Connector assembly, battery pack, and vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a connector assembly, a battery pack and a vehicle, and relates to the field of battery packs.The connector assembly comprises a panel and a plurality of plugs; the panel is provided with a mounting hole and a plurality of seats; the mounting hole penetrates through the panel along the thickness direction of the panel; the plurality of seats are arranged at intervals; the panel and the plurality of seats are integrally formed; and the plurality of plugs are detachably connected with the corresponding seats.The connector assembly provided by the application solves the technical problems of low integration, low convenience or low safety of the connection mode of the connector in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery packs, and more specifically, to a connector assembly, a battery pack, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In a battery system, high-voltage connectors, low-voltage connectors, and MSDs (Manual Service Disconnects) are indispensable electrical components. The size, operation mode, and integration level of high-voltage and low-voltage connectors have a crucial impact on the overall integration and density of the battery system.

[0003] Currently, commercial vehicle battery pack adapter connectors in the industry mainly fall into two categories: The first, traditional design, uses bolt-type electrical connections for the high-voltage positive and negative connectors and the MSD (Medium-Screw Adapter). These connectors and MSDs are separate units, installed independently on the battery housing, and then connected via high-voltage copper busbars. This design suffers from low production convenience, low integration, and poor safety. Excessive openings in the housing increase the probability of overall seal failure, and the variety of materials affects operational efficiency. The second, traditional design also uses bolt-type electrical connections for the positive and negative connectors and MSDs. These connectors and MSDs are pre-fixed to an adapter plate, which is then fixed to the front panel of the housing. This design improves the integration of electrical components, but the overall housing seal has a high probability of failure, posing a risk of seal failure. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a connector assembly, a battery pack, and a vehicle to alleviate the technical problems of low integration, low convenience, or low security of connector connection methods in the prior art.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows: In a first aspect, the connector assembly provided by this utility model includes a panel and multiple plugs; The panel is provided with mounting holes and multiple bases. The mounting holes penetrate the panel along the thickness direction of the panel, and the multiple bases are spaced apart. The panel is integrally formed with the multiple bases; The multiple plugs are detachably connected to the corresponding bases.

[0006] Furthermore, the plurality of said bases include a positive high-voltage base, a negative high-voltage base, and a disconnector base, wherein the disconnector base is located between the positive high-voltage base and the negative high-voltage base; The plurality of plugs include a positive high-voltage plug, a negative high-voltage plug, and a disconnect plug. The positive high-voltage plug is connected to the positive high-voltage base, the negative high-voltage plug is connected to the negative high-voltage base, and the disconnect plug is connected to the disconnect base.

[0007] Furthermore, a positive high-voltage terminal is installed inside the positive high-voltage base, a disconnector terminal is installed inside the disconnector base, and a conductive element is embedded in the panel; The positive high-voltage terminal is connected to the disconnector terminal via the conductive element.

[0008] Furthermore, the conductive component is integrally injection molded with the panel.

[0009] Furthermore, the panel is square, and a plurality of the bases are spaced apart along the length of the panel; The negative high-voltage base is provided with a first through hole, the axis of which extends along the width direction of the panel; the disconnector base is provided with a second through hole, the axis of which extends along the width direction of the panel.

[0010] Furthermore, the top of the negative high-voltage plug is provided with a first blind hole, which is opposite to the first through hole.

[0011] Furthermore, the top of the disconnector terminal is provided with a second blind hole, which is opposite to the second through hole.

[0012] Furthermore, the base is provided with a first snap-fit ​​structure, and the plug is provided with a second snap-fit ​​structure, wherein the first snap-fit ​​structure and the second snap-fit ​​structure are snapped together.

[0013] Furthermore, the panel is provided with a fixing post, the plug is provided with a connection hole, and the fastener passes through the connection hole and is threadedly connected to the fixing post.

[0014] Secondly, the battery pack provided by this utility model includes a housing and a connector assembly as described in any of the above claims; The panel in the connector assembly is mounted on the front panel of the housing.

[0015] Furthermore, the front panel is equipped with a low-voltage connector, which is spaced apart from the connector assembly.

[0016] Thirdly, the vehicle provided by this utility model includes the battery pack as described above.

