Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack comprising a housing for use in combination with a power tool and a battery module arranged in the housing, wherein a receiving groove for receiving a locking element is formed in the housing, characterized in that the opening of the receiving groove faces the power tool and is provided with a transverse web, that the locking element comprises an actuating element and a locking section, each arranged on opposite sides of the transverse web, wherein the actuating element and the locking section are connected to each other via a connecting section, that a first lower groove is formed at the end of the receiving groove facing the user, that a first projection is provided on the area of ​​the actuating element corresponding to the first lower groove, that the groove bottom of the first lower groove can abut the first projection to limit the lower sliding stop of the locking element.and that the crossbar can rest against the surface of the connecting section to limit the upper sliding stop of the locking part.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present utility model belongs to the technical field of mobile energy sources and relates in particular to a battery pack. State of the art

[0002] As a mobile power source, the battery pack is a common accessory for power tools such as cordless drills, electric hammers, or angle grinders. To allow for easy removal from the tool housing, the battery pack is typically mounted using a snap-fit ​​design, featuring a locking mechanism that engages with the locking point on the tool housing.

[0003] Chinese patent application 201921460861.2 discloses a battery pack comprising a housing in which batteries are arranged, and plastic locking elements mounted on the housing. The housing has a receiving groove, the rear end of which has a lower groove. A first step is formed on the side wall of the lower groove, and a second step is formed on the front wall of the receiving groove. The rear end of the locking element has a downward-extending first locking section on which a first hook is located. The front end of the locking element has a downward-extending second locking section on which a second hook is located. A spring is arranged between the locking element and the receiving groove. The first locking section is arranged to cooperate with the lower groove, and the second locking section is arranged to cooperate with the front portion of the receiving groove.Under the action of the spring, the first hook engages in the first stage, and the second hook engages in the second stage.

[0004] In the aforementioned technical solution, the sliding path of the plastic locking element is limited by the first and second hooks. However, under sustained, strong operating vibrations of the power tool, the stress concentrates on the base of the hooks, which can cause fatigue fractures of the plastic locking element, ultimately leading to failure. Furthermore, due to the physical properties of the first and second hooks, vibrations of the plastic locking element can occur, resulting in an unavoidable gap between the battery pack and the power tool under vibration conditions. This can cause disruptive noise, contact problems, or even power outages, significantly reducing the reliability of the battery pack. Object of the invention

[0005] To overcome the disadvantages of the current state of the art, a battery pack is provided.

[0006] The present protective measure is achieved through the following technical solution: A battery pack comprises a housing for use with a power tool and a battery module arranged within the housing. The housing has a mounting groove for a detent element, the opening of which faces the power tool and is equipped with a crossbar. The detent element comprises an actuating element on each side of the crossbar and a detent section, which are connected to each other by a connecting section. A first lower groove is provided at the end of the mounting groove facing the user, and the actuating element has a first projection at the position of the first lower groove. The bottom of the first lower groove can contact the first projection to limit the lower sliding stop of the detent element. The crossbar can contact the surface of the connecting section to limit the upper sliding stop of the detent element.

[0007] When the battery pack is slid radially onto the power tool handle, the locking section slides into the locking position, securing the battery pack to prevent lateral movement under vibrating operating conditions. During this process, the cross rib and the bottom of the first lower groove limit the vertical sliding path of the locking element. This transforms the stress concentration point of the locking element into a stress concentration area, thereby increasing fatigue strength under vibrating operating conditions and preventing the battery pack from coming loose.

[0008] Preferably, the receiving groove has at least one second lower groove on both sides along the width direction of the housing. The opening of the second lower groove faces the actuating element and / or the detent section, which are each provided with a second projection on both sides. The second projection is integrated into the second lower groove.

[0009] The second lower groove works together with the crossbar to limit the upper sliding end stop of the detent part.

[0010] By inserting the second raised section into the second lower groove, a lateral guide rail is formed for the actuating element and / or the locking section, thus preventing lateral oscillation or twisting of the locking element under load or vibration. The locking element always moves along the predetermined linear path and, in combination with the height limitation provided by the crossbar, is restricted to the only direction of movement (i.e., unlocking by pressing down). This ensures the operational reliability of the battery pack during long-term use.

