Patent Description:
With the development of new energy vehicles, fast assembly and disassembly of batteries are implemented by locking batteries using locking apparatuses.

In the prior art, locking apparatuses occupy a relatively large installation space, thus having relatively high requirements on installation conditions. The prior art document <CIT> shows a panel fastener device with locking features.

The objective of this application is to provide a locking apparatus, a connecting structure, and an electric device. The locking apparatus requires a smaller installation space and therefore is suitable for different installation environments.

This application is implemented through following technical solutions:.

According to a first aspect, this application provides a locking apparatus, including:.

According to the locking apparatus in the embodiments of this application, in an initial state, the sleeve is joined with the restraint member under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member and the restraint member is configured to circumferentially lock the sleeve when being joined with the sleeve. The restraint member being joined prevents the sleeve from departing from the housing in the direction leaving the first wall so that the sleeve and the bolt are limited inside the housing. To connect the bolt with a nut, the sleeve and the bolt are driven to move towards the first wall relative to the housing in the axial direction so that the sleeve departs from the restraint member, and then the sleeve and the bolt are rotated so as to connect the bolt and the nut. After the bolt is connected with the nut, the rotating force applied on the sleeve is removed, and the sleeve moves in the axial direction relative to the bolt under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member until being joined with the restraint member so that the sleeve is circumferentially locked by the restraint member. Because the sleeve and the bolt are circumferentially locked, the bolt is circumferentially locked. In the prior art, the elastic member is arranged between a flange face of the bolt and the sleeve, making the locking apparatus have a large size in the axial direction and thus occupy a large installation space. In the embodiments of this application, however, because the elastic member is arranged between the first wall and the sleeve, the space in the axial direction in the housing is properly utilized, which reduces the size of the bolt in the axial direction, so that the size of the locking apparatus in the axial direction can be designed to be smaller, thereby reducing the installation space occupied so as to adapt to different installation conditions.

According to some embodiments of this application, the bolt includes a threaded portion, a first transmission portion, and a locking portion which are arranged in sequence in the axial direction, where the first transmission portion and the sleeve are in transmission fit, the locking portion and the sleeve are in circumferential lock fit, and a cross-sectional area of the first transmission portion is greater than that of the locking portion.

In the above solution, the bolt is connected with the nut via the threaded portion, which facilitates the ease of assembly and disassembly. With the first transmission portion being in transmission fit with the sleeve and the cross-sectional area of the first transmission portion being greater than that of the locking portion, the first transmission portion can bear a greater maximum torque than the locking portion, increasing the maximum torque bearable by the bolt and thereby ensuring firm connection between the locking apparatus and the nut. As the locking portion and the sleeve are in circumferential lock fit, the sleeve can prevent the bolt from becoming loose; and when the sleeve is circumferentially locked, the sleeve can restrain rotation of the bolt.

According to some embodiments of this application, the sleeve includes a sleeve body and a first flange extending from one end of the sleeve body in the radial direction, where the sleeve body fits around the locking portion and is in circumferential lock fit with the locking portion, the first flange is provided with a second transmission portion corresponding to the first transmission portion, the second transmission portion is configured to be in transmission fit with the first transmission portion, and the elastic member abuts against the first flange.

In the above solution, the first flange is arranged on one end of the sleeve body, which not only facilitates abutting against the elastic member to bear the elastic force applied by the elastic member, but also facilitates arranging the second transmission portion to achieve the fit with the first transmission potion, ensuring a stable transmission fit between the sleeve and the bolt.

According to some embodiments of this application, the bolt further includes a second flange, the second flange is opposite the first flange in the axial direction, the threaded portion and the locking portion are located on two sides of the second flange, and the first transmission portion is arranged on the second flange.

In the above solution, the second flange being opposite the first flange in the axial direction helps the fit between the first transmission portion and the second transmission portion; and the threaded portion and the locking portion being located on two sides of the second flange makes the second flange closer to the first wall while sufficient length of the threaded portion is guaranteed. Due to the transmission fit between the first transmission portion and the second transmission portion, the second flange being closer to the first wall can reduce the distance between the sleeve and the first wall and reduce the size of the bolt in the axial direction, thereby reducing the size of the locking apparatus in the axial direction and reducing the installation space occupied.

According to some embodiments of this application, one of the first transmission portion and the second transmission portion is a protrusion and the other is a depression matching the protrusion in shape.

In the above solution, the fit between the protrusion and the depression makes a relatively large contact area between the first transmission portion and the second transmission portion, ensuring a stable fit between the first transmission portion and the second transmission portion.

According to some embodiments of this application, the first transmission portion and the second transmission portion are in spline fit.

In the above solution, the spline fit offers a good bearing capacity and allows the first transmission portion and the second transmission portion to move relatively in the axial direction. After the bolt is connected with the nut, the sleeve can depart from the first transmission portion under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member to be joined with the restraint member, thus circumferentially locking the bolt.

According to some embodiments of this application, an outer peripheral surface of the sleeve body is a polygonal cylindrical surface.

In the above solution, the polygonal cylindrical surface facilitates the cooperation with a tool and helps the transfer of dynamic force, so as to rotate the sleeve and the bolt to achieve connection fit between the bolt and the nut, thereby increasing the assembly efficiency and facilitating the ease of manufacturing.

According to some embodiments of this application, an inner peripheral surface of the sleeve body and an outer peripheral surface of the locking portion are both polygonal cylindrical surfaces.

In the above solution, the fit between the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve body and the outer peripheral surface of the locking portion through polygonal cylindrical surfaces can increase friction between the sleeve body and the locking portion, thereby producing good effect of circumferential lock and facilitating the ease of manufacturing.

