Insertion device

Abstract

The insertion device can be connected to the receiving device by insertion, and the first insertion terminal (210a) to the fifth insertion terminal (210e) can be inserted into a plurality of insertion ports provided in the receiving device one by one. The first insertion terminal (210a) to the fifth insertion terminal (210e) include a detection terminal, a positive terminal, a negative terminal, a first communication terminal, and a second communication terminal. The detection terminal is disposed between the positive terminal and the negative terminal. The second communication terminal is disposed between the detection terminal and the negative terminal. The size of the detection terminal is smaller than the size of the second communication terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an insertion device and an insertion system, and more particularly to an insertion device and an insertion system capable of being inserted. Background Art

[0002] A battery pack has a connector that is connected to a charging / discharging device through the connector to charge and discharge the battery pack. The connector includes a plurality of terminals, such as a positive terminal, a negative terminal, an information transmission terminal, an information reception terminal, a signal ground terminal (SG; Signal Ground), and a safety ground terminal (FG; Frame Ground) (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-221002 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The risk becomes greater due to a short circuit between terminals or a spark generated at a terminal.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for improving the safety of terminals.

[0009] Solutions to the Problems

[0010] To solve the above problems, an insertion device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is capable of being connected to a receiving-side device by insertion. The insertion device includes: a plurality of insertion terminals that can be inserted one-to-one into a plurality of insertion ports provided in the receiving-side device; and a main body that supports the plurality of insertion terminals. The plurality of insertion terminals include: a detection terminal to which a voltage can be applied to detect the connection between the insertion device and the receiving-side device; a positive terminal and a negative terminal that can transmit power after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device; and a communication terminal that can transmit data after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device. The detection terminal is disposed between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, the communication terminal is disposed between the detection terminal and the negative terminal, and the size of the detection terminal is smaller than the size of the communication terminal.

[0011] Another technical solution of the present disclosure is an insertion device. The device is an insertion device that can be connected to a receiving-side device by insertion. Wherein, the insertion device includes: a plurality of insertion terminals that can be inserted into a plurality of insertion ports provided in the receiving-side device one by one; and a main body that supports the plurality of insertion terminals. The plurality of insertion terminals include: a detection terminal to which a voltage can be applied to detect the connection between the insertion device and the receiving-side device; a positive terminal and a negative terminal that can transmit power after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device; and a communication terminal that can transmit data after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device. The detection terminal is arranged between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, the communication terminal is arranged between the detection terminal and the negative terminal, and the width of the detection terminal is wider than the width of the negative terminal.

[0012] Another technical solution of the present disclosure is also an insertion device. The device is an insertion device that can be connected to a receiving-side device by insertion. Wherein, the insertion device includes: a plurality of insertion terminals that can be inserted into a plurality of insertion ports provided in the receiving-side device one by one; and a main body that supports the plurality of insertion terminals. The plurality of insertion terminals include: a detection terminal to which a voltage can be applied to detect the connection between the insertion device and the receiving-side device; a positive terminal and a negative terminal that can transmit power after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device; and a communication terminal that can transmit data after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device. The height of the detection terminal is lower than the height of the positive terminal, the height of the negative terminal, and the height of the communication terminal.

[0013] Another technical solution of the present disclosure is an insertion system. The insertion system includes: a receiving-side device having a plurality of insertion ports; and an insertion device having a plurality of insertion terminals that can be inserted into the plurality of insertion ports of the receiving-side device one by one. The plurality of insertion terminals include: a detection terminal to which a voltage can be applied to detect the connection between the insertion device and the receiving-side device; a positive terminal and a negative terminal that can transmit power after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device; and a communication terminal that can transmit data after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device. The plurality of insertion ports include: an insertion port for the detection terminal into which the detection terminal is inserted; an insertion port for the positive terminal into which the positive terminal is inserted; an insertion port for the negative terminal into which the negative terminal is inserted; and an insertion port for the communication terminal into which the communication terminal is inserted. The receiving-side device includes: a contact portion for the detection terminal that can contact the detection terminal inserted into the insertion port for the detection terminal; a contact portion for the positive terminal that can contact the positive terminal inserted into the insertion port for the positive terminal; a contact portion for the negative terminal that can contact the negative terminal inserted into the insertion port for the negative terminal; and a contact portion for the communication terminal that can contact the communication terminal inserted into the insertion port for the communication terminal. The distance between the insertion port for the detection terminal and the contact portion for the detection terminal is longer than the distance between the insertion port for the positive terminal and the contact portion for the positive terminal, the distance between the insertion port for the negative terminal and the contact portion for the negative terminal, and the distance between the insertion port for the communication terminal and the contact portion for the communication terminal.

[0014] Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, the safety of the terminals can be improved. Description of the Drawings

[0016] Figure 1 (a) of - Figure 1 (b) of is a diagram showing the structure of the charge-discharge system of Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 2 (a) of - Figure 2 (c) of is a diagram showing - Figure 1 (a) of - Figure 1 (b) of is a diagram showing the structure of a part of the charge-discharge system.

[0018] Figure 3 (a) of - Figure 3 (d) of is a diagram showing the arrangement of the insertion terminals.

[0019] Figure 4 (a) of - Figure 4 (d) of is a diagram showing the arrangement of the insertion terminals of Embodiment 2.

[0020] Figure 5 (a) of - Figure 5(c) is a diagram showing the configuration of the insertion terminals of Example 3.

[0021] Figure 6 (a) - Figure 6 (b) is a diagram showing the structure of the battery pack of Example 4.

[0022] Figure 7 (a) - Figure 7 (c) is a diagram showing the structure of the charge-discharge device of Example 4.

