Connector module

Abstract

A connector module according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a first connector provided with a first conductive portion; and a second connector inserted and mounted in the first connector and provided with a second conductive portion electrically connected to the first conductive portion. The first connector may include a protrusion on which the first conductive portion is mounted and protruding from the inner bottom surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0100971, filed on August 11, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0162086, filed on November 28, 2022, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The invention relates to a connector module and a battery module comprising the same. Background Art

[0005] In order to solve the problem of environmental pollution caused by the use of petroleum resources and the problem of energy shortage caused by the consumption of petroleum resources, research and development of power generation based on environmentally friendly energy is being carried out. In particular, secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged / discharged and are therefore highly usable are being actively studied, and various aspects of secondary batteries such as materials, structures, processes, and stability are being studied.

[0006] In terms of the structure of secondary batteries, research and development are actively being conducted on miniaturization and integration of related structures to improve energy density. In particular, as the capacity of the battery and the number of batteries mounted on a battery pack / battery module increase, the internal space of the battery pack / battery module becomes very narrow. Therefore, it is important to develop a structure that allows the battery to be effectively electrically connected to the outside of the battery pack / battery module while arranging the battery in a limited space.

[0007] According to the prior art, the internal components of the battery pack / battery module are connected by welding, but the welding method has problems such as the occurrence of cracks or a reduction in manufacturing yield. In addition, according to the prior art, when the internal components of the battery pack / battery module are miniaturized, there is a possibility of damage due to mechanical vibration / shock or connection failure. Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] An object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems is to provide a connector module that can be easily installed and removed in a limited space and prevents damage and defects due to mechanical vibration and impact.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] A connector module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a first connector, which is provided with a first conductive part; and a second connector, which is inserted and installed in the first connector and is provided with a second conductive part electrically connected to the first conductive part, wherein the first connector may include a protrusion protruding from an inner bottom surface, and the first conductive part is installed on the protrusion.

[0012] Beneficial Effects

[0013] According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, due to miniaturization, it can be easily installed and removed even in a limited space.

[0014] According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, damage and defects due to mechanical vibration and shock can be prevented.

[0015] According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, short circuit of the conductive part due to mechanical vibration and impact can be prevented.

[0016] In addition, effects that are obvious to those skilled in the art can be predicted from the configurations according to the embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a battery module when viewed from above according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration in which an upper case is omitted from a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a configuration in which a connector module is mounted on a control unit in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a connector module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a configuration in which a connector module is mounted on a control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a control unit cover according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of the conductive portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a first connector when viewed in one direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig.10 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a first connector when viewed in different directions according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig.11 is a perspective view illustrating a depressed line according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig.12 is a perspective view illustrating a comb tooth structure of a second connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig.13a is a bottom view illustrating a comb-teeth structure of a second connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig.13b is a perspective view of a second connector when viewed from below according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig.14 is a plan view illustrating a state in which a first connector and a second connector are coupled to each other according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig.15 1 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line BB in a state in which a first connector and a second connector are coupled to each other according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig.16 1 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line CC in a state in which a first connector and a second connector are coupled to each other according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig.17 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a first connector when viewed from above according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig.18 is a longitudinal sectional view of a first connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig.19 is a plan view illustrating a protruding rib of a first connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 20 is a plan view illustrating a hole of a first connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig.21is a perspective view of an internal rib according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 22 is a front view illustrating an internal rib according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig.23 is a front view illustrating the arrangement of protruding ribs and internal ribs according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig.24 is a perspective view of a second connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig.25 is an enlarged view of a second connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig.26 is a front view of a coupling housing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 27 is an enlarged view of a connection portion and a coupling housing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig.28 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration in which a second conductive portion is inserted into a second connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Fig.29 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration in which a coupling housing is coupled to a second connector housing and a second conductive portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig.30 is a cross-sectional view of a connector module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Fig.31 is an enlarged view illustrating the interior of a connector module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Fig.32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the interior of a connector module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Fig.33 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a visual inspection is performed on a connector module using a visual inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Fig.34 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing a visual inspection according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Fig.35is a perspective view of a connector module subjected to visual inspection in a connector inspection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Fig.36 is a plan view of a reference line according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig.37 is a plan view of a reference line according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Fig.38 is a plan view of a reference line according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Fig.39 is a plan view of a reference line according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Fig.40 is a plan view of a reference line according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in several different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0059] In order to explain the present invention clearly, detailed description of parts not related to the description or related known technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention are omitted, and in this specification, reference numerals are added to the components in each figure. In this case, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

[0060] Furthermore, the terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be restrictively interpreted as ordinary meanings or dictionary-based meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the scope of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms to best describe and interpret his or her invention.

[0061] [Topic 1]

[0062] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a battery module 1 when viewed from above according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration in which the upper case 3 - 1 is omitted from the battery module 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 41 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a configuration in which a connector module 100 is mounted on a control unit 10 in a battery module 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] <Structure of Battery Module 1>

[0064] When referring to Figure 1 When describing, the battery module 1 may include a plurality of batteries (e.g., Figure 3 The plurality of batteries 2 in the battery module 1 may be, for example, secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. The plurality of batteries 2 may be arranged in a predetermined pattern, but is not limited thereto. The plurality of batteries 2 may be electrically connected to the outside of the battery module 1.

[0065] The battery module 1 may include a battery case 3. For example, the battery case 3 may be provided to surround the plurality of batteries 2. The battery case 2 may define a portion of the exterior of the battery module 1.

[0066] The battery case 3 may include an upper case 3-1, a side case 3-2, and a lower case 3-3. For example, the upper case 3-1 may define the upper portion of the battery module 1 while covering the upper portions of the plurality of batteries 2. The side case 3-2 may define the side portion of the battery module 1 while covering the side portions of the plurality of batteries 2. The lower case 3-3 may define the lower portion of the battery module 1 while covering the lower side of the plurality of batteries 2.

[0067] At least two of the upper case 3 - 1 , the side case 3 - 2 , and the lower case 3 - 3 may be provided to be integrated with each other.

[0068] For example, when the upper case 3 - 1 and the lower case 3 - 3 are integrated with each other, the plurality of batteries 2 may be disposed inside the battery case 3 except for the side case 3 - 2 and then assembled with the side case 3 - 2 .

[0069] For example, when the upper case 3 - 1 and the side case 3 - 2 are integrated with each other, the plurality of batteries 2 may be disposed inside the battery case 3 except for the lower case 3 - 3 and then assembled with the lower case 3 - 3 .

[0070] The battery module 1 may include a control unit 10. For example, the control unit 10 may be mounted on the battery housing 3. Specifically, for example, the control unit 10 may be mounted on the upper housing 3-1. The control unit 10 may be provided to enable wireless communication with an external control device.

[0071] The battery module 1 may include a connector module 100 (see Figure 3 ). For example, the connector module 100 may electrically connect the control unit 10 to the plurality of batteries 2. In addition, the connector module 100 may be mounted on the control unit 10 and may be detached from the control unit 10.

[0072] The control unit 10 may include a control PCB 11. For example, the control PCB 11 may be electrically connected to the plurality of batteries 2 via a connector module 100. The control PCB 11 may be provided to enable wireless communication with an external control device. The control PCB 11 may be attached to the battery housing 3 (or the upper housing 3-1). Installation on the upper portion may facilitate wireless communication.

