JP5171106B2

JP5171106B2 - Battery pack, electric device to which battery pack can be attached, and latch structure

Info

Publication number: JP5171106B2
Application number: JP2007134096A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 雄介平山
Original assignee: Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Priority date: 2007-05-21
Filing date: 2007-05-21
Publication date: 2013-03-27
Anticipated expiration: 2027-05-21
Also published as: JP2008288138A

Description

本発明は、電池セルを複数直列及び／又は並列に接続した電池パックに関し、特にノートパソコン等の携帯用機器に使用される電池パックに関する。 The present invention relates to a battery pack in which a plurality of battery cells are connected in series and / or in parallel, and more particularly to a battery pack used for portable equipment such as a notebook computer.

ノート型パソコンや携帯電話等の携帯型電気機器の電源として、複数の電池セルを電気接続して高出力化した電池パック（パック電池）あるいは組電池が使用されている。これらの電池パックは、電気機器本体とコネクタを介して電気的、機械的に接続される。また、電池パックを電気機器本体に脱着自在に接続するため、可動式のラッチ機構を備えるものがある。例えばノート型パソコンのバッテリパックは、スライド式にラッチ爪を操作して、バッテリパックのラッチ（ロック）状態（ＯＮ状態）、解除状態（ＯＦＦ状態）を切り替える。図１０及び図１１は、電池パックの上ケースを省略した図であり、電池パック１００に設けられたこのようなラッチ機構の斜視図を示している。これらの図において、図１０はラッチ状態にあるラッチ爪１０１の位置、図１１はラッチ状態を解除した位置を、それぞれ示している。この可動ラッチは、ラッチ状態を保持するためにスプリング１０３などの弾性部材を備えており、弾性部材の応力で非操作時のラッチ位置を保持している。このようなスプリング式のラッチ機構の詳細を一部断面斜視図を図１２に示す。なお、図１２に示される電池パック１００は、電池パックの上ケースが省略されている。この図に示すように、スプリングラッチ機構はラッチ爪１０１、ラッチ爪１０１をユーザが手で操作するためのノブ１０４、ラッチ爪１０１をラッチ位置に押圧するスプリング１０３で構成される。このラッチ機構は構成が比較的単純で、安価且つ容易に利用できる利点がある。
特開２００５−１２９４６４号公報特開２００３−１７０１８号公報特開２００３−３１７６８０号公報 A battery pack (pack battery) or an assembled battery in which a plurality of battery cells are electrically connected to increase the output is used as a power source for portable electric devices such as notebook computers and mobile phones. These battery packs are electrically and mechanically connected to the main body of the electric device via a connector. Some battery packs include a movable latch mechanism for detachably connecting the battery pack to the main body of the electric device. For example, a battery pack of a notebook personal computer switches a latch (locked) state (ON state) and a released state (OFF state) of the battery pack by operating a latch claw in a sliding manner. 10 and 11 are views in which the upper case of the battery pack is omitted, and a perspective view of such a latch mechanism provided in the battery pack 100 is shown. In these drawings, FIG. 10 shows the position of the latch claw 101 in the latched state, and FIG. 11 shows the position where the latched state is released. This movable latch is provided with an elastic member such as a spring 103 in order to hold the latched state, and holds the latch position when not operated by the stress of the elastic member. FIG. 12 is a partially sectional perspective view showing details of such a spring type latch mechanism. In the battery pack 100 shown in FIG. 12, the upper case of the battery pack is omitted. As shown in this figure, the spring latch mechanism includes a latch pawl 101, a knob 104 for the user to operate the latch pawl 101 by hand, and a spring 103 that presses the latch pawl 101 to the latch position. This latch mechanism has an advantage that the structure is relatively simple and can be used inexpensively and easily.
JP 2005-129464 A JP 2003-17018 A JP 2003-317680 A

しかしながら、ノブ１０４が破損したり、脱落する等してラッチ爪１０１の固定が外れると、ラッチ爪１０１はフリー状態となる。この結果、スプリング１０３がラッチ爪１０１から外れて、電池パック１００内部を自由に移動できるようになる。スプリング１０３は一般に金属製であるため、導電性を有する。一方で電池パック１００内部には一般に、電池セルの充放電を管理し過充電、過放電から保護するための保護回路を実装した回路基板１０５が設けられる（図１３参照）。このような回路基板１０５に導電性のスプリング１０３が接触すると、短絡等を生じるおそれがあった。このような問題を防止するため、従来は図１３に示すように、電池パック１００内部に隔壁１０６を設け、ラッチ機構１０２と回路基板１０５を空間的に隔離することが行われている。この図の例では、スプリングラッチ機構１０２をリブ１０７で囲むことにより回路基板１０５から隔離しているので、スプリング１０３がフリーとなっても回路基板１０５側に移動せず、接触することがない。 However, if the latch claw 101 is unfixed due to the knob 104 being damaged or falling off, the latch claw 101 enters a free state. As a result, the spring 103 is disengaged from the latch claw 101 and can move freely inside the battery pack 100. Since the spring 103 is generally made of metal, it has conductivity. On the other hand, a circuit board 105 is generally provided in the battery pack 100, on which a protection circuit for managing charge / discharge of the battery cells and protecting from overcharge and overdischarge is mounted (see FIG. 13). When the conductive spring 103 is in contact with such a circuit board 105, there is a possibility of causing a short circuit or the like. In order to prevent such a problem, conventionally, as shown in FIG. 13, a partition wall 106 is provided inside the battery pack 100, and the latch mechanism 102 and the circuit board 105 are spatially separated. In the example of this figure, since the spring latch mechanism 102 is surrounded by the rib 107 to be isolated from the circuit board 105, even if the spring 103 becomes free, it does not move to the circuit board 105 side and does not come into contact.

しかしながら、電池パックのデザインや部材のレイアウトによっては、このような隔壁１０６をスプリングラッチ機構１０２と回路基板１０５との間に設けることが困難な場合がある。このような場合は、隔壁１０６を用いることなくスプリングと基板との接触を防止する構造が別途必要となり、構造の複雑化やコスト上昇を招くという問題があった。 However, depending on the battery pack design and member layout, it may be difficult to provide such a partition wall 106 between the spring latch mechanism 102 and the circuit board 105. In such a case, a separate structure for preventing the contact between the spring and the substrate without using the partition wall 106 is required, which causes a problem that the structure is complicated and the cost is increased.

本発明は、このような問題点を解決するためになされたものである。本発明の主な目的は、ラッチ機構の導電性部材である弾性部材が外れた際の移動を阻止し、短絡を防止して信頼性を高めた電池パック、電池パックを装着可能な電気機器及びラッチ構造体を提供することにある。 The present invention has been made to solve such problems. Main objects of the present invention are a battery pack that prevents movement when an elastic member, which is a conductive member of a latch mechanism, is removed, prevents a short circuit, and improves reliability, and an electric device on which the battery pack can be mounted, and It is to provide a latch structure.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

上記の目的を達成するために、本発明の電池パックは、電気機器本体に脱着自在な連結機構を備える電池パックであって、電池セルと、電池セルを内蔵する本体ケースと、本体ケースに内蔵され、電池セルに接続される回路基板と、電池パックと電気機器本体との連結機構を備える。連結機構として、電気機器本体に電気パックをラッチ状態に連結するため、ラッチ位置とラッチ解除位置の間をスライド自在とした絶縁性を有するラッチ部材と、外力のない状態でラッチ状態を保持するためにラッチ部材をラッチ位置に弾性的に付勢するための導電性を有する弾性部材と、を備えることができる。また、ラッチ部材は、弾性部材を回路基板から絶縁する隔離部を有するよう形成されており、隔離部は、ラッチ部材の移動に連動することができる。この構成により、連結機構を構成する弾性部材が何らかの理由でフリーになっても、回路基板と隔離することにより、ショートなどを引き起こす事態を防止できる。また、ラッチ部材の隔離部でもって、弾性部材と回路基板とを絶縁しているため、双方を分離して絶縁するための隔離部材を別個に設ける必要がなく、短絡防止の構造を省スペースに配設でき、電池パックを小型化できる。 In order to achieve the above object, a battery pack according to the present invention is a battery pack having a connecting mechanism that is detachable from an electric device body, and includes a battery cell, a main body case containing the battery cell, and a main body case. And a circuit board connected to the battery cell, and a coupling mechanism between the battery pack and the electric device main body. In order to connect the electric pack to the electric device main body in a latched state as a coupling mechanism, an insulating latch member that can slide between the latch position and the latch release position, and to hold the latched state without external force And an elastic member having conductivity for elastically urging the latch member to the latch position. Further, the latch member is formed to have an isolation portion that insulates the elastic member from the circuit board, and the isolation portion can be interlocked with the movement of the latch member. With this configuration, even if the elastic member constituting the coupling mechanism becomes free for some reason, it is possible to prevent a situation such as a short circuit by isolating it from the circuit board. Further, since the elastic member and the circuit board are insulated by the latch member separating portion, there is no need to provide a separate separating member for separating both of them, and the structure for preventing a short circuit can be saved. The battery pack can be reduced in size.