According to some embodiments of this application, the sleeve is provided with a plurality of first cogs distributed along the circumferential direction, and the restraint member is provided with a plurality of second cogs distributed along the circumferential direction, where the plurality of second cogs are configured to be engaged with the plurality of first cogs to circumferentially lock the sleeve.

In the above solution, with the first cogs being engaged with the second cogs, a simple structure is presented to effectively prevent the sleeve from rotating relative to the restraint member, thereby producing good effect of circumferential lock.

According to some embodiments of this application, the housing further includes a second wall arranged around the first wall, one end of the second wall being connected to an edge of the first wall and the other end of the second wall defining a second opening opposite the first wall, where the restraint member is arranged at the second opening.

In the above solution, the second wall and the first wall define the inner space of the housing and the end of the second wall away from the first wall defines the second opening, so that the sleeve and the elastic member can be placed inside the housing.

According to some embodiments of this application, an outer peripheral surface of the restraint member is provided with a plurality of third cogs distributed along the circumferential direction, and an inner surface of the second wall is provided with a plurality of fourth cogs distributed along the circumferential direction, where the plurality of third cogs are engaged with the plurality of fourth cogs to circumferentially lock the restraint member.

In the above solution, with the third cogs being engaged with the fourth cogs, a simple structure is presented to effectively restrain rotation of the restraint member relative to the housing, guaranteeing the circumferential lock of the restraint member.

According to some embodiments of this application, the inner surface of the second wall is provided with a step face and the locking apparatus further includes a circlip, where a side of the restraint member facing the first wall abuts against the step face and a side of the restraint member facing away from the first wall abuts against the circlip, so as to axially lock the restraint member.

In the above solution, cooperation of the step face and the circlip can restrain the restraint member from moving in the axial direction. In addition, as it is easy to mount and remove the circlip, the efficiency of assembly and repair can be improved while the presence of axial limit is guaranteed.

According to a second aspect, this application further provides a connecting structure, including:.

According to the connecting structure of the embodiments of this application, the connection fit between the bolt of the locking apparatus and the nut allows the second substrate to be locked to the first substrate, which facilitates the ease of assembly and disassembly, thereby increasing the efficiency of assembly and repair.

According to some embodiments of this application, the second substrate is provided with an accommodating cavity, the housing of the locking apparatus is arranged inside the accommodating cavity, an inner wall of the accommodating cavity is provided with a through hole, and the housing further includes a boss, where the boss is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the first wall and arranged around the first opening and the boss is inserted in the through hole and in interference fit with the through hole.

In the above solution, with the boss inserted into the through hole in the inner wall of the accommodating cavity and being in interference fit with the through hole, a connection area between the housing and the second substrate is increased so as to guarantee the connecting strength between the housing and the second substrate.

According to some embodiments of this application, an outer peripheral surface of the boss is provided with a plurality of fifth cogs distributed along the circumferential direction.

In the above solution, the plurality of fifth cogs being in interference fit with the through hole provides a good anti-rotation effect and increases the connecting strength between the housing and the second substrate.

According to some embodiments of this application, the housing is rectangular and the accommodating cavity matches the housing in shape.

In the above solution, the rectangular shape can prevent the housing from rotating relative to the second substrate, providing a good anti-rotation effect.

According the third aspect, this application further provides an electric device, including:.

The foregoing description is merely an overview of the technical solution of this application. For a better understanding of the technical means in this application such that they can be implemented according to the content of the specification, and to make the above and other objectives, features and advantages of this application more obvious and easier to understand, the following describes specific embodiments of this application.

To describe the technical solutions in the examples of this application more clearly, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings required for describing the examples of this application. It will be apparent that the accompanying drawings in the following descriptions show merely some examples of this application, and persons of ordinary skill in the art may still derive other drawings from the accompanying drawings without creative efforts.

The accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale.

Reference signs are described as follows: <NUM>. locking apparatus; <NUM>. housing; <NUM>. first wall; <NUM>. first opening; <NUM>. second wall; <NUM>. second opening; <NUM>. step face; <NUM>. first groove; <NUM>. second groove; <NUM>. boss; <NUM>. fifth cog; <NUM>. bolt; <NUM>. threaded portion; <NUM>. first transmission portion; <NUM>. locking portion; <NUM>. second flange; <NUM>. sleeve; <NUM>. sleeve body; <NUM>. first flange; <NUM>. second transmission portion; <NUM>. first cog; <NUM>. restraint member; <NUM>. second cog; <NUM>. third cog; <NUM>. elastic member; <NUM>. circlip; <NUM>. circlip body; <NUM>. circlip ear; <NUM>. first substrate; <NUM>. second substrate; <NUM>. accommodating cavity; <NUM>. through hole; <NUM>. nut; <NUM>. threaded fastener; and <NUM>. connecting structure.

The following describes in detail the embodiments of technical solutions of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are merely intended for a clearer description of the technical solutions of this application and therefore are used as just examples which do not constitute any limitations on the protection scope of this application.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein shall have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application relates. The terms used herein are intended to merely describe the specific embodiments rather than to limit this application. The terms "include", "comprise", and "have" and any other variations thereof in the specification, claims and brief description of drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first", "second" and the like are merely intended to distinguish between different objects, and shall not be understood as any indication or implication of relative importance or any implicit indication of the number, sequence or primary-secondary relationship of the technical features indicated. In the descriptions of this application, "a plurality of" means at least two unless otherwise specifically stated.

In this specification, reference to "embodiment" means that specific features, structures or characteristics described with reference to the embodiment may be incorporated in at least one embodiment of this application. The word "embodiment" appearing in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or an independent or alternative embodiment that is exclusive of other embodiments. It is explicitly or implicitly understood by persons skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "and/or" is only an associative relationship for describing associated obj ects, indicating that three relationships may be present. For example, A and/or B may indicate the following three cases: presence of only A, presence of both A and B, and presence of only B. In addition, the character "/" in this specification generally indicates an "or" relationship between contextually associated objects.

