JP6126082B2 - connector - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector that is interposed between two connection objects and that achieves electrical conduction between the two connection objects.

  Conventionally, in the connection between electronic devices and the like disposed inside an automobile or the like, the device is electrically connected between the two connection objects by electrically interposing between the two connection objects. A connector is used. For example, this connector is in contact with each connection object at both ends, and electrically connects the connection objects. Further, the above-described connector connects not only between devices but also a plurality of batteries, for example, batteries mounted on an electric vehicle such as a lithium ion battery.

  Here, when a plurality of batteries are connected to each other, it is necessary to continuously connect the batteries in an electrically stable state. In response to this demand, for example, a connection structure is disclosed in which a plurality of batteries are connected to a terminal (target to be connected) that protrudes from a battery and has a through hole penetrating in the battery stacking direction by bolts press-fitted into the through hole. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). According to Patent Document 1, a plurality of terminals can be firmly coupled by a set of bolts and nuts, and the assembly workability can be improved.

  In addition, as a technique for improving the above-described workability, a connection method for connecting batteries using a bus bar that is a flat conductive material is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 2). According to the connection method disclosed in Patent Document 2, since the terminal protruding from the battery is press-fitted into the hole provided in the bus bar in fixing between the battery and the bus bar, screwing is unnecessary, The battery and the bus bar can be easily fixed.

JP 2006-260875 A JP2011-233491A

  However, the connection structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 corresponds only to the stacking direction of the batteries with respect to the variation in the distance between the batteries or between the terminals, and cannot cope with the deviation in the other direction. There was a possibility that the connection state of the battery may be released due to a change in the distance between them. Further, in the connection method disclosed in Patent Document 2, the variation in the distance between the batteries or between the terminals is determined by the elastic force of the bus bar or the size of the formed hole. There is a limit to the distance (tolerance) that can be covered by the size. That is, the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have a low tolerance for dealing with variations in distance between batteries or terminals.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a connector capable of increasing a tolerance that can cope with a variation in distance between batteries or terminals and maintaining a stable connection state. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a connector according to the present invention is a connector that is interposed between two terminals to electrically connect the two terminals, and is fixed to one terminal. A conductive first connector having a first fixed portion and a second fixed portion fixed to the other terminal, and connected to the first connector so as to be relatively displaceable. And 2 connectors.

  In the connector according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the first and second fixing portions are each composed of a diagonally wound coil spring attached to one end side of the first and second connectors.

  The connector according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the first and second fixing portions are made of leaf springs and are respectively attached to one end sides of the first and second connectors.

  The connector according to the present invention further includes a member that slidably holds the first and second connectors in the above invention, and absorbs a change in the positional relationship between the first and second connectors. It is characterized by.

  In the connector according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the first and second fixing portions press the first and second connectors against the terminals, respectively, and the first and second connectors are slidable. And a change in the positional relationship between the first and second connectors is absorbed.

  In the connector according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, each of the first and second connectors is L-shaped, and at least one of the L-shaped linear portions is orthogonal to the direction in which the linear portion extends. The cross section is semicircular and slidably contacts on a plane corresponding to the semicircular linear portion.

  In the connector according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the first and second connectors are provided with the first and second fixing portions with respect to the other L-shaped straight line portion, respectively. And

  In the connector according to the present invention, the first and second connectors are formed using pure copper or a copper-based alloy, and the first and second fixing portions are a copper-based alloy and stainless steel. It is formed using spring steel or low carbon steel.

