Battery connector

Abstract

The battery connector according to the present invention comprises a terminal holder, a connection terminal provided on the terminal holder, guide pins provided on the terminal holder and formed on both side edges of the connection terminal, a first cover covering one side of the terminal holder, a second cover covering the other side of the terminal holder and covering the terminal holder together with the first cover, and having a terminal hole through which the connection terminal can move in and out, and an elastic body provided between the first cover and the second cover. In the unconnected state, the connection terminal is hidden and housed within the second cover, and at least a portion of the guide pin is exposed outside the second cover. In the connected state, the connection terminal can move along the axial direction of the guide pin and be exposed outside the second cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of connectors, particularly to battery connectors.

Background Art

[0002] In conventional electric transportation means, since the power of the power supply device (such as a battery) inevitably decreases after a certain period of use, it is necessary to charge with a power supply device (such as a charging station). However, the connection terminals of the battery connector in the current power supply device are exposed so that the user can charge by aligning and connecting them to the corresponding charging port of the battery. However, the exposed connection terminals of the battery connector not only make it easy for the user to get injured or damage objects during operation, but also have sharp edges and electrical problems that cause related problems such as electric shock and affecting the transmission of electrical signals.

[0003] Therefore, how to overcome the above problems related to the battery connector is the technical problem that the applicant of this application intends to solve.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This application provides a battery connector for solving the technical problems of conventional battery connectors.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention provides a battery connector used for mating with a mating connector having two guide sockets and a plurality of terminal slots, the battery connector comprising a terminal holder, a plurality of connection terminals provided on the terminal holder and arranged in parallel, at least two guide pins provided on the terminal holder and each formed on the side edges of the plurality of connection terminals, a first cover covering one side of the terminal holder, a second cover covering the other side of the terminal holder and covering the first cover to accommodate the terminal holder, and having terminal holes through which the plurality of connection terminals can move in and out, and an elastic body provided between the first cover and the second cover, wherein in a non-connected state, the plurality of connection terminals are hidden and housed within the second cover, and at least a portion of the at least two guide pins are exposed outside the second cover, and in a connected state, the plurality of connection terminals can move along the axial direction of the at least two guide pins to be exposed outside the second cover. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] In the battery connector of this application, when not connected to a mating connector, an elastic body presses the second cover, maintaining an appropriate distance from the first cover, so that the connection terminals are hidden and housed within the second cover. This makes it possible to avoid sharp edges and electrical problems. On the other hand, when the battery connector makes contact with a mating connector, the connection terminals extend from the terminal holes in the second cover and connect to the battery's mating connector for charging and communication. The battery connector is fixed to the mating connector by forming a tightened and loosened state between the guide pin and the guide socket. According to this application, it is possible to add tightening and loosening prevention functions to the structure of existing guide pins and corresponding guide sockets without changing the design of the guide socket of the mating connector. When the battery connector and the battery are connected (e.g., during charging), even if the battery connector is moved in the direction of being pulled out from the mating connector without proper operation, the ball of the inner guide rod and the mating connector will tighten, further reducing accidental detachment of the battery connector. When moving the battery connector in the direction of insertion into the mating connector, the battery connector can be manipulated to release the ball on the inner guide rod. Furthermore, since the direction in which force is applied is the same as the direction of insertion, installation is easy, and the security of the connection between the connector and the mating connector can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an exploded view of one embodiment of the battery connector according to the present application. [Figure 2] This is a view of Figure 1 from a different perspective. [Figure 3] This is an assembled external view of one embodiment of the battery connector according to the present application. [Figure 4] This is an exploded view of one embodiment of a guide pin and terminal holder in a battery connector according to the present application. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of an unpressed pressing member and a mating connector in a battery connector according to this application. [Figure 6]This is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to this application, in which the pressing member is pressed but not connected to the mating connector. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the battery connector according to this application, connected to the mating connector. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the battery connector according to this application, which is connected to a mating connector and in which the pressing member is pushed outward by each guide pin. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The details and technical content of this application will be described below with reference to the attached drawings, however, the attached drawings are for reference and explanatory purposes only and do not limit this application.

[0009] Referring to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, the present invention provides a battery connector 1 for transmitting power or electrical signals to a battery, power storage device, or other power consumption device, comprising a terminal holder 10, a plurality of connection terminals 20, two guide pins 30, a first cover 40, a second cover 50, and two elastic bodies 60.

