Battery connector

Abstract

The present application relates to a battery connector, comprising a terminal fixing seat, connection terminals, guide pins, a first housing, a second housing, and an elastic body. The connection terminals are arranged on the terminal fixing seat; the guide pins are arranged on the terminal fixing seat and are formed on two sides of the connection terminals; the first housing is arranged on one side of the terminal fixing seat; the second housing is arranged on the other side of the terminal fixing seat and covers the terminal fixing seat together with the first housing; the second housing is provided with a terminal hole for the connection terminals to extend or retract; and the elastic body is arranged between the first housing and the second housing. In a non-connected state, the connection terminals are concealed in the second chousing, and the guide pins are at least partially exposed out of the second housing; and in a connected state, the connection terminals can move in the axial direction of the guide pins so as to be exposed out of the second housing.

Description

Battery connector Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of a connector, and in particular to a battery connector. Background Art

[0002] Existing electric vehicles inevitably lose power in their power supply devices (e.g., batteries) after a period of use, necessitating recharging from a power supply device (e.g., a charging station). However, the battery connectors on existing power supply devices often have exposed terminals, allowing users to align them with corresponding holes in the battery for charging. However, these exposed terminals present sharp edges and electrical issues, posing a significant risk of injury or damage to the user during operation. They can also cause electric shock and interfere with the transmission of electrical signals.

[0003] Therefore, how to overcome the aforementioned problems related to the battery connector is a technical issue that the present applicant aims to solve.

[0004] Invention Disclosure

[0005] The present application provides a battery connector to solve the technical problems of existing battery connectors.

[0006] The present application provides a battery connector for mutual plugging with a docking connector, the docking connector comprising two guide jacks and a plurality of terminal slots, the battery connector comprising a terminal fixing seat, a plurality of connecting terminals, at least two guide pins, a first cover, a second cover and an elastic body, the plurality of connecting terminals being arranged on the terminal fixing seat and arranged in parallel; the two guide pins being arranged on the terminal fixing seat and respectively formed on both sides of the plurality of connecting terminals; the first cover being arranged on one side of the terminal fixing seat; the second cover being arranged on the other side of the terminal fixing seat and corresponding to the first cover to accommodate the terminal fixing seat, the second cover being provided with a terminal hole for extending or retracting the plurality of connecting terminals; the elastic body being arranged between the first cover and the second cover; wherein, in a non-connected state, the plurality of connecting terminals are hidden in the second cover, and at least part of the at least two guide pins are exposed outside the second cover, and in a connected state, the plurality of connecting terminals can be moved along an axial direction of the at least two guide pins to be exposed outside the second cover.

[0007] When the battery connector of the present application is not connected to the docking connector, the elastic body will maintain an appropriate distance between the first cover and the second cover, and the connection terminals will be pushed outward so that they are hidden in the second cover, which can avoid sharp edges and electrical problems. After the battery connector contacts the docking connector, the connection terminals will extend from the terminal holes of the second cover to dock with the docking connector of the battery for charging and communication. The battery connector is fixed to the docking connector by forming a tightening state and a release state between the guide pins and the guide sockets. The present application does not require changing the design of the guide sockets of the docking connector, that is, it can add a tightening and anti-loosening function to the original guide pins and their mating guide socket structures. When the battery connector and the battery are in a connected state (such as charging), if the battery connector is directly moved in the direction of exiting the docking connector without proper operation, the ball of the inner guide rod and the docking connector will be in a tightening state, which can further reduce malfunctions that cause the battery connector to fall off. When the battery connector moves toward the direction of insertion into the docking connector, the battery connector can be operated to release the ball of the inner guide rod. The force direction is consistent with the insertion direction, which is conducive to installation and can increase the connection safety between the battery connector and the docking connector.

[0008] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a battery connector of the present application;

[0010] FIG2 is another perspective view of FIG1;

[0011] FIG3 is an assembled appearance diagram of an embodiment of a battery connector of the present application;

[0012] FIG4 is an exploded view of a guide pin and a terminal fixing seat of a battery connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of the battery connector of the present application before the pushing member is pressed and the docking connector;

[0014] FIG6 is a front cross-sectional view of the battery connector of the present application after the pushing member is pressed but before it is assembled with the docking connector;

[0015] FIG7 is a cross-sectional view of the battery connector and the docking connector of the present application after assembly;

[0016] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view of the battery connector of the present application after being assembled with the docking connector and the pushing member being pushed outward by the guide pins.