また電池パックは、好ましくは回路基板の端縁が、ラッチ部材に対して当接する姿勢で、かつ回路基板端縁とラッチ部材との間に、弾性部材の通過が阻害される大きさのクリアランスを形成される。この構成により、仮にラッチ部材の固定が外れたとしても、回路基板の端縁でラッチ部材が浮き上がるのが阻止され、導電性の弾性部材の移動が依然として阻止され、安全性が高められる。また、回路基板端縁とラッチ部材との間にクリアランスを設けることで、平時においてはラッチ爪の移動が回路基板との摩擦により阻害されることもない。このように、クリアランスはラッチ爪の移動は阻害せず、かつ弾性部材の通過は阻害する大きさに設定される。 The battery pack preferably has a clearance that is such that the edge of the circuit board is in contact with the latch member and that the elastic member is blocked from passing between the edge of the circuit board and the latch member. It is formed. With this configuration, even if the latch member is unfixed, the latch member is prevented from floating at the edge of the circuit board, and the movement of the conductive elastic member is still prevented, thereby improving safety. Further, by providing a clearance between the edge of the circuit board and the latch member, the movement of the latch claw is not hindered by friction with the circuit board during normal times. Thus, the clearance is set to a size that does not inhibit the movement of the latch claw and inhibits the passage of the elastic member.

加えて、電池パックはさらにラッチ爪を物理的に移動させて、ラッチ状態からラッチ解除状態に手動で切り替えるための操作部を備えることもできる。 In addition, the battery pack can further include an operation unit for physically moving the latch claw to manually switch from the latched state to the unlatched state.

さらに電池パックは、電気機器本体に脱着自在な連結機構を備える電池パックであって、電池セルと、電池セルを内蔵する本体ケースと、本体ケースに内蔵され、前記電池セルに接続される回路基板と、電池パックと電気機器本体との連結機構を備える。連結機構として、電気機器本体に電池パックをラッチ状態に連結するため、ラッチ位置とラッチ解除位置の間をスライド自在としたラッチ部材と、外力のない状態でラッチ状態を保持するためにラッチ部材をラッチ位置に弾性的に付勢するための導電性を有する弾性部材と、を備えることができる。また、ラッチ部材は、電気機器本体に対して、ラッチ状態に連結するために突出可能であり、かつ互いに離間して配置された一対の突起と、この一対の突起同士を固定し、突起と共に移動する平板状の絶縁性を有する隔離部と、を備え、回路基板と弾性部材との間に隔離部を位置させることができる。この構成により、ラッチ部材を構成する突起の移動によって、電池パックを電気機器本体に対して脱着自在に装着可能とすると共に、ラッチ部材の一部であって、突起と共に移動する隔離部によって、導電性の弾性部材と回路基板とを絶縁状態にできる。つまり一のラッチ部材でもって、ラッチ機能と絶縁機能を併用できる。 Further, the battery pack is a battery pack having a coupling mechanism that is detachable from the electric device main body, and includes a battery cell, a main body case containing the battery cell, and a circuit board that is built in the main body case and connected to the battery cell. And a connection mechanism between the battery pack and the electric device main body. As a coupling mechanism, a battery pack is connected to the electric device main body in a latched state, a latch member that is slidable between a latch position and a latch release position, and a latch member that is held in a state where there is no external force. And an elastic member having conductivity for elastically urging the latch position. In addition, the latch member can project with respect to the main body of the electric device so as to be connected in a latched state, and a pair of protrusions arranged apart from each other, and the pair of protrusions are fixed and moved together with the protrusions. And a flat plate-shaped insulating portion, and the separating portion can be positioned between the circuit board and the elastic member. According to this configuration, the battery pack can be detachably attached to the main body of the electric device by movement of the protrusion constituting the latch member, and the conductive portion is electrically connected by the isolation portion that is part of the latch member and moves together with the protrusion. The elastic member and the circuit board can be insulated. That is, the latch function and the insulating function can be used together with one latch member.

また電池パックは、さらに、回路基板と隔離部材との間に、弾性部材の通過が阻害される大きさのクリアランスを形成することができる。この構造であれば、隔離部と回路基板との間に、弾性部材の通過が阻害される大きさのクリアランスを介して、隔離部と回路基板との双方を近接させることができる。これにより、ラッチ部材のスライド移動は実現しつつ、ラッチ部材の固定が解除された際のラッチ部材の意図しない移動を回路基板でもって抑制できる。すなわち回路基板により隔離部の配置状態を維持できるため、万一、ラッチ部材の固定が解除され、これに連鎖して弾性部材の固定が解除された場合においても、回路基板でもって、近接する隔離部の浮き上がりを阻止できる。加えて、導電性の弾性部材がクリアランスを通過して回路基板と接触するのを抑制できる。言い換えると、導電性の弾性部材と回路基板を絶縁しつつ、双方を近接させる構造が可能となり、絶縁構造を省スペースに達成できる。 Further, the battery pack can further form a clearance having a size that prevents the elastic member from passing between the circuit board and the isolation member. With this structure, both the isolation part and the circuit board can be brought close to each other via a clearance having a size that prevents the elastic member from passing between the isolation part and the circuit board. Thereby, the sliding movement of the latch member can be realized, and the unintentional movement of the latch member when the fixing of the latch member is released can be suppressed by the circuit board. That is, since the arrangement state of the isolation part can be maintained by the circuit board, even if the latch member is released and the elastic member is released in a chained manner, the circuit board is used for the adjacent isolation. The lifting of the part can be prevented. In addition, the conductive elastic member can be prevented from passing through the clearance and coming into contact with the circuit board. In other words, it is possible to make a structure in which the conductive elastic member and the circuit board are insulated and close to each other, and the insulation structure can be achieved in a space-saving manner.

また、本発明の電気機器は、電池パックに装着可能な電気機器であって、電気機器に内蔵される電子回路を備える回路基板と、電池パックとの連結機構を備える。連結機構としては、電池パックに電気機器をラッチ状態に連結するため、ラッチ位置とラッチ解除位置の間をスライド自在とした絶縁材であるラッチ部材と、外力のない状態でラッチ状態を保持するために前記ラッチ部材をラッチ位置に弾性的に移動するための導電材からなる弾性部材と、を備えており、ラッチ部材が、弾性部材を回路基板から絶縁する隔離部を有するよう形成できる。この構造により、電池パックを電気機器に自在に脱着できる。また、電気機器に内蔵された導電性の回路基板及び弾性部材とを、絶縁性であるラッチ部材でもって隔離しているため、省スペースに短絡防止のシステムを構築できる。 The electrical device of the present invention is an electrical device that can be attached to the battery pack, and includes a circuit board having an electronic circuit built in the electrical device and a connection mechanism between the battery pack. As a connecting mechanism, in order to connect an electric device to the battery pack in a latched state, a latch member that is an insulating material that is slidable between a latch position and a latch release position, and to hold the latched state without external force And an elastic member made of a conductive material for elastically moving the latch member to the latch position, and the latch member can be formed to have an isolation portion that insulates the elastic member from the circuit board. With this structure, the battery pack can be freely attached to and detached from the electrical equipment. In addition, since the conductive circuit board and the elastic member built in the electric device are separated by an insulating latch member, a system for preventing a short circuit can be constructed in a space-saving manner.

さらに、本発明のラッチ構造体は、電気機器本体に電池パックをラッチ状態に連結するため、ラッチ位置とラッチ解除位置の間をスライド自在とした絶縁性であるラッチ本体と、外力のない状態でラッチ状態を保持するために、ラッチ本体をラッチ位置に弾性的に移動するための弾性部材と、ラッチ本体と連結され、ラッチ本体をラッチ状態からラッチ解除状態に手動で切り替えるための操作部と、を備える。また、ラッチ本体は、電池パックに内蔵された回路基板と、弾性部材とを絶縁する隔離部を有するよう形成でき、また、回路基板の端縁が、ラッチ本体に対して当接する姿勢で、かつ回路基板端縁とラッチ本体との間に、弾性部材の通過が阻害される大きさのクリアランスを形成できる。 Further, the latch structure of the present invention connects the battery pack to the electric device main body in a latched state, so that the latch main body is slidable between the latch position and the latch release position, and there is no external force. An elastic member for elastically moving the latch body to the latch position in order to maintain the latched state, an operation unit connected to the latch body, and manually switching the latch body from the latched state to the unlatched state; Is provided. In addition, the latch body can be formed to have an isolation part that insulates the circuit board built in the battery pack and the elastic member, and the edge of the circuit board is in a posture in contact with the latch body, and A clearance having a size that prevents passage of the elastic member can be formed between the circuit board edge and the latch body.

