Connector, battery, energy storage system and electric device

Abstract

The present application is suitable for the technical field of electrics, and provides a connector, a battery, an energy storage system and an electric device. The energy storage system and the electric device each comprise a battery, the battery comprises a connector, the connector comprises a housing and a plurality of terminals, and the plurality of terminals are arranged in the housing in parallel. By arranging a plurality of parallel terminals in a housing of a connector, when in use, the connector allows current to flow through the plurality of terminals in parallel, to supply power to an electric device, that is, the connector can be powered by means of a plurality of branches. In this way, the connector can handle a large current, thereby achieving high-current power transmission.

Description

Connectors, batteries, energy storage systems and electrical equipment

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on January 24, 2024, with application number 202420175694.1 and application name “Connector, Battery, Energy Storage System and Electrical Equipment”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of electrical technology, and in particular to a connector, a battery, an energy storage system, and electrical equipment. Background Art

[0004] In the related art, a battery is usually provided with a connector so that the power of the battery can pass through the connector to power an electrical device.

[0005] In some cases, the connector has poor overcurrent capability and cannot carry large currents. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a connector, a battery, an energy storage system and an electrical device that can improve the problem of poor current carrying capacity of the connector.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in the embodiment of this application is:

[0008] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a connector, comprising:

[0009] case;

[0010] A plurality of terminals are arranged in parallel in the housing.

[0011] The connector provided in the embodiments of the present application has multiple terminals connected in parallel on its housing, so that when the connector is in use, current can flow through the multiple terminals in parallel to supply power to the electrical device. In other words, the connector can be powered through multiple branches. In this way, the connector can pass a relatively large current and achieve the effect of high-current power supply.

[0012] In some embodiments, the connector further includes a conductive connector that connects the plurality of terminals to connect the plurality of terminals in parallel.

[0013] By providing a conductive connector, multiple terminals are arranged in parallel, so that the connector can be energized through multiple branches to achieve the effect of large current energization.

[0014] In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive connector is greater than or equal to the sum of cross-sectional areas of the plurality of terminals.

[0015] By setting the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive connector to be greater than or equal to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the multiple terminals, the conductive connector has a larger current carrying capacity, and the current carrying capacity of the conductive connector is greater than or equal to the current carrying capacity of the multiple terminals. Therefore, the connector can be energized through multiple branches, allowing the connector to pass a larger current and achieve the effect of high current power supply.

[0016] In some embodiments, the conductive connector and the terminal surface are in contact and connected.

[0017] The conductive connector is in contact with the terminal surface, so that the connection between the conductive connector and the terminal has a larger current carrying capacity.

[0018] In some embodiments, the conductive connector and the terminal are both sheet-shaped, and a portion of the terminal and a portion of the conductive connector are sequentially distributed and connected along a thickness direction of the terminal.

[0019] In this way, the terminal and the conductive connector can achieve surface contact, and the conductive connector and the terminal have a larger contact area. In this way, the connection between the conductive connector and the terminal has a larger flow capacity, which is convenient for improving the flow capacity of the connector.

[0020] In some embodiments, the conductive connector and the terminal are provided separately or integrally.

[0021] Such an arrangement enables the conductive connector and the terminal to be formed separately, that is, the conductive connector and the terminal can be designed according to their respective needs, thereby facilitating improvement of the current carrying capacity of the connector.

[0022] Alternatively, it facilitates the molding of the connector.

[0023] In some embodiments, the conductive connector and the terminal are separately provided, and the conductive connector and the terminal are welded and / or riveted and / or bolted.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the separate connection between the conductive connector and the terminal is very simple, easy to implement, and very reliable.

[0025] In some embodiments, the conductive connectors and / or terminals are copper bars.

[0026] The conductive connector is designed as a copper bar, so that the conductive connector has a larger current carrying capacity, which facilitates the parallel connection of multiple terminals and improves the current carrying capacity of the connector.

[0027] The copper-bar design of the terminal allows the terminal to have a greater current-carrying capacity, thereby improving the current-carrying capacity of the connector.

[0028] In some embodiments, the conductive connector includes a first conductive portion and a plurality of second conductive portions, wherein the plurality of second conductive portions are spaced apart and arranged on the first conductive portion; each second conductive portion is correspondingly connected to each terminal.

[0029] Such an arrangement facilitates conduction between the conductive connector and the terminal.

[0030] In some embodiments, the terminal comprises:

[0031] A main body, disposed on the housing;

[0032] A plurality of elastic parts are spaced apart on the main body and are capable of elastic deformation.

[0033] By setting multiple elastic parts on the terminal, the connector can elastically abut against the conductive parts of the second connector through the elastic parts, which can improve the conduction reliability and stability between the terminal and the conductive parts of the second connector, that is, the reliability and stability of the docking conduction between the connector and the second connector can be improved.

[0034] In some embodiments, the housing is an insulating structure.

[0035] This arrangement enables the housing to provide insulation protection for the terminals.