  According to the present invention, the first and second connectors connected to be displaceable are each provided with a fixing portion to fix the terminals arranged in the battery. As a result, it is possible to increase the tolerance that can cope with the variation in the distance between them and to maintain a stable connection state.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a battery pack using the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of the connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a main part of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a main part of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a main part of the battery pack using the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an operation mode of the configuration of the main part of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the main part of the connector according to Modification 1-1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the connector according to Modification 1-2 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 11: is a fragmentary sectional view which shows typically the structure of the principal part of the battery pack using the connector concerning the modification 1-2 of Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the connector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the connector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a main part of the battery pack using the connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the main part of the connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the connector according to Modification 2-1 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the main part of the connector according to Modification 2-2 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the connector according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the main part of the connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the connector according to Modification 3-1 of Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the connector according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. FIG. 23 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the main part of the connector according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a side view schematically showing a configuration of a main part of the battery pack using the connector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by the following embodiment. The drawings referred to in the following description only schematically show the shape, size, and positional relationship so that the contents of the present invention can be understood. That is, the present invention is not limited only to the shape, size, and positional relationship illustrated in each drawing. In the following description, a connector for connecting battery packs will be described as an example of the connector.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a battery pack using the connector 1 according to the first embodiment. The battery pack shown in FIG. 1 is in contact with a plurality of batteries (lithium ion batteries LIB1 to LIB3 in the first embodiment) and terminals provided in the lithium ion batteries LIB1 to LIB3, respectively. And a connector 1 which is interposed between the batteries and conducts electrical conduction between the two lithium ion batteries. Here, the lithium ion battery LIB1 is provided on an outer peripheral side surface (a side surface perpendicular to the battery stacking direction) and has terminals T11 and T12 that are electrically connected to internal battery components. Similarly, the lithium ion battery LIB2 and the lithium ion battery LIB3 have terminals T21 and T22 and terminals T31 and T32, respectively. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the terminal T11 and the terminal T21, and the terminal T22 and the terminal T32 are connected by the connector 1, respectively.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the connector 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the connector 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of the connector 1 according to the first embodiment. The connector 1 includes a first connector 10, a second connector 20, and a holding member 40. The first connector 10 is substantially L-shaped and is interposed between the conductor portion 11 made of a conductive material and the conductor portion 11 and one terminal so that the conductor portion 11 and the terminal are separated from each other. And a fixing member 30a (first fixing portion) that is fixed by force. The second connector 20 is substantially L-shaped and is interposed between the conductor portion 21 made of a conductive material and the conductor portion 21 and the other terminal so that the conductor portion 21 and the terminal are separated from each other. And a fixing member 30b (second fixing portion) that is urged to be fixed. The holding member 40 holds the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 in contact with each other. The first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are alternately arranged, and one of the L-shaped linear portions comes into contact with each other, thereby forming a substantially C shape in a side view.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the conductor portion 11 of the connector 1 according to the first embodiment. The conductor part 11 is formed using, for example, pure copper or a copper-based alloy. The conductor portion 11 has a substantially cylindrical shape, one end of which has an inclined surface inclined with respect to the axis of the cylinder, and extends from the inclined surface of the base portion 11a in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder. An extending portion 11b having a substantially semicircular cross section perpendicular to the direction. Moreover, the base 11a is provided on the other end side, and has a reduced diameter portion 111 in which the diameter of the outer peripheral side surface decreases. The extending portion 11b has a flat surface portion 112 that forms a flat surface according to a semicircular straight line portion. Further, the extending portion 11b has an end portion on a side different from the side continuous with the base portion 11a inclined according to the inclined surface of the base portion 11a.

  The conductor part 21 has the same shape as the conductor part 11 described above, and has a base part 21 a and an extension part 21 b corresponding to the conductor part 11. Further, the base 21a has a reduced diameter portion 211 that is provided on the other end side and the diameter of the outer peripheral side surface is reduced. The extending part 21b has a planar part 212 that is planar according to the semicircular linear part. Further, the extending portion 21b has an end portion on a side different from the side continuous with the base portion 21a inclined according to the inclined surface of the base portion 21a.

  In the connector 1, the lithium ion batteries are electrically connected by bringing the flat portions 112 and 212 of the extending portions 11 b and 21 b into contact with the first connector 10 and the second connector 20.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the fixing member 30a of the connector 1 according to the first embodiment. The fixing member 30a is made of a wire material formed using, for example, a copper-based alloy, stainless steel, spring steel, or low carbon steel, is wound in a coil shape, and forms an annular shape in which both ends of the wire material are connected. It is a wound coil spring. The fixing member 30 a is attached to the reduced diameter portion 111 of the conductor portion 11.

  The holding member 40 is formed by bending a plate-like member made of carbon tool steel or stainless steel into an Ω shape along the main surface. The holding member 40 maintains the contact state of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 by slidably holding the extending portions 11b and 21b of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 inside the Ω shape. To do.

  FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the main part of the battery pack using the connector 1 according to the first embodiment. In the battery pack shown in FIG. 7, connection portions T11a and T21a, which are holes for connecting the connector 1 to the terminals T11 and T21, are provided, respectively. The connector 1 electrically connects the terminals T11 and T21 by inserting the base portions 11 at both ends into the connection portions T11a and T21a, respectively.