[0011] Preferably, a spring element is arranged between the connecting section and the battery module.

[0012] The elastic force of the spring element acts on the connecting section in the middle position of the locking element, thereby resetting the locking element. This ensures the precise and smooth functioning of the locking element's detent movement and simultaneously generates a preload force on the battery module through the counterforce of the spring element. This prevents any minor relative movements of the battery module under vibration operating conditions and improves the structural stability of the battery module.

[0013] Preferably, the width of the connecting section is smaller than the width of the ends of the actuating element and / or the detent section to form a limiting sliding groove. A reverse polarity projection or a reverse polarity groove is arranged on one side of the connecting section. The limiting sliding groove ensures that the actuating element moves only along a predetermined linear path in the single direction of freedom during operation, thus preventing jamming caused by oscillation or tilting of the components.

[0014] Preferably, the housing has an outwardly projecting stepped section. The housing is mounted to the power tool via the stepped section, with the longitudinal direction of the stepped section determining the sliding direction during assembly. The receiving groove is located on the stepped section.

[0015] The provided stepped section forms a centering structure that is coordinated with the power tool, effectively preventing jamming or misalignment due to angular deviations and making the assembly process smoother.

[0016] Preferably, the step section has boundary sections at both ends along its width.

[0017] When mounting the battery pack to the power tool, the limiting sections can fit snugly against the corresponding structures of the power tool, thus limiting the mounting play and preventing the battery pack from vibrating after installation. Preferably, the stepped section has guide plates along its longitudinal direction.

[0018] The guide plates engage before the battery pack finally touches the power tool, thus correcting small initial positional deviations, ensuring that the structures at the connection point are aligned on the correct predetermined linear path of motion from the outset and preventing jamming due to angular deviations or form and position tolerances.

[0019] Preferably, heat dissipation openings are arranged in the housing, the openings of which are provided with sealing plugs, thereby ensuring heat dissipation and dust protection of the battery pack.

[0020] Preferably, the housing is manufactured in different versions depending on the number of batteries contained in the battery module.

[0021] The number of batteries can be five, ten, fifteen, or any other number.

[0022] Preferably, the housing consists of an upper housing and a lower housing. A casing plate is arranged at the lower end of the lower housing, the outer surface of which forms a smooth transition to the adjacent outer surface of the lower housing, resulting in a continuous, seamless outer surface. This increases the structural strength of the housing and improves the feel when gripping, inserting, and removing the battery pack, thus avoiding discomfort from sharp edges.

[0023] Compared to the prior art, the advantageous effects of the present protective device lie in the fact that, through the interaction of the crossbar with the base surface of the first lower groove, the limitation of the upward and downward sliding path of the locking element is transformed from a point contact to a surface contact, thereby distributing the stress and increasing the fatigue strength of the locking element. In combination with the second lower groove and the second raised section, which form a lateral guide rail, the lateral freedom of movement of the locking element is eliminated, and the locking element is held on a predetermined linear path of motion. This ensures stable operating performance of the battery pack under vibration conditions while simultaneously facilitating simple installation.

[0024] The placement of a spring element between the connecting section and the battery module provides a restoring force for the locking movement and converts the spring element's counterforce into a preload force on the battery module. This prevents microscopic oscillation of the battery module under vibration conditions, improves the structural stability of the battery module, and ensures a reliable electrical supply. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the overall structure of the battery pack of the present utility model. Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the structure of the present utility model. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the structure of the present utility model in the actuating part unlocked state. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the structure of the present utility model from a different angle. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the locking element of the present utility model from a bottom-view perspective. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the locking element of the present utility model from a top-down perspective. Fig. Figure 7 is an exploded view of the housing of the present utility model. Fig. Figure 8 is an exploded view of the structure of embodiment 2 of the present utility model from two perspectives. Fig. Figure 9 is an exploded view of the structure of embodiment 3 of the present utility model from two perspectives. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the structure of the locking element of the present utility model. Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic representation of the different structures according to the various specifications depending on the number of batteries contained in the battery module.