[0010] The number and relative placement of each component within the battery connector 1 can be adjusted as appropriate based on different design considerations. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, the plurality of connection terminals 20 are located in the central region of the terminal holder 10 and are arranged in parallel with appropriate spacing between them. The connection terminals 20 are components made of a highly conductive material and are used to transmit power and / or signals. In other embodiments, some of the connection terminals 20 may be made of a non-conductive material and may not have the function of transmitting power or signals. Two guide pins 30 are provided in the terminal holder 10 and are formed on both side edges of the plurality of connection terminals 20, respectively. In other embodiments, depending on the structural design of the battery connector 1, one or more guide pins 30 may be used, and each guide pin 30 can be positioned at an appropriate location, such as between the connection terminals 20 or on one of the four side edges of the plurality of connection terminals 20 (for example, the side edge closer to the long side of the terminal holder 10 in Figure 1), to provide an auxiliary connection function. In other embodiments, the battery connector 1 uses at least two guide pins 30 to stably connect to the battery. The first cover 40 covers the upper side of the terminal holder 10. The second cover 50 covers the lower side of the terminal holder 10 and covers the first cover 40. The space formed by the assembly of the first cover 40 and the second cover 50 is capable of accommodating the terminal holder 10. The second cover 50 has one or more terminal holes 51 through which the plurality of connection terminals 20 can pass in and out of the second cover 50. The second cover 50 also has two pin holes (not indicated) for two guide pins 30 to partially protrude from the second cover 50. The terminal holes 51 and the pin holes may not communicate with each other, or they may communicate with each other partially or completely (as shown in Figures 2 and 3). Two elastic bodies 60 are provided between the first cover 40 and the second cover 50 so as to maintain an appropriate distance between them, thereby concealing and housing the connection terminals 20 within the second cover 50.

[0011] When the battery connector 1 is disconnected, the plurality of connection terminals 20 are hidden and housed within the second cover 50, and at least a portion of the two guide pins 30 are exposed outside the second cover 50. When the battery connector 1 is connected, the plurality of connection terminals 20 can move along the axial direction of the two guide pins 30 to be exposed outside the second cover 50.

[0012] For the sake of explanation, the disconnected state is defined as the state in which the connection terminal 20 of the battery connector 1 is not connected to the mating connector 90 of the battery 9 (as shown in Figures 5 and 6), while the connected state is defined as the state in which the battery connector 1 makes a connection to the mating connector 90 of the battery 9, or (as shown in Figures 7 and 8) the state in which electrical conduction is achieved by connecting the battery connector 1 to the mating connector 90 of the battery 9.

[0013] In this embodiment, the terminal holder 10 is a component made of an insulating material, and fixing holes 11 are provided on the left and right outer sides of the two guide pins 30 of the terminal holder 10. The first cover 40 has protruding columns 41 extending from it corresponding to the positions of the fixing holes 11, and the terminal holder 10 is fixed to the protruding columns 41 by inserting each of the protruding columns 41 into each of the fixing holes 11.

[0014] Referring to Figures 5 to 8, in this embodiment, each guide pin 30 comprises an outer guide rod 31, an inner guide rod 32, a spring 33, a C-ring 34, a ball 35, and a retaining ring 36. One end of the outer guide rod 31 is fixed to the terminal holder 10, and the other end extends away from the terminal holder 10. The outer guide rod 31 has a central hole 311 and a ball housing hole 312. In this embodiment, the central hole 311 is an axial blind hole, and its opening is located at one end of the outer guide rod 31 fixed to the terminal holder 10. The ball housing hole 312 passes through the outer guide rod 31 radially and communicates with the central hole 311.

[0015] The inner guide rod 32 is inserted into the central hole 311 of the outer guide rod 31, and the lower end of the inner guide rod 32 is provided with a release portion 321 and a tightening portion 322 extending from the release portion 321, with the diameter of the release portion 321 being smaller than the diameter of the tightening portion 322. In one embodiment, the diameter of the transition portion between the release portion 321 and the tightening portion 322 gradually increases from the release portion 321 to the tightening portion 322.

