Connector and energy storage device

Abstract

A connector and an energy storage device. The connector (10) comprises a cable (11) and a connecting mechanism (12). The connecting mechanism (12) comprises: a housing (100); a switch assembly (200) at least partially accommodated in the housing (100); a plug (300) electrically connected to the switch assembly (200) and configured to mate with a socket (21), an end of the cable (11) being electrically connected to the switch assembly (200) so as to be electrically connected to the plug (300) via the switch assembly (200); and a control button (400) movably connected to the housing (100). The control button (400) moves relative to the housing (100) and has a conducting position (401) and a disconnecting position (402). In the conducting position (401), the switch assembly (200) is separated from the control button (400) to achieve electrical conduction; and in the disconnecting position (402), the switch assembly (200) is in contact with the control button (400) to achieve electrical disconnection. By providing the switch assembly (200) and the control button (400), when the connector (10) is inserted into or pulled out of the socket (21), the control button (400) is kept in the disconnecting position, such that a micro switch (220) is in an electrically disconnected state. This ensures that the connector (10) is inserted into or pulled out of the socket (21) without electricity, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the connector (10) in use.

Description

Connectors and energy storage devices

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 2024109049290, filed on July 8, 2024, entitled “Connector and Energy Storage Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of energy storage technology, and in particular to a connector and an energy storage device. Background Technology

[0004] Energy storage devices have broad development prospects and significant application value. In the future, with continuous technological advancements and market expansion, energy storage devices will be more widely used in various fields. Product certification bodies will increasingly standardize the functions of energy storage devices and related accessories, placing higher demands on product safety, feasibility, portability, ease of use of accessories, and reliability. Energy storage devices consist of battery packs and connectors. Battery packs mate with connectors via sockets, and multiple battery packs in an energy storage device are connected via connectors to form series, parallel, or mixed connections. Traditional connectors often suffer from deficiencies in reliability and safety.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] One of the technical problems addressed by this application is how to improve the reliability and safety of connectors.

[0007] A connector includes a cable and a connecting mechanism, the connecting mechanism comprising:

[0008] case;

[0009] The switch assembly is at least partially housed within the housing;

[0010] A plug, electrically connected to the switch assembly and used to mate with a socket, wherein the end of the cable is electrically connected to the switch assembly to be electrically connected to the plug via the switch assembly;

[0011] A control button is movably connected to the housing. The control button moves relative to the housing and has an on position and an off position. In the on position, the switch assembly is disengaged from the control button and electrically connected; in the off position, the switch assembly is in contact with the control button and electrically disconnected.

[0012] An energy storage device includes a battery pack and the aforementioned connector, wherein multiple battery packs are connected in series, parallel, or mixed configurations via the connector.

[0013] Details of one or more embodiments of this application are set forth in the following drawings and description. Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To better describe and illustrate embodiments and / or examples of the applications disclosed herein, reference may be made to one or more accompanying drawings. Additional details or examples used to describe the drawings should not be considered as limiting the scope of any of the disclosed applications, the embodiments and / or examples currently described, or the best mode of conduct of these applications as currently understood.

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of an energy storage device provided in one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a connector provided in one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connector shown in Figure 2 from another perspective.

[0018] Figure 4 is a partial exploded view of the connector shown in Figure 2.

[0019] Figure 5 is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of the connection mechanism in the connector shown in Figure 2 when the control button is in the off position.

[0020] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of Figure 5.

[0021] Figure 7 is a partial three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of Figure 5.

[0022] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional cross-sectional structure of Figure 5.

[0023] Figure 9 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the control button in the connector shown in Figure 2.

[0024] Figure 10 is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of the connection mechanism in the connector shown in Figure 2 when the control button is in the ON position.

[0025] Figure 11 is a partial three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of Figure 10.

[0026] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional cross-sectional structure of Figure 10.