以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面に基づいて説明する。ただし、以下に示す実施の形態は、本発明の技術思想を具体化するための電池パック、電池パックを装着可能な電気機器及びラッチ構造体を例示するものであって、本発明は電池パック、電池パックを装着可能な電気機器及びラッチ構造体を以下のものに特定しない。また特許請求の範囲に示される部材を、実施の形態の部材に特定するものでは決してない。なお、各図面が示す部材の大きさや位置関係等は、説明を明確にするため誇張していることがある。さらに以下の説明において、同一の名称、符号については同一もしくは同質の部材を示しており、詳細説明を適宜省略する。さらに、本発明を構成する各要素は、複数の要素を同一の部材で構成して一の部材で複数の要素を兼用する態様としてもよいし、逆に一の部材の機能を複数の部材で分担して実現することもできる。
（実施の形態） Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below exemplifies a battery pack for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, an electric device to which the battery pack can be mounted, and a latch structure. The electrical equipment and latch structure to which the battery pack can be attached are not specified as follows. Moreover, the member shown by the claim is not what specifies the member of embodiment. Note that the size, positional relationship, and the like of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. Furthermore, in the following description, the same name and symbol indicate the same or the same members, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each element constituting the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of elements are constituted by the same member and the plurality of elements are shared by one member, and conversely, the function of one member is constituted by a plurality of members. It can also be realized by sharing.
(Embodiment)

図１に、本発明の実施の形態に係る電池パック１の外観斜視図を示す。電池パックは、各種携帯型電気機器３０のバッテリ取付部（図２）に連結機構９を介して脱着可能に装着され、各種携帯型電気機器３０のバッテリとして利用できる。実施の形態では、各種携帯型電気機器３０として、ノート型パソコンＰＣ３０ａ用のバッテリに適用した電池パックを一例として示す。 FIG. 1 shows an external perspective view of a battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The battery pack is detachably attached to the battery mounting portion (FIG. 2) of the various portable electric devices 30 via the coupling mechanism 9 and can be used as a battery for the various portable electric devices 30. In the embodiment, as various portable electric devices 30, a battery pack applied to a battery for a notebook personal computer PC30a is shown as an example.

図１に示す電池パック１は、電池セル（図４参照）を収納する長方形をした皿状の底カバー２１と、この底カバー２１を覆うように固定された箱状の上カバー２２からなる本体ケース２０を備える。また、底カバー２１の短辺側側面には、ノート型パソコン３０ａに電力を供給するためのコネクタ３と、電池パック１をノートパソコン３０ａに脱着するための連結機構９を備える。 A battery pack 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a main body including a rectangular dish-shaped bottom cover 21 for storing battery cells (see FIG. 4) and a box-shaped upper cover 22 fixed so as to cover the bottom cover 21. A case 20 is provided. The bottom cover 21 includes a connector 3 for supplying power to the notebook computer 30a and a connecting mechanism 9 for attaching / detaching the battery pack 1 to / from the notebook computer 30a.

この連結機構９は、電気機器本体であるノートパソコンに電池パックをラッチ状態に連結するため、ラッチ位置とラッチ解除位置の間をスライド自在とした絶縁材であるラッチ部材１０と、外力のない状態でラッチ状態を保持するためにラッチ部材１０をラッチ位置に弾性的に移動するための導電材からなる弾性部材１４とを備える。 The coupling mechanism 9 is a latch member 10 that is an insulating material that is slidable between a latch position and a latch release position in order to connect the battery pack to the laptop computer that is the main body of the electric device in a latched state. And an elastic member 14 made of a conductive material for elastically moving the latch member 10 to the latch position in order to maintain the latched state.

図２及び図３は、電池パック１と、これを脱着可能なノート型パソコン３０ａを底面側から見た概略斜視図である。図２に示すように、連結機構９であるラッチ部材１０は、本体ケース２０の一方の短辺側に設けられ、外側方向に突出した可動型の突起１１、１１’と、他方の短辺側であって、突起１１、１１’の突出方向と反対方向に突出された不動型の爪７、７’とを有する。また、ノートパソコン３０ａ側のバッテリ取付部３３には、電池パック１の突起１１、１１’及び爪７、７’にそれぞれ対応した嵌合穴３１、３１’、３２、３２’が形成されている。この嵌合穴３１、３１’、３２、３２’に、電池パック１側の突起１１、１１’及び爪７、７’とが係合することにより、電池パック１をノートパソコン３０ａに取り付けることができる。また、図１及び図２に示すようにラッチ部材１０は、底カバー２１の外面側に露出した操作部１３を有する。ユーザが操作部１３を移動させることにより、操作部１３と一体に連結された突起１１、１１’が、本体ケース２０に対して出入りする方向に移動され、これにより電池パック１とノートパソコン３０ａとの脱着を可能にさせる。一方、図１に示すように、コネクタ３は、複数の端子板がフィン状に配置されたものであり、ノートパソコン３０ａ側に装着されたコネクタ３とはめ合わせによって電気的に連結され、電池パック１からノートパソコンへと給電を行うことができる。 2 and 3 are schematic perspective views of the battery pack 1 and a notebook personal computer 30a to which the battery pack 1 can be attached and detached, as viewed from the bottom side. As shown in FIG. 2, the latch member 10 as the coupling mechanism 9 is provided on one short side of the main body case 20, and the movable projections 11 and 11 ′ projecting outward and the other short side. And it has the immovable nail | claw 7 and 7 'protruded in the direction opposite to the protrusion direction of protrusion 11,11'. Further, the battery mounting portion 33 on the notebook computer 30a side is formed with fitting holes 31, 31 ′, 32, 32 ′ corresponding to the protrusions 11, 11 ′ and the claws 7, 7 ′ of the battery pack 1, respectively. . The battery pack 1 can be attached to the notebook computer 30a by engaging the fitting holes 31, 31 ', 32, 32' with the projections 11, 11 'and the claws 7, 7' on the battery pack 1 side. it can. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the latch member 10 includes an operation portion 13 exposed on the outer surface side of the bottom cover 21. When the user moves the operation unit 13, the protrusions 11 and 11 ′ that are integrally connected to the operation unit 13 are moved in a direction in and out of the main body case 20, whereby the battery pack 1 and the laptop computer 30 a are moved. Makes it possible to desorb. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the connector 3 has a plurality of terminal plates arranged in a fin shape, and is electrically connected to the connector 3 mounted on the notebook personal computer 30a side by fitting, and is connected to the battery pack. Power can be supplied from 1 to the notebook computer.

或いは、図３に示すように、突起と嵌合穴を逆に構成することもできる。即ち、ノートパソコン３０ａ側に突起１１１、１１１’を有するラッチ部材３４を設け、これに脱着可能な嵌合穴１３１、１３１’を電池パック側１に形成することもできる。図３に示すノートパソコン３０ａは、この動作を制御する電子回路を備えたマザーボード等の回路基板など、導電性を有する電子部材を備える。また、連結機構９としてのラッチ部材３４は、図１の電池パック１におけるラッチ部材１０と同様の構造である。このラッチ部材１０の構造については後述するが、ラッチ部材１０を有する連結機構９を備えることにより、ノートパソコン３０ａに内蔵された回路基板と、ラッチ部材３４をラッチ状態に保持するための導電材からなる弾性部材とが、ラッチ部材３４の一部である絶縁材からなる隔離部によって絶縁され、導電性を有する回路基板及び弾性部材との短絡を省スペースに防止できる。 Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the protrusion and the fitting hole can be configured in reverse. That is, the latch member 34 having the protrusions 111 and 111 ′ can be provided on the notebook computer 30 a side, and the fitting holes 131 and 131 ′ that can be attached to and detached from the latch member 34 can be formed on the battery pack side 1. A notebook personal computer 30a shown in FIG. 3 includes a conductive electronic member such as a circuit board such as a mother board provided with an electronic circuit for controlling this operation. The latch member 34 as the coupling mechanism 9 has the same structure as the latch member 10 in the battery pack 1 of FIG. Although the structure of the latch member 10 will be described later, by providing the coupling mechanism 9 having the latch member 10, a circuit board built in the notebook computer 30a and a conductive material for holding the latch member 34 in a latched state are provided. The elastic member is insulated by the isolation part made of an insulating material that is a part of the latch member 34, and a short circuit between the conductive circuit board and the elastic member can be prevented in a space-saving manner.