[0073] The control PCB 11 may be mounted on the PCB frame 13. For example, the PCB frame 13 may be a frame for placing the control PCB 11. The control PCB 11 may be mounted on the upper housing 3-1 through the PCB frame 13. Specifically, the control PCB 11 may be mounted on the PCB frame 13, and the PCB frame 13 may be mounted on the upper housing 3-1. In other words, the PCB frame 13 may be disposed on a PCB mounting area that is recessed or depressed in the upper housing 3-1. In this case, the PCB frame 13 may be seen from the outside in a state where the control unit cover 12 is not installed therein. However, it may not be limited thereto.

[0074] The control unit 10 may include a control unit cover 12. For example, the control unit cover 12 may cover the control PCB 11. The control unit cover 12 may be attached to the battery housing 3 (or the upper housing 3-1). The control unit cover 12 may cover the upper side of the control PCB 11 to protect the control PCB 11 from impact outside the control unit 10.

[0075] When referring to Figure 2 When describing, the control unit 10 may be disposed on the upper shell 3-1 of the battery shell 3. The area on which the control unit 10 is mounted may have a surface area smaller than 20% of the surface area of ​​the upper shell 3-1. For example, if the surface area of ​​the upper shell 3-1 area is 125288mm^2, the surface area of ​​the area on which the control unit 10 is mounted may be 22752mm^2. In this case, the surface area of ​​the area on which the control unit 10 is mounted may be approximately 18% of the surface area of ​​the upper shell 3-1 area. However, the above figures are examples and may not be limited thereto. Since the area on which the control unit 10 is mounted has a surface area smaller than 20% of the surface area of ​​the upper shell 3-1 area, limited space can be effectively utilized.

[0076] When referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 When describing, the connector module 100 may be mounted on the control PCB 11. For example, the connector module 100 may be mounted on the control PCB 11. The connector module 100 may be mounted on the control PCB 11 so as to be disposed in a space between the control PCB 11 and the control unit cover 12. However, it may not be limited thereto.

[0077] The connector module 100 may include a plurality of connector modules (e.g., reference numerals 101 and 102). For example, the connector module 100 may include a first connector module 101. The first connector module 101 may extend toward one side of the battery housing 3 and may be connected to the first electrodes of the plurality of batteries 2. The connector module 100 may include a second connector module 102. The second connector module 102 may extend toward the other side of the battery housing 3 and may be connected to the second electrodes of the plurality of batteries 2 having a polarity different from the polarity of the first electrode. Since the connector module 100 includes a plurality of connector modules 101 and 102, the connector module 100 may be effectively connected to the electrodes of the plurality of batteries 2 having different polarities. However, it is not limited thereto, and the connector module 100 may be provided as a single module. For example, one connector module 100 may extend toward the other side of the battery housing 3 and be connected to the electrodes of the plurality of batteries 2 having different polarities.

[0078] The first connector module 101 and the second connector module 102 may be spaced apart from each other. For example, each of the first connector module 101 and the second connector module 102 may be mounted on the control PCB 11, and the first connector module 101 and the second connector module 102 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The structure in which the first connector module 101 and the second connector module 102 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance is not particularly limited thereto. In other words, the range in which the first connector module 101 and the second connector module 102 can be mounted to be spaced apart from each other on the control PCB 11 may be a range in which the first connector module 101 and the second connector module 102 do not overlap each other so as not to cause misassembly. However, the above numerical range may be an example and may not be limited thereto.

[0079] The first connector module 101 and the second connector module 102 may extend in opposite directions, respectively. For example, each of the first connector module 101 and the second connector module 102 may include a conductive portion, and the conductive portions may be connected to electrodes having different polarities, respectively. Each conductive portion may correspond to the second conductive portion 310 to be described later. The first connector module 101 and the second connector module 102 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other to effectively reduce the extension of the conductive portion to be described (e.g., the second conductive portion 310) for electrical connection (the length is proportional to the degree of spacing). As described above, although the conductive portion is described as being provided in the connector module, the conductive portion may be an FFC connected to the connector module and may be interpreted and understood as a separate configuration.

[0080] The connector module 100 may include a first connector 200 and a second connector 300. For example, the first connector 200 may be installed (or coupled) to be electrically connected to the control unit 10 (or the control PCB 11). The second connector 300 may be installed on the first connector 200 and may be detached from the first connector 200. For example, the second connector 300 may be hooked (or hung) to the first connector 200. When the connector module 100 includes a plurality of connector modules 101 and 102, each of the plurality of connector modules 101 and 102 may include the first connector 200 and the second connector 300.

[0081] Figure 5 2 is an exploded perspective view of a connector module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The description of the aforementioned embodiments may be equally or similarly applied to the present embodiment.

[0082] <Structure of Connector Module 100>

[0083] The connector module 100 may be provided by mounting the second connector 300 on the first connector 200. Since the second connector 300 is mounted on the first connector 200, the control PCB 11 and the plurality of batteries 2 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0084] Reference Figure 5 , the first connector 200 may include a first conductive portion 210. For example, the first conductive portion 210 may be electrically connected to the control unit 10. Specifically, the first conductive portion 210 may be electrically connected to the control PCB 11.

[0085] The first connector 200 may include a first connector housing 220. For example, the first connector housing 220 may define the exterior of the first connector 200. An insertion space V (see FIG. 2 ) into which the second connector 300 may be inserted may be defined in the first connector housing 220. Fig.18 wait).

[0086] A hole 230 may be defined in the first connector 200. For example, the hole 230 may be defined in the first connector housing 220 to allow a portion of the second connector 300 (or a connection portion 322 described later) to be hooked. A plurality of holes 230 may be defined.

[0087] The second connector 300 may include a second conductive portion 310. For example, the second conductive portion 310 may extend to a predetermined length to be electrically connected to the plurality of batteries 2. The second conductive portion 310 may include a portion that is folded during extension. For another example, the second conductive portion 310 may be a flat flexible cable (FFC).

[0088] As described above, although the second conductive portion 310 is described as being provided in the second connector 300 , the second conductive portion 310 may be an FFC connected to the second connector 300 and may be explained and understood as a separate configuration.

[0089] The second connector 300 may include a conductive film 311. For example, the conductive film 311 may be provided on the second conductive portion 310. Specifically, the conductive film 311 may be provided between the second conductive portion 310 and the second connector housing 320.

[0090] As described above, although the conductive film 311 is described as being provided in the second connector 300, the conductive film 311 may be interpreted and understood as a separate configuration.

[0091] The second connector 300 may include a second connector housing 320. For example, the second connector housing 320 may define the exterior of the second connector 300. The second connector housing 320 may be inserted into the insertion space V inside the first connector housing 220.

[0092] The second connector 300 may include a connection portion 322. The connection portion 322 may be arranged to be rotatable to a predetermined extent in the second connector housing 320. For example, in the process of inserting the connection portion 322 into the first connector 200, the connection portion 322 may be rotatable in a direction toward or away from the second connector housing 320. In other words, in the process of inserting the connection portion 322 into the first connector 200, the connection portion 322 may be rotated to include a portion in which a height difference occurs at the distal end of the connection portion 322. The connection portion 322 (or the distal end of the connection portion 322) may pass through the hole 230 of the first connector 200, and then be connected to the first connector housing 220 to connect the second connector 300 to the first connector 200.

[0093] The connector module 100 may include a coupling housing 400. The coupling housing 400 may restrict movement of the second conductive portion 310 relative to the second connector housing 320. By restricting movement of the second conductive portion 310, the coupling housing 400 may stably maintain electrical contact between the first conductive portion 210 and the second conductive portion 310.