[0016] The spring 33 and C-ring 34 are fitted to one end of the inner guide rod 32 closest to the terminal holder 10, with the spring 33 positioned between the C-ring 34 and the terminal holder 10. The two balls 35 are each provided in the ball housing holes 312 of the outer guide rod 31 and covered by a retaining ring 36. The retaining ring 36 has openings 361, and the two balls 35 pass through each opening 361 of the retaining ring 36 and are partially exposed from the outer circumferential surface of the outer guide rod 31. The number of balls 35 may be one or more. The number of openings 361 of the retaining ring 36 may be set to be greater than or equal to the number of balls. The outer guide rod 31 has a recess 313 near the ball housing hole 312, and the retaining ring 36 is fitted around the recess 313. The opening 361 is positioned to correspond to the ball housing hole 312 of the outer guide rod 31, and since its diameter is smaller than the diameter of the ball 35, the ball 35 can move along the ball housing hole 312 without detaching from the opening 361 and can be partially exposed protruding from the opening 361. As a result, the inner guide rod 32 moves relative to the outer guide rod 31 when it is inserted into the central hole 311 of the outer guide rod 31, thereby allowing the ball 35 to be either exposed protruding from the opening 361 or retracted into the opening 361.

[0017] In this embodiment, each guide pin 30 further has a washer 37 provided between the upper part of the spring 33 and the C-ring 34. The washer 37 is provided to prevent the spring 33 from coming off the inner guide rod 32 and to enable the spring 33 to follow the inner guide rod 32 and expand and contract stably. In other embodiments, since the C-ring 34 can surely prevent the spring 33 from coming off the inner guide rod 32, the washer 37 may not be provided on the guide pin 30.

[0018] In this embodiment, a plurality of locking hooks 42 are provided on the outer surface of the first cover 40 so as to limit the movement stroke of the first cover 40 and the second cover 50, and positioning grooves 52 are respectively extended at positions of the second cover 50 corresponding to the plurality of locking hooks 42.

[0019] In this embodiment, the battery connector 1 further has two fixing members 43 composed of screws, rivets, etc. The two fixing members 43 are respectively connected to the two convex columns 41 so as to fix the terminal holder 10 to the first cover 40.

[0020] In this embodiment, positioning members 53 composed of column bodies, holes, etc. are extended at positions of the second cover 50 corresponding to the two convex columns 41. Both ends of each elastic body 60 are respectively fitted to the fixing member 43 and the positioning member 53.

[0021] In this embodiment, the elastic body 60 is a compression spring.

[0022] In this embodiment, the battery connector 1 further comprises a pressing member 70 having mainly a pressing plate 71 and two shafts 72 extending from the pressing plate 71. The first cover 40 further has two shaft insertion holes 44. The two shafts 72 are inserted corresponding to the two shaft insertion holes 44 in order to press two guide pins 30 for connection operation. The lower end of each shaft 72 is provided with an engagement hook 721 to prevent the two shafts 72 from coming out of the two shaft insertion holes 44. In other embodiments, the number of shafts 72 of the pressing member 70 can be set to be greater than or equal to the number of guide pins 30 so that the guide pins 30 can be pressed accordingly.

[0023] Figures 5 to 8, which show a plurality of diagrams illustrating one embodiment of the connection process between battery connector 1 and battery 9, will be referenced again. Here, in order to clearly explain the operating mode of battery connector 1 and mating connector 90, only a portion of the structure of the mating connector 90 is shown, and other components are omitted. In this embodiment, the mating connector 90 comprises two guide sockets 91 and a plurality of terminal slots 92. Battery connector 1 achieves a stable fixed connection by inserting each connection terminal 20 and two guide pins 30 corresponding to each terminal slot 92 and two guide sockets 91 of the mating connector 90, thereby allowing each connection terminal 20 to supply power to battery 9 via the mating connector 90.