[0017] Based on the above technical solutions, the technical effects achievable by this utility model can be analyzed as follows: The connector assembly provided by this utility model includes a panel and multiple plugs; the panel has mounting holes and multiple bases, the mounting holes penetrate the panel along the thickness direction, and the multiple bases are spaced apart; the panel and the multiple bases are integrally formed; the multiple plugs are detachably connected to their corresponding bases.

[0018] The panel integrates multiple bases, and the plug can connect to the corresponding bases, improving the integration of the connector assembly. The panel has mounting holes that penetrate the panel, allowing it to be directly mounted onto the battery pack housing, thereby enabling the connector assembly to be mounted onto the battery pack housing. This connector assembly only requires holes on the battery pack housing that correspond to the mounting holes on the panel, avoiding the problem of excessive openings in the housing leading to a high probability of overall seal failure, and also reducing the types of materials used.

[0019] The principle of this connector assembly is as follows: multiple bases are integrated onto a single panel, which is then directly mounted onto the battery pack housing. This improves integration and ease of operation, and avoids the problem of sealing failure due to excessive openings in the battery pack housing. The plug and base are detachably connected, ensuring high current carrying capacity and safety. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 An exploded view of the connector assembly provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the back structure of the panel in the connector assembly provided in this application embodiment; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the connector assembly (quick-release plug) provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the connector assembly (bolt-type plug) provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0022] icon: 100 - Panel; 110 - Mounting hole; 120 - Positive high voltage base; 130 - Negative high voltage base; 131 - First through hole; 140 - Disconnector base; 141 - Second through hole; 121 - First snap-fit ​​structure; 150 - Fixing post; 220 - Positive high voltage plug; 230 - Negative high voltage plug; 240 - Disconnector plug; 210 - Second snap-fit ​​structure; 300 - Cabinet; 310 - Front panel; 400-Low Voltage Connector. Detailed Implementation

[0023] 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, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0024] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for 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," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "setup" and "connection" 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 direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] Example 1 Based on the current development of the new energy industry, vehicles are rapidly evolving towards lightweighting, high integration, and high energy density. As a major component of new energy vehicles, battery systems also face increasingly higher demands for lightweighting, high integration, and high energy density. Therefore, it is required to maximize the number of battery cells with the same capacity within a single battery compartment by miniaturizing functional components, reusing functional components, and reducing operating space, thereby improving the overall system's energy density. For battery systems, high-voltage connectors, low-voltage connectors, and MSDs are indispensable electrical components. Besides cell-related components, the size, operation method, and integration level of the high- and low-voltage connectors have a crucial impact on the battery system. Currently, commercial vehicle battery pack adapter connectors in the industry mainly fall into the following categories: First, in traditional designs, commercial vehicle high-voltage positive and negative connectors and MSDs all use bolt-type electrical connections. The high-voltage positive and negative connectors and MSDs are separate units, installed independently on the battery compartment, and then connected to each other using high-voltage copper busbars. The first type is inconvenient to manufacture, has low integration, and is not very safe. Too many openings in the enclosure increase the probability of overall seal failure, and the variety of materials affects operational efficiency. The second type uses bolt-locking electrical connections for both the positive and negative connectors and the MSD. The connectors and MSD are pre-fixed to an adapter plate, which is then fixed to the front panel of the enclosure. This type improves the integration of electrical components to some extent and can save some space in the X-axis layout within the package. However, this type has more potential points of seal failure, posing a risk of seal failure.

[0027] In view of this, see Figure 1 The connector assembly provided in this embodiment of the present invention includes a panel 100 and a plurality of plugs; the panel 100 is provided with mounting holes 110 and a plurality of bases, the mounting holes 110 penetrate the panel 100 along the thickness direction of the panel 100, and the plurality of bases are spaced apart; the panel 100 and the plurality of bases are integrally formed; the plurality of plugs are detachably connected to the corresponding bases.

[0028] Specifically, the panel 100 and the base are made of PA66 (polyamide resin). Further details can be found at [link to documentation]. Figure 1 Multiple mounting holes 110 are provided, spaced apart, to ensure that the panel 100 can be stably mounted on the battery pack housing 300. The mounting holes 110 are used to fix the connector assembly from outside the housing 300 to the front panel 310 of the housing 300. In this embodiment, the panel 100 is square, and the multiple mounting holes 110 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the panel 100.