[0036] In some embodiments, the terminal is provided with a barb, a slot is provided in the shell, and the barb is engaged in the slot; the shell is provided with a slot, at least part of the terminal is provided in the slot, and the slot is provided on the inner wall of the slot.

[0037] This arrangement enables the terminal to be fixed on the housing.

[0038] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery, comprising a connector for transmitting electrical energy of the battery.

[0039] The battery provided in the embodiment of the present application adopts the above-mentioned connector, so that the battery can achieve the effect of high current power supply.

[0040] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an energy storage system, including a control device and a battery, wherein the control device is electrically connected to a connector of the battery.

[0041] The energy storage system provided in the embodiment of the present application, by using the above-mentioned battery, enables the connector to achieve the effect of high current power transmission, which facilitates the energy storage system to provide high current power to the electrical equipment. In addition, the control device can control the battery to power the electrical equipment.

[0042] In some embodiments, there are multiple batteries, and the multiple batteries are electrically connected through a connector to form a battery assembly; the battery assembly has a total positive pole and a total negative pole, the control device is electrically connected to the total positive pole and the total negative pole, and the total positive pole and / or the total negative pole is a connector.

[0043] This arrangement enables the control device to control multiple batteries to supply power to electrical equipment.

[0044] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electrical device including a battery.

[0045] The electric device provided in the embodiment of the present application adopts the battery involved above, so that the battery of the electric device can provide a large current to the electric device.

[0046] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or exemplary technical descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0048] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0049] FIG2 is an exploded schematic diagram of a battery provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0050] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of an energy storage system provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0051] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a connector provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0052] FIG5 is a top view of the connector provided in FIG4 ;

[0053] FIG6 is a partial schematic diagram of a connector provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0054] Among them, the figure marks in the figure are: 1000-energy storage system; 2000-vehicle; 100-battery; 200-controller; 300-motor; 400-second connector; 500-control device; 10-connector; 101-first mounting hole; 102-second mounting hole; 103-slot; 11-housing; 12-terminal; 121-main body; 122-elastic part; 123-barb; 13-conductive connector; 131-first conductive part; 132-second conductive part; 14-fastener; 20-battery cell; 30-housing; 301-accommodation space; 31-first part; 32-second part; 40-positive electrode transmission end; 40a-total positive electrode; 50-negative electrode transmission end; 50a-total negative electrode; Z-first direction; Y-second direction; X-third direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The following describes in detail embodiments of the present application, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present application, and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0056] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0057] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or to implicitly indicate the quantity of the technical features indicated. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.

[0058] In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means more than two, and unless otherwise specifically defined, "more than two" includes two. Accordingly, "a plurality of groups" means more than two groups, including two groups.

[0059] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "installed," "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they may refer to internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0060] In the description of this application, the term "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists. In addition, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0061] Although the present application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications may be made thereto and components may be substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present application. In particular, the various technical features described in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as there are no structural conflicts. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but encompasses all technical solutions within the scope of the claims.

[0062] In related technologies, an energy storage system refers to a system used to store energy and power electrical devices. This system typically includes a battery with a connector for transmitting the battery's electrical energy. This allows the battery's electrical energy to pass through the connector and power the device.

[0063] In some cases, the connector can be connected to a control device external to the battery, such as a high-voltage box, main control box, or control cabinet. This allows the power-consuming device to be connected to the control device, allowing the control device to control the battery to power the device. Alternatively, in other cases, the connector can be connected to the power-consuming device, allowing the battery to power the device.

[0064] However, the current carrying capacity of the connector is poor and cannot realize high current power supply. Specifically, the connector is usually provided with only one branch, that is, the connector is powered only through a single branch, and the current carrying capacity is poor and cannot pass high current.

[0065] Based on the above considerations, embodiments of the present application provide a connector, a battery, an energy storage system, and an electrical device. By providing multiple parallel terminals on the connector housing, when the connector is in use, current can flow through the multiple terminals in parallel to power the electrical device. That is, the connector can be powered through multiple branches. This allows the connector to pass a relatively large current, achieving a high-current power supply effect.

[0066] In some embodiments, the connectors and batteries described in the embodiments of the present application can be used in energy storage systems that use batteries for energy storage, so that the batteries can power electrical devices. The energy storage system can be, but is not limited to, an energy storage container, an energy storage cabinet, etc.

[0067] In other embodiments, the connector and battery involved in the embodiments of the present application can be used in electrical equipment that uses a battery as a power source, so that the battery can power the electrical equipment.

[0068] The electrical equipment involved in the embodiments of the present application may be, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, electric tools, battery cars, vehicles, ships, spacecraft, and the like. Among them, electric toys may include fixed or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, and the like. Spacecraft may include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, and the like. According to the power source, vehicles may be fuel vehicles, gas vehicles, or new energy vehicles. New energy vehicles may be pure electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or extended-range vehicles, and the like. According to the drive mode, vehicles may be front-wheel drive vehicles, rear-wheel drive vehicles, or four-wheel drive vehicles.