[0094] Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a configuration in which a connector module 100 is mounted on a control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a control unit cover 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The description of the foregoing embodiment can be equally or similarly applied to the present embodiment. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Describe it.

[0095] <Structure of Control Unit 10>

[0096] The control PCB 11 may be disposed on a PCB frame 13 disposed in a PCB mounting area disposed to be recessed or depressed in the upper housing 3-1. The control PCB 11 may include an area on which the connector module 100 is disposed and an area on which the connector module 100 is not disposed. The area on which the connector module 100 is not disposed may be an area of ​​the control PCB 11 other than the area on which the connector module 100 is disposed.

[0097] The control unit cover 12 may define an accommodation space in which the connector module 100 is accommodated. For example, the control unit cover 12 may be provided to cover the control PCB 11 in the battery housing 3 (or the upper housing 3-1), thereby defining an accommodation space for accommodating the connector module 100. For another example, the control unit cover 12 may be mounted on the battery housing 3 (or the upper housing 3-1) to cover the upper portion of the connector module 100.

[0098] In a region on which the connector module 100 is not disposed, a height H1 from the control PCB 11 to the control unit cover 12 may be less than 4 mm (eg, 3.92 mm).

[0099] The control unit cover 12 may include a cover recess 12-1. The area of ​​the control unit cover 12 facing the connector module 100 may be recessed to a predetermined degree to define the cover recess 12-1. Specifically, for example, in the area where the connector module 100 is provided, the height from the control PCB 11 to the control unit cover 12 (or the height H2 of the cover recess 12-1) may be 5 mm or less.

[0100] In the area of ​​the cover recessed portion 12-1, the area facing the connector module 100 may include a curved area. For example, the area facing the connector module 100 may be set as a gently inclined area, and thus, even when there is a collision or contact with the connector module 100, damage to each of the connector module 100 and the control unit cover 12 may be minimized.

[0101] The predetermined depression degree (or height) H4 of the cover depression 12-1 may be 2 / 3 or more of the thickness of the remaining undepressed portion. For example, the thickness of the cover depression 12-1 of the control unit cover 12 may be 0.5 mm, and the thickness of the remaining portion may be 1.5 mm.

[0102] The thickness of the cover recessed portion 12-1 may be 40% or less of the thickness of the remaining portion. For example, the thickness of the cover recessed portion 12-1 of the control unit cover 12 may be 0.5 mm, and the thickness of the remaining portion may be 1.5 mm.

[0103] In this case, the predetermined recessed degree H4 may be 1 mm.

[0104] The height H3 of the connector module 100 may be smaller than the height H2 of the cover recess 12-1. For example, when the height H2 of the cover recess 12-1 is 5 mm or less, the connector module 100 may have a height of 4 mm or less. For example, the height H2 of the cover recess 12-1 may be 4.92 mm, and the height H3 of the connector module 100 may be 3.9 mm. However, the above numerical ranges may be examples and may not be limited thereto.

[0105] The distance from the control PCB 11 to the control unit cover 12 may be within a range of 3.9 mm to 5 mm. For example, the distance from any area of ​​the control PCB 11 to the control unit cover 12 may be within a range of 3.9 mm to 5 mm. Specifically, for example, in an area of ​​the control PCB 11 on which the connector module 100 is disposed, the distance between the control PCB 11 and the control unit cover 12 may be 4.92 mm. In addition, in the remaining areas of the control PCB 11, the distance between the control PCB 11 and the control unit cover 12 may be 3.92 mm. However, the above numerical range may be an example having an error range of 0.05 mm and may not be limited thereto.

[0106] As described above, the cover recess 12-1 may be provided in the control unit cover 12 to prevent the control unit cover 12 itself from increasing in height due to the connector module 100, thereby effectively miniaturizing the control unit cover 12. In addition, the thickness of the remaining area of ​​the control unit cover 12 on which the cover recess 12-1 is not formed may be thicker than the cover recess 12-1 to effectively enhance the overall rigidity of the control unit cover 12.

[0107] Figure 8 3 is a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of the conductive part 310 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The description of the aforementioned embodiment may be equally or similarly applied to the present embodiment.

[0108] <Structure of the Conductive Section 310>

[0109] The second connector 300 may include a second conductive portion 310. Although the second conductive portion 310 is described as being provided in the second connector 300, the second conductive portion 310 may be an FFC connected to the second connector 300 and may be explained and understood as a separate configuration.

[0110] The second conductive portion 310 may be electrically connected to the plurality of batteries 2. For example, the second conductive portion 310 may extend to a predetermined length to be electrically connected to the plurality of batteries 2. The predetermined length may be a length extending from the second connector housing 320 to one side (or the other side) of the battery housing 3 and electrically connected to the plurality of batteries 2.

[0111] The second conductive portion 310 may include folded portions 312 and 313 during extension. For example, the second conductive portion 310 may include a first folded portion 312 and a second folded portion 313 during extension. Specifically, the second conductive portion 310 may be an FFC, and electrical connection may be maintained even when folded. Therefore, the second conductive portion 310 may be folded during extension, and therefore, space efficiency may be maximized and effectively connected to a plurality of batteries 2. In addition, a path for electrical connection may be effectively implemented by adaptively designing and implementing the second conductive portion 310 to be folded into various paths in the structure.

[0112] A flexible flat cable (FFC) may be a cable (e.g., a ribbon cable) connected by a connector housing, and a flexible printed circuit (FPC) may be a printed circuit using a printing method, and therefore, the FFC may be taller than the FPC. However, as in the above-described embodiment, the connector module 100 may be set to a height of 4 mm or less to maximize space efficiency.

[0113] [Topic 2]

[0114] Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a first connector 200 when viewed in one direction according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig.10 2 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the first connector 200 when viewed in different directions according to one embodiment of the present invention. The description of the aforementioned embodiment can be equally or similarly applied to the present embodiment. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Give a description.

[0115] <Reinforcement Structure of First Connector 200>

[0116] The first connector 200 may include a protrusion 221. For example, the protrusion 221 may be provided to protrude from an inner bottom surface of the first connector housing 220. In addition, the first conductive portion 210 may be mounted on the protrusion 221.

[0117] The protrusion 221 may include a body portion 222. For example, the body portion 222 may protrude to a first height h1 from the inner bottom surface of the first connector housing 220. Specifically, for example, when the height H3 of the first connector 200 is 3.5 mm to 4 mm, the first height h1 may be in the range of 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0118] The protrusion 221 may include a partition wall 223. For example, the partition wall 223 may be provided to protrude from the main body portion 222. The partition wall 223 may protrude from the inner bottom surface to a second height h2 higher than the first height h1. The partition wall 223 may protrude from the main body portion 222 in the form of a plurality of partition walls. The main body portion 222 may be provided to include an area on which the partition wall 223 is provided when viewed from above, and may extend toward the opening 220-1.

[0119] The first conductive portion 210 may be provided in a plurality in a direction intersecting the insertion direction DI of the second connector 300. For example, the first conductive portion 210 may be provided in the form of a plurality of connection terminals and may be provided in a plurality along the intersecting direction. For another example, the first conductive portion 210 may have a plurality of connection terminals alternately arranged with the partition wall 223. The alternating arrangement may be used to prevent a short circuit from occurring in the connection terminal.