In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "a plurality of" means more than two (inclusive). Similarly, "a plurality of groups" means more than two (inclusive) groups, and "a plurality of pieces" means more than two (inclusive) pieces.

In the description of the embodiments of this application, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by the technical terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "perpendicular", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", " radial", "circumferential", and the like are based on the orientations or positional relationships as shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are merely for ease and brevity of description of the embodiments of this application rather than indicating or implying that the apparatuses or components mentioned must have specific orientations or must be constructed or manipulated according to specific orientations, and therefore shall not be construed as any limitations on embodiments of this application.

In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified and defined explicitly, the terms "mount", "connect", "join", and "fasten" should be understood in their general senses. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection, may refer to a mechanical connection or electrical connection, any may refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or an interaction between two elements. Persons of ordinary skill in the art can understand specific meanings of these terms in this application as appropriate to specific situations.

Currently, during the assembly of new energy vehicles, a fast-changing connecting structure is often used to improve the efficiency of assembly and repair. For example, batteries are typically fixed on cars by using locking apparatuses.

In the prior art, locking apparatuses occupy a relatively large installation space, thus having relatively high requirements on installation conditions. The inventors have noticed that the factor causing a locking apparatus to occupy a relatively large installation space is the large size of a bolt in the axial direction. A further study finds that the bolt of a locking apparatus is provided with a flange face protruding in a radial direction, where the flange face is opposite a sleeve in the axial direction, and an elastic member inside a housing of the locking apparatus is arranged between the flange face of the bolt and the sleeve, leaving a large distance between the flange face of the bolt and the sleeve, which makes the bolt have a large size in the axial direction and makes a large distance between the sleeve and the threaded portion of the bolt, thereby making the locking apparatus have a large size in the axial direction and causing the locking apparatus to occupy a large installation space and therefore have higher requirements on installation conditions.

In view of this, to resolve the problem that locking apparatuses occupy a large installation space and high requirements on installation conditions, the inventors have designed a locking apparatus after an in-depth study, where the locking apparatus includes a housing, a bolt, a sleeve, a restraint member, and an elastic member. The housing includes a first wall, where the first wall is provided with a first opening. The bolt is arranged inside the housing and penetrates out of the first opening. The sleeve is arranged inside the housing and fits around the bolt, where the sleeve and the bolt are circumferentially locked and relatively movable in an axial direction. The restraint member is fixed at the housing and configured to prevent the sleeve from departing from the housing in a direction leaving the first wall. The elastic member is arranged inside the housing and configured to apply an axial elastic force on the sleeve such that the sleeve and the restraint member are joined, where the restraint member circumferentially locks the sleeve when being joined with the sleeve. Two ends of the elastic member respectively abut against the first wall and the sleeve.

In such locking apparatus, in an initial state, the sleeve is joined with the restraint member under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member and the restraint member is configured to circumferentially lock the sleeve when being joined with the sleeve. The restraint member being joined prevents the sleeve from departing from the housing in the direction leaving the first wall so that the sleeve and the bolt are limited inside the housing. To connect the bolt with a nut, the sleeve and the bolt are driven to move towards the first wall relative to the housing in the axial direction, so that the sleeve departs from the restraint member. After the sleeve has departed from the restraint member, the sleeve and bolt are rotated so as to connect the bolt and the nut. After the bolt is connected with the nut, the force applied on the sleeve is removed, and the sleeve moves in the axial direction under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member until being joined with the restraint member so that the restraint member circumferentially locks the sleeve. Because the sleeve and the bolt are circumferentially locked, the bolt is circumferentially locked.

Because the two ends of the elastic member respectively abut against the first wall and the sleeve, the distance between the sleeve and the first wall is reduced, so that the inner space of the housing is properly utilized, which can reduce the size of the bolt in the axial direction, so that the size of the locking apparatus in the axial direction can be designed to be smaller, thereby reducing the installation space occupied so as to adapt to different installation conditions.

The embodiments of this application provide a locking apparatus. The locking apparatus can be used for, without limitation, the assembly of vehicles, for example, the assembly of batteries and car bodies of new energy vehicles, and can also be used for the assembly of any other two components requiring connection.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> is an exploded view of a locking apparatus <NUM> according to some embodiments of this application and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the locking apparatus <NUM> according to some embodiments of this application. According to some embodiments of this application, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, this application provides a locking apparatus <NUM> including a housing <NUM>, a bolt <NUM>, a housing <NUM>, a restraint member <NUM>, and an elastic member <NUM>. The housing <NUM> includes a first wall <NUM>, where the first wall <NUM> is provided with a first opening <NUM>. The bolt <NUM> is arranged inside the housing <NUM> and penetrates out of the first opening <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> is arranged inside the housing <NUM> and fits around the bolt <NUM>, where the sleeve <NUM> and the bolt <NUM> are circumferentially locked and relatively movable in an axial direction. The restraint member <NUM> is fixed on the housing <NUM>, where the restraint member <NUM> is configured to restrain the sleeve <NUM> from departing from the housing <NUM> in a direction leaving the first wall <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> is arranged inside the housing <NUM>, where the elastic member <NUM> is configured to apply an axial elastic force on the sleeve <NUM> such that the sleeve <NUM> and the restraint member <NUM> are joined, and the restraint member <NUM> is configured to circumferentially lock the sleeve <NUM> when being joined with the sleeve <NUM>.