[0069] The battery involved in the embodiments of the present application can be a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. When there are multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells are connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid manner through a busbar. Hybrid means that the multiple battery cells are connected in both series and parallel.

[0070] In some embodiments, the battery may be a battery module. Multiple battery cells are arranged and fixed to form a battery module. For example, the multiple battery cells may be fixed to form a battery module using cable ties or the like. For example, the multiple battery cells may also be fixed to form a battery module using end plates, side plates, or the like.

[0071] In other embodiments, the battery may be a battery pack, which may include a housing and battery cells. As an example, the battery cells may be directly housed in the housing. As an example, the battery cells may be first formed into a battery module and then housed in the housing.

[0072] The battery cells referred to in the embodiments of this application are the smallest units that store and output electrical energy. These cells can be secondary batteries or primary batteries. They can be, but are not limited to, metal batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-ion batteries, or magnesium-ion batteries. They can be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or other shapes.

[0073] For ease of description, the embodiments of the present application are described using a vehicle as an example of an electrical device.

[0074] In some embodiments, please refer to FIG1 , which is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 2000 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The interior of the vehicle 2000 is provided with the above-mentioned battery 100, and the battery 100 can be provided at the bottom, head, or tail of the vehicle 2000. The battery 100 can be used to power the vehicle 2000. For example, the battery 100 can serve as an operating power source for the vehicle 2000. The vehicle 2000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to power the motor 300, for example, for starting, navigating, and driving the vehicle 2000.

[0075] In some embodiments, the battery 100 can serve not only as an operating power source for the vehicle 2000 , but also as a driving power source for the vehicle 2000 , replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 2000 .

[0076] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2, which is an exploded view of a battery 100 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The battery 100 includes a housing 30 and a plurality of battery cells 20. The housing 30 has a structure with a storage space 301 therein and can adopt a variety of structures. In some embodiments, the housing 30 can include a first portion 31 and a second portion 32, which overlap each other and together define the storage space 301.

[0077] The first portion 31 can be a hollow structure with an opening at one end, and the second portion 32 can be a plate-like structure. The second portion 32 covers the open side of the first portion 31, so that the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 jointly define the aforementioned accommodation space 301. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 2 , the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 can both be hollow structures with an opening at one end, with the open side of the first portion 31 covering the open side of the second portion 32, so that the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 jointly define the aforementioned accommodation space 301.

[0078] The box body 30 composed of the first part 31 and the second part 32 can be in various shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, etc.

[0079] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2 , multiple battery cells 20 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection to form a whole, and then the whole formed by the multiple battery cells 20 may be directly accommodated in the aforementioned accommodation space 301 of the housing 30. In other embodiments, multiple battery cells 20 may also be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection first, and then arranged and fixed to form a battery module, and the battery module may be accommodated in the aforementioned accommodation space 301 of the housing 30. In still other embodiments, multiple battery cells 20 may also be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection first, and then arranged and fixed to form multiple battery modules, and then the multiple battery modules may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection to form a whole, and then accommodated in the aforementioned accommodation space 301 of the housing 30.

[0080] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an energy storage system 1000 provided in some embodiments of the present application. Battery 100 includes a connector 10, which is used to transmit power from battery 100 so that the power from battery 100 can pass through connector 10 to power a device.

[0081] Specifically, referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the battery 100 has a positive transmission terminal 40 and a negative transmission terminal 50 . The positive transmission terminal 40 and the negative transmission terminal 50 are respectively current transmission terminals of the battery 100 , and both the positive transmission terminal 40 and the negative transmission terminal 50 are used to transmit electrical energy from the battery 100 , specifically for outputting or inputting current. Of these, only the positive transmission terminal 40 may be the aforementioned connector 10 ; alternatively, only the negative transmission terminal 50 may be the aforementioned connector 10 ; alternatively, both the positive transmission terminal 40 and the negative transmission terminal 50 may be the aforementioned connector 10 .

[0082] Specifically, the battery 100 further includes a battery cell 20. The positive electrode transmission terminal 40 can be connected to the battery cell 20 through a copper bar, a copper busbar, etc., and the negative electrode transmission terminal 50 can be connected to the battery cell 20 through a copper bar, a copper busbar, etc.

[0083] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3 , the connector 10 provided in the present embodiment is configured to be used in conjunction with a second connector 400 . Specifically, the connector 10 is configured to be connected to and in contact with the second connector 400 . Alternatively, the connector 10 may be a female connector, in which case the second connector 400 is a male connector; alternatively, the connector 10 may be a male connector, in which case the second connector 400 is a female connector. This allows the connector 10 and the second connector 400 to be connected to and in contact with each other. The connector 10 and the second connector 400 may constitute a connector assembly.

[0084] When the battery 100 is applied to the vehicle 2000 , the connector 10 of the battery 100 may be connected to the controller 200 of the vehicle 2000 , so that the controller 200 may control the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300 and the like.