[0023] Figure 8 (a) - Figure 8 (c) is a diagram showing the structure of another charge-discharge system of Example 4.

[0024] Figure 9 (a) - Figure 9 (c) is a diagram showing the structure of yet another charge-discharge system of Example 4.

[0025] Figure 10 is a diagram showing the structure of still another charge-discharge device of Example 4. Detailed Description

[0026] (Example 1)

[0027] Before specifically describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, an overview of the embodiments will be described. This embodiment relates to a charge-discharge system capable of charging and discharging a battery pack by connecting the battery pack to a charge-discharge device. The charge-discharge device is provided with a plurality of insertion terminals, and the battery pack is provided with a plurality of insertion ports. The battery pack is connected to the charge-discharge device by inserting the insertion terminals into the insertion ports one by one. The plurality of insertion terminals include, for example, a detection terminal for detecting the connection between the battery pack and the charge-discharge device, a positive terminal and a negative terminal capable of transmitting electric power between the battery pack and the charge-discharge device, and a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal capable of transmitting data between the battery pack and the charge-discharge device.

[0028] For the detection terminal, when a voltage is applied to it and it is inserted into the insertion port to be connected to the charge-discharge device, it is connected to the ground portion of the charge-discharge device and a current flows. In addition, the connection between the battery pack and the charge-discharge device is detected by detecting the current. And when the connection between the battery pack and the charge-discharge device is detected, electric power is transmitted through the positive terminal and the negative terminal, and data is transmitted through the first communication terminal and the second communication terminal. So far, the sizes of all the insertion terminals are the same, and the detection terminal is arranged adjacent to the negative terminal. When a good conductor such as a metal foreign object falls onto the charge-discharge device and the good conductor comes into contact with the detection terminal and the negative terminal, a short circuit occurs in the charge-discharge device.

[0029] In order to suppress the occurrence of short circuit, the charging and discharging device of this embodiment makes the detection terminal and the negative terminal not adjacent, but configures the second communication terminal between the detection terminal and the negative terminal, for example. In addition, the size of the detection terminal is smaller than the size of the second communication terminal. Here, the size includes the width and height of the insertion terminal. According to the configuration and size of such insertion terminals, even if the good conductor falls into the charging and discharging device, it is not easy for the good conductor to contact the detection terminal and the negative terminal.

[0030] Figure 1 (a) - Figure 1 (b) shows the structure of the charging and discharging system 1000. Figure 1 (a) - Figure 1 As shown in (b), an orthogonal coordinate system consisting of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis is defined. The x-axis and the y-axis are orthogonal to each other in the horizontal plane. The z-axis is perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis and extends in the height (vertical) direction. In addition, the positive directions of the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis are defined as Figure 1 (a) - Figure 1 The negative direction is defined as the direction opposite to the arrow in (b). In addition, the positive direction side of the x-axis is sometimes referred to as the "front side", the negative direction side of the x-axis is sometimes referred to as the "rear side", the positive direction side of the y-axis is sometimes referred to as the "right side", the negative direction side of the y-axis is sometimes referred to as the "left side", the positive direction side of the z-axis is sometimes referred to as the "upper side", and the negative direction side of the z-axis is sometimes referred to as the "lower side". Therefore, the z-axis is an axis extending in the up-down direction, the x-axis is an axis extending in the front-back direction, and the y-axis is an axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0031] Figure 1 (a) is a perspective view showing the structure of the charging and discharging system 1000. The battery pack 100 has a box shape that is long in the up-down direction, and the charging and discharging device 200 has a box shape that is long in the front-back direction. The battery pack 100 is inserted into the upper surface of the charging and discharging device 200, so that the battery pack 100 is connected to the charging and discharging device 200. The battery pack 100 contains a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery, and the secondary battery is charged and discharged by connecting the battery pack 100 to the charging and discharging device 200.

[0032] Figure 1 (b) means from Figure 1 The state (a) is a perspective view of the structure of the charging and discharging device 200 of the battery pack 100. A recess having a shape corresponding to the shape of the battery pack 100 is provided on the upper surface of the charging and discharging device 200, and a support surface 202 extending in the x-y plane is arranged below the recess. A plurality of plate-shaped insertion terminals 210 protruding upward are arranged on the support surface 202 in the left-right direction.

[0033] Figure 2 of (a) - Figure 2 of (c) shows the structure of a part of the charge-discharge system 1000. Figure 2 of (a) shows the charge-discharge device 200 along Figure 1 of (b) is a perspective view of the case where the charge-discharge device 200 is cut along the A - A' line. On the support surface 202 of the charge-discharge device 200, the first insertion terminal 210a, the second insertion terminal 210b, the third insertion terminal 210c, the fourth insertion terminal 210d, and the fifth insertion terminal 210e are arranged from the left side toward the right side. The first insertion terminal 210a, the second insertion terminal 210b, the third insertion terminal 210c, the fourth insertion terminal 210d, and the fifth insertion terminal 210e are metal terminals having a plate shape with a surface extending in the z - x plane. The first insertion terminal 210a, the second insertion terminal 210b, the third insertion terminal 210c, the fourth insertion terminal 210d, and the fifth insertion terminal 210e are collectively referred to as the insertion terminals 210, but the number of the insertion terminals 210 is not limited to "5". The support surface 202 that supports a plurality of insertion terminals 210 may also be referred to as the main body.