  At this time, the fixing members 30a and 30b attached to the reduced diameter portions 111 and 211 are elastically deformed in the spaces formed by the connection portions T11a and T21a and the reduced diameter portions 111 and 211, respectively, and the connection portions T11a and the connection portions are connected. The inner wall surface of the portion T21a and the reduced diameter portion 111 are urged away from each other. Thereby, the connector 1 and the terminals T11 and T21 can be fixed in the insertion / removal direction. The connector 1 and the terminals T11 and T21 are electrically connected to each other through the fixing members 30a and 30b in addition to the contact portion between the base portion 11a and the connection portions T11a and T21a.

  Here, the connector 1 can change the distance between the base portions 11 a and 21 a of the connector 1 by sliding the extending portions 11 b and 21 b of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20. Specifically, the distance between the base portions 11a and 21a changes as the extending portion 21b moves in a direction (arrow Y) orthogonal to the winding direction of the holding member 40. Moreover, since the outer peripheral shape is cylindrical, the base parts 11a and 21a can rotate around the central axis of the cylinder. Accordingly, the distance between the lithium ion batteries LIB1 to LIB3 is extended, or the distance between the terminals is shifted due to the difference in the arrangement positions of the terminals T11 and T12, the terminals T21 and T22, and the terminals T31 and T32. The portions 11b and 21b can slide to absorb the change in the positional relationship between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 and can flexibly cope with it.

The range in which the distance between the base portions 11a and 21a of the connector 1 according to the first embodiment can change (corresponding to the range and tolerance allowed by the central axis of the base portion 21a) is, for example, the axis N of the central axis of the base portion 11a. ₀ , the central axis of the base portion 21a when the distance between the base portions 11a and 21a is the minimum, the axis N _{1 is} the central axis of the base portion 21a, and the distance between the base portions 11a and 21a is the maximum when an axis N ₂ the central axis, as shown in FIG. 8, a region R surrounded by the line (dashed line) the axis N _1, N ₂ about the axis N ₀ is moved.

  According to the first embodiment described above, the fixing members made of elastic bodies are respectively attached to the first and second connectors that are slidably held by the holding member, and are fixed to the terminals. Therefore, it is possible to increase the tolerance that can cope with the variation in distance between the batteries or between the terminals, and to maintain a stable connection state. In addition, the connector according to the first embodiment described above has improved tolerance as compared with the conventional case, so that the connection is released due to vibration or the like, or the connector and the terminal are destroyed by an impact. This can be prevented.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, it is not necessary to fix the connector and each terminal with screws, and it is possible to fix only by inserting into the terminal (connecting portion). This makes it possible to reduce the assembly man-hours.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to increase a follow-up region for a change in distance between batteries or terminals, for example, a change due to expansion / contraction due to charge / discharge, as compared with a conventional connector. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably cope with changes in the position of the battery and the terminal, and to maintain a stable connection state.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, by using an elastic body made of a wire material as the fixing member, it is possible to secure a contact point with the inner wall surface of the terminal as a plurality of point contacts, so that the resistance is low. Can be connected. Further, by using the diagonally wound coil spring as the fixing member, the contact pressure does not change due to the displacement or vibration of the battery or the terminal due to the nonlinear load of the obliquely wound coil spring, and a stable contact state can be maintained.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of the fixing member 21 of the connector 1 according to the modified example 1-1 of the first embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment described above, the fixing member made of a wire is used. However, not only the wire, but also a plate-like member (plate spring using, for example, a copper alloy, stainless steel, spring steel, or low carbon steel) ) May be used. The fixing member 31 shown in FIG. 9 has a plate-shaped member curved in a substantially C shape along the main surface, and is provided on the outer edge side and extends in a band shape. A curved portion 31b which is provided at a central portion in the width direction of the surface and is cut out along the width direction to form a sawtooth shape and bends so as to protrude from the plate surface of the band-shaped portion 31a.

  According to the modified example 1-1, by attaching the fixing member 31 to the above-mentioned reduced diameter portions 111 and 211, the bending portion 31b can be elastically deformed to fix the connector 1 and the terminal. Become. A stable connection state as described above can be maintained also by using a plate-like member as the fixing member. Moreover, since the contact location with the internal wall surface of a terminal can be ensured as a some point contact by the some curved part 31b which makes | forms a saw-tooth shape, it can connect with low resistance.