It should be noted that because the sleeve <NUM> fits around the bolt <NUM> and the bolt <NUM> is so arranged as to run through the first opening <NUM>, the axis of the sleeve <NUM> coincides with that of the bolt <NUM>, and the axis of the bolt <NUM> coincides with that of the first opening <NUM>. Therefore, for the ease of description, the circumferential direction mentioned in the embodiments of this application is a circumferential direction of the bolt <NUM>, the axial direction mentioned is an axial direction of the bolt <NUM>, and the radial direction mentioned is a radial direction of the bolt <NUM>. Being circumferentially locked means that circumferential rotation is restrained, for example, two mutually-fitting components are restrained from circumferentially rotating relative to each other. Being axially locked means that the position of a component is limited in the axial direction, so that the component is restrained from moving in the axial direction.

The first wall <NUM> is a component constituting the housing <NUM> and has some thickness.

The bolt <NUM> penetrating out of the first opening <NUM> means that most of the bolt <NUM> is located inside the housing <NUM> with an end part of one end of the bolt <NUM> penetrating out of the housing <NUM> from the first opening <NUM>.

With the sleeve <NUM> fitting around the bolt <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> and the bolt <NUM> circumferentially locked, the fit between the sleeve <NUM> and the bolt <NUM> can limit rotation of the bolt <NUM> in the circumferential direction relative to the sleeve <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> and the bolt <NUM> being relatively movable in the axial direction means that the sleeve <NUM> can move in the axial direction relative to the bolt <NUM>. When the sleeve <NUM> has overcome the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM> and moves towards the first wall <NUM>, a joining area between the sleeve <NUM> and the restraint member <NUM> grows gradually smaller and after the sleeve <NUM> departs from the restraint member <NUM>, the sleeve <NUM> can circumferentially rotate relative to the elastic member <NUM>, thus removing the circumferential lock on the sleeve <NUM>.

The restraint member <NUM> being fixed on the housing <NUM> means that the restraint member <NUM> has a fixed position relative to the housing <NUM>. For example, the restraint member can be fixed on the housing <NUM> via a detachable component, and when the detachable component is detached, the restraint member <NUM> can be separated from the housing <NUM>. The restraint member <NUM> is configured to prevent the sleeve <NUM> from departing from the housing <NUM> in the direction leaving the first wall <NUM>, the restraint member <NUM> applies a blocking force on a side of the sleeve <NUM> facing away from the first wall <NUM>, and the restraint member <NUM> may be arranged on the side of the sleeve <NUM> facing away from the first wall <NUM>.

The elastic member <NUM> fits around the outside of the bolt <NUM> and two ends of the elastic member <NUM> respectively abut against the first wall <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM>, where the elastic member <NUM> is located on the side of the sleeve <NUM> facing the first wall <NUM> and is, together with the restraint member <NUM>, configured to prevent the sleeve <NUM> from departing from the housing <NUM> in the direction leaving the first wall <NUM>. Thus, the elastic member <NUM> and the restraint member <NUM> together limit the sleeve <NUM> in the axial direction.

According to the locking apparatus <NUM> in the embodiments of this application, in an initial state, the sleeve <NUM> is joined with the restraint member <NUM> under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM> and the restraint member <NUM> is configured to circumferentially lock the sleeve <NUM> when being joined with the sleeve <NUM>. The restraint member <NUM> being jointed prevents the sleeve <NUM> from departing from the housing <NUM> in the direction leaving the first wall <NUM> so that the sleeve <NUM> and bolt <NUM> are limited inside the housing <NUM>. To connect the bolt <NUM> with a nut, the sleeve <NUM> and the bolt <NUM> are driven to move towards the first wall <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> in the axial direction, and the sleeve <NUM> presses against the elastic member <NUM> so that the sleeve <NUM> gradually approaches the first wall <NUM>, and when the sleeve <NUM> departs from the restraint member <NUM>, the bolt <NUM> comes into contact with the nut, and the sleeve <NUM> and bolt <NUM> are rotated so as to connect the bolt <NUM> and the nut. After the bolt <NUM> is connected with the nut, the rotating force applied on the sleeve <NUM> is removed, and the sleeve <NUM> moves in the axial direction relative to the bolt <NUM> under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM> until being joined with the restraint member <NUM> so that the sleeve <NUM> is circumferentially locked by the restraint member <NUM>. Because the sleeve <NUM> and the bolt <NUM> are circumferentially locked, the bolt <NUM> is circumferentially locked. In the prior art, the elastic member <NUM> is arranged between a flange face of the bolt <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM>, making the locking apparatus <NUM> have a large size in the axial direction and thus occupy a large installation space. In the embodiments of this application, however, because the elastic member <NUM> is arranged between the first wall <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM>, the distance between the sleeve <NUM> and the first wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is reduced, and the space in the axial direction in the housing <NUM> is properly utilized, which reduces the size of the bolt <NUM> in the axial direction so that the size of the locking apparatus <NUM> in the axial direction can be designed to be smaller, thereby reducing the installation space occupied so as to adapt to different installation conditions.

Referring to <FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of a locking apparatus according to some embodiments of this application with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, as shown in <FIG>, the bolt <NUM> includes a threaded portion <NUM>, a first transmission portion <NUM>, and a locking portion <NUM> which are arranged in sequence in the axial direction, where the first transmission portion <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> are in transmission fit, the locking portion <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> are in circumferential lock fit, and a cross-sectional area of the first transmission portion <NUM> is greater than that of the locking portion <NUM>.