[0034] Figure 2 of (b) is like Figure 1 of (a) is a cross-sectional view of the state where the battery pack 100 is connected to the charge-discharge device 200. In the case where the charge-discharge device 200 having a plurality of insertion terminals 210 is referred to as an "insertion device", the battery pack 100 into which the plurality of insertion terminals 210 are inserted is referred to as a "reception-side device". In addition, the combination of the insertion device and the reception-side device is referred to as an "insertion system". Similar to Figure 2 of (a), on the support surface 202 of the charge-discharge device 200, the first insertion terminal 210a, the second insertion terminal 210b, the third insertion terminal 210c, the fourth insertion terminal 210d, and the fifth insertion terminal 210e are arranged from the left side toward the right side.

[0035] The lower surface of the battery pack 100 is the bottom surface 102, and the first insertion port 110a, the second insertion port 110b, the third insertion port 110c, the fourth insertion port 110d, and the fifth insertion port 110e are arranged in the left - right direction on the bottom surface 102. The first insertion port 110a, the second insertion port 110b, the third insertion port 110c, the fourth insertion port 110d, and the fifth insertion port 110e are collectively referred to as the insertion ports 110, and the insertion terminals 210 can be inserted into the insertion ports 110 one by one. For example, the first insertion terminal 210a is inserted into the first insertion port 110a. In the state where the insertion terminal 210 is inserted into the insertion port 110, the support surface 202 supports the bottom surface 102 from below.

[0036] Inside the battery pack 100, a first contact portion 120a is provided above the first insertion port 110a. In a state where the first insertion terminal 210a is inserted into the first insertion port 110a, the top portion of the first insertion terminal 210a is connected to the first contact portion 120a in such a manner that it is clamped by the first contact portion 120a from the left and right sides. Since the first contact portion 120a is also formed of metal, the first contact portion 120a is also electrically connected to the first insertion terminal 210a.

[0037] The second contact portion 120b and the second insertion terminal 210b, the third contact portion 120c and the third insertion terminal 210c, the fourth contact portion 120d and the fourth insertion terminal 210d, and the fifth contact portion 120e and the fifth insertion terminal 210e are also configured in the same manner as the first contact portion 120a and the first insertion terminal 210a. The first contact portion 120a, the second contact portion 120b, the third contact portion 120c, the fourth contact portion 120d, and the fifth contact portion 120e are collectively referred to as the contact portion 120. Connecting the contact portion 120 and the insertion terminal 210 is equivalent to connecting the battery pack 100 and the charge-discharge device 200. The battery 130 inside the battery pack 100 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0038] Figure 2 of (c) and Figure 2 of (a) similarly shows a perspective view of the state where the charge-discharge device 200 is connected to the first contact portion 120a to the fifth contact portion 120e. As shown in the figure, the contact portion 120 clamps the left and right sides of the insertion terminal 210 under the action of the elastic force of the spring.

[0039] Figure 3 of (a) - Figure 3 of (d) shows the configuration of the insertion terminal 210. Figure 3 of (a) - Figure 3 of (b) is a view of the plurality of insertion terminals 210 observed from above. Figure 3 of (a) shows the configuration of the insertion terminal 210 that is the comparison object of this embodiment. Here, the detection terminal "D" is a terminal to which a voltage is applied to detect the connection between the charge-discharge device 200 and the battery pack 100. The positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" are terminals for transmitting power after the charge-discharge device 200 is connected to the battery pack 100. The first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2" are terminals for transmitting data after the charge-discharge device 200 is connected to the battery pack 100. The first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2" are collectively referred to as communication terminals.

[0040] As shown in the figure, the first insertion terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second insertion terminal 210b is used as the first communication terminal "C1", and the third insertion terminal 210c is used as the second communication terminal "C2". In addition, the fourth insertion terminal 210d is used as the negative terminal "-", and the fifth insertion terminal 210e is used as the detection terminal "D". That is, the negative terminal "-" is arranged adjacent to the detection terminal "D". In addition, the first insertion terminal 210a to the fifth insertion terminal 210e have the same width in the front-rear direction. In such a configuration, when a good conductor 300 as a metal foreign object exists within the range from the fourth insertion terminal 210d to the fifth insertion terminal 210e, the good conductor 300 contacts the fourth insertion terminal 210d and the fifth insertion terminal 210e. As a result, the negative terminal "-" and the detection terminal "D" are short-circuited, and thus the voltage of the detection terminal "D" is applied to the negative terminal "-".

[0041] Figure 3 (b) of shows the configuration of the insertion terminal 210 for preventing the short circuit occurring in Figure 3 (a). The first insertion terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second insertion terminal 210b is used as the first communication terminal "C1", and the third insertion terminal 210c is used as the detection terminal "D". In addition, the fourth insertion terminal 210d is used as the second communication terminal "C2", and the fifth insertion terminal 210e is used as the negative terminal "-". In this way, the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" are arranged at both ends, the detection terminal "D" is arranged between the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-", and the second communication terminal "C2" is arranged between the detection terminal "D" and the negative terminal "-". That is, the detection terminal "D" is not arranged adjacent to the negative terminal "-".

[0042] The sizes of the positive terminal "+", the negative terminal "-", and the detection terminal "D" are smaller than those of the first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2". Specifically, the widths of the positive terminal "+", the negative terminal "-", and the detection terminal "D" in the front-rear direction are narrower than the widths of the first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2" in the front-rear direction. In particular, the positive terminal "+", the negative terminal "-", and the detection terminal "D" are arranged inside the first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2" in the front-rear direction. In such a configuration, when the good conductor 300 exists within the range from the third insertion terminal 210c to the fifth insertion terminal 210e, the good conductor 300 does not contact at least one of the third insertion terminal 210c and the fifth insertion terminal 210e. As a result, the negative terminal "-" and the detection terminal "D" are not short-circuited, and thus the voltage of the detection terminal "D" is not applied to the negative terminal "-".