[0085] As an example, the positive transmission terminal 40 of the battery 100 is a connector 10, which is connected to a corresponding second connector 400, which is connected to the controller 200. The negative transmission terminal 50 of the battery 100 is a connector 10, which is connected to a corresponding second connector 400, which is connected to the controller 200. Based on this, the controller 200 and the battery 100 form a circuit, so that the controller 200 can control the battery 100 to power the motor 300, thereby realizing the operation of the vehicle 2000.

[0086] When the battery 100 is used in the energy storage system 1000, the connector 10 of the battery 100 can be connected to an electrical device so that the battery 100 can supply power to the electrical device. The connector 10 of the battery 100 can also be connected to the control device 500 so that the control device 500 can control the battery 100 to supply power to the electrical device. Specific examples of how the battery 100 is used in the energy storage system 1000 are described in the corresponding sections below and are not detailed here.

[0087] Please refer to Figures 4 to 6 in conjunction with the other accompanying drawings. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the connector 10 provided in some embodiments of the present application, and Figure 5 is a top view of the connector 10 provided in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a partial schematic diagram of the connector 10 provided in some embodiments of the present application, specifically a structural schematic diagram of the connector 10 provided in Figure 4 excluding the housing 11. The connector 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a housing 11 and a plurality of terminals 12, the plurality of terminals 12 being arranged in the housing 11, and the plurality of terminals 12 being arranged in parallel.

[0088] The housing 11 is an outer shell structure of the connector 10 and is used to mount the terminals 12 .

[0089] As an example, the housing 11 of the connector 10 can be mounted on the box 30 of the battery 100. Specifically, as shown in FIG5 , the housing 11 has a first mounting hole 101 through which the housing 11 is mounted on the box 30. The first mounting hole 101 is spaced apart from the terminal 12.

[0090] Terminal 12 is a conductive component of connector 10. Terminal 12 can be made of a metal such as silver-plated copper, zinc-plated copper, copper, aluminum, or iron. When connector 10 and second connector 400 are mated and connected, the conductive components of terminal 12 and second connector 400 mate and connect, achieving mating and connection between connectors 10 and 400.

[0091] As an example, the terminal 12 of the connector 10 can also be electrically connected to the battery cell 20 of the battery 100 through a copper bar, a copper busbar, etc., so that the connector 10 becomes the positive transmission terminal 40 or the negative transmission terminal 50 of the battery 100. Specifically, when the positive transmission terminal 40 and the negative transmission terminal 50 of the battery 100 are respectively the connector 10, the terminal 12 of the positive transmission terminal 40 is connected to the battery cell 20, and the terminal 12 of the negative transmission terminal 50 is also connected to the battery cell 20.

[0092] It should be noted that when connector 10 is in use, current flows through terminals 12 of connector 10. Each terminal 12 forms a branch circuit, which is used to pass current. The provision of multiple terminals 12 provides connector 10 with multiple branches arranged in parallel, allowing current to flow through multiple branches.

[0093] In some possible designs, as shown in Figure 6, the multiple terminals 12 are arranged at intervals. In other possible designs, the multiple terminals 12 are connected and arranged in sequence.

[0094] The connector 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application has multiple terminals 12 connected in parallel on the housing 11 of the connector 10. This allows current to flow in parallel through the multiple terminals 12 to power the electrical device when the connector 10 is in use. In other words, the connector 10 can be powered through multiple branches. This allows the connector 10 to pass a relatively large current and achieve high-current power transmission, making it suitable for high-voltage and high-current applications.

[0095] In addition, by arranging a plurality of terminals 12 in parallel, the connector 10 can be applied in applications where high voltage current is used, with a simple process, low cost, and easy implementation.

[0096] In some examples, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, there are two terminals 12, which are arranged in parallel on the housing 11. Based on this, the connector 10 has two branches for passing current, so that the connector 10 has a current capacity of more than 1000A.

[0097] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the material of the housing 11 can be, but is not limited to, plastic, so that the housing 11 is an insulating structure. At least a portion of the terminal 12 is disposed in the housing 11, so that the housing 11 can provide insulation protection for the terminal 12.

[0098] In some embodiments, please refer to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 together with other drawings. The connector 10 further includes a conductive connector 13 , which connects the plurality of terminals 12 to connect the plurality of terminals 12 in parallel.

[0099] The conductive connector 13 is a component with conductive capability, and can be made of metal materials such as silver-plated copper, zinc-plated copper, copper, aluminum, and iron.

[0100] The conductive connector 13 is connected to the terminal 12 so that the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 are electrically connected. The conductive connector 13 is connected to a plurality of terminals 12 so that the plurality of terminals 12 are arranged in parallel.

[0101] By providing the conductive connector 13, multiple terminals 12 are arranged in parallel, so that the connector 10 can be energized through multiple branches, thereby achieving the effect of large current flow. In addition, by providing the conductive connector 13 to connect multiple terminals 12 in parallel, the structure of the connector 10 can be very simple, low-cost, and easy to implement.