[0025] The reference numerals are as follows: 1. Housing; 2. Detent part; 3. Spring element; 4. Battery module; 11. Step section; 111. Limiting section; 112. Guide plate; 12. Receiving groove; 121. First lower groove; 122. Second lower groove; 13. Crossbar; 131. Actuating area; 132. Detent area; 14. Heat dissipation opening; 141. Sealing plug; 15. Power supply connection; 151. Elastic contact terminal; 16. Upper housing; 17. Lower housing; 171. Sheathing plate; 21. Actuating part; 211. First protrusion; 212. Second protrusion; 22. Detent section; 23. Connecting section; 230. Limiting sliding groove; 231. Reverse polarity projection; 232. Reverse polarity groove; 233. Reinforcing rib. Description of preferred embodiments

[0026] The present utility model is further explained below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments. Example I

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, this embodiment discloses a battery pack comprising a housing 1 and a battery module 4 arranged in the housing 1. As shown in Figure 1, the battery module 4 is arranged in the housing 1. Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the housing 1 can be selected in different dimensions, depending on the number of batteries contained in the battery module 4. The housing 1 can be composed of an upper housing 16 and a lower housing 17, as shown in Figure 11. Fig. Figure 7 shows the lower end of the lower housing 17 being provided with a casing plate 171, the outer surface of which forms a smooth transition to the adjacent outer surface of the lower housing 17, creating a continuous, seamless outer surface. The material thickness and hardness of the casing plate 171 are greater than those of the lower housing 17, thereby increasing local structural stability and avoiding sharp edges, thus improving grip comfort. A stepped section 11 for connection to a power tool is formed on the upper housing 16, on which a receiving groove 12 is arranged, the opening of which faces the mounting side of the power tool.

[0028] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, a transverse web 13 is arranged at the opening of the receiving groove 12. The transverse web 13 divides the opening of the receiving groove 12 into an actuation area 131 and a detent area 132. A detent element 2 is arranged in the receiving groove 12, comprising an actuation element 21 and a detent section 22, each located on both sides of the transverse web 13. The actuation element 21 and the detent section 22 are connected via a connecting section 23 arranged below the transverse web 13. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the actuating part 21 protrudes from the actuating area 131, and the detent section 22 protrudes from the detent area 132.

[0029] A spring element 3 is arranged between the connecting section 23 and the outer protective housing of the battery module 4, wherein the spring element 3 can be designed as a compression spring, a spring sheet or another structure enabling elastic deformation, without being limited thereto.

[0030] The longitudinal direction of the stepped section 11 corresponds to the sliding direction when mounting the battery pack. The battery pack is slid onto the power tool along the radial direction of the power tool handle. The locking section 22 functions according to the same locking principle as in previous technology: First, the locking section 22 is pushed back by the counterforce of the power tool; when it slides into the corresponding locking groove in the power tool (not shown in the figures), it is pushed out by the action of the spring element 3 and engages in the locking groove, thereby locking the battery pack. To unlock, the user pushes the actuating part 21 downwards, which, via a lever mechanism, overcomes and retracts the locking section 22, thus releasing the lock and allowing the battery pack to be removed.

[0031] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, to limit the movement of the locking part 2, a first lower groove 121 is arranged on the side wall of the receiving groove 12 facing the user (i.e., on the side of the actuating part 21), against which the actuating part 21 acts at the corresponding position with a first protrusion 211.

[0032] When the detent part 2 is in its natural state (i.e. at the upper end stop), the underside of the crossbar 13 and the top of the connecting section 23 abut each other and prevent further upward movement; when the user pushes the actuating part 21 down to the lower end stop, the first protrusion 211 abuts the bottom of the first lower groove 121 and limits over-pressing.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, second lower grooves 122 are arranged on the two side walls of the receiving groove 12 along the width direction of the upper housing 16, and second projections 212 are provided on both sides of the actuating part 21 and / or the detent section 22. The number of second projections 212 can be one or more, without any limitation. The second projections 212 are inserted into the corresponding second lower grooves 122 and form a sliding fit with the side walls of the second lower grooves 122, thereby preventing lateral oscillation or a tendency to twist of the detent part 2 under load. Furthermore, the upper edge of the second lower grooves 122, in conjunction with the crossbar 13, can act to limit the upper end stop of the detent part 2, thus creating a double limit together with the crossbar 13.