[0043] Figure 3 of (c) - Figure 3 Figure (d) is a view of a plurality of insertion terminals 210 observed from the side. Figure 3 Figure (c) shows the arrangement of the insertion terminals 210 that are the comparison objects in this embodiment. Similar to Figure 3 Figure (a), the first insertion terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second insertion terminal 210b is used as the first communication terminal "C1", and the third insertion terminal 210c is used as the second communication terminal "C2". In addition, the fourth insertion terminal 210d is used as the negative terminal "-", and the fifth insertion terminal 210e is used as the detection terminal "D". That is, the negative terminal "-" is arranged adjacent to the detection terminal "D". In addition, the first insertion terminal 210a to the fifth insertion terminal 210e have the same height in the height direction. In such an arrangement, when the good conductor 300 exists so as to cover the fourth insertion terminal 210d and the fifth insertion terminal 210e, the good conductor 300 comes into contact with the fourth insertion terminal 210d and the fifth insertion terminal 210e. As a result, a short circuit occurs between the negative terminal "-" and the detection terminal "D", so the voltage of the detection terminal "D" is applied to the negative terminal "-".

[0044] Figure 3 Figure (d) shows the arrangement of the insertion terminals 210 for preventing the short circuit that occurs in Figure 3 Figure (c). Similar to Figure 3 Figure (b), the first insertion terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second insertion terminal 210b is used as the first communication terminal "C1", and the third insertion terminal 210c is used as the detection terminal "D". In addition, the fourth insertion terminal 210d is used as the second communication terminal "C2", and the fifth insertion terminal 210e is used as the negative terminal "-".

[0045] The positive terminal "+", the negative terminal "-", and the detection terminal "D" are smaller in size than the first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2". Specifically, the height of the detection terminal "D" is lower than the heights of the positive terminal "+", the negative terminal "-", the first communication terminal "C1", and the second communication terminal "C2". In such an arrangement, when the good conductor 300 exists so as to cover the upper sides of the third insertion terminal 210c to the fifth insertion terminal 210e, the good conductor 300 does not come into contact with the third insertion terminal 210c. As a result, a short circuit does not occur between the negative terminal "-" and the detection terminal "D", so the voltage of the detection terminal "D" is not applied to the negative terminal "-".

[0046] According to this embodiment, since the detection terminal is disposed between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, and the communication terminal is disposed between the detection terminal and the negative terminal, and the size of the detection terminal is smaller than that of the communication terminal, it is possible to less likely cause a short circuit between the detection terminal and the negative terminal. In addition, since it is less likely to cause a short circuit between the detection terminal and the negative terminal, the safety of the terminal can be improved. In addition, since it is less likely to cause a short circuit between the detection terminal and the negative terminal, the durability of the terminal can be improved. In addition, since the width of the detection terminal is narrower than that of the communication terminal, it is possible to less likely cause a short circuit between the detection terminal and the negative terminal. In addition, since the height of the detection terminal is lower than that of the communication terminal, it is possible to less likely cause a short circuit between the detection terminal and the negative terminal.

[0047] The summary of a technical solution of the present disclosure is as follows. An insertion device of a technical solution of the present disclosure can be connected to a receiving-side device by insertion. The insertion device includes a plurality of insertion terminals (210) that can be inserted one-to-one into a plurality of insertion ports (110) provided in the receiving-side device, and a main body that supports the plurality of insertion terminals (210). The plurality of insertion terminals (210) include a detection terminal that can apply a voltage to detect the connection between the insertion device and the receiving-side device, a positive terminal and a negative terminal that can transmit power after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device, and a communication terminal that can transmit data after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device. The detection terminal is disposed between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, the communication terminal is disposed between the detection terminal and the negative terminal, and the size of the detection terminal is smaller than that of the communication terminal.

[0048] The width of the detection terminal is narrower than that of the communication terminal.

[0049] The height of the detection terminal is lower than that of the communication terminal.

[0050] (Embodiment 2)

[0051] Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. Embodiment 2 is also related to a charge and discharge system that can charge and discharge a battery pack by connecting the battery pack to a charge and discharge device, similar to Embodiment 1. Compared with Embodiment 1, the arrangement of the insertion terminals is different. The structure of the charge and discharge system 1000 of Embodiment 2 is of the same type as that of (a) - Figure 1 of Figure 1 (b), Figure 2 (c) of

[0052] Figure 4 (a) - Figure 4 The arrangement of the insertion terminals 210 is shown in (d) of Figure 4 (a) - Figure 4Figure (d) is a view of a plurality of insertion terminals 210 observed from the upper side. Figure 4 Figure (a) shows the configuration of the insertion terminal 210 that is the comparison object of the present embodiment, which is the same as Figure 3 Figure (a). Figure 4 Figure (b) shows the configuration of the insertion terminal 210 for preventing a short circuit that occurs in Figure 4 Figure (a). The first insertion terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second insertion terminal 210b is used as the first communication terminal "C1", and the third insertion terminal 210c is used as the detection terminal "D". In addition, the fourth insertion terminal 210d is used as the second communication terminal "C2", and the fifth insertion terminal 210e is used as the negative terminal "-". In this way, the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" are arranged at both ends, the detection terminal "D" is arranged between the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-", and the second communication terminal "C2" is arranged between the detection terminal "D" and the negative terminal "-". That is, the detection terminal "D" is arranged not adjacent to the negative terminal "-".