[0102] It should be noted that the conductive connector 13 can be electrically connected to the battery cell 20 of the battery 100 through a copper bar, copper busbar, etc., so that the connector 10 becomes the positive transmission end 40 or the negative transmission end 50 of the battery 100, thereby achieving an indirect connection between the terminal 12 and the battery cell 20. Specifically, when the positive transmission end 40 and the negative transmission end 50 of the battery 100 are respectively the connector 10, the conductive connector 13 at the positive transmission end 40 is electrically connected to the battery cell 20, and the conductive connector 13 at the negative transmission end 50 is also electrically connected to the battery cell 20.

[0103] The current can flow from the battery cell 20 to the conductive connector 13 at the positive transmission end 40 of the connector 10, and then flow to the multiple terminals 12 separately, that is, the terminals 12 receive the current from the conductive connector 13. The current can also flow to the multiple terminals 12 first, and then merge and flow to the conductive connector 13 at the negative transmission end 50 of the connector 10, that is, the conductive connector 13 receives the current from the terminals 12.

[0104] As an example, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the conductive connector 13 is provided with a second mounting hole 102, through which the conductive connector 13 can be connected to the copper bar, copper busbar, etc. of the battery 100. The second mounting hole 102 is spaced apart from the terminal 12, and the second mounting hole 102 is spaced apart from the first mounting hole 101, and the first mounting hole 101 is spaced apart from the conductive connector 13.

[0105] 4 , at least a portion of the conductive connector 13 is exposed outside the housing 11 so that the conductive connector 13 can be connected to a copper bar or busbar of the battery 100 . Specifically, the portion of the conductive connector 13 having the second mounting hole 102 is exposed outside the housing 11 .

[0106] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4 and 5 , of the terminals 12 and the conductive connectors 13, only the terminals 12 are fixed to the housing 11, while the conductive connectors 13 are fixed along with the terminals 12. Alternatively, in other embodiments, of the terminals 12 and the conductive connectors 13, only the conductive connectors 13 are fixed to the housing 11, while the terminals 12 are fixed along with the conductive connectors 13. Alternatively, in yet other embodiments, both the terminals 12 and the conductive connectors 13 are fixed to the housing 11.

[0107] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the terminal 12 is provided with a barb 123, and a slot is provided in the housing 11. When at least a portion of the terminal 12 is installed in the housing 11, the barb 123 of the terminal 12 is engaged with the slot of the housing 11 to secure the terminal 12 to the housing 11.

[0108] In some embodiments, the housing 11 is provided with a slot 103, and at least a portion of the terminal 12 is disposed in the slot 103, and a latching groove is disposed on an inner wall of the slot 103. Based on this, when the connector 10 and the second connector 400 are mated and connected, at least a portion of the second connector 400 can be inserted into the slot 103 to be mated and connected with the terminal 12.

[0109] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 in conjunction with other figures, the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive connector 13 is greater than or equal to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of terminals 12 .

[0110] It should be noted that the connector 10 is intended to be plugged into the second connector 400 along a first direction Z to achieve docking and electrical connection. The first direction Z is parallel to the Z-axis illustrated in Figures 4 and 6 . The cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive connector 13 refers to the area of ​​the cross section of the conductive connector 13 perpendicular to the first direction Z. The cross-sectional area of ​​the terminal 12 refers to the area of ​​the cross section of the terminal 12 perpendicular to the first direction Z.

[0111] The current in the connector 10 flows approximately along the first direction Z. As an example, as shown in FIG6 , the conductive connector 13 has the second mounting hole 102 , and the terminal 12 has an elastic portion 122 for docking and conducting with the second connector 400 . The second mounting hole 102 and the elastic portion 122 are distributed approximately along the first direction Z, so that the current in the connector 10 flows approximately along the first direction Z.

[0112] By setting the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive connector 13 to be greater than or equal to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the multiple terminals 12, the conductive connector 13 has a larger current capacity, and the current capacity of the conductive connector 13 is greater than or equal to the current capacity of the multiple terminals 12. In this way, current can flow from the battery cell 20 to the conductive connector 13, which is the positive transmission end 40 of the connector 10, and then flow to the multiple terminals 12 respectively, with each terminal 12 flowing a larger current. The current can also be combined from the multiple terminals 12 and flow to the conductive connector 13, which is the negative transmission end 50 of the connector 10, that is, the conductive connector 13 can be used to flow the combined current of the multiple terminals 12. Therefore, the connector 10 can be energized through multiple branches, so that the connector 10 can pass a larger current and achieve the effect of large current power supply, which can be applied to high-voltage and high-current applications.

[0113] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 6 and in conjunction with other figures, the conductive connector 13 may include a first conductive portion 131 and a plurality of second conductive portions 132 , with the plurality of second conductive portions 132 spaced apart and disposed on the first conductive portion 131 . Each second conductive portion 132 is connected to a corresponding terminal 12 to achieve electrical conduction.

[0114] The cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive connector 13 may include the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive connector 13 at the first conductive portion 131 and the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive connector 13 at the second conductive portion 132. The cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive connector 13 at the first conductive portion 131 refers to the area of ​​the cross section of the first conductive portion 131 perpendicular to the first direction Z. The cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive connector 13 at the second conductive portion 132 refers to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the multiple second conductive portions 132 perpendicular to the first direction Z.

