locking member. Specifically, one end of the connector body 1 passes through the connection hole 13. A sealing member is provided on the connector body 1. The sealing member abuts against the housing 11 and can seal the connection hole 13. The locking member is adapted to be disposed in the housing 11. The locking member is connected to the sealing member or the connector body 1 to lock the sealing member on the housing 11.

[0026] In this embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the connector body 1 passes through the connection hole 13. A portion of the connector body 1 is located outside the housing 11, and a portion is located inside the housing 11. The portion located outside the housing 11 is used to connect electrical appliances or power sources, and the portion located inside the housing 11 is used to connect battery cells. A sealing element is disposed on the connector body 1, and a locking element is disposed inside the housing 11. The locking element locks the sealing element onto the housing 11, so that the sealing element is pressed against and sealed against the outer wall of the housing 11 at the edge of the connection hole 13. Alternatively, the locking element locks the connector body 1 onto the housing 11, further locking the sealing element onto the housing 11. Compared to related technologies that use bolt holes in the sealing element to connect and press the sealing element onto the housing 11 with bolts passing through the bolt holes, the sealing effect is better. This application does not require opening holes in the sealing element, and the locking element is disposed inside the housing 11, resulting in a better sealing effect.

[0027] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the sealing element includes a sealing plate 2 with a through hole. The connector body 1 is sleeved and fixed on the through hole, and the through hole is sealed to the connector body 1. The sealing plate 2 abuts against the outer wall of the housing 11, and the sealing plate 2 can seal the connection hole 13. The locking element locks the sealing plate 2 onto the housing 11.

[0028] In this embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the through hole and the outer periphery of the connector body 1 can be connected by sealant to seal, or the sealing plate 2 can be integrally formed with the outer side of the connector body 1, the sealing plate 2 abuts against the side wall of the housing 11, the locking member locks the sealing plate 2 on the housing 11, and the sealing plate 2 covers the connection hole 13 to seal the connection hole 13.

[0029] In one embodiment, the seal further includes a sealing ring 12, which is disposed on the sealing plate 2, and the sealing plate 2 and the sealing ring 12 cooperate to seal the connection hole 13.

[0030] In this embodiment, a sealing ring 12 is provided on the sealing plate 2. After the locking member locks the sealing plate 2 onto the housing 11, the sealing ring 12 is clamped between the sealing plate 2 and the housing 11. The sealing ring 12 is sleeved on the outer edge of the connecting hole 13 to seal the connecting hole 13.

[0031] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connector body 1 is provided with a first connecting post 4, the first connecting post 4 passes through the connecting hole 13, the side wall of the first connecting post 4 is provided with at least one locking block 3, the locking block 3 and the sealing plate 2 are provided with a first gap, and the side wall of the housing 11 provided with the connecting hole 13 is adapted to be disposed in the first gap. The locking element includes a snap ring 5, such as Figure 2 As shown, the snap ring 5 has an inner hole, and the wall of the inner hole has a notch 501 corresponding to the snap block 3, so that the snap ring 5 can snap into the first gap.

[0032] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first connecting post 4 passes through the connecting hole 13, and the snap ring 5 is located inside the housing 11. The notch 501 on the snap ring 5 is aligned with the snap block 3. The snap ring 5 is fitted onto the first connecting post 4 and located within the first gap. The snap ring 5 is rotated so that the notch 501 and the snap block 3 are misaligned. One side of the snap ring 5 abuts against the snap block 3, and the other side abuts against the inner wall of the housing 11, locking the first connecting post 4 onto the housing 11. At the same time, the sealing plate 2 abuts against the outer wall of the housing 11. The snap ring 5 locks the first connecting post 4 inside the housing 11, thereby pressing the sealing plate 2 against the outer wall of the housing 11 to seal the connecting hole 13. The snap ring 5 is located inside the housing 11, so there is no need to drill holes in the sealing plate 2. The sealing plate 2 is fixed to the housing 11 by bolts, which improves the sealing effect.

[0033] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a toggle block 502 is provided on the snap ring 5.

[0034] In this embodiment, the actuating block 502 can easily rotate the locking ring 5. Specifically, there are two actuating blocks 502, which are arranged symmetrically about the center of the locking ring 5.

[0035] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the locking component includes multiple lead screws 6 and multiple first nuts 7. Specifically, the multiple lead screws 6 are disposed on the side of the sealing plate 2 opposite to the housing 11, and the multiple lead screws 6 penetrate the housing 11; the multiple first nuts 7 are disposed inside the housing 11, and the multiple first nuts 7 are connected to the multiple lead screws 6 one by one.

[0036] In this embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the lead screw 6 is set on the side of the sealing plate 2 opposite to the housing 11, so that no hole is opened on the sealing plate 2. Multiple lead screws 6 can be set inside the sealing ring 12. Multiple through holes are opened on the housing 11 corresponding to the multiple lead screws. Multiple lead screws 6 pass through the multiple through holes. Multiple first nuts 7 are set inside the housing 11 and are connected to the multiple lead screws 6 one by one, locking the sealing plate 2 onto the housing 11. The multiple through holes are also located inside the sealing ring. Therefore, the sealing plate 2 and the sealing ring can seal the connecting hole 13 and the multiple through holes.