[0053] The width of the detection terminal "D" in the front-rear direction is wider than the width of the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" in the front-rear direction. The width of the first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2" in the front-rear direction is narrower than the width of the detection terminal "D" in the front-rear direction and wider than the width of the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" in the front-rear direction. The first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2" are arranged inside the detection terminal "D" in the front-rear direction, and the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" are arranged inside the first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2" in the front-rear direction. In such a configuration, when a good conductor 300 exists within the range from the third insertion terminal 210c to the fifth insertion terminal 210e, the good conductor 300 does not contact the third insertion terminal 210c or the fifth insertion terminal 210e. As a result, a short circuit does not occur between the negative terminal "-" and the detection terminal "D", and thus the voltage of the detection terminal "D" is not applied to the negative terminal "-".

[0054] In Figure 4 the configuration of Figure (a), a short circuit between the detection terminal "D" and the negative terminal "-" will cause poor communication. In addition, if a short circuit occurs between the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" during power-on, it will cause smoking and fire.

[0055] Figure 4 Figure (c) shows for preventing Figure 4The arrangement of the insertion terminals 210 where the phenomenon as shown in (a) occurs. The first insertion terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second insertion terminal 210b is used as the first communication terminal "C1", and the third insertion terminal 210c is used as the detection terminal "D". In addition, the fourth insertion terminal 210d is used as the second communication terminal "C2", and the fifth insertion terminal 210e is used as the negative terminal "-". In this way, the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" are arranged at both ends, the detection terminal "D" is arranged between the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-", and the second communication terminal "C2" is arranged between the detection terminal "D" and the negative terminal "-". That is to say, the detection terminal "D" is arranged not adjacent to the negative terminal "-". The width of the detection terminal "D", the first communication terminal "C1", and the second communication terminal "C2" in the front-back direction is wider than the width of the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" in the front-back direction. In particular, the detection terminal "D", the first communication terminal "C1", and the second communication terminal "C2" are arranged inside the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" in the front-back direction.

[0056] Figure 4 (d) of is Figure 4 A modified example of (c). The first insertion terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second insertion terminal 210b is used as the detection terminal "D", and the third insertion terminal 210c is used as the first communication terminal "C1". In addition, the fourth insertion terminal 210d is used as the second communication terminal "C2", and the fifth insertion terminal 210e is used as the negative terminal "-". In this way, the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" are arranged at both ends, the detection terminal "D" is arranged between the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-", and the first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2" are arranged between the detection terminal "D" and the negative terminal "-". That is to say, the detection terminal "D" is arranged not adjacent to the negative terminal "-".

[0057] According to this embodiment, since the detection terminal is arranged between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, the communication terminal is arranged between the detection terminal and the negative terminal, and the width of the detection terminal is wider than the width of the negative terminal, it is possible to prevent a short circuit between the detection terminal and the negative terminal from occurring easily. In addition, since the width of the communication terminal is narrower than the width of the detection terminal and wider than the width of the negative terminal, it is possible to prevent a short circuit between the detection terminal and the negative terminal from occurring easily.

[0058] A summary of one technical solution of the present disclosure is as follows. Another technical solution of the present disclosure is also an insertion device. The device is an insertion device that can be connected to a receiving-side device by insertion. Among them, the insertion device includes a plurality of insertion terminals (210) that can be inserted one-to-one into a plurality of insertion ports (110) provided in the receiving-side device and a main body that supports the plurality of insertion terminals (210). The plurality of insertion terminals (210) include detection terminals that can apply a voltage to detect the connection between the insertion device and the receiving-side device, positive and negative terminals that can transmit power after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device, and communication terminals that can transmit data after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device. The detection terminals are arranged between the positive and negative terminals, the communication terminals are arranged between the detection terminals and the negative terminals, and the width of the detection terminals is wider than the width of the negative terminals.

[0059] The width of the communication terminals is narrower than the width of the detection terminals and wider than the width of the negative terminals.

[0060] (Embodiment 3)

[0061] Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. Embodiment 3 is also related to a charge-discharge system that can charge and discharge a battery pack by connecting the battery pack to a charge-discharge device, similar to the previous embodiments. In a state where the detection terminals and the communication terminals are in contact with the contact portion first, if the positive and negative terminals are in contact with the contact portion, sparks may occur. Embodiment 3 relates to the arrangement of the insertion terminals for suppressing the generation of such sparks. The structure of the charge-discharge system 1000 in Embodiment 3 is the same type as Figure 1 of (a) - Figure 1 of (b), Figure 2 of (c). Here, the description will be centered on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0062] Figure 5 of (a) - Figure 5 of (c) shows the arrangement of the insertion terminals 210. Figure 5 of (a) - Figure 5 of (c) is a view of observing the plurality of insertion terminals 210 from the side. Figure 5 of (a) shows the arrangement of the insertion terminals 210 that are the comparison objects of the present embodiment. Compared with Figure 3(c) Similarly, the first insertion terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second insertion terminal 210b is used as the first communication terminal "C1", and the third insertion terminal 210c is used as the second communication terminal "C2". In addition, the fourth insertion terminal 210d is used as the negative terminal "-", and the fifth insertion terminal 210e is used as the detection terminal "D". Moreover, the first insertion terminal 210a to the fifth insertion terminal 210e have the same height in the height direction. In such a configuration, when the first communication terminal "C1" contacts the second contact portion 120b, the second communication terminal "C2" contacts the third contact portion 120c, and the detection terminal "D" contacts the fifth contact portion 120e, if the positive terminal "+" contacts the first contact portion 120a and the negative terminal "-" contacts the fourth contact portion 120d, sparks may be generated as shown in the figure.