[0120] The main body portion 222 may extend parallel to the direction in which the first conductive portion 210 is provided. For example, the length w1 of the main body portion 222 in the direction intersecting the insertion direction DI of the second connector 300 may be in the range of 10 mm to 13 mm. The width w2 of each partition wall 223 may be in the range of 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. Each partition wall 223 may include a plastic material (e.g., engineering plastic). For example, each partition wall 223 may be PA9T, but is not limited thereto. When each partition wall 223 is made of the above-mentioned plastic material, the partition wall 223 may have long-term heat resistance at high temperatures, strong durability to various chemicals, and a general effect of mechanical properties obtained by engineering plastics.

[0121] The protrusion 221 including the main body portion 222 and the partition wall 223 provided as a reinforcement structure may be provided on the first connector 200. Therefore, when the second connector 300 is inserted, the partition wall 223 may be effectively prevented from being damaged or broken due to direct collision or interference with the second connector housing 320. Since the main body portion 222 has a structure filled into the lower space of each partition wall 223, the strength of the partition wall may be supplemented, and therefore, the partition wall may firmly maintain its shape without being easily damaged.

[0122] Fig.11 2 is a perspective view illustrating a recessed line 224 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The description of the aforementioned embodiment may be equally or similarly applied to the present embodiment.

[0123] <Depression line 224>

[0124] The body portion 222 may include a depression line 224. For example, the depression line 224 may be provided by being depressed in the body portion 222.

[0125] The recessed lines 224 may be alternately disposed with the partition walls 223. As a specific example, when viewed from the opening 220-1, the recessed lines 224 may be alternately disposed between the partition walls 223.

[0126] The recess line 224 may be spaced apart from the partition wall 223 to extend toward the opening 220-1. For example, the recess line 224 may be spaced apart from the partition wall 223 in a direction parallel to the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted, and the second connector 300 may extend toward the opening 220-1 in a direction parallel to the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted.

[0127] The recessed line 224 may be provided to guide a comb tooth structure 350 to be described later. For example, the recessed line 224 may have a shape corresponding to the comb tooth structure 350. The recessed line 224 may be provided to be recessed in the body portion 222 so that the comb tooth structure 350 is guided when inserted.

[0128] Since the main body 222 is provided with a recessed line 224 , when the second connector 300 is inserted into the first connector 200 , the comb tooth structure 350 may not deviate from the insertion path to effectively prevent the partition wall 223 from being damaged or destroyed due to direct collision or interference with the second connector housing 320 .

[0129] When the comb tooth structure 350 is inserted into the partition wall 223, the recessed line 224 may be provided so that a portion of the comb tooth structure 350 is mounted thereon. For example, when the distal end of the comb tooth structure 350 is inserted and mounted between the partition walls 223, a portion of the comb tooth structure 350 on the comb tooth base 360 ​​side may be mounted on the recessed line 224. A portion of the comb tooth structure 350 may be mounted on the recessed line 224 to prevent the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 from being additionally shaken due to vibration and shock when the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 are coupled to each other, thereby stably maintaining the electrical connection therebetween.

[0130] Fig.12 is a perspective view illustrating a comb tooth structure 350 of a second connector 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.13a is a bottom view illustrating a comb tooth structure of a second connector 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig.13b is a perspective view of a second connector when viewed from below according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] The description of the foregoing embodiments may be equally or similarly applied to the present embodiment. Fig.12 , Fig.13a and Fig.13b Describe it.

[0132] <Opening 340>

[0133] The opening portion 340 may be defined in the second connector 300. For example, the opening portion 340 may be a space provided so that the partition wall 223 is provided when the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 are coupled to each other. Specifically, for example, the opening portion 340 may refer to a space between the protruding portion 321-2 and the comb tooth structure 350, which will be described later. In addition, the opening portion 340 may refer to a space between the comb tooth structures 350. When the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 are coupled to each other, the partition wall 223 may be inserted into the space between the protruding portion 321-2 and the comb tooth structure 350 or the space between the comb tooth structures 350.

[0134] <Comb tooth structure 350>

[0135] The second connector 300 may include a comb-tooth base 360. For example, when the second connector 300 is inserted into the first connector 200, the comb-tooth base 360 ​​may be a portion facing the body portion 222.

[0136] The second connector 300 may include a comb-tooth structure 350. For example, the comb-tooth structure 350 may protrude from the comb-tooth base 360 ​​toward the first connector 200. For another example, the comb-tooth structure 350 may have a shape corresponding to the protrusion 221 of the first connector 200.

[0137] The second conductive part 310 may be inserted into and placed in a frame (eg, Fig.25 and Fig.28 The first conductive portion 210 may be formed in a recessed portion surrounded by a frame 321 in the comb structure 350 and a connection portion 322. A plurality of holes 350-1 may be defined to pass through the spaces between the comb teeth structures 350, and the first conductive portion 210 may be in contact with the bottom surface of the second conductive portion 310 through the holes 350-1 therethrough. In this case, the first conductive portion 210 may be electrically connected by contacting one surface of the second conductive portion 310.

[0138] Based on the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted, the ratio of the length of the portion of the second connector 300 inserted into the first connector 200 to the length of the comb-tooth structure 350 may be in the range of 1 to 3. For example, based on the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted, the length of the comb-tooth structure 350 may be in the range of 2 mm to 4 mm, and the portion of the second connector 300 inserted into the first connector 200 may be in the range of 4 mm to 6 mm. Specifically, when the length of the comb-tooth structure 350 is 2 mm, and the length of the inserted portion is 6 mm, the ratio of the length of the portion of the second connector 300 inserted into the first connector 200 to the length of the comb-tooth structure 350 may be 3. In addition, when the length of the comb-tooth structure 350 is 4 mm, and the length of the inserted portion is 4 mm, the ratio of the length of the portion of the second connector 300 inserted into the first connector 200 to the length of the comb-tooth structure 350 may be 1. However, it may not be limited thereto.

[0139] The second connector 300 may include a protruding portion 321-2. For example, when the second connector 300 is inserted into the first connector 200, the protruding portion 321-2 may protrude from each of the two ends of the second connector housing 320 to surround both sides of the protrusion 221. In addition, the protruding portion 321-2 may extend from each of the two ends of the second connector housing 320 based on the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted. For another example, the protruding portion 321-2 may protrude from the second connector housing 320 so that it faces the inner bottom surface when the second connector 300 is inserted into the first connector 200. Since the protruding portion 321-2 is provided to surround the protrusion 221 of the first connector 200, the insertion of the second connector 200 may be guided. In addition, the second connector 200 may be guided to prevent the partition wall 223 from being damaged or broken, thereby preventing the connection terminals of the first conductive portion 210 from being short-circuited to each other.

[0140] Fig.14 is a plan view illustrating a state in which a first connector 200 and a second connector 300 are coupled to each other according to one embodiment of the present invention, Fig.15 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line BB in a state in which the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 are coupled to each other according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig.16 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line CC in a state where the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 are coupled to each other according to one embodiment of the present invention. The description of the foregoing embodiment may be equally or similarly applied to the present embodiment. Figures 14 to 16 Describe it.

[0141] <Relationship between the protrusion 221, the comb tooth structure 350, and the comb tooth base 360>

[0142] The second connector 300 may be inserted and mounted inside the first connector 200. In this case, the connection portion 322 of the second connector 300 may be hooked to the hole 230 of the first connector 200.

[0143] The coupling housing 400 may restrict the movement of the second conductive portion 310. For example, the coupling housing 400 may be mounted on the second connector housing 320 to restrict the movement of the second conductive portion 310.