[0037] Specifically, multiple lead screws 6 can also be set outside the sealing ring 12.

[0038] Specifically, the lead screw 6 can be connected to the sealing plate 2 by welding.

[0039] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the connector body 1 is provided with a second connecting post 8, which passes through the connecting hole 13. The outer side wall of the second connecting post 8 is provided with a second thread. The locking component includes a second nut 9, which is threadedly connected to the second connecting post 8 to lock the sealing plate 2 onto the housing 11.

[0040] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the second connecting post 8 passes through the connecting hole 13, the second nut 9 is located inside the housing 11, the second nut 9 is threadedly connected to the second connecting post 8, and the second nut 9 and the sealing plate 2 are clamped on both sides of the housing 11, locking the sealing plate 2 onto the housing 11.

[0041] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the second nut 9 has a plurality of protrusions 10 on its periphery, which are adapted to abut against the inner wall of the housing 11.

[0042] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, multiple protrusions 10 abut against the inner wall of the housing 11, which can increase the contact area between the second nut 9 and the inner wall of the housing 11, improve the stability of the abutment, and prevent the second nut 9 from passing through the connecting hole 13, thereby improving the stability of locking the sealing plate 2 onto the housing 11.

[0043] In one embodiment, the seal includes a connecting tube, which is sleeved on the connector body 1. The inner wall of the connecting tube is sealed to the connector body 1, and the outer wall of the connecting tube is sealed to the inner wall of the through hole. The portion of the connecting tube located inside the housing 11 is provided with a third thread. The locking element is a third nut, which is threaded to the connecting pipe to lock the sealing plate 2 onto the housing 11.

[0044] Specifically, an annular protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the connector body 1, and a sealing gasket is provided between the outer wall of the annular protrusion and the inner wall of the connecting tube.

[0045] According to an embodiment of this application, another aspect provides a battery pack, including: a connector, a housing 11 and a battery cell, wherein the housing 11 is provided with a connection hole 13; the battery cell is disposed inside the housing 11 and is electrically connected to the connector body 1.

[0046] It should be noted that the battery pack includes the connector provided in the embodiments of this application, and therefore includes all the advantages of the connector mentioned above, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0047] Although embodiments of this application have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of this application, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended application.

Claims

1. A connector suitable for connection to a housing (11), wherein the housing (11) has a connection hole (13), characterized in that, The connector includes: The connector body (1) has one end that passes through the connection hole (13). A sealing element is provided on the connector body (1), and the sealing element abuts against the housing (11) and can seal the connection hole (13). A locking element, which is adapted to be disposed within the housing (11), is connected to the seal or the connector body (1) to lock the seal onto the housing (11).

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing element includes: A sealing plate (2) is provided with a through hole. The connector body (1) is sleeved and fixed on the through hole. The through hole is sealed to the connector body (1). The sealing plate (2) abuts against the outer wall of the housing (11). The sealing plate (2) can seal the connection hole (13). The locking element locks the sealing plate (2) onto the housing (11).

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sealing element also includes a sealing ring (12), which is disposed on the sealing plate (2). The sealing plate (2) and the sealing ring (12) can seal the connection hole (13).

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connector body (1) is provided with a first connecting post (4), the first connecting post (4) passes through the connecting hole (13), and at least one locking block (3) is provided on the side wall of the first connecting post (4), and a first gap is provided between the locking block (3) and the sealing plate (2). The locking component includes a snap ring (5), which has an inner hole. The inner hole wall has a notch (501) corresponding to the snap block (3). The snap ring (5) can snap into the first gap.

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The snap ring (5) is provided with a toggle block (502).

6. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking element includes: Multiple lead screws (6) are disposed on one side of the sealing plate (2) opposite to the housing (11), and the multiple lead screws (6) penetrate the housing (11). Multiple first nuts (7) are disposed inside the housing (11), and the multiple first nuts (7) are connected one-to-one with the multiple lead screws (6).

7. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connector body (1) is provided with a second connecting post (8), the second connecting post (8) penetrates the connecting hole (13), and the outer side wall of the second connecting post (8) is provided with a second thread; The locking component includes a second nut (9), which is threadedly connected to the second connecting post (8) to lock the sealing plate (2) onto the housing (11).

8. The connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second nut (9) has a plurality of protrusions (10) on its periphery, and the plurality of protrusions (10) are adapted to abut against the inner wall of the housing (11).

9. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sealing element includes a connecting tube, which is sleeved on the connector body (1). The inner wall of the connecting tube is sealed to the connector body (1), and the outer wall of the connecting tube is sealed to the inner wall of the through hole. The portion of the connecting tube located inside the housing (11) is provided with a third thread. The locking component is a third nut, which is threaded to the connecting pipe to lock the sealing plate (2) onto the housing (11).

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9; The housing (11) is provided with the connecting hole (13). A battery cell disposed within the housing (11) and adapted to be electrically connected to the connector body (1).

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