[0063] Figure 5 (b) shows the configuration of the insertion terminal 210 for preventing the sparks generated in Figure 5 (a). Similar to Figure 5 (a), the first insertion terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second insertion terminal 210b is used as the first communication terminal "C1", and the third insertion terminal 210c is used as the second communication terminal "C2". In addition, the fourth insertion terminal 210d is used as the negative terminal "-", and the fifth insertion terminal 210e is used as the detection terminal "D". On the other hand, the height of the detection terminal "D" is lower than the height of the positive terminal "+", the height of the negative terminal "-", the height of the first communication terminal "C1", and the height of the second communication terminal "C2". In such a configuration, when the positive terminal "+" contacts the first contact portion 120a and the negative terminal "-" contacts the fourth contact portion 120d, the detection terminal "D" does not contact the fifth contact portion 120e, so no sparks are generated.

[0064] Figure 5 (c) shows another structure for preventing the sparks generated in Figure 5 (a). The first insertion terminal 210a to the fifth insertion terminal 210e are the same as Figure 5The first insertion terminal 210a to the fifth insertion terminal 210e in (a) are the same. Therefore, the first insertion port 110a corresponds to the positive terminal insertion port for inserting the positive terminal "+", and the first contact portion 120a corresponds to the positive terminal contact portion that contacts the positive terminal "+" inserted into the positive terminal insertion port. The second insertion port 110b corresponds to the first communication terminal insertion port for inserting the first communication terminal "C1", and the second contact portion 120b corresponds to the first communication terminal contact portion that contacts the first communication terminal "C1" inserted into the first communication terminal insertion port. The third insertion port 110c corresponds to the second communication terminal insertion port for inserting the second communication terminal "C2", and the third contact portion 120c corresponds to the second communication terminal contact portion that contacts the second communication terminal "C2" inserted into the second communication terminal insertion port.

[0065] The fourth insertion port 110d corresponds to the negative terminal insertion port for inserting the negative terminal "-", and the fourth contact portion 120d corresponds to the negative terminal contact portion that contacts the negative terminal "-" inserted into the negative terminal insertion port. The fifth insertion port 110e corresponds to the detection terminal insertion port for inserting the detection terminal "D", and the fifth contact portion 120e corresponds to the detection terminal contact portion that contacts the detection terminal "D" inserted into the detection terminal insertion port.

[0066] Here, the detection terminal contact portion is arranged at a position higher than the positive terminal contact portion, the negative terminal contact portion, the first communication terminal contact portion, and the second communication terminal contact portion. That is to say, the distance between the detection terminal insertion port and the detection terminal contact portion is longer than the distance between the positive terminal insertion port and the positive terminal contact portion, the distance between the negative terminal insertion port and the negative terminal contact portion, the distance between the first communication terminal insertion port and the first communication terminal contact portion, and the distance between the second communication terminal insertion port and the second communication terminal contact portion. In such a configuration, when the positive terminal "+" contacts the first contact portion 120a and the negative terminal "-" contacts the fourth contact portion 120d, the detection terminal "D" does not contact the fifth contact portion 120e, so no spark is generated.

[0067] According to this embodiment, since the height of the detection terminal is lower than the heights of the positive terminal, the negative terminal, and the communication terminal, the detection terminal can be connected after the positive terminal, the negative terminal, and the communication terminal are connected. In addition, since the detection terminal is connected after the positive terminal, the negative terminal, and the communication terminal are connected, generation of sparks can be prevented. Further, since generation of sparks is prevented, the durability of the terminals can be improved. In addition, since the distance between the insertion port for the detection terminal and the contact portion for the detection terminal is longer than the distances between the insertion port for the positive terminal and the contact portion for the positive terminal, between the insertion port for the negative terminal and the contact portion for the negative terminal, and between the insertion port for the communication terminal and the contact portion for the communication terminal, the detection terminal can be connected after the positive terminal, the negative terminal, and the communication terminal are connected.

[0068] The summary of one technical solution of the present disclosure is as follows. Another technical solution of the present disclosure is also an insertion device. The device is an insertion device that can be connected to a receiving-side device by insertion. The insertion device includes a plurality of insertion terminals (210) that can be inserted one by one into a plurality of insertion ports (110) provided in the receiving-side device, and a main body that supports the plurality of insertion terminals (210). The plurality of insertion terminals (210) include a detection terminal that can apply a voltage to detect the connection between the insertion device and the receiving-side device, a positive terminal and a negative terminal that can transmit power after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device, and a communication terminal that can transmit data after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device. The height of the detection terminal is lower than the heights of the positive terminal, the negative terminal, and the communication terminal.

[0069] Another technical solution of the present disclosure is an insertion system. The insertion system includes a receiving-side device having a plurality of insertion ports (110) and an insertion device having a plurality of insertion terminals (210) that can be inserted one-to-one into the plurality of insertion ports (110) of the receiving-side device. The plurality of insertion terminals (210) include a detection terminal capable of applying a voltage to detect the connection between the insertion device and the receiving-side device, a positive terminal and a negative terminal capable of transmitting power after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device, and a communication terminal capable of transmitting data after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device. The plurality of insertion ports (110) include an insertion port for the detection terminal for inserting the detection terminal, an insertion port for the positive terminal for inserting the positive terminal, an insertion port for the negative terminal for inserting the negative terminal, and an insertion port for the communication terminal for inserting the communication terminal. The receiving-side device includes a contact portion for the detection terminal capable of contacting the detection terminal inserted into the insertion port for the detection terminal, a contact portion for the positive terminal capable of contacting the positive terminal inserted into the insertion port for the positive terminal, a contact portion for the negative terminal capable of contacting the negative terminal inserted into the insertion port for the negative terminal, and a contact portion for the communication terminal capable of contacting the communication terminal inserted into the insertion port for the communication terminal. The distance between the insertion port for the detection terminal and the contact portion for the detection terminal is longer than the distance between the insertion port for the positive terminal and the contact portion for the positive terminal, the distance between the insertion port for the negative terminal and the contact portion for the negative terminal, and the distance between the insertion port for the communication terminal and the contact portion for the communication terminal.