  FIG. 10 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the connector 1a according to the modified example 1-2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a main part of a battery pack using the connector 1a according to the modified example 1-2 of the first embodiment. In Embodiment 1 described above, the base portion 11a has been described as having a cylindrical shape, but a cross section perpendicular to the central axis may have a semicircular shape. 10 and 11 includes a first connector 10a and a second connector 20a. The first connector 10a is substantially L-shaped and is interposed between the conductor portion 12 made of a conductive material and the conductor portion 12 and one terminal so as to press the conductor portion 12 toward the terminal side. And a fixing member 32a (first fixing portion) to be fixed. The second connector 20a is substantially L-shaped and is interposed between the conductor portion 22 made of a conductive material and the conductor portion 22 and the other terminal so as to press the conductor portion 22 toward the terminal side. And a fixing member 32b (second fixing portion) for urging and fixing. The 1st connector 10a and the 2nd connector 20a are alternately arrange | positioned, and when one linear part of L shape contacts, it makes a substantially C shape by side view.

  The conductor portion 12 is formed by, for example, bending a columnar member made of pure copper or a copper-based alloy in a semicircular cross section in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction on a plane corresponding to the semicircular linear portion. The The conductor portion 12 is substantially L-shaped, and is a straight portion on one end side of the L-shape, the base portion 12a connected to the connection portion of the terminal, and a straight portion (extending portion) on the other end side of the L-shape. And it has the extension part 12b which contacts the other conductor. The conductor part 22 has the same shape as the conductor part 12 described above, and has a base part 22 a and an extension part 22 b corresponding to the conductor part 12.

  The fixing members 32a and 32b are formed by bending a plate-like member formed using, for example, a copper alloy, stainless steel, spring steel, or low carbon steel. The fixing members 32a and 32b are formed by bending a plate-like member in a substantially C shape along the main surface, and sandwiching portions 321a and 322a that slidably sandwich the extending portions 12b and 22b inside, The plate surface is curved in an arc shape, and has elastic portions 321b and 322b that can be elastically deformed, and connecting portions 321c and 322c that connect the holding portions 321a and 322a and the elastic portions 321b and 322b, respectively.

  In the connector 1a, the first connector 10a and the second connector 20a are electrically connected to each other by bringing the planar portions of the extending portions 12b and 22b into contact with the first connector 10a and the second connector 20a. Further, in a state where the first connector 10a and the second connector 20a are in contact with each other, the holding portions 321a and 322a slidably hold (hold) the extending portions 12b and 22b, and elastically adhere to the planar portions of the base portions 12a and 22a. The parts 321b and 322b are arranged. The elastic portions 321b and 322b are arranged such that both ends of the arc shape are located on the side of the flat portions of the base portions 12a and 22a, and have a shape protruding in a convex shape from the flat portions of the base portions 12a and 22a.

  When the connector 1a described above is connected to the connecting portions T11a and T21a of the terminals T11 and T21, the base portions 12a and 22a are inserted into the connecting portions T11a and T21a. At this time, the elastic portions 321b and 322b are elastically deformed between the base portions 12a and 22a and the connection portions T11a and T21a, and the base portions 12a and 22a are in contact with the elastic portions 321b and 322b in the connection portion T11a and the connection portion T21a. It is biased in the direction of pressing against the inner wall surface on the opposite side. Thereby, the connector 1a and the terminals T11 and T21 can be fixed. Further, the connector 1a and the terminals T11 and T21 are electrically connected via the fixing members 32a and 32b in addition to the contact portions between the base portions 12a and 22a and the connection portions T11a and T21a.

  Here, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, the connector 1a allows the extension portions 12b and 22b of the first connector 10a and the second connector 20a to slide with each other, thereby increasing the distance between the base portions 12a and 22a of the connector 1a. Can be changed. Specifically, the distance between the base portions 12a and 22a changes as the extending portions 12b and 22b move in a direction orthogonal to the winding direction of the sandwiching portions 321a and 322a. Further, the base portions 12a and 22a are rotatable around the center axis of the circle of the arc portion of the outer edge of the base portions 12a and 22a. Accordingly, the distance between the lithium ion batteries LIB1 to LIB3 is extended, or the distance between the terminals is shifted due to the difference in the arrangement positions of the terminals T11 and T12, the terminals T21 and T22, and the terminals T31 and T32. The portions 12b and 22b can slide flexibly to absorb changes in the positional relationship between the first connector 10a and the second connector 20a.