本体ケース２０は、図１の例では上下に２分割するケースを使用し、内部に電池セル１０を必要な数だけ収納できる空間を設けている。本体ケース２０は耐衝撃性と絶縁性に優れた材質で構成でき、例えばプラスチック等の樹脂が利用できる。図４は、本体ケース２０の上カバー２２を外した状態の電池パック１の外観斜視図である。底カバー２１は、略長方形の基底部２１ａ（図５参照）と、この基底部２１ａの周縁に立設された周壁２１ｂにより構成され、周壁２１ｂによって囲まれる電池収納領域６（図５参照）に電池セル２が複数本併設できる。図４の例では、電池セル２が、底カバー２１の長手方向に平行に並べられて、電池セル列を構成している。また電池セル２同士の端面の正極と負極とを、リード４を介して接続する電極連結面とし、さらに平行する電池セル列同士で、電極連結面を同一面に一致させて、一のリード４が電池セル列を跨ぐように挿入される。ここで、本明細書において「スライド方向」とは、主に、周壁２１ｂの短辺側から、電池収納領域６側であって、スライド部材１０のスライドする方向を意味する。 In the example of FIG. 1, the main body case 20 uses a case that is divided into two in the vertical direction, and provides a space in which a necessary number of battery cells 10 can be stored. The main body case 20 can be made of a material excellent in impact resistance and insulation, and for example, a resin such as plastic can be used. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the battery pack 1 with the upper cover 22 of the main body case 20 removed. The bottom cover 21 includes a substantially rectangular base portion 21a (see FIG. 5) and a peripheral wall 21b standing on the periphery of the base portion 21a. A plurality of battery cells 2 can be provided. In the example of FIG. 4, the battery cells 2 are arranged in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bottom cover 21 to constitute a battery cell row. Further, the positive electrode and the negative electrode on the end surfaces of the battery cells 2 are used as electrode connection surfaces that are connected via the leads 4, and the electrode connection surfaces are made to coincide with each other in parallel battery cell rows, so that one lead 4 Is inserted across the battery cell row. Here, the “sliding direction” in the present specification mainly means a direction in which the sliding member 10 slides from the short side of the peripheral wall 21b to the battery storage region 6 side.

（電池セル）
また、電池セル２は、円筒型の外装缶に被覆された略矩形の角形電池が利用される。このような電池セルには、リチウムイオン二次電池やニッケル水素電池、ニッカド電池等の二次電池が利用できる。また一次電池としてもよい。電池セル２の電極端子は、直列又は並列に結線される。さらに電池パック１の端部で制御回路に接続され、制御回路によって各電池セル２の電圧、電流、温度等を測定し、電池容量及び必要充放電量等を決定して、充放電等の制御が行われる。図４に示される電池パック１では、保護回路を備える回路基板５が、電池セル２とコネクタ３との間に挿入されている。 (Battery cell)
As the battery cell 2, a substantially rectangular prismatic battery covered with a cylindrical outer can is used. For such battery cells, secondary batteries such as lithium ion secondary batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, and nickel cadmium batteries can be used. A primary battery may be used. The electrode terminals of the battery cell 2 are connected in series or in parallel. Furthermore, the battery pack 1 is connected to the control circuit at the end, and the control circuit measures the voltage, current, temperature, etc. of each battery cell 2, determines the battery capacity and the required charge / discharge amount, etc., and controls charge / discharge etc. Is done. In the battery pack 1 shown in FIG. 4, a circuit board 5 including a protection circuit is inserted between the battery cell 2 and the connector 3.

この回路基板５を介して電池セル２とコネクタ３とが電気的に接続されており、保護回路は、電池セル２の電流及び電圧ならびに温度検出部（図示せず）が検出する温度を定期的に監視し、各値が所定値以下もしくは以上となった場合にコネクタ３の接続を切断するように制御することにより、電池セル２の過充電および過放電を防止する回路構成となっている。 The battery cell 2 and the connector 3 are electrically connected via the circuit board 5, and the protection circuit periodically detects the current and voltage of the battery cell 2 and the temperature detected by a temperature detection unit (not shown). The circuit configuration is such that overcharge and overdischarge of the battery cell 2 are prevented by controlling the connection of the connector 3 to be disconnected when each value is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

さらに、図４の電池パック１において、電池セル２及びコネクタ３を外した状態を図５に、また図５における、ラッチ部材１０周辺が拡大された斜視図を図６に示す。図５、図６に図示されるように、回路基板５は、長手方向の略中央部において、幅方向の両端部に、コの字状に切りかかれた切り欠き部５ｂ、５ｂ’を有する。双方の切り欠き部５ｂ、５ｂ’の内、底カバー２１の基底部２１ａと対向する側（図５及び図６の下側）の切り欠き部５ｂと、基底部２１ａとで構成される隙間にはめ込まれるよう、ラッチ部材１０が配置されている。すなわち、図６に示すように、ラッチ部材１０の上面１０ａには、後述する所定のクリアランスＣを介して、回路基板５が直立した配置構成となり、ラッチ部材１０の上面１０ａの外面は、切り欠き部５ｂにおける、回路基板５の厚みを構成する端縁５ａと、離間しつつ対向している。 Furthermore, in the battery pack 1 of FIG. 4, the state which removed the battery cell 2 and the connector 3 is shown in FIG. 5, and the perspective view to which the latch member 10 periphery in FIG. 5 was expanded is shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the circuit board 5 has notches 5 b and 5 b ′ cut into U-shapes at both ends in the width direction at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction. Among the notches 5b and 5b ′, a gap formed by the notch 5b on the side (the lower side of FIGS. 5 and 6) facing the base 21a of the bottom cover 21 and the base 21a. The latch member 10 is disposed so as to be fitted. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the circuit board 5 is arranged upright on the upper surface 10 a of the latch member 10 with a predetermined clearance C described later, and the outer surface of the upper surface 10 a of the latch member 10 is notched. The portion 5b faces the edge 5a constituting the thickness of the circuit board 5 while being spaced apart.

さらに、図６における回路基板５が省略された、ラッチ部材１０周辺の拡大斜視図を図７に、また、電池パック１のラッチ部材１０周辺における、ラッチ部材１０及び底カバー２１の展開斜視図を図８に示す。なお、図７ではラッチ部材１０の上面１０ａが透過状態に図示されている。 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the latch member 10 in which the circuit board 5 is omitted, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the latch member 10 and the bottom cover 21 around the latch member 10 of the battery pack 1. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the upper surface 10a of the latch member 10 is shown in a transparent state.

（ラッチ本体）
図７及び図８に示されるように、ラッチ部材１０は、主に、ラッチ本体１２、操作部１３、弾性部材１４から構成される。また、図８に示すように、底カバー２１の上面側に装着されるラッチ本体１２は、略長方形の平板状であり、また、ラッチ本体１２の上面１０ａから立設して、ラッチ本体１２の厚みを構成するラッチ端面１２ａを有する。ラッチ端面１２ａの長手方向における両端部からは、側面視略三角形状の一対の突起１１、１１’が、ラッチ本体１２の外方（図８の左手前側）へと突出して設けられている。この一対の突起１１、１１’は、互いに離間して配置されており、かつ、図２に示すように、電気機器３０本体に対して、近接あるいは離間する方向に移動できる。つまり、突起１１、１１’は電気機器３０の嵌合穴３１、３１’に係合され、突起１１、１１’の移動により、電池パック１を電気機器３０に対してラッチ状態に連結・離脱可能とする。さらに、図７及び図８に示すように、ラッチ本体１２の上面１０ａは、絶縁性を有する平板状の隔離部８を構成する。この隔離部８は、一対の突起１１、１１’に対して架橋状態に連結され、この一対の突起１１、１１’を固定しており、一対の突起１１、１１’と共に移動する。 (Latch body)
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the latch member 10 mainly includes a latch body 12, an operation unit 13, and an elastic member 14. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the latch main body 12 mounted on the upper surface side of the bottom cover 21 is a substantially rectangular flat plate shape, and is erected from the upper surface 10 a of the latch main body 12, It has a latch end surface 12a constituting the thickness. From both ends in the longitudinal direction of the latch end surface 12a, a pair of protrusions 11 and 11 'having a substantially triangular shape in side view are provided so as to protrude outward (to the left front side in FIG. 8) of the latch body 12. The pair of protrusions 11 and 11 ′ are spaced apart from each other and can move in the direction of approaching or separating from the main body of the electric device 30 as shown in FIG. 2. That is, the protrusions 11 and 11 ′ are engaged with the fitting holes 31 and 31 ′ of the electric device 30, and the battery pack 1 can be connected to and detached from the electric device 30 in a latched state by the movement of the protrusions 11 and 11 ′. And Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the upper surface 10a of the latch body 12 constitutes a flat plate-like isolation portion 8 having an insulating property. The isolation portion 8 is connected to the pair of protrusions 11 and 11 ′ in a bridged state, fixes the pair of protrusions 11 and 11 ′, and moves together with the pair of protrusions 11 and 11 ′.