The cross-sectional area is an area of a projection of the component in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the bolt <NUM>. For example, the cross-sectional area of the first transmission portion <NUM> is an area of a projection of the first transmission portion <NUM> in the plane perpendicular to the axial direction and the cross-sectional area of the locking portion <NUM> is an area of a projection of the locking portion <NUM> in the plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

The first transmission portion <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> being in transmission fit means that transfer of dynamic force for circumferential rotation of the bolt <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> is achieved by the transmission fit between the first transmission portion <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM>. To be specific, an external force is applied on the sleeve <NUM>, the force experienced by the sleeve <NUM> is transferred to the first transmission portion <NUM> to drive the bolt <NUM> to rotate. For example, when the bolt <NUM> is being driven to rotate, the driving force is applied on the sleeve <NUM> and then the sleeve <NUM> transfers the driving force to the first transmission portion <NUM> to drive the bolt <NUM> to rotate. With the first transmission portion <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> in transmission fit, the first transmission portion <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> can also be circumferentially locked. In other words, the first transmission portion <NUM> can restrain the sleeve <NUM> and the bolt <NUM> from relative rotation.

The locking portion <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> are in circumferential lock fit. In this way, the locking portion <NUM> does not participate in the transfer of the dynamic force for rotation of the bolt <NUM> between the bolt <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM>, but only participates in the restraint of circumferential rotation between the bolt <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM>.

The bolt <NUM> is connected with the nut via the threaded portion <NUM>, which facilitates the ease of assembly and disassembly. With the first transmission portion <NUM> being in transmission fit with the sleeve <NUM> and the cross-sectional area of the first transmission portion <NUM> being greater than that of the locking portion <NUM>, the first transmission portion <NUM> can bear a greater maximum torque than the locking portion <NUM>, increasing the maximum torque bearable by the bolt <NUM> and thereby ensuring firm connection between the locking apparatus <NUM> and the nut. As the locking portion <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> are in circumferential lock fit, the sleeve <NUM> can prevent the bolt <NUM> from becoming loose; and when the sleeve <NUM> is circumferentially locked, the sleeve <NUM> can restrain rotation of the bolt <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> is a first schematic structural diagram of the sleeve <NUM> according to some embodiments of this application (top view), and <FIG> is a second schematic structural diagram of the sleeve according to some embodiments of this application (bottom view). <FIG> demonstrate the structure of the sleeve <NUM> from two axial sides. According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the sleeve <NUM> includes a sleeve body <NUM> and a first flange <NUM> extending from one end of the sleeve body <NUM> in the radial direction, where the sleeve body <NUM> fits around the locking portion <NUM> and is in circumferential lock fit with the locking portion <NUM>, the first flange <NUM> is provided with a second transmission portion <NUM> corresponding to the first transmission portion <NUM>, the second transmission portion <NUM> is configured to be in transmission fit with the first transmission portion <NUM>, and the elastic member <NUM> abuts against the first flange <NUM>.

The first flange <NUM> is located at one end of the sleeve body <NUM> and the first flange <NUM> protrudes out of the sleeve body <NUM> in the radial direction. In other words, the first flange <NUM> is connected to an outer peripheral surface of the sleeve body <NUM>.

The second transmission portion <NUM> is configured to be in transmission fit with the first transmission portion <NUM>, which means that dynamic force is transferred between the sleeve <NUM> and the bolt <NUM> via the fit between the second transmission portion <NUM> and the first transmission portion <NUM>.

The elastic member <NUM> abuts against the first flange <NUM> and the first flange <NUM> is located at an end of the sleeve body <NUM> close to the first wall <NUM>, so that the second transmission portion <NUM> is in transmission fit with the first transmission portion <NUM>, reducing the size of the bolt <NUM> in the axial direction and the size of the locking apparatus <NUM> in the axial direction.

The first flange <NUM> being arranged at one end of the sleeve body <NUM> not only facilitates abutting against the elastic member <NUM> to bear the elastic force applied by the elastic member <NUM>, but also facilitates arrangement of the second transmission portion <NUM> to achieve the fit with the first transmission potion <NUM>, ensuring a stable transmission fit between the sleeve <NUM> and the bolt <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of the restraint member <NUM> according to some embodiments of this application. As shown in <FIG>, the restraint member <NUM> is a ring structure, where the sleeve body <NUM> penetrates the restraint member <NUM> (refer to <FIG>), so that a tool can act on the sleeve body <NUM> to drive the sleeve <NUM> to rotate.

According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, as shown in <FIG>, the bolt <NUM> further includes a second flange <NUM>, where the second flange <NUM> is opposite the first flange <NUM> in the axial direction, the threaded portion <NUM> and the locking portion <NUM> are located on two sides of the second flange <NUM>, and the first transmission portion <NUM> is arranged on the second flange <NUM>.

The second flange <NUM> is opposite the first flange <NUM> in the axial direction, the second flange <NUM> and the first flange <NUM> are arranged in sequence in the axial direction, and the second flange <NUM> faces the first flange <NUM>, so that the first transmission portion <NUM> fits with the second transmission portion <NUM>.

The threaded portion <NUM> and the locking portion <NUM> being located on two sides of the second flange <NUM> means that in the axial direction, the second flange <NUM> separates the threaded portion <NUM> and the locking portion <NUM>. The first flange <NUM> being located at the end of the sleeve body <NUM> close to the first wall <NUM> makes a small distance between the first flange <NUM> and the second flange <NUM> and even makes two opposite faces of the first flange <NUM> and the second flange <NUM> contact with each other.

The second flange <NUM> being opposite the first flange <NUM> in the axial direction helps the fit between the first transmission portion <NUM> and the second transmission portion <NUM>. The threaded portion <NUM> and the locking portion <NUM> being located on two sides of the second flange <NUM> makes the second flange <NUM> closer to the first wall <NUM> while sufficient length of the threaded portion <NUM> in the axial direction is guaranteed. Due to the transmission fit between the first transmission portion <NUM> and the second transmission portion <NUM>, the second flange <NUM> being closer to the first wall <NUM> can reduce the distance between the sleeve <NUM> and the first wall <NUM> and reduce the size of the bolt <NUM> in the axial direction, thereby reducing the size of the locking apparatus <NUM> in the axial direction and reducing the installation space occupied.