[0144] Referring to the cross section along line BB, the comb tooth structure 350 may be inserted between the partition walls 223. For example, when the second connector 300 is inserted and mounted on the first connector 200, the comb tooth structure 350 may be arranged to be inserted into the space between the partition walls 223. In other words, the comb tooth structure 350 and the partition walls 223 may have structures corresponding to each other to achieve insertion and connection.

[0145] Referring to the cross section along line CC, the comb tooth base 360 ​​may be aligned with the body portion 222. For example, when the second connector 300 is inserted and mounted on the first connector 200, the comb tooth base 360 ​​may be disposed to face the body portion 222 and to be aligned with the body portion 222. In other words, the comb tooth base 360 ​​and the body portion 222 may have structures corresponding to each other so that the comb tooth base 360 ​​and the body portion 222 are aligned with each other when facing each other.

[0146] [Topic 3]

[0147] Fig.17 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a first connector 200 when viewed from above according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig.18 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first connector 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The description of the foregoing embodiments may be equally or similarly applied to the present embodiment. Fig.17 and Fig.18 Give a description.

[0148] <Structure of the First Connector Housing 220>

[0149] The first connector 200 may include a first connector housing 220. An opening 220-1 may be defined in the first connector housing 220 to allow the second connector 300 to be inserted.

[0150] The first connector housing 220 may define an insertion space V. For example, the insertion space V may be defined by an upper portion 220-2, a side portion 220-3, and a lower portion 220-4 of the first connector housing 220. Specifically, the insertion space V may be defined by being surrounded by an inner surface of the upper portion 220-2, an inner surface of the side portion 220-3, and an inner surface of the lower portion 220-4.

[0151] The first conductive portion 21 may be disposed on the lower portion 220 - 4 to be electrically connected to the second connector 300 .

[0152] The first connector housing 220 may have a hole 230 defined through the upper portion 220 - 2 so that the second connector 300 is hooked.

[0153] The first connector housing 220 may include a protruding rib 225. For example, the protruding rib 225 may be provided on an edge of the upper portion 220-2. Specifically, the protruding rib 225 may be provided to protrude from an edge of the upper portion 220-2 at a side where the second connector 300 is inserted. The protruding rib 225 may strengthen the structural rigidity of the upper portion 220-2 in which the hole 230 is defined.

[0154] Fig.19 2 is a plan view illustrating a protruding rib 225 of a first connector 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The description of the aforementioned embodiments may be equally or similarly applied to the present embodiment.

[0155] <Structure of protruding rib 225>

[0156] The edge of the upper portion 220-2 facing the opening 220-1 may include a protruding rib 225. For example, the upper portion 220-2 may include a protruding rib 225 protruding from the hole 230 toward the opening 220-1.

[0157] The distance A from the edge of the hole 230 toward the opening 220-1 to the end of the protruding rib 225 may be in the range of 3 to 4 times the thickness T of the upper portion 220-2. For example, the thickness T of the upper portion 220-2 may be in the range of 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm. In this case, the distance A may be in the range of 1.2 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0158] The protrusion degree A' of the protruding rib 225 may be determined depending on the thickness T of the upper portion 220-2. For example, as the thickness T of the upper portion 220-2 becomes thicker, the protrusion degree A' may increase.

[0159] The protruding rib 225 may be provided on the first connector housing 220 to reinforce the rigidity of the upper portion 220-2 defining the hole 230 therein. For example, even if external force is applied, pressure may be distributed in proportion to the extent to which the protruding rib 225 protrudes to prevent the upper portion 220-2 from being broken or damaged.

[0160] The crack in the upper portion 220-2 may occur in a diagonal direction with respect to the edge on which the protruding rib 225 is provided. Since the protruding rib 225 is provided to protrude, the length g in the diagonal direction may also extend to enhance the strength in the diagonal direction.

[0161] Fig. 20 2 is a plan view illustrating a hole 230 of a first connector 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The description of the aforementioned embodiments may be equally or similarly applied to the present embodiment.

[0162] <Structure of Hole 230>

[0163] The hole 230 may be defined in the first connector housing 220. For example, the hole 230 may have a circular shape at an edge toward the opening 220-1. The circular shape defined in the hole 230 may be set such that a fillet radius value R is 0.3 mm to 1 mm.

[0164] The hole 230 may include a plurality of holes. For example, the plurality of holes may be defined along a direction parallel to an edge of the upper portion 220-2 facing the opening 220-1. The protruding rib 225 may extend parallel to the direction in which the plurality of holes are defined.

[0165] When the protruding rib 225 is arranged to extend along the plurality of holes, the upper portion 220-1 in which the plurality of holes are defined can be effectively prevented from being broken or damaged. Even if external force is applied, the pressure can be distributed in proportion to the extent to which the protruding rib 225 extends to prevent the upper portion 220-2 from being broken or damaged.

[0166] Fig.21 is a perspective view of the internal rib 226 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 22 2 is a front view illustrating an internal rib 226 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The description of the previous embodiment can be equally or similarly applied to the present embodiment. Fig.21 and Fig. 22 Give a description.

[0167] <Structure of the internal rib 226>

[0168] The upper portion 220 - 2 may include an inner rib 226 . For example, the inner rib 226 may protrude toward the insertion space V. In addition, the inner rib 226 may protrude in a direction parallel to the insertion direction DI of the second connector 300 .

[0169] The internal ribs 226 may not interfere with the insertion of the second connector 300 into the insertion space V. For example, the internal ribs 226 may be provided on a region other than an insertion path of the second connector 300 toward the insertion space V. For another example, a surface of the second connector housing 320 facing a surface of the upper portion 220-2 of the first connector housing 220 on which the internal ribs 226 are provided may be provided in a corresponding structure.

[0170] The inner rib 226 may protrude in the range of 1 to 2 times the thickness T of the upper portion 220-2. For example, when the thickness T of the upper portion 220-2 is in the range of 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm, the inner rib 226 may protrude in the range of 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm. When the protrusion degree of the inner rib 226 is designed to be in the range of 1 to 2 times the thickness T of the upper portion 220-2, rigidity can be effectively ensured regardless of the additional protrusion. However, the above numerical range may be illustrative and may not be limited thereto.

[0171] The upper portion 220 - 2 may include a plurality of inner ribs 226 . For example, the inner ribs 226 may protrude toward the insertion space V. In addition, the inner ribs 226 may be symmetrically disposed around the protruding ribs 225 .

[0172] The plurality of internal ribs 226 may be alternately arranged with the holes 230. For example, the plurality of internal ribs 226 may be alternately arranged with the holes 230 based on the inner surface of the upper portion 220-2. For a specific example, the holes 230 may be two holes, and the internal ribs 226 may include three internal ribs alternately spaced apart from each other with the two holes 230 spaced apart.

[0173] The internal rib 226 may reinforce the rigidity of the thin thickness T of the upper portion 220 - 2 . In addition, the internal rib 226 may reinforce the rigidity of the upper portion 220 - 2 in which the hole 230 is defined.

[0174] Fig.23 2 is a front view illustrating the arrangement of the protruding ribs 225 and the inner ribs 226 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The description of the aforementioned embodiment may be equally or similarly applied to the present embodiment.

[0175] <Arrangement of Protruding Ribs 225 and Internal Ribs 226>

[0176] The first connector housing 220 may include a protruding rib 225 and an inner rib 226. For example, the first connector housing 220 may include a protruding rib 225 protruding from an edge of the upper portion 220-2 toward the opening 220-1 in a direction from the hole 230 toward the opening 220-1. In addition, the first connector housing 220 may include an inner rib 226 protruding from the upper portion 220-2 toward the insertion space V.