  According to the above-described modification 1-2, the first and second connectors slidably held by the holding portion are fixed to the terminals by the biasing force of the elastic portion. Or the tolerance which can respond to the dispersion | variation in the distance between terminals can be increased, and a stable connection state can be maintained.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the connector 2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the connector 2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a main part of a battery pack using the connector 2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the connecting portion 13b of the connector 2 according to the second embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as the component mentioned above in FIG.

  The connector 2 includes a first connector 10b, a second connector 20b, and a disc spring 34. The first connector 10b includes a conductor portion 13 made of a conductive material, and a fixing member 33a (first fixing portion) that is interposed between the conductor portion 13 and one terminal, and fixes the conductor portion 13 and the terminal. Have. The second connector 20b includes a conductor portion 23 made of a conductive material, a fixing member 33b (second fixing portion) that is interposed between the conductor portion 23 and the other terminal, and fixes the conductor portion 23 and the terminal. Have. The disc spring 34 is provided between the first connector 10b and the second connector 20b.

  The conductor portion 13 is fixed to the substantially columnar base portion 13a having a semicircular cross section, and the second connector 20b so that the second connector 20b can be displaced with respect to the first connector 10b. And a connecting portion 13b to be connected. The conductor portion 23 includes a substantially columnar base portion 23a having a semicircular cross section. The base portions 13a and 23a are formed with cutout portions 131 and 231 each having a cutout shape at the end on the side of the connecting portion 13b.

  The base portion 13a has a convex portion 13c that protrudes in a convex shape from the tip. The base 23a has a convex portion 23b that protrudes in a convex shape from the tip. The convex portions 13c and 23b are connected to the connecting portion 13b by fitting into the connecting holes 13d and 13e (see FIG. 15) of the connecting portion 13b. Here, the tip portions of the convex portions 13c and 23b are shaped so as not to be detached from the connecting portion 13b by caulking or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the connecting portion 13b has a substantially flat plate shape, and the connecting holes 13d and 13e described above are formed at both ends. The connection hole 13d forms a cylindrical internal space, and the convex portion 13c is accommodated and held in this internal space. Thereby, the base part 13a and the connection part 13b are fixed. Further, the connecting hole 13e forms a columnar internal space extending in the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 13b, and holds the convex portion 23b in this internal space. At this time, the length in the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 13b of the connecting hole 13e is larger than the diameter of the convex portion 23b, and the length in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is substantially the same as the diameter of the convex portion 23b. Thereby, the convex part 23b can move to the longitudinal direction of the connection part 13b in the formation area of the connection hole 13e.

  The fixing members 33a and 33b are belt-shaped curved along the main surface, and are attached to the base portion 13a and the cutout portions 131 and 231 of the base portion 23a and attached to the attachment portions 331a and 332a and the attachment portions 331a and 332a, respectively. And elastic portions 331b and 332b that extend in an arc shape from one side surface parallel to the longitudinal direction of the belt and elastically deform in response to a load from the outside.

  The fixing members 33a and 33b are arranged so that the elastic portions 331b and 332b extend along the wall surfaces of the base portions 13a and 23a when the attachment portions 331a and 332a are attached to the notches 131 and 231, respectively. The elastic portions 331b and 332b are arranged so that the tips are located on the wall surfaces of the base portions 13a and 23a, respectively, and have an arc shape that is convex with respect to the wall surfaces of the base portions 13a and 23a. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the attachment portions 331a and 332a are preferably locked by notches 131 and 231 so that the positions of the base portions 13a and 23a in the longitudinal direction are determined.

  The disc spring 34 is provided between the base portion 23a (convex portion 23b) and the connecting portion 13b, and has a disk shape made of a copper alloy, stainless steel, spring steel, or low carbon steel, and includes the connecting portion 13b and the base portion 23a. By pressing slidably, the contact state of the 1st connector 10b and the 2nd connector 20b is maintained, and the freedom degree with respect to the movement of the base 23a is controlled.