[0024] By operating the pressing member 70 to press the guide pin 30 and changing the relative position of the ball 35 and the inner guide rod 32, when connecting the two guide pins 30 of the battery connector 1 to the two guide sockets 91 of the mating connector 90, a tightened state (the ball 35 is engaged with the tightening portion 322 of the inner guide rod 32) and a released state (the ball 35 is positioned at the release portion 321 of the inner guide rod 32) are created. In one embodiment, when the battery connector 1 and the mating connector 90 of the battery 9 are not connected, the connection terminal 20 is hidden and housed inside the second cover 50, and at least a portion of the two guide pins 30 is exposed outside the second cover 50. When connecting the battery connector 1 to the mating connector 90 of the battery 9, the two guide pins 30 are aligned with the two guide sockets 91 of the mating connector 90 (see Figure 5), and the guide pins 30 are pressed by the pressing member 70 to position the ball 35 in the release portion 321 of the inner guide rod 32, thereby enabling the guide pins 30 to be inserted into the guide sockets 91. When the guide pins 30 are inserted into the guide sockets 91 and the second cover 50 comes into contact with or is close to the surface of the battery 9, the pressing member 70 and / or the first cover 40 are pressed to shorten the distance between the second cover 50 and the first cover 40, thereby moving each connection terminal 20 of the terminal holder 10 along the axial direction of the two guide pins 30 to expose it outside the second cover 50 and insert it into each terminal slot 92 of the mating connector 90. In this connection process, the pressing member 70 presses the guide pin 30, thereby positioning the ball 35 in the release portion 321 of the inner guide rod 32 so that it can be retracted into the opening 361, and pushing the two guide pins 30 into the appropriate positions within the two guide sockets 91, thereby allowing each connection terminal 20 and each terminal slot 92 to reach the desired connection position.When the battery connector 1 and the mating connector 90 of the battery 9 are in a predetermined connection position, the pressure applied to the two guide pins 30 by the pressing member 70 is released (or the pressure is reduced), causing the ball 35 to engage with the tightening portion 322 of the inner guide rod 32, protruding from the opening 361 and engaging with the inner wall of the guide socket 91. This tightens the two guide pins 30 and the two guide sockets 91, fixing the battery connector 1 to the mating connector 90 of the battery 9. When the battery connector 1 needs to be separated from the mating connector 90 of the battery 9 while the two guide pins 30 and the two guide sockets 91 are tightened, the pressing member 70 presses the guide pins 30, causing the ball 35 to be positioned at the release portion 321 of the inner guide rod 32, allowing it to be retracted into the opening 361. This releases each guide pin 30 and each guide socket 91, thereby detaching the battery connector 1 from the mating connector 90 of the battery 9.

[0025] Continuing to refer to Figures 5 and 6, when the pressing member 70 is operated to press the pressing plate 71 toward the first cover 40, the two shafts 72 move along the axial direction of the shaft insertion hole 44. When the two shafts 72 each contact the upper ends of the two guide pins 30, the two inner guide rods 32 are pushed by the two shafts 72 and move along the axial direction of the central hole 311 of the two outer guide rods 31. At this time, the two balls 35 move from the tightening portion 322 (see Figure 5) to the release portion 321 (see Figure 6) of the inner guide rods 32, and become able to be retracted into the opening 361 of the retaining ring 36. As the resistance between the balls 35 and the hole wall of the guide socket 91 decreases, the two guide pins 30 can be smoothly inserted into the two guide sockets 91.

[0026] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, when the battery connector 1 and the mating connector 90 of the battery 9 are connected, the elastic restoring force of each spring 33 moves the two inner guide rods 32 toward the two shafts 72. As a result, the two balls 35 move from the release portion 321 (see Figure 7) of the inner guide rod 32 to the tightening portion 322 and lock against the tightening portion 322 (see Figure 8), protruding from the opening 361 and engaging with the inner wall of the guide socket 91. This tightens the two guide pins 30 and the two guide sockets 91, improving the strength and safety of the connection between the battery connector 1 and the mating connector 90.

[0027] The connection configuration shown in Figures 5 to 8 is a relatively safe configuration in which the battery connector 1 is brought sufficiently close to the mating connector 90 of the battery 9, and then the battery connector 1 is operated to expose the connection terminal 20 from the second cover 50 and insert it into the terminal slot 92 of the mating connector 90. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the user touching the sharp metal edge of the connection terminal 20, thereby reducing the possibility of injury, electric shock, or damage to the connection terminal. In other embodiments, the connection process may be appropriately adjusted so that the battery connector 1 can achieve the desired function. For example, when making a connection, instead of operating the pressing member 70, the guide pin 30 is first aligned with the guide socket 91 and inserted. When the ball 35 contacts the inner wall of the guide socket 91 and the resistance increases, the pressing member 70 is operated to move the ball 35 to the release portion 321 of the inner guide rod 32, thereby inserting the guide pin 30 into the guide socket 91 with low resistance.