According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, one of the first transmission portion <NUM> and the second transmission portion <NUM> is a protrusion and the other is a depression matching the protrusion in shape.

The first transmission portion <NUM> and the second transmission portion <NUM> may be presented in two ways. In a first way, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first transmission portion <NUM> is a protrusion and the second transmission portion <NUM> is a depression; and in a second way, the first transmission portion <NUM> is a depression and the second transmission portion <NUM> is a protrusion. The protrusion and the depression match in contour, and they are in transmission fit when the protrusion is inserted into the depression.

The fit between the protrusion and the depression makes a relatively large contact area between the first transmission portion <NUM> and the second transmission portion <NUM>, ensuring a stable fit between the first transmission portion <NUM> and the second transmission portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments, in the case that the bolt <NUM> has no second flange <NUM>, the first transmission portion <NUM> may also be a protrusion on the bolt <NUM>.

According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, the first transmission portion <NUM> and the second transmission portion <NUM> are in spline fit.

In the embodiment that the first transmission portion <NUM> is a protrusion and the second transmission portion <NUM> is a depression, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first transmission portion <NUM> is a flower-shaped protrusion and the second transmission portion <NUM> is a flower-shaped depression. Such spline fit can transfer a strong torque.

The first transmission portion <NUM> and the second transmission portion <NUM> being in spline fit offers a good bearing capacity and allows the first transmission portion <NUM> and the second transmission portion <NUM> to move relatively in the axial direction. After the bolt <NUM> is firmly connected with the nut, the sleeve <NUM> can move in the direction leaving the first wall <NUM> under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM>, so that the second transmission portion <NUM> gradually departs from the first transmission portion <NUM>. After the second transmission portion <NUM> has departed from the first transmission portion <NUM>, the sleeve <NUM> continues to move until the sleeve <NUM> is joined with the restraint member <NUM>, and the sleeve <NUM> being joined with the restraint member <NUM> makes the bolt <NUM> circumferentially locked.

According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, as shown in <FIG>, an outer peripheral surface of the sleeve body <NUM> is a polygonal cylindrical surface.

Having a polygonal cylindrical surface means that the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve body <NUM> consists of a plurality of cylindrical surfaces, where the plurality of cylindrical surfaces are connected in sequence in the circumferential direction to enclose a polygonal cylindrical structure.

The polygonal cylindrical surface facilitates the cooperation with a tool and helps the transfer of dynamic force, so as to rotate the sleeve <NUM> and the bolt <NUM> to achieve connection fit between the bolt <NUM> and the nut, thereby increasing the assembly efficiency and facilitating the ease of manufacturing.

Optionally, the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve body <NUM> is a hexagonal cylindrical surface having three opposite pairs of cylindrical surfaces, which facilitates the cooperation between the sleeve body <NUM> and the tool.

According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an inner peripheral surface of the sleeve body <NUM> and an outer peripheral surface of the locking portion <NUM> are both polygonal cylindrical surfaces.

The sleeve body <NUM> fits around the locking portion <NUM> and the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve body <NUM> matches the outer peripheral surface of the locking portion <NUM>. In other words, the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve body <NUM> matches the outer peripheral surface of the locking portion <NUM> in shape.

The fit between the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve body <NUM> and the outer peripheral surface of the locking portion <NUM> through polygonal cylindrical surfaces can increase friction between the sleeve body <NUM> and the locking portion <NUM>, thereby producing good effect of circumferential lock and facilitating the ease of manufacturing.

Optionally, the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve body <NUM> and the outer peripheral surface of the locking portion <NUM> are both hexagonal cylindrical surfaces, which facilitates the ease of manufacturing.

According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the sleeve <NUM> is provided with a plurality of first cogs <NUM> distributed along the circumferential direction, and the restraint member <NUM> is provided with a plurality of second cogs <NUM> distributed along the circumferential direction, where the plurality of second cogs <NUM> are configured to be engaged with the plurality of first cogs <NUM> to circumferentially lock the sleeve <NUM>.

In the embodiment that the sleeve <NUM> includes a sleeve body <NUM> and a first flange <NUM> extending from one end of the sleeve body <NUM> in the radial direction, the plurality of first cogs <NUM> are arranged on the first flange <NUM> and located on a side of the first flange <NUM> facing the restraint member <NUM>, so as to be engaged with the plurality of second cogs <NUM>. In the embodiment that the restraint member <NUM> is a ring structure, the plurality of second cogs <NUM> are located on the inner peripheral surface of the restraint member <NUM>.

With the first cogs <NUM> being engaged with the second cogs <NUM>, a simple structure is presented to effectively prevent the sleeve <NUM> from rotating relative to the restraint member <NUM>, thereby producing good effect of circumferential lock.

Optionally, the first cogs <NUM> and the second cogs <NUM> are both inclined cogs, so that the sleeve body <NUM> and the restraint member <NUM> have a large contact area. As shown in the figures, the plurality of first cogs <NUM> are located on the side of the first flange <NUM> facing away from the first wall <NUM> and the plurality of second cogs <NUM> are located on the inner peripheral surface of the restraint member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the housing <NUM> according to some embodiments of this application. According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, as shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> further includes a second wall <NUM>, where the second wall <NUM> is arranged around the first wall <NUM>. One end of the second wall <NUM> is connected to an edge of the first wall <NUM>, the other end of the second wall <NUM> defines a second opening <NUM> opposite the first wall <NUM>, and the restraint member <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) is arranged at the second opening <NUM>.