[0027] Figure 13 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the positioning component in the connector shown in Figure 2. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional 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, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0030] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0034] Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, an embodiment of this application provides a connector 10 for connecting two adjacent battery packs 20, thereby enabling the transmission of electrical energy and signals between the two battery packs 20 through the connector 10. For example, the connector 10 can be inserted into the socket 21 of the battery pack 20, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the connector 10 and the battery pack 20. In fact, the connector 10 and the battery pack 20 can together form an energy storage device 30, that is, the energy storage device 30 includes the connector 10 and the battery pack 20, and the battery packs 20 can be connected in series, parallel, or mixed connections through the connector 10. The connector 10 includes a cable 11 and a connecting mechanism 12. The end of the cable 11 is connected to the connecting mechanism 12. For example, there are two connecting mechanisms 12, which are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the cable 11. One connecting mechanism 12 cooperates with the socket 21 of one battery pack 20, and the other connecting mechanism 12 cooperates with the socket 21 of the other battery pack 20, thereby enabling the connector 10 to be electrically connected to the two adjacent battery packs 20. The connection mechanism 12 includes a housing 100, a switch assembly 200, a plug 300, and a control button 400. The switch assembly 200 is at least partially housed within the housing 100. The plug 300 is electrically connected to the switch assembly 200 and is used to mate with a socket 21. The cable 11 is electrically connected to the switch assembly 200, such that the cable 11 is electrically connected to the plug 300 via the switch assembly 200. The control button 400 is movably connected to the housing 100 and has an on position 401 and an off position 402 relative to the housing 100. In the on position 401, the switch assembly 200 is disengaged from the control button 400 and is electrically connected. In the off position 402, the electrical connection between the switch assembly 200 and the control button 400 is broken.

[0035] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the switch assembly 200 includes a circuit board 210 and a micro switch 220. Both the circuit board 210 and the micro switch 220 are fixedly disposed within the receiving cavity 110 of the housing 100. The circuit board 210 and the micro switch 220 may be spaced apart and connected by wires. The plug 300 and the cable 11 are both disposed on the circuit board 210, allowing the plug 300 and the cable 11 to be electrically connected via the micro switch 220. That is, the micro switch 220 serves as the medium for the electrical connection between the plug 300 and the cable 11. When the micro switch 220 is electrically on, the plug 300 and the cable 11 can be electrically connected via the micro switch 220; when the micro switch 220 is electrically off, the plug 300 and the cable 11 cannot be electrically connected via the micro switch 220. For example, when the micro switch 220 is open, it cannot transmit communication signals and / or current, thus preventing the transmission of communication signals and / or current between the plug 300 and the cable 11; that is, the transmission of communication signals and / or current is disconnected. In this embodiment, when the micro switch 220 is open, it cannot transmit communication signals. At this time, for the two battery packs 20 connected by the connector 10, communication signals cannot be transmitted between the battery packs 20, preventing the transmission of current, voltage, and power between the two battery packs 20. Obviously, the connector 10 is in a de-energized state.

[0036] Referring to Figures 3, 4, 5, and 7, in some embodiments, the housing 100 forms a receiving cavity 110. The housing 100 may include a first housing and a second housing, which are detachably connected. This detachable connection eliminates interference, facilitating the assembly of the control button 400 with the housing 100. The switch assembly 200 can be entirely housed within the receiving cavity 110. A portion of the plug 300 can be located within the receiving cavity 110, while another portion can be located outside the receiving cavity 110 to mate with the socket 21. A countersunk hole 120 is recessed on the outer surface of the housing 100. A portion of the countersunk hole 120 is located within the first housing, and another portion can be located within the second housing. A through hole 130 is recessed on the bottom wall of the countersunk hole 120, connecting the outside to the receiving cavity 110. The diameter of the countersunk hole 120 is larger than the diameter of the through hole 130, so that the countersunk hole 120 and the through hole 130 together form a stepped hole. The housing 100 includes an annular boss 140, which forms the bottom wall surface of the countersunk hole 120. Specifically, the unrecessed portion of the bottom wall surface of the countersunk hole 120 is located on the annular boss 140, and the surface of the annular boss 140 forms the stepped surface of the stepped hole. The annular boss 140 is arranged around the through hole 130, and obviously, the stepped surface is also arranged around the through hole 130.