[0017] [Explanation of symbols] 1: Battery connector 10: Terminal fixing seat 11: Fixing hole 20: Connecting terminal 30: Guide pin 31: Outer guide rod 311: Center hole 312: Ball hole 313: Recessed area 32: Inner guide rod 321: Release portion 322: Fastening portion 33: Spring 34: C-ring 35: Ball 36: Retaining ring 361: Opening 37: Gasket 40: First cover 41: Boss 42: Limiting hook 43: Fixing member 44: Shaft hole 50: Second cover 51: Terminal hole 52: Limiting groove 53: Positioning member 60: Elastomer 70: Pushing member 71: Push plate 72: Shaft 721: Hook 9: Battery 90: Docking connector 91: Guide hole 92: Terminal slot

[0018] Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] The detailed description and technical contents of this application are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings are only provided for reference and illustration and are not intended to limit this application.

[0020] Referring to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, the present application provides a battery connector 1 for transmitting power or electrical signals to a battery, a power storage device, or other power consuming device. The battery connector 1 includes a terminal fixing seat 10, a plurality of connecting terminals 20, two guide pins 30, a first cover 40, a second cover 50, and two elastic bodies 60.

[0021] The number and relative positioning of the various components in the battery connector 1 can be adjusted appropriately based on different design considerations. In the embodiments of Figures 1 to 4, the multiple connecting terminals 20 are located in the middle region of the terminal holder 10 and are arranged side by side with appropriate spacing. The connecting terminals 20 are made of a highly conductive material and are used to transmit power and / or signals. In another embodiment, some of the connecting terminals 20 do not transmit power or signals and can be made of non-conductive materials. Two guide pins 30 are located on the terminal holder 10, one on each side of the multiple connecting terminals 20. In another embodiment, depending on the structural design of the battery connector 1, one or more guide pins 30 can be used. The guide pins 30 can also be located between the connecting terminals 20 or on one of the four sides of the multiple connecting terminals 20 (for example, near the long side of the terminal holder 10 in Figure 1) to provide auxiliary connection functions. In another embodiment, the battery connector 1 uses at least two guide pins 30 to ensure a stable connection with the battery. The first cover 40 is provided on the upper side of the terminal fixing seat 10. The second cover 50 is provided on the lower side of the terminal fixing seat 10 and corresponds to the cover of the first cover 40. The space after the first cover 40 and the second cover 50 are assembled can accommodate the terminal fixing seat 10, and the second cover 50 is provided with one or more terminal holes 51 to allow the multiple connecting terminals 20 to extend or retract into the second cover 50. The second cover 50 is provided with two pin holes (unnumbered) to allow the two guide pins 30 to partially extend out of the second cover 50. The terminal hole 51 and the pin hole can be non-connected holes, or partially or fully connected holes (as shown in Figures 2 and 3). Two elastic bodies 60 are provided between the first cover 40 and the second cover 50, so that the first cover 40 and the second cover 50 maintain an appropriate distance and the connecting terminal 20 is hidden in the second cover 50.

[0022] When the battery connector 1 is in a disconnected state, the plurality of connection terminals 20 are concealed 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 in a connected state, the plurality of connection terminals 20 can move along an axial direction of the two guide pins 30 to be exposed outside the second cover 50.

[0023] For ease of explanation, the non-connected state is defined as a state in which the connecting terminal 20 of the battery connector 1 is not connected to the docking connector 90 of the battery 9 (as shown in Figures 5 and 6); wherein the connected state is defined as a state in which the battery connector 1 is connected to the docking connector 90 of the battery 9 or is connected to achieve electrical conduction (as shown in Figures 7 and 8).

[0024] In this embodiment, the terminal fixing base 10 is a component made of an insulating material. A fixing hole 11 is provided on the left and right outer sides of the two guide pins 30 of the terminal fixing base 10. A protrusion 41 extends from the first cover 40 corresponding to the position of the aforementioned fixing hole 11, so that the terminal fixing base 10 can be fixed on each protrusion 41 through its respective fixing hole 11.

[0025] Referring to Figures 5 to 8 , in this embodiment, each guide pin 30 includes an outer guide rod 31, an inner guide rod 32, a spring 33, a C-shaped ring 34, a ball bearing 35, and a retaining ring 36. One end of the outer guide rod 31 is fixed to the terminal holder 10, while the other end of the outer guide rod 31 extends away from the terminal holder 10. The outer guide rod 31 is defined by a center hole 311 and a ball bearing hole 312. In this embodiment, the center hole 311 is an axial blind hole, with its opening located at the end of the outer guide rod 31 fixed to the terminal holder 10. The ball bearing hole 312 extends radially through the outer guide rod 31 and communicates with the center hole 311.