[0029] Panel 100 integrates multiple bases, and the plug can connect to the corresponding base, improving the integration of the connector assembly. Panel 100 has mounting holes 110 that penetrate through the panel 100, allowing the panel 100 to be directly mounted onto the battery pack housing 300, thereby enabling the connector assembly to be mounted onto the battery pack housing 300. This connector assembly only requires holes on the battery pack housing 300 corresponding to the mounting holes 110 on panel 100, avoiding the problem of high overall seal failure due to too many openings in the housing 300, and reducing the types of materials. The principle of this connector assembly is: integrating multiple bases onto a single panel 100, and then directly mounting panel 100 onto the battery pack housing 300, improving integration and ease of operation, and avoiding the problem of seal failure due to too many openings in the battery pack housing 300; the plug and base are detachably connected, ensuring high current carrying capacity and safety.

[0030] The structure and shape of the connector assembly are described in detail below: In the optional solutions provided by the embodiments of this utility model, see Figure 1 The device includes multiple bases, including a positive high-voltage base 120, a negative high-voltage base 130, and a disconnector base 140, with the disconnector base 140 located between the positive high-voltage base 120 and the negative high-voltage base 130; and multiple plugs, including a positive high-voltage plug 220, a negative high-voltage plug 230, and a disconnector plug 240, with the positive high-voltage plug 220 connected to the positive high-voltage base 120, the negative high-voltage plug 230 connected to the negative high-voltage base 130, and the disconnector plug 240 connected to the disconnector base 140.

[0031] Specifically, the disconnector plug 240 is fixed to the disconnector base 140 with bolts. The positive high-voltage plug 220 and the negative high-voltage plug 230 can be configured as quick-connect plugs or screw-type plugs, both of which can be connected to the corresponding positive high-voltage base 120 and negative high-voltage base 130. Furthermore, the positive high-voltage base 120, the negative high-voltage base 130, the disconnector base 140, and the panel 100 are integrally injection molded.

[0032] This connector assembly integrates a single panel 100 with quick-connect electrical connectors, including a positive high-voltage plug 220 and a negative high-voltage plug 230. This avoids safety risks associated with improper operation during after-sales insulation maintenance. For battery manufacturers, only the panel 100 and the disconnector plug 240 need to be installed. For vehicle manufacturers, the number of operating bolts is 0 when using quick-connect plugs for the positive high-voltage plug 220 and 4 when using bolt-type plugs. Traditional solutions require 18 operating bolts, making this connector assembly extremely convenient to install.

[0033] In the optional embodiment of this utility model, a positive high voltage terminal is installed in the positive high voltage base 120, a disconnector terminal is installed in the disconnector base 140, and a conductive element is embedded in the panel 100; the positive high voltage terminal and the disconnector terminal are connected through the conductive element.

[0034] Specifically, the conductive component is a copper busbar.

[0035] The copper busbar is located inside the panel 100 to achieve electrical connection between the positive high voltage terminal and the disconnector terminal.

[0036] In the optional embodiment of this utility model, the conductive component and the panel 100 are integrally injection molded.

[0037] The copper busbar and panel 100 are integrally injection molded, so that the copper busbar is located inside the panel 100.

[0038] In the optional solution provided by this utility model embodiment, the panel 100 is square, and multiple bases are spaced apart along the length direction of the panel 100; the negative high voltage base 130 is provided with a first through hole 131, and the axis of the first through hole 131 extends along the width direction of the panel 100; the disconnector base 140 is provided with a second through hole 141, and the axis of the second through hole 141 extends along the width direction of the panel 100.

[0039] Specifically, the panel 100 is square, and along the thickness direction of the panel 100, both ends of each base protrude from the two side walls of the panel 100; these two side walls are respectively the front and back of the panel 100, see [reference]. Figure 1 One end of the base protruding from the front of panel 100 is an open end, see [reference]. Figure 2 One end of the base protruding from the back of panel 100 is a closed end; the plug is inserted into the base through the opening. When panel 100 is installed into the battery pack housing 300, the width of panel 100 is along the Z-axis of the battery pack, and the thickness is along the X-axis. The positive high-voltage terminal is located at the closed end of the positive high-voltage base 120, and the disconnector terminal is located at the closed end of the disconnector base 140. See also... Figure 2 The top wall of the closed end of the disconnector base 140 is provided with a second through hole 141, which allows a portion of the disconnector terminal to be exposed for connection to the positive terminal of the battery. The top wall of the closed end of the negative high-voltage base 130 is provided with a first through hole 131, which allows a portion of the negative high-voltage plug 230 to be exposed for connection to the negative terminal of the battery. Preferably, both the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 141 are circular holes.