[0034] The width of the connecting section 23 is smaller than the end width of the actuating part 21 and the detent section 22, whereby a limiting sliding groove 230 is naturally formed between both sides of the connecting section 23 and the side walls of the receiving groove 12, which further restricts the detent part 2 to moving linearly only along the specified vertical direction.

[0035] To better distinguish the front and back of the locking part 2, a reverse polarity projection 231 or a reverse polarity groove 232 extends at one end of the width of the connecting section 23, and a reinforcing rib 233 is arranged between the reverse polarity projection 231 and the end of the connecting section 23.

[0036] To further improve assembly accuracy and stability, the upper half of both ends of the step section 11 extends outwards in the width direction and forms limiting sections 111, which serve as a hook structure for assembly between the battery pack and the power tool and ensure a tight fit of the assembly geometry after assembly, thereby eliminating assembly play. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a power supply connection 15 is provided in the step section 11 along the longitudinal direction. The power supply connection 15 is equipped with a flexible contact terminal 151, which establishes an electrical connection with the battery module 4 and thus ensures a reliable power supply. Example 2

[0037] This embodiment differs from embodiment 1 in that, as in Fig. Figure 8 shows that additional heat dissipation openings 14 are provided in the housing 1, the openings of which are fitted with sealing plugs 141, thereby ensuring both heat dissipation and dust protection. Example 3

[0038] This embodiment differs from embodiment 2 in that, as in Fig. Figure 9 shows that the step section 11 is extended forward along its longitudinal direction by a guide plate 112. The guide plate 112 engages before the mounting geometry between the step section 11 and the power tool and corrects small initial angular deviations. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 201921460861.2

[0003]

Claims

[1] A battery pack comprising a housing for use in combination with a power tool and a battery module arranged in the housing, wherein a receiving groove for receiving a locking element is formed in the housing, characterized by, that the opening of the receiving groove faces the power tool and is provided with a transverse web, that the locking element comprises an actuating element and a locking section, each arranged on opposite sides of the transverse web, the actuating element and the locking section being connected to each other via a connecting section, that a first lower groove is formed at the end of the receiving groove facing the user, that a first projection is provided on the area of ​​the actuating element corresponding to the first lower groove, that the groove bottom of the first lower groove can abut the first projection to limit the lower sliding stop of the locking element, and that the transverse web can abut the surface of the connecting section to limit the upper sliding stop of the locking element. [2] The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized by, that the receiving groove has at least one second lower groove on both sides along the width direction of the housing, that the opening of the second lower groove faces the actuating part and / or the detent section, that a second protrusion is provided on both sides of the actuating part and / or the detent section, that the second protrusions are inserted into the second lower groove, and that the second lower groove together with the crossbar limits the upper sliding end stop of the detent part. [3] The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized by that a spring element is arranged between the connecting section and the battery module. [4] The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized by, that the width of the connecting section is smaller than the width of the ends of the actuating part and / or the detent section in order to form a limiting sliding groove, and that a reverse polarity projection or a reverse polarity groove is provided at a lateral end of the connecting section. [5] The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the housing has an outwardly projecting stepped section, that the housing is mounted with the power tool via the stepped section, that the longitudinal direction of the stepped section corresponds to the sliding direction during assembly, and that the receiving groove is formed on the stepped section. [6] The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized by , that a boundary section is formed at both ends of the step section along the width direction. [7] The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized bythat the step section has a guide plate along its longitudinal direction. [8] The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized by , that a heat dissipation opening is formed in the housing, the opening of which is fitted with a sealing plug. [9] The battery pack according to claim 8, characterized by that the housing is designed in different versions according to the number of batteries contained in the battery module. [10] The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized by , that the housing comprises an upper housing and a lower housing, that the lower end of the lower housing is provided with a casing plate, and that the outer surface of the casing plate forms a smooth transition to the adjacent outer surface of the lower housing, creating a continuous, seamless overall outer surface.

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