[0037] Referring to Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9, in some embodiments, the control button 400 is slidably connected to the housing 100. Alternatively, the control button 400 can be rotatably connected to the housing 100. The control button 400 may include a control body 410, which includes a first limiting member 411, a second limiting member 412, a connecting member 413, and an abutting member 414. The first limiting member 411 and the second limiting member 412 may be plate-like structures, and they may be spaced apart along their thickness direction. One end of the connecting member 413 is connected to the first limiting member 411, and the other end is connected to the second limiting member 412, meaning the connecting member 413 connects between the first limiting member 411 and the second limiting member 412. An annular gap 415 exists between the first limiting member 411 and the second limiting member 412, and this annular gap 415 surrounds the connecting member 413. After the control button 400 is assembled with the housing 100, the first limiting member 411 slides with the countersunk hole 120 and abuts against the annular boss 140. The connecting member 413 passes through the through hole 130. The second limiting member 412 is located in the receiving cavity 110 and abuts against the annular boss 140. The annular boss 140 slides with the annular gap 415, so that the annular boss 140 abuts between the first limiting member 411 and the second limiting member 412. Through the cooperation between the annular boss 140 and the annular gap 415, the annular boss 140 can limit the entire control button 400 along the thickness direction of the first limiting member 411, which can reduce the vibration generated by the control button 400 along the thickness direction of the first limiting member 411, thereby avoiding the control button 400 from getting stuck due to vibration during sliding, thereby improving the sliding accuracy and smoothness of the control button 400 relative to the housing 100. The user can apply force to the first limiting member 411, causing the entire control button 400 to slide back and forth relative to the housing 100 between the on position 401 and the off position 402.

[0038] The abutment 414 is connected to the second limiting member 412, and the abutment 414 and the second limiting member 412 are arranged at an angle, for example, the abutment 414 and the second limiting member 412 are perpendicular to each other, and the abutment 414 is located within the receiving cavity 110. The micro switch 220 includes a resilient pin 221, which is used to generate pressure against the abutment 414. Referring to Figures 6, 7 and 8, when the control button 400 moves to the off position 402, the resilient pin 221 generates pressure against the abutment 414, at which time the micro switch 220 is in an electrically off state. Referring to Figures 10, 11, and 12, when the control button 400 moves to the ON position 401, the abutment 414 disengages from the elastic pin 221, causing the abutment 414 and the elastic pin 221 to be spaced apart. Therefore, the abutment 414 stops exerting pressure on itself, and the micro switch 220 is in an electrically OFF state. Thus, the opening and closing of the micro switch 220 is achieved through the mutual contact or disengagement of the abutment 414 and the elastic pin 221.

[0039] Referring to Figures 6, 8, 9, and 12, in some embodiments, the housing 100 further includes a protrusion 150, which protrudes from the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 110 and can be cylindrical. The second limiting member 412 of the control button 400 includes a stop portion 4123. There can be two stop portions 4123, which are spaced apart from each other and have a certain elasticity. When no external force is applied to the stop portion 4123 and it is in a natural state, there is a first gap 4121 and a second gap 4122 that are interconnected between the two stop portions 4123. The width of the second gap 4122 is greater than the width of the first gap 4121. The first gap 4121 is located closer to the protrusion 150 than the second gap 4122. The cross-sectional dimension of the protrusion 150 is greater than the width of the first gap 4121. When the control button 400 moves to the off position 402, the elastic pin 221 of the micro switch 220 generates a contact force with the abutment 414. Therefore, the pressure exerted by the elastic pin 221 on the control button 400 is directed towards the protrusion 150. Due to the setting of the protrusion 150, the protrusion 150 abuts against the end of the stop part 4123, so that the control button 400 cannot be pushed away from the off position 402 under the action of the elastic pin 221 of the micro switch 220. This ensures that the control button 400 stays in the off position 402, and ensures that the micro switch 220 is in an electrically disconnected state.