With the second wall <NUM> arranged around the first wall <NUM> and one end of the second wall <NUM> connected to the edge of the first wall <NUM>, an inner surface of the first wall <NUM> and an inner surface of the second wall <NUM> define an inner space of the housing <NUM>.

The restraint member <NUM> being arranged at the second opening <NUM> may be the restraint member <NUM> being located inside the housing <NUM> or the restraint member <NUM> being located outside the housing <NUM>, provided that the restrain member <NUM> can prevent the sleeve <NUM> from departing off the housing <NUM> from the second opening <NUM> in the direction leaving the first wall <NUM>.

The inner surface of the second wall <NUM> is a cylindrical surface, so that the bolt <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> can rotate in the housing <NUM>.

The first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> are both circular structures, where a diameter of the second opening <NUM> is greater than that of the first opening <NUM>, so that the sleeve <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM> can be placed into the housing <NUM> from the second opening <NUM>.

The second wall <NUM> and the first wall <NUM> define the inner space of the housing <NUM> and an end of the second wall <NUM> away from the first wall <NUM> defines the second opening <NUM>, so that the sleeve <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM> can be placed into the housing <NUM> from the second opening <NUM>.

According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, as shown in <FIG>, an outer peripheral surface of the restraint member <NUM> is provided with a plurality of third cogs <NUM> distributed along the circumferential direction, and an inner peripheral surface of the second wall <NUM> is provided with a plurality of fourth cogs (not shown in the figure) distributed along the circumferential direction, where the plurality of third cogs <NUM> are engaged with the plurality of fourth cogs to circumferentially lock the restraint member <NUM>.

The outer peripheral surface of the restraint member <NUM> is a surface of the restraint member <NUM> for joining with the second wall <NUM>.

With the third cogs <NUM> being engaged with the fourth cogs, a simple structure is presented to effectively restrain rotation of the restraint member <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>, guaranteeing the circumferential lock of the restraint member <NUM>.

According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the inner surface of the second wall <NUM> is provided with a step face <NUM>, and the locking apparatus <NUM> further includes a circlip <NUM>, where a side of the restraint member <NUM> facing the first wall <NUM> abuts against the step face <NUM>, and the side of the restraint member <NUM> facing away from the first wall <NUM> abuts against the circlip <NUM> to circumferentially lock the restraint member <NUM> in the axial direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the inner surface of the second wall <NUM> is partly recessed in a direction leaving the axis of the bolt <NUM> to form a first groove <NUM>, where a groove wall of the first groove <NUM> forms the step face <NUM>, and the step face <NUM> is arranged parallel to the first wall <NUM>. The restraint member <NUM> is partly accommodated in the first groove <NUM> and the side of the restraint member <NUM> facing the first wall <NUM> abuts against the step face <NUM>, where the step face <NUM> restrains the restraint member <NUM> from moving towards the first wall <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the inner surface of the second wall <NUM> is provided with a second groove <NUM>, where the second groove <NUM> is located at an end of the first groove <NUM> away from the first wall <NUM> in the axial direction, the circlip <NUM> is arranged inside the second groove <NUM>, and the restraint member <NUM> is arranged between the circlip <NUM> and the step face <NUM>.

Cooperation between the step face <NUM> and the circlip <NUM> can restrain the restraint member <NUM> from moving in the axial direction. In addition, as it is easy to mount and remove the circlip <NUM>, the efficiency of assembly and repair can be improved while the presence of axial limit is guaranteed.

Referring to <FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of the circlip <NUM> according to some embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the circlip <NUM> includes a circlip body <NUM> and circlip ears <NUM> located at two ends of the circlip body <NUM>, where the circlip body <NUM> is an arc structure; and the circlip ears <NUM> are provided with clamp holes to fit with a circlip clamp. Optionally, an angle of the circlip body <NUM> is greater than <NUM> degrees.

According to some embodiments of this application, the elastic member <NUM> may be a component having elasticity, such as a spring, rubber, or the like. Optionally, as shown in <FIG>, the elastic member <NUM> is a spring.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> is an exploded view of a connecting structure <NUM> according to some embodiments of this application and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the connecting structure <NUM> according to some embodiments of this application. According to some embodiments of this application, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, this application further provides a connecting structure <NUM> including a first substrate <NUM>, a second substrate <NUM>, a nut <NUM>, and the locking apparatus <NUM> according to any one of the above solutions. The nut <NUM> is fixed on the first substrate <NUM> and the locking apparatus <NUM> is fixed on the second substrate <NUM>. The bolt <NUM> of the locking apparatus <NUM> is connected with the nut <NUM> to lock the second substrate <NUM> to the first substrate <NUM>.

The first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> are two components requiring connection. As shown in <FIG>, the nut <NUM> is fixed on the first substrate <NUM> by a threaded fastener <NUM>.

The connection fit between the bolt <NUM> of the locking apparatus <NUM> and the nut <NUM> allows the second substrate <NUM> to be locked to the first substrate <NUM>, which facilitates the ease of assembly and disassembly, thereby increasing the efficiency of assembly and repair.

Referring to <FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of the second substrate <NUM> according to some embodiments of this application. According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, as shown in <FIG>, the second substrate <NUM> is provided with an accommodating cavity <NUM>, the housing <NUM> of the locking apparatus <NUM> is arranged inside the accommodating cavity <NUM>, an inner wall of the accommodating cavity <NUM> is provided with a through hole <NUM>, the housing <NUM> further includes a boss <NUM> (refer to <FIG> and <FIG>) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first wall <NUM> and arranged around the first opening <NUM>, and the boss <NUM> is inserted in the through hole <NUM> and in interference fit with the through hole <NUM>.