[0026] The inner guide rod 32 passes through the center hole 311 of the outer guide rod 31. A release portion 321 and a fastening portion 322 extending from the release portion 321 are provided at the lower end of the inner guide rod 32. The diameter of the release portion 321 is smaller than the diameter of the fastening portion 322. In one embodiment, the diameter of the junction between the release portion 321 and the fastening portion 322 gradually increases from the release portion 321 toward the fastening portion 322.

[0027] A spring 33 and a C-shaped ring 34 are inserted through one end of the inner guide rod 32 near the terminal holder 10, with the spring 33 positioned between the C-shaped ring 34 and the terminal holder 10. Two balls 35 are positioned in the ball-receiving holes 312 of the outer guide rod 31 and are enclosed by a retaining ring 36. The retaining ring 36 has openings 361, allowing the two balls 35 to pass through the respective openings 361 of the retaining ring 36, partially revealing the outer circumference of the outer guide rod 31. The number of balls 35 can be one or more. The number of openings 361 in the retaining ring 36 can also be set to be greater than or equal to the number of balls. The outer guide rod 31 has a recessed area 313 adjacent to the ball-receiving hole 312, and the retaining ring 36 fits over the recessed area 313. Opening 361 is positioned corresponding to the ball-receiving hole 312 of the outer guide rod 31. The diameter of opening 361 is smaller than the diameter of the ball 35, allowing the ball 35 to move along the ball-receiving hole 312 without dislodging it and allowing it to partially protrude from the opening 361. Consequently, when the inner guide rod 32 is inserted into the center hole 311 of the outer guide rod 31, it can move relative to the outer guide rod 31, allowing the ball 35 to either protrude from or retract into the opening 361.

[0028] In this embodiment, each guide pin 30 further includes a washer 37 disposed between the top of the spring 33 and the C-shaped ring 34. The washer 37 prevents the spring 33 from moving off the inner guide rod 32, allowing the spring 33 to stably expand and contract in response to the movement of the inner guide rod 32. In another embodiment, where the C-shaped ring 34 can already reliably prevent the spring 33 from moving off the inner guide rod 32, the washer 37 may not be provided on the guide pin 30.

[0029] In this embodiment, a plurality of limit hooks 42 are provided on the outer surface of the first cover body 40 , and a limit groove 52 extends from the second cover body 50 corresponding to the positions of the plurality of limit hooks 42 to limit the movement of the first cover body 40 and the second cover body 50 .

[0030] In this embodiment, the battery connector 1 further includes two fixing members 43 , which can be implemented by screws, rivets, etc. The two fixing members 43 are respectively connected to the two protrusions 41 to lock the terminal holder 10 to the first cover 40 .

[0031] In this embodiment, the second cover 50 has a positioning member 53 extending from the position corresponding to the two protrusions 41. The positioning member 53 can be implemented in the form of a column or a hole. The two ends of each elastic body 60 are respectively connected between the fixing member 43 and the positioning member 53.

[0032] In this embodiment, the elastic body 60 is a compression spring.

[0033] In this embodiment, the battery connector 1 further includes a pushing member 70. The first housing 40 further includes two shaft-receiving holes 44. The pushing member 70 primarily comprises a push plate 71 and two shafts 72 extending from the push plate 71. The two shafts 72 are correspondingly inserted into the two shaft-receiving holes 44 of the first housing 40 to push against the two guide pins 30 for connection. A hook 721 is provided at the bottom end of each shaft 72 to prevent the two shafts 72 from disengaging from the two shaft-receiving holes 44. In another embodiment, the number of shafts 72 in the pushing member 70 can be set to be greater than or equal to the number of guide pins 30, thereby correspondingly pushing against the guide pins 30.

[0034] Please refer to Figures 5 through 8 for multiple views of an embodiment of the assembly process of the battery connector 1 and the battery 9. Only a portion of the docking connector 90 of the battery 9 is shown, with other components omitted, to more clearly illustrate the operation of the battery connector 1 and the docking connector 90. In this embodiment, the docking connector 90 has two guide holes 91 and a plurality of terminal slots 92. The battery connector 1 is stabilized by each connecting terminal 20 and two guide pins 30 correspondingly inserted into each terminal slot 92 and two guide holes 91 of the docking connector 90, allowing each connecting terminal 20 to supply power to the battery 9 through the docking connector 90.