[0040] By utilizing the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 141 to partially expose the negative high-voltage plug 230 and the disconnector terminal, the connector assembly can be electrically connected to the battery's main negative terminal and the battery's main positive terminal.

[0041] In the optional solution provided by this utility model embodiment, the top of the negative high voltage plug 230 is provided with a first blind hole, which is opposite to the first through hole 131.

[0042] Specifically, the top horizontal plane of the negative high voltage plug 230 is provided with a first blind hole, and the connector assembly connected to the total negative copper busbar can be vertically bolted off during production or after-sales maintenance without occupying additional X-direction space in the battery pack.

[0043] In the optional solution provided by this utility model embodiment, a second blind hole is provided on the top of the disconnector terminal, and the second blind hole is opposite to the second through hole 141.

[0044] Specifically, a second blind hole is provided on the top horizontal surface of the disconnector terminal, and the connector assembly can be bolted vertically during production or after-sales maintenance without occupying additional X-axis space in the battery pack.

[0045] In the optional solution provided by this utility model embodiment, the base is provided with a first snap-fit ​​structure 121, and the plug is provided with a second snap-fit ​​structure 210, and the first snap-fit ​​structure 121 and the second snap-fit ​​structure 210 are snap-fitted together.

[0046] Specifically, see Figure 3 Both the positive high-voltage plug 220 and the negative high-voltage plug 230 are quick-release plugs with a second snap-fit ​​structure 210, which is used for insertion and fixation. They are mainly applicable to environments with good vibration, such as passenger cars, light trucks, heavy trucks, and buses. While ensuring reliable electrical connections, they greatly improve the ease of operation and safety in production and after-sales service. The first snap-fit ​​structure 121 and the second snap-fit ​​structure 210 use a handle-type snap-fit ​​connection.

[0047] The first snap-fit ​​structure 121 and the second snap-fit ​​structure 210 are snap-fitted together, making operation simple and easy to install and disassemble.

[0048] In the optional solution provided by this utility model embodiment, the panel 100 is provided with a fixing post 150, the plug is provided with a connection hole, and the fastener passes through the connection hole and is threadedly connected to the fixing post 150.

[0049] Specifically, in this embodiment, the panel 100 has a fixing post 150, and the base has a first snap-fit ​​structure 121, which can be optionally equipped with a bolt-type plug connected to the fixing post 150 or a handle-type plug snap-fitted to the base. See also Figure 4 The plug is fixed with the pre-reserved fixing post 150 on the panel 100 by fixing bolts. It can be mainly used in harsh environments such as mining trucks, which can ensure the reliability of electrical connection and the safety of operation.

[0050] The base of the same panel 100 can be adapted to two types of plug installation and can support the same battery pack to meet the needs of both mining and non-mining card markets.

[0051] The following provides a detailed explanation of the principle of the connector assembly: This connector assembly is used for mounting on the battery pack.

[0052] To improve integration and ease of operation, the connector assembly adopts a scheme that integrates the positive high voltage base 120, the negative high voltage base 130 and the disconnector base 140 into a single panel 100. The copper busbars between the positive high voltage base 120 and the disconnector base 140 are pre-connected and injection molded into the interior of the panel 100.

[0053] The positive high-voltage plug 220 and the negative high-voltage plug 230 are connected by a quick-connect design to ensure high current carrying capacity and safety.

[0054] The positive high-voltage plug 220 and the negative high-voltage plug 230, along with their corresponding bases, are designed to be compatible with both handle-type and bolt-on types, thus meeting the different needs of both normal and severe vibration conditions.