[0040] Referring to Figures 6, 8, 9, and 12, when it is necessary to move the control button 400 from the off position 402 to the on position 401, a sufficiently large pushing force can be applied to the control button 400 so that the protrusion 150 overcomes the elastic force between the stop portions 4123, thereby causing the two stop portions 4123 to move away from each other and increase the gap. At this time, the width of the first gap 4121 and the second gap 4122 will increase, allowing the protrusion 150 to enter the widened first gap 4121, and then the protrusion 150 to enter the second gap 4122 through the first gap 4121. After the protrusion 150 enters the second gap 4122, the stop portion 4123 can return to its natural state. Through the cooperation of the protrusion 150 and the second gap 4122, the protrusion 150 can play a certain guiding role in the movement of the control button 400, thereby improving the movement accuracy of the control button 400 and preventing the control button 400 from wobbling.

[0041] Referring to Figures 6, 8, 9, and 12, it is clear that as the control button 400 moves from the ON position 401 to the OFF position 402, the protrusion 150 moves from the second gap 4122 towards the first gap 4121. When the protrusion 150 moves to the end of the first gap 4121, it overcomes the elasticity of the stop 4123 and exerts a resistance force on the two stop 4123, causing the two stop 4123 to move away from each other, thereby increasing the width of the first gap 4121 and ensuring that the protrusion 150 can move in the widened first gap 4121. When the protrusion 150 disengages from the first gap 4121, the stop 4123 returns to its natural state, and the protrusion 150 abuts against the end of the stop 4123 to prevent the control button 400 from disengaging from the OFF position 402. Therefore, by setting the protruding post 150 and the stop part 4123, the control button 400 can be effectively prevented from rebounding from the open position 402 under the action of the elastic pin 221 of the micro switch 220, ensuring the stability and reliability of the control button 400 staying in the open position 402, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the micro switch 220 in the open state.

[0042] Referring to Figures 7, 11, and 12, in some embodiments, the connecting mechanism 12 further includes a positioning component 500. The positioning component 500 is disposed on the housing 100 and is used for snap-fit ​​connection with the socket 21. When the control button 400 is in the ON position 401, the positioning component 500 abuts against the control button 400, thereby preventing the positioning component 500 from moving relative to the housing 100, ensuring that the positioning component 500 is snap-fit ​​connected with the socket 21. Under the interference of the positioning component 500, the plug 300 cannot be pulled out of the socket 21. In the OFF position 402, the positioning component 500 can move relative to the control button 400 and the housing 100, thereby releasing the snap-fit ​​connection between the positioning component 500 and the socket 21, allowing the plug 300 to be pulled out of the socket 21.

[0043] Referring to Figures 7, 11, and 12, the positioning assembly 500 may include an elastic element 540, a positioning portion 510, a rotating portion 520, and a pressing portion 530. The positioning portion 510, rotating portion 520, and pressing portion 530 can be integrally formed, so that they together form a lever. The positioning portion 510 can be understood as a resistance arm, the rotating portion 520 as a fulcrum, and the pressing portion 530 as a power arm. The elastic element 540 can be a spring, abutting between the pressing portion 530 and the housing 100. The elastic element 540 can generate elastic force on the pressing portion 530 along a direction perpendicular to the spacing between the first limiting member 411 and the second limiting member 412; that is, the elastic element 540 can abut against the pressing portion 530 along a thickness direction perpendicular to the first limiting member 411 and the second limiting member 412. A receiving hole can be provided on the pressing part 530, and the elastic member 540 can be at least partially accommodated in the receiving hole. By providing the receiving hole, the elastic member 540 can be effectively limited, preventing the elastic member 540 from bending and ensuring that the elastic force generated by the elastic member 540 is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the first limiting member 411. A mounting hole 160 is provided on the housing 100, which connects the receiving cavity 110 and the outside. The pressing part 530 is accommodated in the mounting hole 160, and the pressing part 530 can slide in the mounting hole 160 along the thickness direction perpendicular to the first limiting member 411.