[0035] By operating the pressing member 70 to push against the guide pins 30, the relative positions of the balls 35 and the inner guide rods 32 are changed, allowing the two guide pins 30 of the battery connector 1 to connect with the two guide holes 91 of the docking connector 90 in a secured state (the balls 35 are engaged with the securing portions 322 of the inner guide rods 32) and a released state (the balls 35 are located within the releasing portions 321 of the inner guide rods 32). In one embodiment, when the battery connector 1 and the docking connector 90 of the battery 9 are in a non-connected state, the connecting terminals 20 are concealed within the second cover 50, while at least portions of the two guide pins 30 are exposed outside the second cover 50. When the battery connector 1 is connected to the docking connector 90 of the battery 9, the two guide pins 30 are aligned with the two guide holes 91 of the docking connector 90 (see FIG. 5 ), and the pressing member 70 pushes against the guide pins 30, causing the balls 35 to be located within the releasing portions 321 of the inner guide rods 32, allowing the guide pins 30 to be inserted into the guide holes 91. When the guide pins 30 are inserted into the guide holes 91 and the second cover 50 is against or close to the surface of the battery 9, the pushing member 70 and / or the first cover 40 are pushed to shorten the distance between the second cover 50 and the first cover 40, allowing the connecting terminals 20 of the terminal holder 10 to move along an axial direction of the two guide pins 30, emerge from the second cover 50, and be inserted into the terminal slots 92 of the docking connector 90. During this connection process, the pushing member 70 pushes against the guide pins 30, causing the ball 35 to be located in the release portion 321 of the inner guide rod 32, allowing it to retract into the opening 361. The two guide pins 30 are then pushed into the appropriate positions of the two guide holes 91, so that the connecting terminals 20 and the terminal slots 92 can reach the desired connection position. When the battery connector 1 and the docking connector 90 of the battery 9 are in the desired connection position, the pushing member 70 no longer pushes against the two guide pins 30 (or the pushing force is reduced), causing the balls 35 to be locked in the fastening portion 322 of the inner guide rod 32, protruding from the opening 361 and being retained by the inner wall of the guide hole 91. This secures the two guide pins 30 and the two guide holes 91, and securely connects the battery connector 1 to the docking connector 90 of the battery 9. When the two guide pins 30 and the two guide holes 91 are secured and the battery connector 1 is pulled away from the docking connector 90 of the battery 9, the pushing member 70 pushes against the guide pins 30, causing the balls 35 to be located in the release portion 321 of the inner guide rod 32, retracting into the opening 361. This releases the guide pins 30 from the guide holes 91, allowing the battery connector 1 to be detached from the docking connector 90 of the battery 9.

[0036] 5 and 6 , by operating the pushing member 70, first pressing the push plate 71 to move it toward the first cover body 40, the two shafts 72 will move axially along the shaft hole 44. After the two shafts 72 respectively contact the top ends of the two guide pins 30, the two inner guide rods 32 will be pushed by the two shafts 72 and move axially along the center holes 311 of the two outer guide rods 31. At this time, the two balls 35 will move from the fastening portion 322 of the inner guide rod 32 (as shown in FIG. 5 ) to the releasing portion 321 (as shown in FIG. 6 ). The two balls 35 are respectively retracted into the openings 361 of the buckle 36. The resistance between the balls 35 and the wall of the guide holes 91 is reduced, so that the two guide pins 30 can be smoothly inserted into the two guide holes 91.

[0037] 7 and 8 , when the battery connector 1 and the docking connector 90 of the battery 9 are in a connected state, the elastic restoring force of each spring 33 causes the two inner guide rods 32 to move toward the two shaft rods 72 . At this time, the two balls 35 move from the release portion 321 of the inner guide rod 32 (as shown in FIG. 7 ) to be fixed to the fastening portion 322 (as shown in FIG. 8 ), so that the two balls 35 protrude from the opening 361 and are fixed to the inner wall of the guide hole 91 , thereby fastening the two guide pins 30 to the two guide holes 91 , thereby improving the stability and safety of the connection between the battery connector 1 and the docking connector 90 .

[0038] The connection method described in Figures 5 to 8 is merely a safer method. After the battery connector 1 and the docking connector 90 of the battery 9 are brought sufficiently close together, the battery connector 1 is operated to allow the connecting terminals 20 to emerge from the second cover 50 and pass through the terminal slots 92 of the docking connector 90. This prevents the user from coming into contact with the sharp metal edges of the connecting terminals 20, reducing the possibility of injury, electric shock, or damage to the terminals. In another embodiment, the aforementioned connection process can also be appropriately adjusted to achieve the desired functionality of the battery connector 1. For example, when making a connection, the guide pin 30 is aligned and inserted into the guide hole 91 without operating the pressing member 70. After the ball 35 contacts the inner wall of the guide hole 91, causing the resistance to increase, the pressing member 70 is operated to move the ball 35 to the release portion 321 of the inner guide rod 32, allowing the guide pin 30 to be inserted into the guide hole 91 with less resistance.