  When connecting the connector 2 described above to the connecting portions T11a and T21a of the terminals T11 and T21, the base portions 13a and 23a are inserted into the connecting portions T11a and T21a, respectively. At this time, the elastic portions 331b and 332b are elastically deformed by the base portions 13a and 23a and the connecting portions T11a and T21a, and the inner wall surfaces of the connecting portion T11a and the connecting portion T21a and the wall surfaces of the base portions 13a and 23a are separated from each other. Energize in the direction. Thereby, the connector 2 and the terminals T11 and T21 can be fixed in the insertion / removal direction. Further, the connector 2 and the terminals T11 and T21 are electrically connected via the fixing members 33a and 33b in addition to the contact portions between the base portions 13a and 23a and the connection portions T11a and T21a.

  Here, the connector 2 can change the distance between the base parts 13a and 23a of the connector 2 by sliding the base part 23a with respect to the connection part 13b similarly to the first embodiment. Specifically, the distance between the base portions 13a and 23a changes as the convex portion 23b moves in the longitudinal direction of the connecting hole 13e. Further, the base portions 13a and 23a are rotatable around the central axis of the circle of the arc portion of the outer edge of the base portions 13a and 23a, respectively. Accordingly, it is possible to flexibly cope with a change in the distance between the lithium ion batteries LIB1 to LIB3 and a shift in the distance between the terminals due to a difference in the arrangement positions of the terminals T11 and T12, the terminals T21 and T22, and the terminals T31 and T32. .

  According to the second embodiment described above, each conductor is slidably held by the convex portion and the connecting hole, and is fixed to the terminal by the urging force of the elastic portion. It is possible to increase the tolerance that can cope with variations in the distance between the two and maintain a stable connection state.

  FIG. 16 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the connector according to Modification 2-1 of the second embodiment. An insulating cover may be provided for the connector of the second embodiment described above. A connector 2a shown in FIG. 16 is made of an insulating resin or the like, and further includes an insulating cover 50 that covers the connecting portion 13b with respect to the connector 2 described above. Since the insulating cover 50 covers the outer surface side of the connection region including the terminals T11 and T21 when the base portions 13a and 23a are connected to the connection portions T11a and T21a, the safety of the battery pack connected by the connector 2a Can be improved.

  FIG. 17 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the main part of the connector according to Modification 2-2 of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment described above, the elastic portions 331b and 332b of the fixing members 33a and 33b have been described as extending in an arc shape from one side surface parallel to the longitudinal direction of the attachment portions 331a and 332a. Not only the shape but also any one that is disposed between the base portions 13a and 23a and the connecting portions T11a and T21a and can be elastically deformed to fix the connector and the terminal is applicable.

  The fixing member 35 according to Modification 2-2 includes an attachment portion 351a having the same shape as the attachment portion 331a described above, and a main surface of the attachment portion 351a from one side surface parallel to the longitudinal direction of the band shape of the attachment portion 351a. After projecting in a direction perpendicular to the extension portion 351b extending in a direction parallel to the main surface of the attachment portion 351a, and a plate-like end portion on the side different from the attachment portion 351a of the extension portion 351b An elastic portion 351c that is provided and has an arc shape in which the plate surface is curved in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the extending portion 351b extends, and elastically deforms according to a load from the outside.

  According to the modified example 2-2, by attaching the fixing member 35 to the base portions 13a and 23a described above, the elastic portion 351c can be elastically deformed to fix the connector and the terminal. A stable connection state as described above can be maintained also by using a plate-like member as the fixing member.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 18 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the connector 3 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a main part of the connector 3 according to the third embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as the component mentioned above in FIG.

  The connector 3 includes a first connector 10c and a second connector 20c. The first connector 10c includes a conductor portion 14 made of a conductive material, and a fixing member 30a that is interposed between the conductor portion 14 and one terminal and fixes the conductor portion 14 and the terminal. The second connector 20b includes a conductor portion 24 made of a conductive material, and a fixing member 30b that is interposed between the conductor portion 24 and the other terminal and fixes the conductor portion 24 and the terminal.

  The conductor portion 14 includes a substantially columnar base portion 14a having a substantially cylindrical shape, and a protruding portion 14b that protrudes in a plate shape from a cylindrical side surface on one end side of the base portion 14a. The conductor portion 24 includes a substantially columnar base portion 24a having a substantially cylindrical shape, and a protruding portion 24b that protrudes in a plate shape from a cylindrical side surface on one end side of the base portion 24a. Here, when the length in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 14a and the length in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 24a are the same, the protruding portion 14b is provided at a position higher than the protruding height of the protruding portion 24b.