[0044] Referring to Figure 2, a locking hole 22 can be provided on the socket 21, into which the positioning part 510 can extend. Alternatively, the locking hole 22 can be provided on the positioning part 510, and the protrusion on the socket 21 can extend into the locking hole 22. When the positioning part 510 extends into the locking hole 22 of the socket 21, the plug 300 cannot be pulled out of the socket 21 due to the interference between the positioning part 510 and the socket 21, thus preventing the entire connecting mechanism 12 from detaching from the socket 21. When pressure is applied to the pressing part 530, the pressing part 530 will drive the rotating part 520 to rotate relative to the housing 100, thereby causing the positioning part 510 to move away from the locking hole 22 of the socket 21 until it completely disengages from the locking hole 22. At this point, the interference between the positioning part 510 and the locking hole 22 can be eliminated, thereby pulling the plug 300 and the entire connecting mechanism 12 out of the socket 21. Under the elastic force of the elastic member 540, the pressing part 530 can automatically drive the positioning part 510 to engage with the locking hole 22 on the socket 21. When it is necessary to disengage the positioning part 510 from the locking hole 22, the user can apply pressure to the pressing part 530 so that the pressing part 530 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member 540 and thus drives the positioning part 510 to disengage from the locking hole 22.

[0045] Referring to Figures 7, 9, and 11, in some embodiments, the control button 400 further includes a support member 420 connected to the second limiting member 412, such that the support member 420 protrudes a certain height relative to the second limiting member 412 along the thickness direction. There can be two support members 420, spaced apart along the insertion / removal direction of the plug 300 relative to the socket 21. The pressing part 530 has a groove 531, which can be two in number, spaced apart, with a raised block 532 between the two grooves 531. When the control button 400 moves to the disconnect position 402, the two support members 420 respectively engage with two different grooves 531, and the raised block 532 of the pressing part 530 engages with the gap between the two support members 420, so that the support member 420 can slide in the groove 531 and the raised block 532 can slide in the gap between the two support members 420. At this time, a pressing force can be applied to the pressing part 530. The gap between the groove 531 and the two support members 420 provides clearance space for the movement of the support member 420 and the raised block 532, so that the pressing part 530 can drive the positioning part 510 to move to disengage the locking hole 22 on the socket 21, thereby allowing the plug 300 and the entire connection mechanism 12 to be pulled out of the socket 21. When the control button 400 is moved to the conduction position 401, the raised block 532 of the pressing part 530 can abut against one of the support members 420. The support member 420 will be located outside the groove 531. At this time, when pressing force is applied to the pressing part 530, the pressing part 530 cannot move due to the interference between the raised block 532 and the support member 420. Consequently, the pressing part 530 cannot drive the positioning part 510 to rotate to disengage from the locking hole 22 on the socket 21, so that the plug 300 and the entire connection mechanism 12 cannot be pulled out of the socket 21.

[0046] Chamfers can be provided on the raised block 532 and the support member 420. During the movement of the control button 400 from the off position 402 to the on position 401, the chamfers allow the support member 420 to exert a force perpendicular to the direction of movement of the control button 400 on the raised block 532 and the pressing part 530. This causes the raised block 532 to move away from the gap between the two support members 420, thus positioning it outside the gap. This allows the raised block 532 to abut against the support member 420 along a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the control button 400, preventing the pressing part 530 from moving under pressure and ensuring that the positioning part 510 engages with the locking hole 22 on the socket 21. Clearly, during the movement of the control button 400 from the on position 401 to the off position 402, as the raised block 532 gradually disengages from the support member 420 and is positioned within the gap between the two support members 420, the support member 420 engages with the groove 531.