[0070] (Example 4)

[0071] Next, Example 4 will be described. Example 4 is also related to a charge-discharge system capable of charging and discharging a battery pack by connecting the battery pack to a charge-discharge device as in the previous examples. The detection terminal and the communication terminal are formed of a conductive material such as metal. On the other hand, the bottom surface of the battery pack is formed of an insulating material such as resin. If the user wants to connect the battery pack to the charge-discharge device with the battery pack reversed, the metal detection terminal and communication terminal will contact the resin bottom surface. As a result, the bottom surface of the battery pack may be deformed. Example 4 relates to a configuration for facilitating the connection of the battery pack while preventing the battery pack from being connected in the wrong direction. Here, the description will focus on the differences from the previous examples.

[0072] Figure 6 of (a) - Figure 6The (b) shows the structure of the battery pack 100. These figures are perspective views including the bottom surface 102 of the battery pack 100. As described above, the bottom surface 102 is formed of resin. Similar to the previous embodiments, the first insertion port 110a, the second insertion port 110b, the third insertion port 110c, the fourth insertion port 110d, and the fifth insertion port 110e are arranged in the left - right direction on the bottom surface 102. On the bottom surface 102 of the battery pack 100 in this embodiment, a first guiding insertion port 140a and a second guiding insertion port 140b, collectively referred to as the guiding insertion port 140, are provided. For example, the first guiding insertion port 140a, the first insertion port 110a to the fifth insertion port 110e, and the second guiding insertion port 140b are arranged in the order of the first guiding insertion port 140a, the first insertion port 110a to the fifth insertion port 110e, and the second guiding insertion port 140b. The guiding insertion port 140 has a shape into which a guiding rod 240 described later can be inserted.

[0073] Figure 7 of (a) - Figure 7 The (c) shows the structure of the charge - discharge device 200. Figure 7 The (a) is a perspective view showing the structure of the charge - discharge device 200, Figure 7 The (b) is a cross - sectional view of the charge - discharge device 200 along the Figure 7 B - B' line of the (b). Figure 7 The (c) is a view of the support surface 202 of Figure 7 the (a) viewed from above. Similar to Figure 1 the (b), a pit having a shape corresponding to the shape of the battery pack 100 is provided on the upper surface of the charge - discharge device 200, and a support surface 202 extending in the x - y plane is arranged below the pit. The first insertion terminal 210a, the second insertion terminal 210b, the third insertion terminal 210c, the fourth insertion terminal 210d, and the fifth insertion terminal 210e are arranged on the support surface 202 from the left side toward the right side. The insertion terminal 210 is formed of metal.

[0074] On the support surface 202 of the charge-discharge device 200 in this embodiment, there are provided a first guide rod 240a and a second guide rod 240b collectively called guide rods 240. For example, the first guide rod 240a, the first insertion terminals 210a to 210e, and the second guide rod 240b are arranged in the order of the first guide rod 240a, the first insertion terminals 210a to 210e, and the second guide rod 240b. The guide rods 240 are formed of resin and supported on the support surface 202. The guide rods 240 are members that can be inserted into the guide insertion openings 140 provided in the battery pack 100 and are higher than the plurality of insertion terminals 210. The guide rods 240 have a cross-section with a shape in which a rectangular shape extending in the front-rear direction is connected to a rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction at the front-side end.

[0075] With the shape of the guide rod 240 like this, even if the battery pack 100 is connected to the charge-discharge device 200 with the front-rear direction orientation being mistaken, the bottom surface 102 contacts the guide rod 240 before the bottom surface 102 contacts the insertion terminal 210. At this time, since the opening shape of the guide insertion opening 140 is different from the cross-sectional shape of the guide rod 240, the guide rod 240 cannot be inserted into the guide insertion opening 140. In addition, both the bottom surface 102 and the guide rod 240 are formed of resin. Therefore, deformation of the bottom surface 102 is suppressed.

[0076] Next, another structure of the charge-discharge system 1000 will be described. Figure 8 of (a) - Figure 8 of (c) shows the structure of another charge-discharge system 1000. Figure 8 of (a) is the same as Figure 6 of (a) and is a perspective view including the bottom surface 102 of the battery pack 100. Figure 8 of (b) is the same as Figure 7 of (a) and is a perspective view showing the structure of the charge-discharge device 200, Figure 8 of (c) is the same as Figure 7 of (c) and is a view of observing the support surface 202 from above. Here, the shape of the guide rod 240 is different from the shape in Figure 7 of (a) - Figure 7 of (c). The guide rod 240 has a rectangular cross-section extending in the front-rear direction. And, the rear-side end of the guide rod 240 is arranged flush with the rear-side end of the insertion terminal 210, but the front-side end of the guide rod 240 is arranged at a position in front of the front-side end of the insertion terminal 210. The guide insertion opening 140 has a shape that can accommodate the guide rod 240.