  The base portions 14a and 24a are formed with diameter-reduced portions 141 and 241 that are provided on an end side that is different from the side where the projecting portions 14b and 24b are provided, and the diameter of the outer peripheral side surface is reduced. The fixed members 30a and 30b described above are attached to the reduced diameter portions 141 and 241, respectively. When the base portions 14a and 24a are inserted into the connection portions T11a and T21a, the connector 3 and the terminals T11 and T21 are fixed. The projecting portion 14b is provided with a through-hole 142 that has a plate shape and extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the cylinder and penetrates in the thickness direction on the tip side. On the other hand, the protruding portion 24b has a plate shape and extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the cylinder, and a protruding portion 242 that protrudes from the plate surface and has a convex shape is formed on the tip side.

  The convex portion 242 is formed by bending a part of the plate-like protruding portion 24b as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. Here, it is preferable that the convex portion 242 has a convex protruding region that is determined according to the internal space of the through hole 142 and protrudes in a columnar shape. Further, the protrusions 14b and 24b may be prevented from being detached by caulking or the like at the distal end portion.

  The base parts 14a and 24a are connected by the convex part 242 of the projecting part 24b fitting into the through hole 142 of the projecting part 14b. At this time, the first connector 10c can slide and rotate around the convex portion 242. Thereby, the distance of the base 14a and the base 24a can be changed. Further, the connector 3 and the terminals T11 and T21 are fixed in the insertion / removal direction by fixing members 30a and 30b attached to the base portions 14a and 24a, respectively.

  According to the third embodiment described above, the conductor connected to be displaceable by the convex portion and the through hole is fixed to the terminal by the urging force of the fixing member. It is possible to increase the tolerance that can cope with the variation in distance and to maintain a stable connection state.

  FIG. 20 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the connector according to Modification 3-1 of the third embodiment. Similarly to the modified example 2-1, an insulating cover may be provided for the connector of the third embodiment described above. A connector 3a shown in FIG. 20 is made of an insulating member having elasticity, and further includes an insulating cover 51 that covers the distal ends of the conductor portions 14 and 24 including the protruding portions 14b and 24b with respect to the connector 2 described above. The insulating cover 51 covers the outer surface side of the connection region including the terminals T11 and T21 when the conductor portions 14 and 24 are connected to the connection portions T11a and T21a. Therefore, the safety of the battery pack connected by the connector 3a Can be improved.

  In the insulating cover 51 according to the modified example 3-1, when the insulating member does not have stretchability, the insulating cover 51 is formed to have a size including the movable region of the conductor portion 14.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 21 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the connector 4 according to the fourth embodiment. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. FIG. 23 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the conductor 19 of the connector 4 according to the fourth embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as the component mentioned above in FIG.

  The connector 4 includes a first connector 10d, a second connector 20d, and a holding member 41. The first connector 10d is composed of a conductor portion 15 formed by curving a strip-shaped conductive material, and the second connector 20d is composed of a conductor portion 25 formed by curving a strip-shaped conductive material. . The holding member 41 holds the first connector 10d and the second connector 20d in contact with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the conductor portion 15 includes a curved portion 15a (first fixing portion) formed by bending a central portion of a conductive material having a band shape, and both end portions of the band shape, and the plate surfaces thereof are mutually connected. And two extending portions 15b extending in alignment. The curved portion 15a extends along the plate surface of one extending portion 15b and is curved with a curvature larger than the distance between the two extending portions 15b. The conductor portion 15 is substantially P-shaped when viewed from the side parallel to the main surface. The conductor portion 25 has the same shape as the conductor portion 15 described above, and includes a curved portion 25a (second fixing portion) corresponding to the conductor portion 15 and two extending portions 25b.

  The connector 4 is arranged so that the curved portions 15a and 25a are staggered with respect to the conductor portions 15 and 25, and the plate surface portions of the extending portions 15b and 25b are brought into contact with each other, whereby the first connector 10d and The second connector 20d is electrically connected.

  The holding member 41 is formed by curving a plate-like member made of carbon tool steel or stainless steel, and has a C shape in a side view. The holding member 41 maintains the contact state of the first connector 10d and the second connector 20d by slidably holding the extending portions 15b and 25b of the first connector 10d and the second connector 20d inside.