[0055] The connector adopts an external mounting structure, and the reserved high-voltage positive and negative connection points are located on the upper side of the panel 100, allowing the operating tools to be accessed from top to bottom, saving space for connector and bolt disassembly and assembly. The flange face of the front panel 310 of the lower housing 300 is designed to be turned outward, ensuring that it does not affect the operation of the copper busbar fixing tools, while also reusing the space occupied by the connector, thus reusing the X-axis layout space of the battery housing 300. This connector assembly features high safety, high ease of operation, and high integration. Combined with the structural design of the battery housing 300, it can support the high safety, high ease of operation, high integration, and high energy density of the battery system, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the battery system and the entire vehicle.

[0056] Example 2 The battery pack provided by this utility model includes the connector assembly described in Embodiment 1, and therefore also possesses all the beneficial effects of Embodiment 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0057] In the optional embodiment of this utility model, the battery pack includes a housing 300; the panel 100 of the connector assembly is mounted on the front panel 310 of the housing 300.

[0058] Specifically, see Figure 5 The positive and negative high voltage connectors and MSD are integrated onto a panel 100 to form a connector assembly, which is mounted on the front panel 310 of the lower battery housing 300.

[0059] In the optional solution provided by this utility model embodiment, a low-voltage connector 400 is installed on the front panel 310, and the low-voltage connector 400 is spaced apart from the connector assembly.

[0060] Specifically, the connector assembly, together with the independent low-voltage connector 400, constitutes the high- and low-voltage connector assembly of the battery system. Furthermore, along the Z-axis of the battery pack, the low-voltage connector 400 is located above the connector assembly.

[0061] The low-voltage connector 400 is spaced apart from the connector assembly to avoid mutual interference and is integrated into the front panel 310.

[0062] Example 3 The vehicle provided in this embodiment of the utility model includes the battery pack described in Embodiment 2, and therefore also possesses all the beneficial effects of Embodiment 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0063] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0064] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: Panel (100) and multiple plugs; The panel (100) is provided with mounting holes (110) and a plurality of bases. The mounting holes (110) penetrate the panel (100) along the thickness direction of the panel (100), and the plurality of bases are spaced apart. The panel (100) is integrally formed with the plurality of bases; The multiple plugs are detachably connected to the corresponding bases.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of said bases include a positive high voltage base (120), a negative high voltage base (130) and a disconnector base (140), wherein the disconnector base (140) is located between the positive high voltage base (120) and the negative high voltage base (130); The plurality of plugs include a positive high-voltage plug (220), a negative high-voltage plug (230), and a disconnect plug (240), wherein the positive high-voltage plug (220) is connected to the positive high-voltage base (120), the negative high-voltage plug (230) is connected to the negative high-voltage base (130), and the disconnect plug (240) is connected to the disconnect base (140).

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positive high voltage base (120) is equipped with a positive high voltage terminal, the disconnector base (140) is equipped with a disconnector terminal, and the panel (100) is embedded with a conductive element. The positive high-voltage terminal is connected to the disconnector terminal via the conductive element.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conductive component is integrally injection molded with the panel (100).

5. The connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The panel (100) is square, and a plurality of the bases are spaced apart along the length of the panel (100); The negative high voltage base (130) is provided with a first through hole (131), the axis of the first through hole (131) extends along the width direction of the panel (100); the disconnector base (140) is provided with a second through hole (141), the axis of the second through hole (141) extends along the width direction of the panel (100).

6. The connector assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top of the negative high voltage plug (230) is provided with a first blind hole, which is opposite to the first through hole (131).

7. The connector assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top of the disconnector terminal is provided with a second blind hole, which is opposite to the second through hole (141).

8. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base is provided with a first snap-fit ​​structure (121), and the plug is provided with a second snap-fit ​​structure (210). The first snap-fit ​​structure (121) and the second snap-fit ​​structure (210) are snap-fitted together.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The panel (100) is provided with a fixing post (150), the plug is provided with a connection hole, and the fastener passes through the connection hole and is threaded to the fixing post (150).

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, Includes a housing (300) and a connector assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9; The panel (100) of the connector assembly is mounted on the front panel (310) of the housing (300).

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, characterized in that, The front panel (310) is equipped with a low-voltage connector (400), which is spaced apart from the connector assembly.

12. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the battery pack as described in claim 10 or 11.

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