[0177] The protruding rib 225 and the inner rib 226 may include an overlapping area. For example, when viewed toward the opening 220-1 in the insertion direction DI of the second connector 300, the protruding rib 225 and the inner rib 226 may include an overlapping area along the edge.

[0178] Reference Fig.23 , the internal rib 226 may protrude toward the insertion space V with a predetermined protruding length B1. In addition, the internal rib 226 may extend to a predetermined extension length B2 along the edge of the opening 220-1 side of the upper portion 220-2. In this case, the protruding rib 225 and the internal rib 226 may have a predetermined overlapping length B3. The length of the overlapping area may be the overlapping length B3. For a specific example, the overlapping length B3 may be in the range of 25% to 50% of the length B2 along the edge of the internal rib 226. As the overlapping length B3 increases, the strength of the reinforcement may increase.

[0179] The internal rib 226 may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of internal ribs 226 may have different widths. Specifically, the internal rib 226 may include three internal ribs. The three internal ribs may include a central rib provided between the two holes and having a first width and external ribs provided outside the two holes and each having a second width greater than the first width.

[0180] Among the three inner ribs, the degree to which the central rib protrudes toward the insertion space can be greater than the degree to which the outer rib protrudes toward the insertion space. When the second connector 300 is inserted into the insertion space, the central rib can have a high contact possibility when observed from the insertion path. The central rib can protrude more than the outer ribs to strengthen the strength, thereby preventing damage caused by contact. In addition, it can perform a guiding function when the second connector 300 is inserted. The central rib can extend to the area from which the protruding rib 225 protrudes. In other words, the central rib can extend further toward the opening 220-1 than the outer ribs. The width of each inner rib and the protrusion of each inner rib can vary according to the number, position and size of the hole 230.

[0181] Each of the protruding degrees (A' and B1) of the protruding rib 225 and the inner rib 226 may be determined according to the thickness T of the upper portion 220-2. When each of the protruding degrees (A' and B1) is determined according to the thickness T of the upper portion 220-2, the rigidity of the thin thickness T of the upper portion 220-2 defining the hole 230 may be adaptively enhanced according to the structure.

[0182] [Theme 4]

[0183] <Anti-Separation Structure of Coupling Housing 400>

[0184] Fig.24 is a perspective view of a second connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0185] Reference Fig.24 The connector module 100 may include a first connector 200 and a second connector 300 (see Figure 5 ).

[0186] The first connector 200 may be electrically connected to the control unit 10 . The first connector 200 may include a first connector housing 220 and a first conductive portion 210 .

[0187] The first connector housing 220 may define the appearance of the first connector 200. For example, the first connector housing 220 may include a housing shape having a recessed side inside. Specifically, the first connector housing 220 may include an opening 220-1 with one side opened, and may include a first recessed portion 220a recessed inwardly from the opening 220-1. The second connector 300 may be inserted into and coupled to the first recessed portion 220a.

[0188] The first conductive portion 210 may be connected to the first connector housing 220 and may be electrically connected to the control unit.

[0189] The second connector 300 may be electrically connected to the first connector 200. For example, the second connector 300 may be inserted into and coupled to the first connector 200. Specifically, the second connector 300 may be inserted into a first recessed portion 220a defined inside the first connector housing 220 and coupled to the first connector 200. For example, one side of the second connector 300 may be electrically connected to the first connector 200 (that is, the first conductive portion 210) and the other side of the second connector 300 may be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 2.

[0190] The second connector 300 may include a second connector housing 320 , a second conductive portion 310 , and a coupling housing 400 .

[0191] The second connector housing 320 may define the appearance of the second connector 300 and may be a configuration inserted and coupled to the first connector 200. In other words, the second connector housing 320 may be inserted into the first recessed portion 220a of the first connector 200 and integrally coupled to the first connector 200.

[0192] The second connector housing 320 may include a frame 321 and a connecting portion 322 (see Fig.24 ).

[0193] The frame 321 may be inserted into and coupled to the first connector 200. In other words, the frame 321 may be inserted into the first recessed portion 220a of the first connector housing 220 and structurally coupled to the first connector 200.

[0194] The connection portion 322 may be connected to one surface of the frame 321 and may be coupled to the first connector 200. For example, the connection portion 322 may be connected to the top surface of the frame 321. The connection portion 322 may be coupled to the first connector 200 by being coupled to the inner top surface of the first connector housing 220 while being connected to the top surface of the frame 321.

[0195] In this case, the connection portion 322 may be coupled to the first connector 200 by hook coupling. For example, the connection portion 322 may include a lever shape. Specifically, there is a portion (that is, a hole 230) that passes through the top surface of the first connector housing 220 so that the top surface of the first connector housing 220 and the first recessed portion 220a communicate with each other, and the connection portion 322 may be coupled to the penetration portion of the top surface of the first connector housing 220.

[0196] More specifically, based on the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted into the first connector 200 , the front side of the connection portion 322 may move upward and downward from the connection portion 322 in a state of being connected to the frame 321 .

[0197] In a state in which the connection portion 322 is spaced apart from the second conductive portion 310 by a predetermined interval, the second connector 300 may be inserted into and coupled to the first connector 200, and thus, the connection portion 322 may be moved downward to be coupled to a penetration portion of the top surface of the first connector housing 220, thereby connecting the first connector 200 to the second connector 300 through the connection portion 322. In this case, the connection portion 322 may be spaced apart from the second conductive portion 310 by a predetermined interval.

[0198] On the other hand, when the connection portion 322 moves downward by receiving an external force from a user or the like, the connection may be released, and thus, the second connector 300 may be separated from the first connector 200 .

[0199] Fig.25 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of a second connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.25 The connection part 322 may include a protruding portion 322-1 protruding upward on its top surface. In a state where the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 are coupled to each other, a user may press the protruding portion 322-1 of the connection part 322 to separate the second connector 300 from the first connector 200.

[0200] The second conductive part 310 may be electrically connected to the first conductive part 210 by inserting at least a portion of the second conductive part 310 into the frame 321. In other words, the second conductive part 310 may be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells to receive electrical signals from the plurality of battery cells and transmit the received electrical signals to the first conductive part 210. For example, the second conductive part 310 may include a flexible flat cable (FFC).

[0201] A region surrounded by the frame 321 and the connection portion 322 and having one open side may be defined inside the frame 321 , and the second conductive portion 310 may be inserted and coupled to be surrounded by the frame 321 and the connection portion 322 .

[0202] The coupling housing 400 may couple the second connector housing 320 to the second conductive portion 310. For example, in a state in which the second conductive portion 310 is inserted into and coupled to the second connector housing 320, the coupling housing 400 may surround the second connector housing 320. Specifically, the coupling housing 400 may be used to prevent the second conductive portion 310 from being separated from the second connector housing 320 by pressing and holding the second connector housing 320 and the second conductive portion 310.

[0203] In addition, the coupling housing 400 can restrict the connection part 322 from being separated from the frame 321 by the step structure 410-1 contacting one surface of the connection part 322. In other words, the structure in which a portion of the connection part 322 is hooked with the coupling housing 400 can prevent the connection part 322 from being excessively deformed or moved upward.

[0204] Fig.26 is a front view of a coupling housing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0205] Reference Fig.26 , the coupling housing 400 may include a coupling body 410 and a coupling portion 420 .