  FIG. 24 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of the main part of the battery pack using the connector 4 according to the fourth embodiment. When the connector 4 described above is connected to connection pins T110a and T210a protruding from terminals T110 and T210 (or side surfaces of the lithium ion battery) as shown in FIG. 24, for example, the connection pins T110a and T210a are bent portions 15a and 25a. Each is fitted inside. Here, it is assumed that the curved portions 15a and 25a are curved so that the inner circumference diameter is smaller than the diameters of the connection pins T110a and T210a. At this time, the bending portions 15a and 25a are expanded by elastic deformation by the connection pins T110a and T210a, and are urged to tighten the connection pins T110a and T210a. Thereby, the connector 4 and the terminals T110 and T210 can be fixed. In the case of fixing the terminal by the connector 4, the curved portions 15a and 25a serve as the fixing portion.

  Here, the connector 4 changes the distance between the curved portions 15a and 25a of the connector 4 by sliding the extending portions 15b and 25b of the conductor portions 15 and 25, as in the first embodiment. be able to. Specifically, the distance between the curved portions 15a and 25a changes as the extending portions 15b and 25b move along the plate surfaces in a direction perpendicular to the winding direction of the holding member 41. Further, since the connection pins T110a and T210a are substantially columnar, they can rotate around the central axis of the column within the curved portions 15a and 25a. Thereby, the conductor parts 15 and 25 can be rotated around the connection pins T110a and T210a, respectively, and the distance between the terminals due to the change in the distance between the plurality of lithium ion batteries, the difference in the arrangement positions of the plurality of terminals, or the like. It is possible to flexibly cope with the deviation.

  According to the above-described fourth embodiment, the conductor held slidably by the fixing member is fixed to the terminal by the urging force of the bending portion. It is possible to increase the tolerance for dealing with variations and maintain a stable connection state.

  In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the “same shape” is the same in design and includes manufacturing errors.

  As described above, the connector according to the present invention is useful for increasing the tolerance for dealing with variations in distance between batteries or terminals and maintaining a stable connection state.

1, 1a, 2, 2a, 3, 4 Connector 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d First connector 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d Second connector 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Conductor part 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, 21a, 22a, 23a, 24a Base part 11b, 15b, 21b, 25b, 351b Extension part 13b Connection part 13c, 23b, 242 Protrusion part 13d, 13e Connection hole 14b, 24b Protruding portion 15a, 25a Bending portion 30a, 30b, 31, 33a, 33b, 35 Fixing member 31a Band-shaped portion 34 Disc spring 40, 41 Holding member 50, 51 Insulating cover 111, 141, 211, 241 Reduced diameter portion 321a , 322a Nipping part 321b, 322b, 331b, 332b, 351c Elastic part 321c, 3 2c connecting portion 331a, 332a, 351a attaching portion T11, T12, T21, T22, T31, T32, T110, T210 terminal T11a, T21a connecting portion T110a, T210a connecting pin

Claims (6)

A connector that is interposed between two terminals to achieve electrical conduction between the two terminals,
A conductive first connector having a first fixing portion fixed to one terminal;
A conductive second connector having a second fixing portion fixed to the other terminal and connected to the first connector so as to be relatively displaceable;
Equipped with a,
The first and second fixing portions are each composed of a diagonally wound coil spring or a leaf spring attached to one end of each of the first and second connectors. The connector according to claim 1 , further comprising a member that slidably holds the first and second connectors. A connector that is interposed between two terminals to achieve electrical conduction between the two terminals,
A conductive first connector having a first fixing portion fixed to one terminal;
A conductive second connector having a second fixing portion fixed to the other terminal and connected to the first connector so as to be relatively displaceable;
With
Wherein the first and second fixing portion, the first and with pressed against the second connector each of said terminals, connector characterized by comprising a member for holding the first and second connector slidably. Each of the first and second connectors is L-shaped, and at least one of the L-shaped straight portions has a semicircular cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the straight portions extend, and the semicircular shape The connector according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein the connector is slidably contacted on a plane corresponding to the straight portion. The connector according to claim 4 , wherein the first and second connectors are provided with the first and second fixing portions with respect to the other L-shaped straight line portion, respectively. The first and second connectors are formed using pure copper or a copper-based alloy,
The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the first and second fixing portions are formed using a copper-based alloy, stainless steel, spring steel, or low carbon steel.

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