[0115] As shown in Figure 6 , the plurality of terminals 12 are spaced apart along the second direction Y, and the plurality of second conductive portions 132 are spaced apart along the second direction Y. The second direction Y is parallel to the X axis of Figure 6 . The first direction Z and the second direction Y are perpendicular.

[0116] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 6 and other figures, the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 are in surface contact and connected to achieve electrical conduction between the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 .

[0117] The conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 are in surface contact, so that the connection between the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 has a large current carrying capacity. In this way, the terminal 12 can smoothly carry the large current of the conductive connector 13, and the conductive connector 13 can also smoothly carry the large current of the terminal 12, so that the current can flow smoothly between the terminal 12 and the conductive connector 13, thereby facilitating the power supply of the connector 10 through multiple branches, thereby improving the current carrying capacity of the connector 10.

[0118] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 6 and in conjunction with other figures, the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 are both sheet-shaped. Portions of the terminal 12 and portions of the conductive connector 13 are sequentially distributed along the thickness of the terminal 12 and connected to achieve electrical continuity between the terminal 12 and the conductive connector 13.

[0119] The conductive connecting member 13 is in a sheet shape, which means that the conductive connecting member 13 is substantially in a sheet-like structure. The terminal 12 is in a sheet shape, which means that the terminal 12 is substantially in a sheet-like structure.

[0120] The conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 are substantially parallel, which means that the thickness direction of the conductive connector 13 is substantially parallel to the thickness direction of the terminal 12. The thickness direction mentioned below, unless otherwise specified, can be considered as the thickness direction of the terminal 12 or the thickness direction of the conductive connector 13.

[0121] Part of the terminal 12 and part of the conductive connector 13 are distributed and connected in sequence along the thickness direction of the terminal 12, which means that part of one of the surfaces of the terminal 12 along the thickness direction and part of one of the surfaces of the conductive connector 13 along the thickness direction are stacked in sequence. Among them, one of the surfaces of the terminal 12 along the thickness direction is the largest surface of the terminal 12; one of the surfaces of the conductive connector 13 along the thickness direction is the largest surface of the conductive connector 13. In this way, surface contact can be achieved between the terminal 12 and the conductive connector 13, and there is a large contact area between the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12. In this way, the connection between the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 has a large current flow capacity, which is convenient for improving the current flow capacity of the connector 10.

[0122] It should be noted that the thickness direction of the terminal 12 and the thickness direction of the conductive connector 13 are the third direction X, which is parallel to the Y axis in Figure 5. The first direction Z is perpendicular to the third direction X, and the second direction Y is perpendicular to the third direction X.

[0123] In some embodiments, the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 are provided separately.

[0124] Such an arrangement allows the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 to be formed separately, that is, the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 can be designed according to their respective needs, thereby improving the current carrying capacity of the connector 10 .

[0125] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 are integrally provided.

[0126] Such an arrangement facilitates the molding of the connector 10 .

[0127] In some embodiments, referring to FIG6 and other figures, the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 are provided separately. The conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 are connected by at least one of welding, riveting, and bolting.

[0128] As an example, as shown in FIG6 , the connector 10 further includes a fastener 14 , which may be, but is not limited to, a bolt or a rivet. The fastener 14 is sequentially inserted through the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 to achieve a connection between the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 , thereby achieving electrical continuity between the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 . Specifically, when the fastener 14 is a bolt, the fastener 14 is used to achieve a bolted connection between the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 . When the fastener 14 is a rivet, the fastener 14 is used to achieve a riveted connection between the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 .

[0129] By adopting the above technical solution, the separate connection between the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 is very simple, easy to implement, and very reliable.

[0130] In some embodiments, please refer to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 in conjunction with other drawings. The conductive connector 13 is a copper bar; or the terminal 12 is a copper bar; or the conductive connector 13 and the terminal 12 are both copper bars.

[0131] Among them, the copper bar can be a bar made of pure copper material, or it can be a bar made of copper bar gold.

[0132] The conductive connector 13 is designed as a copper bar, so that the conductive connector 13 has a larger current carrying capacity, which facilitates the parallel connection of multiple terminals 12 and improves the current carrying capacity of the connector 10.

[0133] The terminal 12 is designed as a copper bar, so that the terminal 12 has a larger current-carrying capacity, thereby improving the current-carrying capacity of the connector 10 .

[0134] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4 to 6 in conjunction with other figures, the terminal 12 includes a main body 121 and a plurality of elastic portions 122. The main body 121 is disposed on the housing 11, and the plurality of elastic portions 122 are spaced apart and disposed on the main body 121. The elastic portions 122 are capable of elastic deformation.

[0135] The main body 121 is the main portion of the terminal 12. The elastic portion 122 is a component of the terminal 12 that elastically abuts against the conductive component of the second connector 400 to achieve electrical connection. The elastic portion 122 has elastic properties. Both the main body 121 and the elastic portion 122 are metal components and have electrical conductivity.