一方、底カバー２１の周壁２１ｂにおける短辺側側面には、一対の突起１１、１１’を本体ケース２０の外部に表出させる開口部として、略コ字状の一対の切り欠き部２６、２６’が形成されている。したがって、突起１１、１１’の外方への突出量ｔは、図７に示すように、ラッチ部材１０が周壁２１ｂと当接した状態で、突起１１、１１’が切り欠き部２６、２６’にはめ合わされて、周壁２１ｂの外方へに突出するよう、且つ、ラッチ部材１０が電池収納領域６側へと移動された時に、突起１１、１１’が切り欠き部２６、２６’の中に退避される範囲内に設定されている。 On the other hand, on the short side surface of the peripheral wall 21b of the bottom cover 21, a pair of substantially U-shaped notches 26, 26 are provided as openings for exposing the pair of protrusions 11, 11 'to the outside of the main body case 20. 'Is formed. Accordingly, the outward protrusion amount t of the protrusions 11 and 11 ′ is such that the protrusions 11 and 11 ′ are notched portions 26 and 26 ′ in a state where the latch member 10 is in contact with the peripheral wall 21b as shown in FIG. When the latch member 10 is moved to the battery housing area 6 side so as to protrude outward from the peripheral wall 21b, the protrusions 11 and 11 ′ are inserted into the notches 26 and 26 ′. It is set within the range to be evacuated.

（スライドピン及び弾性部材）
また、ラッチ端面１２ａにおいて、突起１１、１１’が形成されている外面側と反対の内面側には、その略中央域に、棒状のスライドピン１５の一端が結合されている。スライドピン１５の他端はラッチ本体１２から、突起１１、１１’の突出方向と反対方向（図８の右奥側）へと突出されおり、さらに、スライドピン１５は、弾性部材１４としての役割を担うスプリング１４ａの、軸芯における空洞領域に挿通される。 (Slide pin and elastic member)
In addition, one end of a rod-shaped slide pin 15 is coupled to the inner surface side of the latch end surface 12a opposite to the outer surface side where the protrusions 11 and 11 'are formed, in the substantially central region. The other end of the slide pin 15 protrudes from the latch body 12 in a direction opposite to the protrusion direction of the protrusions 11 and 11 ′ (right rear side in FIG. 8). Is inserted into a hollow region in the axial center of the spring 14a.

（ラッチ本体の貫通孔）
さらに、図７、図８のラッチ本体１２では、ボルト１６、１６’をラッチ本体１２の上下面に連通させるための貫通孔１６ａ、１６ａ’が形成されている。貫通孔１６ａ、１６ａ’は、ラッチ本体１２の上面からの平面視における両側域に、ラッチ本体１２の厚み方向において貫通されて２箇所設けられている。 (Latch body through-hole)
Further, in the latch main body 12 of FIGS. 7 and 8, through holes 16a and 16a ′ for allowing the bolts 16 and 16 ′ to communicate with the upper and lower surfaces of the latch main body 12 are formed. The through holes 16 a and 16 a ′ are provided at two locations penetrating in the thickness direction of the latch body 12 in both side areas in plan view from the upper surface of the latch body 12.

（操作部）
一方、図８に示すように、底カバー２１の底面側と当接される操作部１３は、略長方形状の平板であり、ラッチ本体１２の貫通孔１６ａ、１６ａ’を挿通したボルト１６、１６’が嵌合される埋め込みナット１６ｂ、１６ｂ’を有する。埋め込みナット１６ｂ、１６ｂ’は平板から上方に突出して固定されている。また、操作部１３は、操作部１３を含むラッチ部材１０のスライド移動を補助するための、スライドレール１８、１８’を有することもできる。図８の操作部１３では、スライド方向、すなわち、すなわち底カバー２１の周壁２１ｂ側から電池収納領域６側へと略直線状に隆起した一対のスライド突起１８、１８’が、スライド方向と直交する幅方向に、間隔をあけて並列に設けられている。このスライドレール１８、１８’は基底部２１ａの底面側に設けられた一対のスライド溝（図示せず）に当接され、スライド自由に摺動する。この構造によりラッチ部材１０の傾斜が抑制され、スライド移動が安定してスムースに達成される。 (Operation section)
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the operation portion 13 that comes into contact with the bottom surface side of the bottom cover 21 is a substantially rectangular flat plate, and the bolts 16, 16 inserted through the through holes 16 a, 16 a ′ of the latch body 12. It has embedded nuts 16b, 16b 'to which' is fitted. The embedded nuts 16b and 16b ′ protrude from the flat plate and are fixed. The operation unit 13 can also have slide rails 18 and 18 ′ for assisting the sliding movement of the latch member 10 including the operation unit 13. In the operation unit 13 of FIG. 8, a pair of slide protrusions 18 and 18 ′ that protrude in a straight line shape from the sliding direction, that is, from the peripheral wall 21 b side of the bottom cover 21 to the battery storage region 6 side, are orthogonal to the sliding direction. They are provided in parallel in the width direction at intervals. The slide rails 18 and 18 'are brought into contact with a pair of slide grooves (not shown) provided on the bottom surface side of the base portion 21a, and slide freely. With this structure, the inclination of the latch member 10 is suppressed, and the sliding movement is stably and smoothly achieved.

（ラッチケース）
また、図８に示すように、底カバー２１の周壁２１ｂにおける一短辺側の中央域には、ラッチ本体１２と操作部１３とを支持可能なラッチケース２３が形成されている。このラッチケース３２における基底部２１ａの表裏面を、上記のラッチ本体１２及び操作部１３でもって狭みこんだ状態で、ラッチ本体１２と操作部１３の双方が連結される。また、ラッチケース２３の一の主面側（図８における上面側）は、後述する所定の第２のクリアランスＣ’（図９参照）を介して、ラッチ本体１２の外周面を包含できる略矩形の枠体リブ２５を備える。さらに、図８の電池パックでは、ラッチケース２３の底面に、一対のスライド孔２４、２４’が、スライド方向、すなわち底カバー２１の周壁２１ｂ側から電池収納領域６側へと略直線状に穿設せられ、各々は平行に配置されている。 (Latch case)
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a latch case 23 capable of supporting the latch main body 12 and the operation unit 13 is formed in the central region on the short side of the peripheral wall 21 b of the bottom cover 21. With the front and back surfaces of the base portion 21a of the latch case 32 being narrowed by the latch body 12 and the operation part 13, both the latch body 12 and the operation part 13 are connected. Further, one main surface side (upper surface side in FIG. 8) of the latch case 23 is a substantially rectangular shape that can include the outer peripheral surface of the latch body 12 via a predetermined second clearance C ′ (see FIG. 9) described later. The frame rib 25 is provided. Further, in the battery pack of FIG. 8, a pair of slide holes 24, 24 ′ are formed on the bottom surface of the latch case 23 in a substantially linear shape in the sliding direction, that is, from the peripheral wall 21 b side of the bottom cover 21 to the battery storage region 6 side. Each is arranged in parallel.

（ラッチ部材）
上述のように、ラッチケース２３の上下面側（図７及び図８における上下）を、ラッチ本体１２及び操作部１３で挟み込み、ラッチケース２３のスライド孔２４、２４’から、操作部１３の埋め込みナット１６ｂ、１６ｂ’を突出させた状態で、ラッチ部材１０の上面側から、ボルト１６、１６’をラッチ本体１２の貫通孔１６ａ、１６ａ’に挿通し、さらに操作部１３の埋め込みナット１６ｂ、１６ｂ’に嵌合させることによって、ラッチ本体１２と操作部１３とが一体に連結され、ラッチ部材１０を構成する。また、スライド孔２４、２４’の短手方向における開口幅は、埋め込みナット１６ｂ、１６ｂ’の外径よりも大きい。この構造により、ユーザが電池パックの手前、或いは奥へと操作部１３を移動させることにより、埋め込みナット１６ｂ、１６ｂ’が、基底部２１ａのスライド孔２４、２４’の壁面にスムースに案内されて、ラッチ部材１０がスライド方向に摺動される。これに連動され、ラッチ部材１０の突起１１、１１’は、周壁２１の外方側（図７における手前側）へと突出され、或いは電池収納領域６側へと引き込まれる。。 (Latch member)
As described above, the upper and lower surfaces (upper and lower sides in FIGS. 7 and 8) of the latch case 23 are sandwiched between the latch main body 12 and the operation portion 13, and the operation portion 13 is embedded from the slide holes 24 and 24 ′ of the latch case 23. With the nuts 16 b and 16 b ′ protruding, the bolts 16 and 16 ′ are inserted into the through holes 16 a and 16 a ′ of the latch body 12 from the upper surface side of the latch member 10, and the embedded nuts 16 b and 16 b of the operation unit 13 are further inserted. The latch body 12 and the operation portion 13 are integrally connected to each other by being fitted to the “′” to constitute the latch member 10. Further, the opening width in the short direction of the slide holes 24, 24 ′ is larger than the outer diameter of the embedded nuts 16b, 16b ′. With this structure, when the user moves the operation unit 13 to the front or back of the battery pack, the embedded nuts 16b and 16b ′ are smoothly guided to the wall surfaces of the slide holes 24 and 24 ′ of the base portion 21a. The latch member 10 is slid in the sliding direction. In conjunction with this, the protrusions 11 and 11 ′ of the latch member 10 protrude toward the outer side (front side in FIG. 7) of the peripheral wall 21, or are pulled toward the battery storage region 6 side. .