[0028] The foregoing describes only preferred embodiments of this application and does not limit the scope of the claims of this application. Other equivalent modifications that build upon the essence of this application are also included within the scope of the claims of this application. [Industrial applicability]

[0029] In the battery connector of this application, when not connected to the mating connector, the second cover is pressed by an elastic body to maintain an appropriate distance from the first cover, so that the connection terminals are hidden and housed within the second cover. This makes it possible to avoid sharp edges and electrical problems. According to this application, it is possible to add tightening and loosening prevention functions to the structure of existing guide pins and corresponding guide sockets without changing the design of the guide socket of the mating connector. According to this application, it is also possible to improve the connection security between the battery connector and the mating connector, the ease of operation for the user, and reduce malfunctions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0030] 1: Battery connector 10: Terminal holder 11:Fixing hole 20: Connection terminals 30: Guide pin 31: Outer guide rod 311: Center hole 312: Ball housing hole 313: Recess 32: Inner guide rod 321: Release section 322: Tightening part 33: Spring 34: C-ring 35: Ball 36: Retaining ring 361: Opening 37: Washer 40: Cover 1 41:Convex pillar 42: Locking hook 43: Fixing member 44: Shaft insertion hole 50: Second cover 51:Terminal hole 52: Positioning groove 53: Positioning member 60: Elastic body 70: Pressing member 71: Push plate 72: Axis rod 721: Engaging hook 9: Battery 90: Mating connector 91: Guide socket 92: Terminal slot

Claims

1. A battery connector used for mating with a mating connector having two guide sockets and multiple terminal slots, Terminal holder and The terminal holder is provided with a plurality of connection terminals arranged in parallel, The terminal holder is provided with at least two guide pins, each formed on the side edges of the plurality of connection terminals, A first cover is provided covering one side of the terminal holder, A second cover is provided to cover the other side of the terminal holder and to accommodate the terminal holder, and has terminal holes through which the plurality of connection terminals can move in and out. An elastic body provided between the first cover and the second cover, Equipped with, In the disconnected state, the plurality of connection terminals are hidden and housed within the second cover, and at least a portion of the at least two guide pins is exposed outside the second cover. A battery connector characterized in that, when connected, the plurality of connection terminals can move along the axial direction of the at least two guide pins and be exposed outside the second cover.

2. The pressing member further comprises two shafts, and the first cover has two shaft insertion holes. The battery connector according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the shafts is inserted into each of the shaft insertion holes to press each of the guide pins.

3. The battery connector according to claim 2, characterized in that one end of each shaft is provided with an engagement hook for preventing each shaft from detaching from each shaft insertion hole.

4. The first cover is provided with a plurality of locking hooks, The battery connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the second cover is provided with a plurality of positioning grooves for fitting the plurality of locking hooks.

5. The terminal holder is provided with fixing holes, The battery connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cover is provided with a protruding column that is inserted into the fixing hole.

6. The first cover further includes a fixing member connected to the protruding column, The battery connector according to claim 5, characterized in that the second cover is provided with a positioning member, and both ends of the elastic body are fitted between the fixing member and the positioning member, respectively.

7. The at least two guide pins and the guide socket are, The tightened state in which at least two guide pins are fixed to the guide socket, A released state in which at least two guide pins can slide within the guide socket, The battery connector according to claim 1, characterized by having the following features.

8. Each of the aforementioned guide pins has an outer guide rod and an inner guide rod inserted inside the outer guide rod. The battery connector according to claim 7, characterized in that the guide pin and the guide socket can be in the tightened state or the released state as the inner guide rod moves relative to the outer guide rod.

9. Each of the guide pins further has a ball provided on the outer guide rod and exposed on the outer surface of the guide pin, The ball is pushed outward by the tightening portion of the inner guide rod and comes into contact with the guide socket, thereby tightening the guide pin and the guide socket. The battery connector according to claim 8, characterized in that the guide pin and the guide socket are released by positioning the ball in the release portion of the inner guide rod so as to reduce resistance to the guide socket.

10. The outer guide rod is provided with a ball housing hole that penetrates the outer guide rod radially. The battery connector according to claim 9, characterized in that the ball is provided in the ball housing hole and is pushed by the inner guide rod so as to protrude from the ball housing hole and be locked into the guide socket.

11. The tightening portion of the inner guide rod extends axially from the release portion, The battery connector according to claim 9, characterized in that the diameter of the release portion is smaller than the diameter of the tightening portion.

12. Each of the aforementioned guide pins further comprises a spring and a C-ring. The battery connector according to claim 10, characterized in that the spring is fitted onto the inner guide rod and both ends are in contact with the terminal holder and the C-ring, respectively.

13. The battery connector according to claim 12, characterized in that each of the guide pins further comprises a washer sandwiched between the spring and the C-ring.

14. Each of the guide pins further has a retaining ring, The outer guide rod is provided with a recess at the position of the ball housing hole. The retaining ring is fitted around the recess, The battery connector according to claim 10, characterized in that the retaining ring is provided with an opening in the radial direction from which the ball can be partially exposed.

Images