[0136] By providing the plurality of elastic portions 122 on the terminals 12, the connector 10 can elastically abut against the conductive components of the second connector 400 via the plurality of elastic portions 122, thereby achieving reliable electrical connection between the terminals 12 and the second connector 400. This improves the reliability and stability of electrical connection between the terminals 12 and the conductive components of the second connector 400, and thus improves the reliability and stability of electrical connection between the connector 10 and the second connector 400.

[0137] It should be supplemented here that the conductive connecting member 13 and the main body 121 are connected to achieve conduction.

[0138] It should be additionally explained here that the cross-sectional area of ​​the terminal 12 generally refers to the area of ​​the cross section of the main body 121 of the terminal 12 perpendicular to the first direction Z.

[0139] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4 to 6 in conjunction with other figures, the elastic portion 122 is exposed at one end of the housing 11 along the first direction Z to enable docking and electrical connection between the connector 10 and the second connector 400. At least a portion of the conductive connector 13 is exposed at the end of the housing 11 away from the elastic portion 122 along the first direction Z to facilitate connection of the conductive connector 13 to the positive electrode transmission terminal 40 or the negative electrode transmission terminal 50 of the battery 100.

[0140] Please refer to Figures 2 and 3 together with the other accompanying drawings. The battery 100 provided in this embodiment of the present application includes a connector 10, which is used to transmit electrical energy from the battery 100. The connector 10 in this embodiment is identical to the connector 10 in the previous embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the connector 10 in the previous embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0141] The second connector 400 is used to connect to the terminal 12 of the connector 10 so that the connector 10 and the second connector 400 can be connected to each other.

[0142] Specifically, the battery 100 has a positive electrode transmission terminal 40 and a negative electrode transmission terminal 50 , and at least one of the positive electrode transmission terminal 40 and the negative electrode transmission terminal 50 is the connector 10 .

[0143] The battery 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application adopts the connector 10 mentioned above, so that the battery 100 can achieve the effect of high current power supply.

[0144] As an example, the positive transmission terminal 40 of the battery 100 is a connector 10, which is connected to a corresponding second connector 400, which is connected to an electrical device. The negative transmission terminal 50 of the battery 100 is a connector 10, which is connected to a corresponding second connector 400, which is connected to an electrical device. In this manner, the battery 100 is connected to the electrical device via the connector 10 and the second connector 400, forming a circuit between the electrical device and the battery 100, allowing the battery 100 to power the electrical device via the connector 10.

[0145] 3 , the energy storage system 1000 provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a battery 100 and a control device 500. The battery 100 in this embodiment is the same as the battery 100 in the previous embodiment. For details, please refer to the relevant description of the battery 100 in the previous embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0146] The control device 500 is connected to the connector 10 of the battery 100 .

[0147] The control device 500 may be, but is not limited to, a main control box, a high-voltage box, a control cabinet, etc. having a power control function.

[0148] Specifically, the battery 100 has a positive transmission terminal 40 and a negative transmission terminal 50, and the control device 500 is electrically connected to the positive transmission terminal 40 and the negative transmission terminal 50, respectively. At least one of the positive transmission terminal 40 and the negative transmission terminal 50 is a connector 10, so that the control device 500 is connected to the connector 10 of the battery 100.

[0149] As an example, referring to FIG3 , the positive transmission terminal 40 and the negative transmission terminal 50 of the battery 100 are each a connector 10. The positive transmission terminal 40 of the battery 100 is connected to the corresponding second connector 400 to form a connector assembly, which is connected to the positive terminal of the control device 500. The negative transmission terminal 50 of the battery 100 is also connected to the corresponding second connector 400 to form a connector assembly, which is connected to the negative terminal of the control device 500.

[0150] Among them, the second connector 400 connected to the positive transmission end 40 and the positive pole of the control device 500 can also be connected through another connector component, and the second connector 400 connected to the negative transmission end 50 and the negative pole of the control device 500 can also be connected through another connector component.

[0151] In the energy storage system 1000 , the number of batteries 100 may be one or more.

[0152] The energy storage system 1000 provided in the embodiment of the present application utilizes the battery 100 described above, enabling the connector 10 to carry a large current, facilitating the energy storage system 1000 to provide a relatively high current to an electrical device. Furthermore, the electrical device can be connected to the control device 500, allowing the control device 500 to control the battery 100 to supply power to the electrical device.

[0153] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to FIG. 3 and other accompanying drawings. Multiple batteries 100 are provided, and the multiple batteries 100 are electrically connected via a connector 10 to form a battery assembly. The battery assembly comprises a total positive electrode 40a and a total negative electrode 50a, and a control device 500 is electrically connected to the total positive electrode 40a and the total negative electrode 50a. Only the total positive electrode 40a may be a connector 10; alternatively, only the total negative electrode 50a may be a connector 10; alternatively, both the total positive electrode 40a and the total negative electrode 50a may be a connector 10.