[0206] The coupling body 410 may contact the second connector housing 320 and the second conductive portion 310 to couple the second connector housing 320 to the second conductive portion 310. For example, the coupling body 410 may be disposed at the rear side of the connection portion 322 to surround a portion of the rear side of the connection portion 322 and press the second conductive portion 310, thereby coupling the second connector housing 320 to the second conductive portion 310.

[0207] The coupling body 410 may include a first coupling body 411 and a second coupling body 412 .

[0208] The first coupling body 411 may be disposed at the rear side of the connection portion 322 based on the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted into the first connector 200. For example, the first coupling body 411 may be disposed at the rear side of the connection portion 322, and then may be formed and arranged to extend to both sides when viewed in the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted. That is, the first coupling body 411 may be disposed along the rear side of the connection portion 322.

[0209] The second coupling body 412 may be disposed on each of the two sides of the first coupling body 411 to surround a portion of each of the two sides of the connection portion 322. In this case, the portion of the second coupling body 412 surrounding the two sides of the connection portion 322 may include a step portion 410-1. In other words, the coupling body 410 may include a step portion 410-1 that contacts one surface of the connection portion 322 so as to be stepped. However, the step portion 410-1 may not necessarily be disposed on both sides of the connection portion 322, but may be disposed corresponding to at least one of the two sides of the connection portion 322.

[0210] Depending on the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted, the connection portion 322 may be hooked with the step portion 410-1 of the coupling body 410 to restrict the connection portion 322 from moving upward. For example, when the rear side of the connection portion 322 moves upward, the step portion 410-1 may contact the rear side of the connection portion 322.

[0211] Specifically, refer to Fig.25 , as seen from the front side of the connection portion 322, the step portion 410-1 may have a first surface 410a disposed on the upper side of the connection portion 322, a second surface 410b having a side connected to the lower side of the first surface 410a and in contact with the top surface of the connection portion 322, and a third surface 410c connected to the other side of the second surface 410b and disposed along the side surface of the connection portion 322. In this case, since the top surface of the connection portion 322 is hooked with the second surface 410b, the top surface of the connection portion 322 may be disposed below the extension line of the second surface 410b. That is, the moving radius of the connection portion 322 may be limited so that the top surface of the connection portion 322 does not move upward from the second surface 410b.

[0212] Since the connection part 322 is hooked with the second surface 410b, the movement of the connection part 322 toward the upper side of the second surface 410b can be limited. According to this structure, the movement of the connection part 322 is limited to a specific radius, and the problem of excessive deformation or deviation to the upper side of the frame 321 can be prevented.

[0213] As a result, the problem that the connection portion 322 is lifted upward and plastically deformed or damaged can be prevented to improve the structural stability of the second connector 300, and thus, the connection stability between the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 can be improved.

[0214] Fig. 27 is an enlarged view of a connection portion and a coupling housing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0215] Reference Fig. 27 , the top surface of the first coupling body 411 may be arranged to be lower than the top surface of the protruding portion 322-1 of the connection portion 322. In other words, the protruding portion 322-1 of the connection portion 322 may be arranged to be higher relative to the extended surface of the top surface of the first coupling body 411. Since the protruding portion 322-1 of the connection portion 322 is arranged above the top surface of the first coupling body 411, the user can more easily press and handle the protruding portion, so as to facilitate the use convenience of the connector module 100.

[0216] In this case, the distance S between the top surface of the first coupling body 411 and the top surface of the protruding portion 322-1 of the connection part 322 may be 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. When the distance S between the top surface of the first coupling body 411 and the top surface of the protruding portion 322-1 of the connection part 322 is less than 0.5 mm, the top surface of the first coupling body 411 and the top surface of the protruding portion 322-1 of the connection part 322 may be difficult to distinguish from each other, thereby deteriorating the convenience of use of the connector module 100. On the other hand, when the distance S between the top surface of the first coupling body 411 and the top surface of the protruding portion 322-1 of the connection part 322 exceeds 0.7 mm, the protruding portion 322-1 of the connection part 322 may be too high, the overall height of the connector module 100 may increase, and therefore, the space inside the battery module 1 may be ineffectively occupied.

[0217] In addition, when the height of the first connecting body 411 is L1, and the height of the second connecting body 412 is L2, the formula: 0.3≤L1 / L2≤0.5 may be satisfied. When L1 / L2 is less than 0.3, the height difference between the first connecting body 411 and the second connecting body 412 is reduced, it may be difficult to find the position of the protruding portion 322-1 of the connecting portion 322, and therefore, the ease of use of the connector module 100 may be deteriorated. On the other hand, when L1 / L2 exceeds 0.5, the height of the first connecting body 411 may become significantly smaller, and therefore, there is a risk that the first connecting body 411 is easily damaged, and the height of the second connecting body 412 may be significantly increased. Structure, a problem in which the overall height of the connector module 100 is increased may occur.

[0218] The height L1 of the first coupling body 411 (in other words, the thickness of the first coupling body 411) may have a value of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm. Due to the thickness of the first coupling body 411, when pressing the connection portion 322, the hand may be supported without excessively pressing downward. This may allow the connection portion 322 to move only within the permitted range to reduce the risk of damage and provide ease of use.

[0219] The coupling portion 420 may be connected to one side of the coupling body 410 and may be coupled to a side surface of the second connector housing 320. For example, the coupling portion 420 may include a structure extending from each of both sides of the coupling body 410 to surround both sides of the second connector housing 320. That is, the coupling portion 420 may be provided along both sides of the frame 321 and coupled to both sides of the frame 321.

[0220] The coupling portion 420 may be coupled to the side surface of the frame 321 through a ring structure. Specifically, one side of the coupling portion 420 may be connected to the coupling body 410, and the ring structure 421 may be provided on the other end of the coupling portion 420. The ring structure 421 of the coupling portion 420 may be provided along the side surface of the frame 321 and coupled to the lower side of the frame 321.

[0221] More specifically, the coupling portion 420 may include an inclined surface inclined toward the side surface of the frame 321, and the side surface of the frame 321 may include an inclined surface corresponding to the inclined surface of the coupling portion 420. The ring structure 421 of the coupling portion 420 may be hooked with the side surface of the frame 321 by a sliding method in which the inclined surface of the coupling portion 420 moves along the inclined surface of the side surface of the frame 321. In other words, when the second conductive portion 310 is inserted into the frame 321, the coupling housing 400 may be coupled in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the second conductive portion 310 is inserted, and the coupling housing 400 may be coupled so that the inclined surface of the coupling portion 420 moves along the inclined surface of the side surface of the frame 321, and thus, the ring structure 421 of the coupling portion 420 may be coupled to the lower side of the side surface of the frame 321.

[0222] [Topic 5]

[0223] <Through Structure of Connecting Housing 400>

[0224] Fig.28 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration in which a second conductive portion is inserted into a second connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.29 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration in which a coupling housing is coupled to a second connector housing and a second conductive portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig.30 is a cross-sectional view of a connector module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0225] Reference Figures 28 to 30 , the coupling housing 400 may pass through the second connector housing 320 and the second conductive part 310 to couple the second connector housing 320 to the second conductive part 310. For example, the coupling housing 400 may further include coupling pins 430 protruding from the coupling body 410 to pass through the second connector housing 320 and the second conductive part 310. In other words, the coupling pins 430 may protrude from the bottom surface of the coupling body 410 toward the second conductive part 310. The coupling pins 430 may be provided in pairs on both sides of the bottom surface of the coupling body 410.