（ピン受容体）
さらに、図８に示すように、ラッチケース２３の枠体リブ２５における電池収納領域６側には、ラッチ本体１２に装着されたスライドピン１５を支持するための、ピン受容体２７が設けられている。ピン受容体２７は、直線状に開口し、且つ、この開口部の内壁面でもって、スライドピン１５の外周面の少なくとも一部をカバーする溝壁２７ａが形成される。溝壁２７ａは、スライドピン１５を軸方向にスライド可能に支持しつつ、その移動方向をガイドできる。溝壁２７ａの短手方向における開口幅は、溝壁２７ａに挿入されたスライドピン１５が、その軸方向にスライドできるよう、スライドピン１５の外径と比べて若干大きく設定し、ピン受容体２７とスライドピン１５との間に若干の隙間が生じるようにすることが好ましい。これにより、ピン受容体２７の内壁面がスライドピン１５の移動方向をガイドしつつ、スライドピン１５がピン受容体２７内をスムースにスライドできる。 (Pin receptor)
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a pin receiving body 27 for supporting the slide pin 15 attached to the latch body 12 is provided on the battery housing region 6 side of the frame rib 25 of the latch case 23. Yes. The pin receiver 27 is opened linearly, and a groove wall 27a that covers at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the slide pin 15 is formed by the inner wall surface of the opening. The groove wall 27a can guide the moving direction while supporting the slide pin 15 so as to be slidable in the axial direction. The opening width in the short direction of the groove wall 27a is set slightly larger than the outer diameter of the slide pin 15 so that the slide pin 15 inserted in the groove wall 27a can slide in the axial direction. It is preferable that a slight gap be formed between the slide pin 15 and the slide pin 15. Thereby, the slide pin 15 can smoothly slide in the pin receiver 27 while the inner wall surface of the pin receiver 27 guides the moving direction of the slide pin 15.

具体的には、図７に示すように、スライドピン１５が溝壁２７ａにはめ込まれた状態では、溝壁２７ａの内周面とスライドピン１５の外周面とが対向した状態、すなわち、溝の内周面がスライドピン１５の外周面の一部を囲む状態となる。したがって、スライドピン１５は、その軸方向にだけスライド可能な状態で、ピン受容体２７に支持される。また、図９は、図６におけるラッチ部材１０周辺の平面図である。図７乃至図９に示すように、ピン受容体２７は、溝壁２７ａの開口径を構成する内壁面の一端から連続した、溝壁２７ａよりも大きい開口幅を有する弾性体受けリブ２７ｂを有する。溝壁２７ａから弾性体受けリブ２７ｂへの連続域は、開口幅が平面視において略凸形状に広がっている。また、図示されるように、弾性体受けリブ２７ｂの開口部は、奥側（電池収納領域６側）に溝壁２７ａと連続した凹みをなしており、凹みの入り口両端部は、両側の外方向に翼状に広げられている。 Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when the slide pin 15 is fitted into the groove wall 27a, the inner peripheral surface of the groove wall 27a and the outer peripheral surface of the slide pin 15 face each other, that is, the groove The inner peripheral surface surrounds a part of the outer peripheral surface of the slide pin 15. Therefore, the slide pin 15 is supported by the pin receiver 27 in a state where it can slide only in the axial direction. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the periphery of the latch member 10 in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the pin receiver 27 has an elastic body receiving rib 27b having an opening width larger than the groove wall 27a, which is continuous from one end of the inner wall surface constituting the opening diameter of the groove wall 27a. . In the continuous region from the groove wall 27a to the elastic body receiving rib 27b, the opening width spreads in a substantially convex shape in plan view. Further, as shown in the figure, the opening of the elastic body receiving rib 27b has a recess continuous with the groove wall 27a on the back side (battery storage area 6 side), and both ends of the entrance of the recess are outside the both sides. It is spread in a wing shape in the direction.

この弾性体受けリブ２７ｂの凹み内には、中央部に孔を有する円盤形状の弾性止１７が、その主面を溝壁２７ａの端面と当接した状態で配置されており、さらに弾性止１７の中央孔と溝壁２７ａの開口幅、及び中心軸はほぼ同一である。これにより弾性止１７の中央孔及び溝壁２７ａを貫通するスライドピン１５が、双方の開口部をスムースにスライドでき、弾性止１７の中央孔より大きい径を有する部材が、溝壁２７ａ側へと進入するのを防止できる。また、弾性止１７の外周径は、弾性体受けリブ２７ｂの内径と、平面視においてほぼ同一である。これにより弾性止１７の円弧状の外周端面が、弾性体受けリブ２７ｂを構成する内壁面と当接され、弾性止１７が弾性体受けリブ２７ｂにはめ合わされて、固定される。 In the recess of the elastic body receiving rib 27b, a disk-shaped elastic stopper 17 having a hole in the center is disposed with its main surface in contact with the end face of the groove wall 27a. The central hole and the opening width of the groove wall 27a and the central axis are substantially the same. As a result, the slide pin 15 penetrating the central hole of the elastic stopper 17 and the groove wall 27a can smoothly slide both openings, and a member having a larger diameter than the central hole of the elastic stopper 17 moves toward the groove wall 27a. Prevent entry. Further, the outer peripheral diameter of the elastic stopper 17 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the elastic body receiving rib 27b in plan view. Thereby, the arc-shaped outer peripheral end surface of the elastic stopper 17 is brought into contact with the inner wall surface constituting the elastic body receiving rib 27b, and the elastic stopper 17 is fitted to the elastic body receiving rib 27b and fixed.

（スプリング）
図９に示すように、スプリング１４ａを挿通したスライドピン１５がピン受容体２７にはめ込まれた状態において、スプリング１４ａは、ラッチ本体１２の内面側における、ラッチ端面１２ａから溝壁２７ａの入り口までの間に配置されている。具体的には、スプリング１４ａの一端はラッチ端面１２ａの内面側に当接し、他端は、弾性体受けリブ２７ｂにはめ合わされた弾性止１７に当接される。また、スプリング１４ａと、該スプリング１４ａの中空を挿通するスライドピン１５との双方は、スライドピン１５がスライド移動した際に、スライドピン１５の外面とスプリング１４ａの内面とが摺動できる程度の若干の隙間を有する。さらに、スプリング１４ａはスライドピン１５の外径よりも若干大きい内径を有しており、且つ、圧縮された状態で、スライドピン１５の外周に巻き付いて装着されている。したがって、スプリング１４ａの両端部は、スプリング１４ａの復元力により、外方向にほぼ同等の力で付勢されている。このスプリング１４ａの弾性当接により、スプリング１４ａがラッチケース２３内に安定して支持されるため、ラッチ部材１０のスライド移動に伴って脱落することを抑止できる。 (spring)
As shown in FIG. 9, in a state in which the slide pin 15 inserted through the spring 14a is fitted into the pin receiver 27, the spring 14a is located on the inner surface side of the latch body 12 from the latch end surface 12a to the entrance of the groove wall 27a. Arranged between. Specifically, one end of the spring 14a abuts on the inner surface side of the latch end surface 12a, and the other end abuts on the elastic stopper 17 fitted to the elastic body receiving rib 27b. Further, both the spring 14a and the slide pin 15 inserted through the hollow of the spring 14a are slightly so that the outer surface of the slide pin 15 and the inner surface of the spring 14a can slide when the slide pin 15 slides. It has a gap. Further, the spring 14 a has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the slide pin 15, and is wound around and attached to the outer periphery of the slide pin 15 in a compressed state. Accordingly, both end portions of the spring 14a are urged outward by a substantially equal force by the restoring force of the spring 14a. Due to the elastic contact of the spring 14a, the spring 14a is stably supported in the latch case 23, so that it can be prevented from falling off as the latch member 10 slides.