[0039] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the patent scope of the present application. Other equivalent changes that apply the patent spirit of the present application should all fall within the patent scope of the present application.

[0040] Industrial Applicability

[0041] When the battery connector of this application is not connected to the docking connector, the elastic body maintains an appropriate distance between the first and second covers, pushing the connecting terminals outward and concealing them within the second cover, thus avoiding sharp edges and electrical issues. This application does not require changing the design of the docking connector's guide sockets, and can add a tightening and anti-loosening feature to the existing guide pins and their mating guide sockets. This application also increases the connection security between the battery connector and the docking connector, facilitating user operation and reducing false operation.

Claims

1. A battery connector, characterized in that: Used to be plugged into a docking connector, the docking connector includes two guide holes and a plurality of terminal slots, and the battery connector includes: A terminal fixing seat; A plurality of connection terminals are arranged in parallel on the terminal fixing seat; At least two guide pins are arranged on the terminal fixing seat and are respectively formed on two side edges of the plurality of connecting terminals; A first cover body, which is arranged on one side of the terminal fixing seat; a second cover body, which is disposed on the other side of the terminal fixing seat and corresponds to the first cover body to cover the terminal fixing seat, and the second cover body is provided with a terminal hole for the plurality of connection terminals to extend out or retract in; as well as an elastic body, disposed between the first cover body and the second cover body; Wherein, in a non-connected state, the plurality of connection terminals are hidden in the second cover, and at least part of the at least two guide pins are exposed outside the second cover. In a connected state, the plurality of connection terminals can move along an axial direction of the at least two guide pins to be exposed outside the second cover.

2. The battery connector according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a pushing component. The first cover body includes two shaft-accommodating holes. The pushing component includes two shaft rods. Each shaft rod penetrates each shaft-accommodating hole and is used to push against each guide pin.

3. The battery connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: One end of each shaft rod is provided with a hook for preventing each shaft rod from escaping from each shaft receiving hole.

4. The battery connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first cover body is provided with a plurality of limiting hooks, and the second cover body is provided with a plurality of limiting grooves for the plurality of limiting hooks to be embedded.

5. The battery connector according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal fixing seat is provided with a fixing hole, and the first cover body is provided with a convex column for the fixing hole to be sleeved.

6. The battery connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first cover body also includes a fixing member, which is connected to the convex column. The second cover body is provided with a positioning member, and the two ends of the elastic body are respectively sleeved between the fixing member and the positioning member.

7. The battery connector according to claim 1, wherein: The at least two guide pins and the guide sockets include a fastened state and a released state. In the fastened state, the at least two guide pins are fixed in the guide sockets. In the released state, the at least two guide pins can slide in the guide sockets.

8. The battery connector according to claim 7, wherein: Each of the guide pins comprises an outer guide rod and an inner guide rod inserted in the outer guide rod, and the inner guide rod moves relatively in the outer guide rod to place the guide pin and the guide insertion hole in the fastened state or the released state.

9. The battery connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: Each of the guide pins also includes a ball which is arranged on the outer guide rod and exposed on the outer surface of the guide pin. The ball is pushed outward by a fastening portion of the inner guide rod to press against the guide hole, so that the guide pin and the guide hole are in the fastened state. When the ball is located at a releasing portion of the inner guide rod to reduce the resistance to the guide hole, the guide pin and the guide hole are in the released state.

10. The battery connector according to claim 9, characterized in that: A ball receiving hole penetrating the outer guide rod is provided in the radial direction of the outer guide rod, the ball is arranged in the ball receiving hole, and is pushed by the inner guide rod to protrude from the ball receiving hole and engage the guide plug hole.

11. The battery connector according to claim 9, characterized in that: The fastening portion of the inner guide rod extends axially from the releasing portion, and a diameter of the releasing portion is smaller than a diameter of the fastening portion.

12. The battery connector according to claim 10, wherein: Each of the guide pins further comprises a spring and a C-shaped ring, wherein the spring is sleeved on the inner guide rod, and two ends of the spring respectively abut against the terminal fixing seat and the C-shaped ring.

13. The battery connector according to claim 12, wherein: Each of the guide pins further includes a washer, which is clamped between the spring and the C-shaped ring.

14. The battery connector according to claim 10, wherein: Each of the guide pins also includes a buckle ring, the outer guide rod is provided with a recessed area at the position of the ball receiving hole, the buckle ring is sleeved on the recessed area and has an opening radially therein, and the ball can be partially exposed outside the opening.

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