[0154] Multiple batteries 100 are electrically connected through the connector 10. Multiple batteries 100 can be connected in series, multiple batteries 100 can be connected in parallel, or multiple batteries 100 can form a mixed relationship of both series and parallel connections, so that multiple batteries 100 form a battery assembly.

[0155] Multiple batteries 100 are electrically connected via a connector 10, meaning that two adjacent batteries 100 are connected via at least the connector 10. As an example, the positive transmission terminal 40 of one of the two adjacent batteries 100 is connected to the negative transmission terminal 50 of the other battery 100 to achieve series connection of the two batteries 100, and at least one of the positive transmission terminal 40 and the negative transmission terminal 50 is a connector 10. As another example, as shown in FIG3 , the positive transmission terminal 40 of one of the two adjacent batteries 100 is connected to a corresponding second connector 400, and the negative transmission terminal 50 of the other battery 100 is connected to a corresponding second connector 400, and the second connectors 400 of the two batteries 100 are connected to achieve series connection of the two batteries 100.

[0156] In a battery assembly, when multiple batteries 100 are electrically connected, there is a battery 100 whose positive transmission terminal 40 is not electrically connected to other batteries 100, and the positive transmission terminal 40 of this battery 100 constitutes the total positive electrode 40a of the battery assembly; there is also a battery 100 whose negative transmission terminal 50 is not electrically connected to other batteries 100, and the negative transmission terminal 50 of this battery 100 constitutes the total negative electrode 50a of the battery assembly.

[0157] The total positive electrode 40 a is connected to the positive electrode of the control device 500 , and the total negative electrode 50 a is connected to the negative electrode of the control device 500 .

[0158] As an example, as shown in FIG3 , the total positive electrode 40a and the total negative electrode 50a are each a connector 10. The total positive electrode 40a is connected to the corresponding second connector 200, and the second connector 400 is connected to the positive electrode of the control device 500 via another connector assembly. The total negative electrode 50a is connected to the corresponding second connector 200, and the second connector 400 is connected to the negative electrode of the control device 500 via another connector assembly.

[0159] With this arrangement, the electrical device can be connected to the control device 500, so that the control device 500 can control multiple batteries 100 to power the electrical device. Through the arrangement of the connector 10, the control device 500 can control the batteries 100 to provide a larger current power supply to the electrical device.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 1 , the electric device provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a battery 100 , which is used to supply power to the electric device.

[0161] The electric device provided in the embodiment of the present application adopts the battery 100 mentioned above, so that the battery 100 of the electric device can provide a large current to the electric device.

[0162] As one embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, a connector 10 includes a housing 11, a conductive connector 13, and a plurality of terminals 12. The plurality of terminals 12 are spaced apart in the housing 11, and each terminal 12 is exposed outside the housing 11. The conductive connector 13 is connected to the plurality of terminals 12, so that the plurality of terminals 12 are arranged in parallel.

[0163] The above are merely optional embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A connector, wherein, Comprising: A housing; A plurality of terminals, which are arranged in parallel in the housing.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The connector further includes a conductive connection member, and the conductive connection member connects the plurality of terminals to parallelize the plurality of terminals.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The cross-sectional area of the conductive connection member is greater than or equal to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of terminals.

4. The connector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The conductive connection member is in surface contact with and connected to the terminal.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein, Both the conductive connection member and the terminal are sheet-shaped, and a part of the terminal and a part of the conductive connection member are sequentially distributed and connected along the thickness direction of the terminal.

6. The connector according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein, The conductive connection member and the terminal are separately provided or integrally provided.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein, The conductive connection member and the terminal are separately provided, and the conductive connection member and the terminal are welded and / or riveted and / or bolt-connected.

8. The connector according to any one of claims 2-7, wherein, The conductive connection member and / or the terminal is a copper bar.

9. The connector according to any one of claims 2-8, wherein, The conductive connection member includes a first conductive part and a plurality of second conductive parts, and the plurality of second conductive parts are spaced on the first conductive part; each of the second conductive parts is correspondingly connected to each of the terminals.

10. The connector according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The terminal includes: A main body part, which is arranged on the housing; A plurality of elastic parts, which are spaced on the main body part and can elastically deform.

11. The connector according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The housing is an insulating structure.

12. The connector according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein, The terminal is provided with barbs, and a clamping groove is arranged in the housing, and the barbs are clamped in the clamping groove; the housing is provided with a slot, at least a part of the terminal is arranged in the slot, and the clamping groove is arranged on the inner wall of the slot.

13. A battery, wherein, Comprising the connector according to any one of claims 1-12, and the connector is used for transmitting the electric energy of the battery.

14. An energy storage system, wherein, Comprising a control device and the battery according to claim 13, and the control device is electrically connected to the connector of the battery.

15. The energy storage system according to claim 14, wherein, The number of the batteries is multiple, and the multiple batteries are electrically connected through the connector to form a battery assembly; the battery assembly has a total positive electrode and a total negative electrode, the control device is electrically connected to the total positive electrode and the total negative electrode, and the total positive electrode and / or the total negative electrode is the connector.

16. An electrical device, wherein, Comprising the battery according to claim 13.

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