また、スプリング１４ａは、弾性止１７の中央孔よりも大きい外径を有するため、スライドピン１５ａが電池収納領域６方向（図９における上方）へとスライドされた際にも、スプリング１４ａは溝壁２７ａ内へと進入できない。スプリング１４ａは弾性止１７へと付勢されて弾性圧縮される。すなわち、弾性体受けリブ２７ｂに固定された弾性止１７によって、弾性止１７の中央孔を挿通できるスライドピン１５のみが、溝壁２７ａ側へとスライド進入・後退できる構造となる。 Further, since the spring 14a has an outer diameter larger than that of the central hole of the elastic stopper 17, the spring 14a does not move even when the slide pin 15a is slid toward the battery storage region 6 (upward in FIG. 9). Cannot enter 27a. The spring 14a is urged toward the elastic stopper 17 and is elastically compressed. That is, only the slide pin 15 that can be inserted through the central hole of the elastic stopper 17 by the elastic stopper 17 fixed to the elastic body receiving rib 27b is configured to be able to slide into and retract toward the groove wall 27a.

また、スプリング１４ａは、ラッチ本体の上面１０ａと、ラッチケース２３の底面及び枠体リブ２５でもって構成される内部空間内に配置される。すなわち、スプリング１４ａの直上はラッチ本体の上面１０ａによってカバーされており、さらにラッチ本体１２の上面１０ａは、回路基板５が所定のクリアランスＣ（図６参照）を介して立設されている。言い換えると、弾性部材１４と回路基板５は、ラッチ本体の上面１０ａによって隔離されており、すなわち、ラッチ本体の上面１０ａが、弾性部材１４と回路基板５とを絶縁する隔離部８の役割を担う。また、隔離部８はラッチ部材１０を構成する一部であるため、ラッチ部材１０と共に移動する。 The spring 14 a is disposed in an internal space constituted by the upper surface 10 a of the latch body, the bottom surface of the latch case 23, and the frame body rib 25. That is, the upper portion of the spring 14a is covered by the upper surface 10a of the latch main body, and the upper surface 10a of the latch main body 12 is erected with the circuit board 5 through a predetermined clearance C (see FIG. 6). In other words, the elastic member 14 and the circuit board 5 are separated from each other by the upper surface 10a of the latch body, that is, the upper surface 10a of the latch body plays a role of the isolation part 8 that insulates the elastic member 14 and the circuit board 5 from each other. . Moreover, since the isolation part 8 is a part which comprises the latch member 10, it moves with the latch member 10. FIG.

なお、実施の形態においては、弾性部材１４としてスプリング１４ａを用いて、スライドピン１５にはめ込むように装着させたが、弾性部材１４はスプリングに限定されず、板バネなどを用いることもできる。また、スライドピン１５及び弾性部材１４の数量も特に限定されず、例えば複数個として、各々のスライドピン１５にスプリング１４ａを装着させることで、ラック機構１０の傾きを抑制し、一層安定した機構とすることもできる。 In the embodiment, the spring 14a is used as the elastic member 14, and the slide pin 15 is fitted. However, the elastic member 14 is not limited to the spring, and a plate spring or the like can be used. Further, the number of the slide pins 15 and the elastic members 14 is not particularly limited. For example, by attaching a spring 14a to each slide pin 15 as a plurality, the inclination of the rack mechanism 10 can be suppressed, and a more stable mechanism. You can also

（スライド機構）
ラッチ部材１０は、ラッチ部材１０とラッチケース２３に当接する弾性部材１４によって弾発付勢されているため、操作部１３の動きに合わせて、突起１１、１１’が周壁２１ｂより突出あるいは引き込むように構成されている。この突起１１、１１’が、ノートパソコン側の嵌合穴３１、３１’（図２参照）と係合することによって、電池パック１がノートパソコン３０ａに掛止した状態で取り付けられる。電池パック１を取り外す場合には、操作者が、操作部１３を弾性部材１４による弾発付勢方向と反対にスライドさせる。具体的には、操作部１３を、電池パック１の内側方向（図９における上側方向）へと押し込むと、操作部１３の埋め込みナット１６ｂ、１６ｂ’が、ラッチケース２３のスライド孔２４、２４’（図８参照）に案内されてスライドされ、これに連動された突起１１、１１’が、本体ケース２０の切り欠き部２６、２６’内に退避され、ロックが解除される。つまりラッチ状態が解除され、ノートパソコン側との掛止が開放される。 (Slide mechanism)
Since the latch member 10 is elastically biased by the elastic member 14 contacting the latch member 10 and the latch case 23, the protrusions 11 and 11 ′ protrude or retract from the peripheral wall 21b in accordance with the movement of the operation unit 13. It is configured. The protrusions 11 and 11 ′ are engaged with the fitting holes 31 and 31 ′ (see FIG. 2) on the notebook computer side, so that the battery pack 1 is attached in a state of being hooked on the notebook computer 30 a. When removing the battery pack 1, the operator slides the operation unit 13 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the elastic member 14 urges and urges. Specifically, when the operation unit 13 is pushed inward in the battery pack 1 (upward direction in FIG. 9), the embedded nuts 16b and 16b ′ of the operation unit 13 are inserted into the slide holes 24 and 24 ′ of the latch case 23. The protrusions 11 and 11 ′ guided and slid by (see FIG. 8) and interlocked therewith are retracted into the notches 26 and 26 ′ of the main body case 20, and the lock is released. That is, the latch state is released and the latch with the notebook personal computer side is released.

（クリアランス）
また、図６、図９に示すように、ラッチ本体１２の上面１０ａと、回路基板５の端縁５ａとの間に設けられるクリアランスＣ（図６参照）、また、ラッチ本体１２の外面と、ラッチケース２３内面との間に設けられる第２のクリアランスＣ’（図９参照）は、突起１１、１１’の移動は阻害せず、かつ弾性部材１４の通過は阻害する大きさに設定される。このように、ラッチ部材１０と回路基板５との間にクリアランスが設けられることにより、ラッチ部材１０の移動によるラッチ部材１０の上面１０ａと回路基板５との摩擦が生じるのを防ぎ、また、この摩擦によるラッチ部材１０の移動の阻害を抑止できる。さらに、仮に操作部１３の破損ネジのはずれ・ゆるみ等により、ラッチ部材１０の固定がはずれたとしても、ラッチケース２３や、回路基板５の端縁５ａで、ラッチ部材１０の浮き上がり・移動を物理的に阻止でき、ラッチ部材１０の内面側に位置する弾性部材１４がラッチ部材１０の外側に表出するのを防止できる。これにより、特に、導電性を有する弾性部材１４が表出した場合の、回路基板５との接触による短絡を効果的に抑止できる。 (clearance)
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, a clearance C (see FIG. 6) provided between the upper surface 10 a of the latch body 12 and the edge 5 a of the circuit board 5, and an outer surface of the latch body 12, The second clearance C ′ (see FIG. 9) provided between the inner surface of the latch case 23 is set to a size that does not inhibit the movement of the protrusions 11 and 11 ′ and inhibits the passage of the elastic member 14. . Thus, by providing the clearance between the latch member 10 and the circuit board 5, it is possible to prevent the friction between the upper surface 10a of the latch member 10 and the circuit board 5 due to the movement of the latch member 10, and this Inhibition of movement of the latch member 10 due to friction can be suppressed. Furthermore, even if the latch member 10 is unfixed due to the breakage or loosening of the damaged screw of the operation unit 13, the latch member 10 is physically lifted and moved by the latch case 23 and the edge 5 a of the circuit board 5. Therefore, the elastic member 14 positioned on the inner surface side of the latch member 10 can be prevented from appearing outside the latch member 10. Thereby, the short circuit by the contact with the circuit board 5 especially when the elastic member 14 which has electroconductivity exposes can be suppressed effectively.

上記の電池パック１において、回路基板５は、電池の保護機能に加えて、ラッチ部材１０の固定を維持する機能を兼用している。また、ラッチ部材１０を、電池パック１と電気機器３０との連結あるいは離脱させるラッチ機構のみならず、ラッチ部材の少なくとも一部を絶縁性の隔離部８とし、弾性部材１４と回路基板５との絶縁機能を併用させている。これにより、双方の隔離部材を別個に設ける必要がないため、部材の点数を削減でき、絶縁機能の省スペース化、相対的に電池パックの小型化が実現できる。これは、短絡の要因となりうる回路基板５と弾性部材１４とを大きく離間させることで不具合を低減するのではなく、双方を積極的に近接させることで部材の固定を安定化させつつ、双方が直接に接触しない構造を採用しているからである。 In the battery pack 1 described above, the circuit board 5 also has a function of maintaining the fixation of the latch member 10 in addition to the battery protection function. The latch member 10 is not only a latch mechanism for connecting or disconnecting the battery pack 1 and the electric device 30, but at least a part of the latch member is an insulating isolation portion 8, and the elastic member 14 and the circuit board 5 Insulation function is used together. Thereby, since it is not necessary to provide both isolation members separately, the number of members can be reduced, the space for the insulation function can be saved, and the battery pack can be relatively downsized. This is not to reduce the problem by greatly separating the circuit board 5 and the elastic member 14 that may cause a short circuit, but to stabilize the fixing of the members by actively bringing them closer together, This is because a structure that does not directly contact is adopted.