[0047] The working principle of connector 10 is described below:

[0048] When it is necessary to insert the plug 300 of connector 10 into the socket 21 in battery pack 20, the control button 400 can be in the off position 402, thereby inserting the plug 300 into the socket 21 with the control button 400 in the off position 402. Since the control button 400 is in the off position 402, the micro switch 220 will be in the off state, the battery pack 20 will not be able to receive communication signals, and the cable 11 will not be able to conduct electricity with the plug 300 through the off micro switch 220. Therefore, the battery pack 20 will not be able to output current to connector 10, so connector 10 is in a de-energized state, that is, connector 10 is inserted into the socket 21 without being energized. After connector 10 is fully inserted into socket 21, control button 400 can be moved from the off position 402 to the on position 401, putting micro switch 220 on. Battery pack 20 will receive a communication signal, and cable 11 will be electrically connected to plug 300 through the on micro switch 220, allowing battery pack 20 to output current to connector 10. Connector 10 is energized, enabling current flow between battery packs 20. When it is necessary to remove the energized connector 10 from socket 21 in battery pack 20, control button 400 can first be moved from the on position 401 to the off position 402, changing micro switch 220 from on to off. Therefore, battery pack 20 will not output current to connector 10, and connector 10 is de-energized. After control button 400 is fully moved to the off position 402, connector 10 can be removed from socket 21, achieving de-energized removal of connector 10 from socket 21.

[0049] Given the positioning component 500, when the connector 10 is in normal working condition, it will be energized, i.e., the control button 400 is in the ON position 401 and the micro switch 220 is ON. At this time, the raised block 532 of the pressing part 530 abuts against the support member 420. Under the pressure, the pressing part 530 cannot move, thus preventing it from driving the positioning part 510 to rotate and disengage from the locking hole 22 on the socket 21. Consequently, the plug 300 and the entire connector 10 cannot be pulled out of the socket 21. Therefore, when the connector 10 is energized, the positioning component 500 prevents the connector 10 from being pulled out of the socket 21. In fact, when it is necessary to remove the energized connector 10 from the socket 21, the control button 400 must first be moved from the ON position 401 to the OFF position 402, so that the micro switch 220 is in the OFF state, that is, the connector 10 is in a de-energized state, and thus the de-energized connector 10 can be removed from the socket 21. Therefore, when it is necessary to remove the energized connector 10, the control button 400 must first be moved to the OFF position 402, so that the connector 10 is in a de-energized state before it can be removed. However, if the energized connector 10 is forcibly removed from the socket 21, due to the interference of the positioning component 500, the energized connector 10 will not be able to be removed from the socket 21. The control button 400 can be understood as a locking element of the positioning component 500. When the control button 400 is not moved to the disconnected position 402 to unlock, the positioning component 500 cannot disengage from the latch hole 22 of the socket 21. That is, the control button 400 locks the positioning component 500 when it is in the on position 401. The positioning component 500 can only be unlocked when the control button 400 is moved to the disconnected position 402.

[0050] If connector 10 is used without microswitch 220, current will flow through connector 10 the instant it is inserted into or removed from socket 21. This means connector 10 will be energized during insertion or removal, causing an electrical spark and affecting its safety. Simultaneously, the electrical spark generated during insertion or removal will damage the metal plating on the electrode surface of plug 300, which is designed to prevent oxidation and corrosion. Damage to the plating will lead to poor contact due to oxidation and corrosion, affecting the reliability and lifespan of connector 10. Furthermore, it will increase the contact resistance of plug 300, causing excessive heat to be generated during operation. This could result in overheating, damage, or even a safety hazard, further impacting the reliability and safety of connector 10.

[0051] Regarding the connector 10 in the above embodiments, by setting a micro switch 220 and a control button 400, during the insertion or removal of the connector 10 from the socket 21, the control button 400 is always in the off position 402, which keeps the micro switch 220 in an electrically disconnected state. This prevents the battery pack 20 from inputting current to the connector 10, and the connector 10 is in a de-energized state, meaning that the connector 10 is inserted or removed from the socket 21 without being energized. This eliminates electrical sparks generated during insertion or removal, thereby improving the safety of the connector 10. It also prevents electrical sparks from damaging the metal plating on the plug 300, avoiding poor contact between the plug 300 and the socket 21, thus improving the reliability and service life of the connector 10. It also prevents the plug 300 from experiencing increased contact resistance due to damage to the metal plating, preventing the connector 10 from being damaged due to overheating or even causing a safety accident, further improving the reliability and safety of the connector 10.