[0077] Next, yet another structure of the charge-discharge system 1000 will be described. Figure 9 of (a) -Figure 9 Figure (c) shows the structure of yet another charge-discharge system 1000. Figure 9 Figure (a) is a perspective view showing the bottom surface 102 of the battery pack 100. Figure 9 Figure (b) is a perspective view showing the structure of the charge-discharge device 200. Figure 9 Figure (c) is a view of the support surface 202 observed from above. These figures are shown in the same way as Figure 8 Figure (a) - Figure 8 Figure (c). Here, the shape of the guide rod 240 is different from that of Figure 7 Figure (a) - Figure 7 Figure (c), Figure 8 Figure (b) - Figure 8 Figure (c). The guide rod 240 has a circular cross-section. The guide insertion port 140 has a shape that can accommodate the insertion of the guide rod 240.

[0078] Next, yet another structure of the charge-discharge system 1000 will be described. Figure 10 It is a figure showing the structure of yet another charge-discharge device. These figures are also views of the support surface 202 observed from above, similar to Figure 9 Figure (c) etc. Here, the shape of the guide rod 240 is different from the shape of the previous guide rod. The guide rod 240 has a triangular cross-section.

[0079] According to this embodiment, since the guide rod 240 that is higher than the plurality of insertion terminals 210 is arranged on the support surface 202 of the charge-discharge device 200, it is possible to prevent the battery pack 100 from being connected in the wrong direction. In addition, since the guide rod 240 that is higher than the plurality of insertion terminals 210 is arranged on the support surface 202 of the charge-discharge device 200, it is possible to facilitate the connection of the battery pack 100. Further, since the plurality of insertion terminals 210 are formed of metal and the guide rod 240 is formed of resin, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the bottom surface 102 of the battery pack 100.

[0080] The summary of one technical solution of the present disclosure is as follows. It may also include a guide rod (240) that can be inserted into a guide insertion port (140) provided in the receiving-side device, and the main body also supports the guide insertion port (140), and the guide rod (240) is higher than the plurality of insertion terminals (210).

[0081] It may also be that the plurality of insertion terminals (210) are formed of metal and the guide rod (240) is formed of resin.

[0082] As described above, the present disclosure has been explained based on the embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are illustrative, and various modifications can be achieved by combining the respective constituent elements or the respective processing steps of these embodiments, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0083] Any combination of Embodiments 1 to 3 is also effective. According to this modification, the effects produced by any combination of Embodiments 1 to 3 can be obtained.

[0084] In Embodiments 1 to 3, the insertion device is the charge and discharge device 200, and the receiving-side device is the battery pack 100. However, it is not limited thereto. For example, the insertion device may also be a device other than the charge and discharge device 200, and the receiving-side device may also be a device other than the battery pack 100. According to this modification, the application range of the embodiments can be expanded.

[0085] Industrial Applicability

[0086] According to the present disclosure, the safety of the terminals can be improved.

[0087] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0088] 100, battery pack; 102, bottom surface; 110, insertion port; 120, contact portion; 130, battery; 200, charge and discharge device; 202, support surface; 210, insertion terminal; 300, good conductor; 1000, charge and discharge system.

Claims

1. An insertion device that can be connected to a receiving-side device by insertion, wherein the insertion device includes: a plurality of insertion terminals that can be inserted one-to-one into a plurality of insertion openings provided in the receiving-side device; and a main body that supports the plurality of insertion terminals, the plurality of insertion terminals include: a detection terminal to which a voltage can be applied to detect the connection between the insertion device and the receiving-side device; a positive terminal and a negative terminal that can transmit electric power after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device; and a communication terminal that can transmit data after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device, the detection terminal is disposed between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, the communication terminal is disposed between the detection terminal and the negative terminal, the size of the detection terminal is smaller than the size of the communication terminal, the detection terminal, the positive terminal, the negative terminal, and the communication terminal are arranged in a row and protrude upward, when observing the detection terminal, the positive terminal, the negative terminal, and the communication terminal from above, the direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the detection terminal, the positive terminal, the negative terminal, and the communication terminal is the width direction, the width of the detection terminal is narrower than the width of the communication terminal.

2. The insertion device according to claim 1, wherein the height of the detection terminal is lower than the height of the communication terminal.

3. The insertion device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insertion device further includes a guide rod that can be inserted into a guide insertion opening provided in the receiving-side device, the main body also supports the guide rod, the guide rod is higher than the plurality of insertion terminals.

4. The insertion device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of insertion terminals are formed of metal, the guide rod is formed of resin.

5. An insertion device that can be connected to a receiving-side device by insertion, wherein the insertion device includes: a plurality of insertion terminals that can be inserted one-to-one into a plurality of insertion openings provided in the receiving-side device; and a main body that supports the plurality of insertion terminals, the plurality of insertion terminals include: a detection terminal to which a voltage can be applied to detect the connection between the insertion device and the receiving-side device; a positive terminal and a negative terminal that can transmit electric power after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device; and a communication terminal that can transmit data after the insertion device is connected to the receiving-side device, the detection terminal is disposed between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, the communication terminal is disposed between the detection terminal and the negative terminal, the detection terminal, the positive terminal, the negative terminal, and the communication terminal are arranged in a row and protrude upward, when observing the detection terminal, the positive terminal, the negative terminal, and the communication terminal from above, the direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the detection terminal, the positive terminal, the negative terminal, and the communication terminal is the width direction, the width of the detection terminal is wider than the width of the negative terminal.

6. The insertion device according to claim 5, wherein, the width of the communication terminal is narrower than the width of the detection terminal and wider than the width of the negative terminal.

7. The insertion device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, the insertion device further includes a guiding rod that can be inserted into a guiding insertion port provided in the receiving-side device, the main body also supports the guiding rod, the guiding rod is higher than the plurality of insertion terminals.

8. The insertion device according to claim 7, wherein, the plurality of insertion terminals are formed of metal, the guiding rod is formed of resin.

Images