本発明の電池パックは、ノートパソコンやＰＤＡ等、携帯型電気機器のバッテリーとして好適に適用できる。 The battery pack of the present invention can be suitably applied as a battery for portable electric devices such as notebook computers and PDAs.

本発明の実施の形態に係る電池パックを示す外観斜視図である。1 is an external perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施の形態に係る電池パック及びノート型パソコンの概略斜視図である。1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack and a notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施の形態に係る電池パック及びノート型パソコンの概略斜視図である。1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack and a notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施の形態に係る電池パックを示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the battery pack which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態に係る電池パックを示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the battery pack which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態に係る電池パックを示す一部拡大斜視図である。It is a partially expanded perspective view which shows the battery pack which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態に係る電池パックの一部展開斜視図である。It is a partial expansion perspective view of the battery pack which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態に係る電池パックを示す一部拡大斜視図である。It is a partially expanded perspective view which shows the battery pack which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態に係る電池パックを示す一部拡大平面図である。It is a partially expanded plan view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. 従来の電池パックのラッチ部材を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the latch member of the conventional battery pack. 従来の電池パックのラッチ部材を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the latch member of the conventional battery pack. 従来の電池パックのラッチ部材を示す一部断面斜視図である。It is a partial cross section perspective view which shows the latch member of the conventional battery pack. 従来の電池パックのラッチ部材を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the latch member of the conventional battery pack.

Explanation of symbols

１…電池パック
２…電池セル
３…コネクタ
４…リード
５…回路基板
５ａ…回路基板の端縁
５ｂ、５ｂ’…基板の切り欠き部
６…電池収納領域
７、７’…爪
８…隔離部
９…連結機構
１０…ラッチ部材
１０ａ…ラッチ部材（ラッチ本体）の上面
１１、１１’、１１１、１１１’…突起
１２…ラッチ本体
１２ａ…ラッチ端面
１３…操作部
１４…弾性部材
１４ａ…スプリング
１５…スライドピン
１６、１６’…ボルト
１６ａ、１６ａ’…貫通孔
１６ｂ、１６ｂ’…埋め込みナット
１７…弾性止
１８、１８’…スライドレール
２０…本体ケース
２１…底カバー
２１ａ…基底部
２１ｂ…周壁
２２…上カバー
２３…ラッチケース
２４、２４’…スライド孔
２５…ラッチケースの枠体リブ
２６、２６’…切り欠き部
２７…ピン受容体
２７ａ…溝壁
２７ｂ…弾性体受けリブ
３０…電気機器
３０ａ…ノート型パソコンＰＣ
３１、３１’、３２、３２’、１３１、１３１’…嵌合穴
３３…バッテリ取付部
３４…ラッチ部材
１００…電池パック
１０１…ラッチ爪
１０２…ラッチ機構
１０３…スプリング
１０４…ノブ
１０５…回路基板
１０６…隔壁
１０７…リブ
Ｃ…クリアランス
Ｃ’…第２のクリアランス
ｔ…突起の突出量 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Battery pack 2 ... Battery cell 3 ... Connector 4 ... Lead 5 ... Circuit board 5a ... Edge of circuit board 5b, 5b '... Notch part of board 6 ... Battery storage area 7, 7' ... Claw 8 ... Isolation part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 ... Connection mechanism 10 ... Latch member 10a ... Upper surface of latch member (latch main body) 11, 11 ', 111, 111' ... Protrusion 12 ... Latch main body 12a ... Latch end surface 13 ... Operation part 14 ... Elastic member 14a ... Spring 15 ... Slide pin 16, 16 '... Bolt 16a, 16a' ... Through hole 16b, 16b '... Embedded nut 17 ... Elastic stopper 18, 18' ... Slide rail 20 ... Main body case 21 ... Bottom cover 21a ... Base part 21b ... Peripheral wall 22 ... Upper cover 23 ... Latch case 24, 24 '... Slide hole 25 ... Latch case frame rib 26, 26' ... Notch 27 ... Pin receptor 27a ... Groove wall 2 7b ... Elastic body receiving rib 30 ... Electrical equipment 30a ... Notebook PC
31, 31 ', 32, 32', 131, 131 '... fitting hole 33 ... battery mounting part 34 ... latch member 100 ... battery pack 101 ... latch claw 102 ... latch mechanism 103 ... spring 104 ... knob 105 ... circuit board 106 ... partition wall 107 ... rib C ... clearance C '... second clearance t ... projection amount of protrusion

Claims

A battery pack comprising a coupling mechanism (9) that is detachable from the electric device (30) body,
Battery cell (2),
A body case (20) containing the battery cell (2);
A circuit board (5) built in the main body case (20) and connected to the battery cell (2);
As a connection mechanism (9) between the battery pack and the electric device (30) body,
In order to connect the battery pack to the electric device (30) main body in a latched state, an insulating latch member (10) that is slidable between the latch position and the latch release position, and
An elastic member (14) having conductivity for elastically urging the latch member (10) to the latch position in order to maintain the latched state without external force;
With
The latch member (10) is formed to have an isolation part (8) for insulating the elastic member (14) from the circuit board (5),
The battery pack, wherein the isolation part (8) is interlocked with the movement of the latch member (10).

The battery pack according to claim 1,
The elastic member is in a posture in which the edge (5a) of the circuit board (5) is in contact with the latch member (10) and between the circuit board edge (5a) and the latch member (10). A battery pack, wherein a clearance (C) having a size that prevents passage of (14) is formed.

It is a battery pack of Claim 1 or 2, Comprising: The operation part (13) for moving the said latch member (10) physically and switching manually from a latch state to a latch release state is provided. Battery pack featuring.

A battery pack comprising a coupling mechanism (9) that is detachable from the electric device (30) body,
Battery cell (2),
A body case (20) containing the battery cell (2);
A circuit board (5) built in the main body case (20) and connected to the battery cell (2);
As a connection mechanism (9) between the battery pack and the electric device (30) body,
A latch member (10) that is slidable between a latch position and a latch release position in order to connect the battery pack to the electric device (30) body in a latched state;
An elastic member (14) having conductivity for elastically moving the latch member (10) to the latch position in order to maintain the latched state in the absence of external force;
With
The latch member (10)
A pair of protrusions (11, 11 ′) that can protrude to connect to the electric device (30) in a latched state and are spaced apart from each other;
A pair of projections (11, 11 ') are fixed to each other, and a flat plate-shaped insulating isolation part (8) that moves together with the projections (11, 11'), and
The battery pack, wherein the isolation portion (8) is positioned between the circuit board (5) and the elastic member (14).

The battery pack according to claim 4,
Further, a battery is characterized in that a clearance (C) having a size that prevents passage of the elastic member (14) is formed between the circuit board (5) and the isolation member (8). pack.

An electrical device that can be attached to the battery pack (1),
A circuit board comprising an electronic circuit incorporated in the electrical device;
As connection mechanism (9) with battery pack (1)
A latch member (34) that is an insulating material that is slidable between a latch position and a latch release position in order to connect the electric device to the battery pack (1) in a latched state;
An elastic member made of a conductive material for elastically moving the latch member (34) to the latch position in order to maintain the latched state without external force;
With
The electric device, wherein the latch member (34) is formed to have a separating portion (8) for insulating the elastic member from the circuit board.

A latch structure capable of mounting the battery pack (1) to the electrical device (30),
In order to connect the battery pack (1) in a latched state to the electrical device (30) body, a latch body (12) that is an insulating material that is slidable between a latch position and a latch release position;
An elastic member (14) made of a conductive material for elastically moving the latch body (12) to the latch position in order to maintain the latched state without any external force;
An operation unit (13) coupled to the latch body (12), for manually switching the latch body (12) from a latched state to an unlatched state;
With
The latch body (12) is formed to have a separating part (8) that insulates the circuit board (5) built in the battery pack (1) and the elastic member (14),
The elastic member is in a posture in which an edge (5a) of the circuit board (5) is in contact with the latch body (12) and between the circuit board edge (5a) and the latch body (12). A latch structure having a clearance (C) having a size that prevents passage of (14).