[0052] By setting the positioning component 500, even if the user makes an incorrect operation and tries to forcibly pull the live connector 10 out of the socket 21, the interference of the positioning component 500 will prevent the live connector 10 from being pulled out. The live connector 10 must first be converted into a non-live connector 10 before the interference of the positioning component 500 can be eliminated so that the non-live connector 10 can be pulled out. This further improves the reliability and safety of the connector 10.

[0053] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0054] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that, Includes cables and a connecting mechanism, the connecting mechanism comprising: case; The switch assembly is at least partially housed within the housing; A plug, electrically connected to the switch assembly and used to mate with a socket, wherein the end of the cable is electrically connected to the switch assembly to be electrically connected to the plug via the switch assembly; A control button is movably connected to the housing. The control button moves relative to the housing and has an on position and an off position. In the on position, the switch assembly is disengaged from the control button and electrically connected; in the off position, the switch assembly is in contact with the control button and electrically disconnected.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switch assembly includes a circuit board and a micro switch. The plug and the cable are both disposed on the circuit board and can be electrically connected through the micro switch. The micro switch is fixed on the housing. In the on position, the micro switch is disengaged from the control button and electrically connected; in the off position, the micro switch is electrically disconnected from the control button.

3. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control button is slidably connected to the housing.

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The housing forms a receiving cavity, and a countersunk hole is recessed on the outer surface of the housing. A through hole is recessed on the bottom wall of the countersunk hole, connecting the countersunk hole and the receiving cavity. The housing includes an annular boss forming the bottom wall of the countersunk hole and surrounding the through hole. The annular boss slides with the control button.

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control button includes a first limiting member, a second limiting member, a connecting member, and a stop member. The connecting member is connected between the first limiting member and the second limiting member. The stop member is connected to the connecting member. The first limiting member is slidably engaged with the countersunk hole. The annular boss is slidably engaged with the gap between the first limiting member and the second limiting member. The connecting member passes through the through hole. The stop member is used to abut against the switch assembly.

6. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The housing also includes a protruding post that protrudes from the inner wall of the accommodating cavity; the control button includes two spaced-apart and elastically elastic stop portions, with a first gap and a second gap communicating between the two stop portions, the first gap being closer to the protruding post than the second gap, and in the natural state, the cross-sectional dimension of the protruding post being larger than the width of the first gap and smaller than the width of the second gap, and in the disconnected position, the protruding post being located outside the first gap and abutting against the stop portion; In the conductive position, the protrusion can enter the second gap through the first gap.

7. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting mechanism further includes a positioning component, which is disposed on the housing and used for snap-fit ​​connection with the socket. In the open position, the positioning component abuts against the control button and cannot move relative to the housing and is snap-fit ​​connected with the socket. In the closed position, the positioning component can move relative to the control button and the housing to release the snap-fit ​​connection with the socket.

8. The connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The positioning component includes an elastic element, a positioning part, a rotating part, and a pressing part. The rotating part is connected to the positioning part and the pressing part bracket and is rotatably connected to the housing. The positioning part is used to snap-fit ​​with the socket. The elastic element abuts between the housing and the pressing part. The housing has a mounting hole that communicates with the outside. The pressing part slides with the mounting hole and can abut against the control button.

9. The connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control button includes a control body and a support member. The support member protrudes from the control body, and the control body is movably connected to the housing. The pressing part has a groove. In the open position, the support member abuts against the pressing part. In the closed position, the support member slides into the groove.

10. An energy storage device, characterized in that, Includes a battery pack and a connector as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein multiple battery packs are connected in series, parallel or mixed via the connector.

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