The inner wall of the accommodating cavity <NUM> is a wall enclosing the accommodating cavity <NUM> and the through hole <NUM> communicates with the inside and outside of the accommodating cavity <NUM>. After the boss <NUM> is inserted in the through hole <NUM> in the inner wall of the accommodating cavity <NUM>, the bolt <NUM> can extend out of the through hole <NUM> to be connected with the nut <NUM> fixed on the first substrate <NUM>.

With the boss <NUM> inserted into the through hole <NUM> in the inner wall of the accommodating cavity <NUM> and being in interference fit with the through hole <NUM>, a connection area between the housing <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> is increased so as to guarantee the connecting strength between the housing <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>.

According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, as shown in <FIG>, an outer peripheral surface of the boss <NUM> is provided with a plurality of fifth cogs <NUM> distributed along the circumferential direction.

With the housing <NUM> of the locking apparatus <NUM> fitting with the second substrate <NUM>, the boss <NUM> is inserted into the through hole <NUM> in the inner wall of the accommodating cavity <NUM> and the plurality of fifth cogs <NUM> are in interference fit with the through hole <NUM>. The provision of the plurality of fifth cogs <NUM> increases the contact area between the boss <NUM> and the hole wall of the through hole <NUM>, providing a good anti-rotation effect and improving the connecting strength between the housing <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>.

According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is rectangular and the accommodating cavity <NUM> matches the housing <NUM> in shape.

With the housing <NUM> being rectangular, the outer peripheral surface of the housing <NUM> is a quadrangular cylindrical surface, meaning that the housing <NUM> has four cylindrical surfaces connected in sequence in the circumferential direction, where the four cylindrical surfaces are arranged opposite in pairs.

The rectangular shape can prevent the housing <NUM> from rotating relative to the second substrate <NUM>, providing a good anti-rotation effect.

According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, the nut <NUM> is a floating nut to help fit of the bolt <NUM> with the nut <NUM>, thus ensuring accuracy of assembly.

According to some embodiments of this application, this application further provides an electric device including a device body, a battery, and the connecting structure <NUM> according to any one of the above solutions. The first substrate <NUM> is fixed on the device body and the second substrate <NUM> is fixed on the battery.

The electric device may be a vehicle, for example, a new energy vehicle, or may be other devices using a battery as a power source.

According to some embodiments of this application, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, this application provides a locking apparatus <NUM> including a housing <NUM>, a bolt <NUM>, a housing <NUM>, a restraint member <NUM>, and an elastic member <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> includes a first wall <NUM> and a second wall <NUM>, where the first wall <NUM> is provided with a first opening <NUM>; the second wall <NUM> is arranged around the first wall <NUM>, one end of the second wall <NUM> is connected to an edge of the first wall <NUM>, and the other end of the second wall <NUM> defines a second opening <NUM> opposite the first wall <NUM>.

The bolt <NUM> is arranged inside the housing <NUM> and penetrates out of the first opening <NUM>. The bolt <NUM> includes a threaded portion <NUM>, a first transmission portion <NUM>, and a locking portion <NUM> which are arranged in sequence in an axial direction, where a cross-sectional area of the first transmission portion <NUM> is greater than that of the locking portion <NUM>.

The sleeve <NUM> is arranged inside the housing <NUM> and fits around the bolt <NUM>, where the sleeve <NUM> includes a sleeve body <NUM> and a first flange <NUM> extending from one end of the sleeve body <NUM> in a radial direction, the sleeve body <NUM> fits around the locking portion <NUM> and is in circumferential lock fit with the locking portion <NUM>, the first flange <NUM> is provided with a second transmission portion <NUM> corresponding to the first transmission portion <NUM>, and the second transmission portion <NUM> is in transmission fit with the first transmission portion <NUM>.

The restraint member <NUM> is fixed on the housing <NUM> and arranged at the second opening <NUM>; the restraint member <NUM> is a ring structure and an outer peripheral surface of the restraint member <NUM> is in circumferential lock fit with the second wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. When the restraint member <NUM> is joined with the sleeve <NUM>, the inner peripheral surface of the restraint member <NUM> is in circumferential lock fit with the first flange <NUM>.

The elastic member <NUM> is arranged inside the housing <NUM>, two ends of the elastic member <NUM> respectively abut against the first wall <NUM> and the first flange <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>, and the elastic member <NUM> is configured to apply an axial elastic force on the sleeve <NUM> such that the sleeve <NUM> and the restraint member <NUM> are joined.

With the elastic member <NUM> arranged between the first wall <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM>, the axial space inside the housing <NUM> is properly utilized, reducing the size of the bolt <NUM> in the axial direction, so that the size of the locking apparatus <NUM> in the axial direction can be designed to be smaller, thereby reducing the installation space occupied so as to adapt to different installation conditions.

Claim 1:
A locking apparatus (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>), comprising a first wall (<NUM>) provided with a first opening (<NUM>);
a bolt (<NUM>), arranged inside the housing (<NUM>) and penetrating out of the first opening (<NUM>);
a sleeve (<NUM>), arranged inside the housing (<NUM>) and fitting around the bolt (<NUM>), wherein the sleeve (<NUM>) and the bolt (<NUM>) are circumferentially locked and relatively movable in an axial direction;
a restraint member (<NUM>), fixed at the housing (<NUM>) and configured to prevent the sleeve (<NUM>) from departing from the housing (<NUM>) in a direction leaving the first wall (<NUM>); and
an elastic member (<NUM>), arranged inside the housing (<NUM>) and configured to apply an axial elastic force on the sleeve (<NUM>) such that the sleeve (<NUM>) and the restraint member (<NUM>) are joined, wherein the restraint member (<NUM>) is configured to circumferentially lock the sleeve (<NUM>) when being joined with the sleeve (<NUM>);
wherein two ends of the elastic member (<NUM>) respectively abut against the first wall (<NUM>) and the sleeve (<NUM>).