[0226] Specifically, the coupling body 410 may protrude toward the second conductive portion 310 to define a portion in contact with the second conductive portion 310. In addition, the coupling body 410 may protrude toward the second conductive portion 310 to provide a portion in contact with the conductive film 311. The coupling pin 430 may be provided to protrude from a portion protruding downward from the coupling body 410. In other words, the bottom surfaces of the first coupling body 411 and the second coupling body 412 may provide the same surface. Due to the ring structure of the coupling portion 420, the bottom surfaces of the first coupling body 411 and the second coupling body 412 may have a structure that protrudes more toward the second conductive portion 310 than the bottom surface of the coupling portion 420, and the coupling pin 430 may be provided to protrude from the bottom surfaces of the first coupling body 411 and the second coupling body 412.

[0227] The end of the coupling pin 430 may include at least one of a bent shape or a horn shape. According to such a structure of the end of the coupling pin 430, ease of manufacturing may be increased in a process of coupling the coupling pin 430 to the second connector housing 320.

[0228] The second connector housing 320 may include a first coupling hole 321a that penetrates. For example, the first coupling hole 321a may be defined in the inner bottom surface of the frame 321. Specifically, the second conductive portion 310 may be inserted and coupled to the recessed portion 320-1 surrounded by the frame 321 and the connecting portion 322, the inner bottom surface of the frame 321 may be provided at the opposite of the connecting portion 322 based on the recessed portion 320-1, and the first coupling hole 321a may be defined to pass through the inner bottom surface of the frame 321. That is, the first coupling hole 321a may be defined to pass from the inner bottom surface of the frame 321 to the bottom surface of the frame 321.

[0229] The second conductive part 310 may include a penetrating second coupling hole 310a. That is, the second coupling hole 310a may be defined to pass from the top surface of the second conductive part 310 to the bottom surface. In this case, when the second conductive part 310 is inserted and coupled to the second connector housing 320, the first coupling hole 321a and the second coupling hole 310a may be defined on the same line. In addition, when the second conductive part 310 is inserted and coupled to the second connector housing 320, the coupling pin 430 may be provided to integrally pass through the first coupling hole 321a and the second coupling hole 310a.

[0230] The direction in which the second conductive portion 310 is inserted into the second connector housing 320 and the direction in which the coupling pin 430 passes may be perpendicular to each other.

[0231] According to this structure, the coupling pin 430 can restrict the second conductive part 310 from being separated from the second connector housing 320. Specifically, the coupling pin 430 can fix the second conductive part 310 to the second connector housing 320 so that the movement of the second conductive part 310 in a direction parallel to the direction in which the second conductive part 310 is inserted into the second connector housing 320 is restricted.

[0232] The coupling pin 430 may be disposed to pass through the first coupling hole 321a and the second coupling hole 310a, and at the same time, the coupling portion 420 may be coupled to both sides of the frame 321 through a ring structure, and thus, the coupling force between the second connector housing 320 and the second conductive portion 310 may be further increased.

[0233] As a result, a coupling force between the second connector housing 320 and the second conductive part 310 may be increased by the coupling pin 430 , and thus, structural stability of the connector module 100 may be increased.

[0234] In addition, according to this structure of the coupling pin 430, the contact area between the first conductive part 210 and the second conductive part 310 can be constantly maintained. In other words, the second conductive part 310 can be fixed to a specific position inside the second connector housing 320, and the first conductive part 210 and the second conductive part 310 can always define a contact area with a constant area, and the pre-planned contact method and circuit arrangement can be maintained to improve the transmission and reception quality of electrical signals. As a result, due to this structure, electrical signals can be more accurately transmitted and received through the connector module 100, and therefore, the control quality of the control unit 10 can be further improved.

[0235] [Topic 6]

[0236] <Anti-tilt structure>

[0237] The frame 321 may include a structure for preventing the second connector 300 from tilting. The tilting phenomenon may refer to a phenomenon in which the posture and angle of the second connector 300 are changed in a state in which the second connector 300 is coupled to the first connector 200. This tilting phenomenon may occur due to weakening of the coupling force between the first connector 200 and the second connector 300, and therefore, problems that hinder the structural stability of the connector module 100 such as the second connector 300 being lifted or separated from the first connector 200 may occur.

[0238] The tilt phenomenon of the second connector 300 may occur when the second connector 300 rotates (such as rolling, yaw, and pitch around each axis). Fig.24 , there may be a rolling motion rotating around the x-axis, a pitching motion rotating around the y-axis, and a yaw motion rotating around the z-axis. In this case, the x-axis may be defined in a direction parallel to the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted. The y-axis may be defined in a direction perpendicular to the x-axis and parallel to the ground. The z-axis may be defined in a direction perpendicular to the ground so as to be perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis.

[0239] A structure may be needed to prevent such rotational movement and improve the coupling stability of the second connector 300 .

[0240] Fig.31 is an enlarged view illustrating the interior of a connector module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0241] Reference Fig.25 and Fig.31 , the frame 321 may include a body of the frame 321 and at least one of a first protrusion portion 321 - 1 or a second protrusion portion 321 - 2 protruding to one side from the body of the frame 321 .

[0242] Based on the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted, the first protrusion 321-1 may be provided to protrude to the front side of the main body of the frame 321. That is, the first protrusion 321-1 may be provided from the main body of the frame 321 toward the x-axis direction (see Fig.24 ) extends and is inserted into the first connector 200. For example, the first connector 200 may further include a second recessed portion 220b recessed in front of the first recessed portion 220a, and the first protruding portion 321-1 may be inserted into the second recessed portion 220b.

[0243] The second recessed portion 220b may be a portion that is recessed from the first recessed portion 220a toward the x-axis direction inside the first connector housing 220. In this case, when the second connector 300 is observed from its side surface based on the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted, the height of the first recessed portion 220a may be higher than the height of the second recessed portion 220b. That is, when the height of the first recessed portion 220a is E1, and the height of the second recessed portion 220b is E2, the conditional formula: E1>E2 may be satisfied. Accordingly, when observed from the side surface, the height of the first protruding portion 321-1 may be set to protrude from the main body of the frame 321 so as to be smaller than the height of the main body of the frame 321.

[0244] In addition, when the second connector 300 is observed from its side surface based on the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted, the second recessed portion 220b may include a first surface 220b-1 extending from the inner top surface of the first recessed portion 220a, a second surface 220b-2 having a side connected to the first surface 220b-1 and configured to define a front surface, and a third surface 220b-3 connected to the other side of the second surface 220b-2 to define a bottom surface.

[0245] The first surface 220b-1 may be the top surface of the second recessed portion 220b. The second surface 220b-2 may be the innermost surface (that is, the front surface) of the second recessed portion 220b. The second surface 220b-2 may be perpendicular to the first surface 220b-1. The third surface 220b-3 may define the bottom surface of the second recessed portion 220b and may be perpendicular to the second surface 220b-2. That is, the first surface 220b-1, the second surface 220b-2, and the third surface 220b-3 may be arranged along the outer surface of the first protruding portion 321-1.

[0246] The first recessed portion 220a may include a support surface 220a-1 connected to the third surface 220b-3 to extend downward from the third surface 220b-3. That is, the support surface 220a-1 may be disposed below the first protruding portion 321-1.

[0247] The first surface 220b-1 may support the top surface of the first protruding portion 321-1. The second surface 220b-2 may support the front surface of the first protruding portion 321-1. The third surface 220b-3 may support the bottom surface of the first protruding portion 321-1. The support surface 220a-1 may support the front surface of the frame 321 (that is, the front surface of the body of the frame 321).

[0248] According to this structure, the first protrusion portion 321-1 may be hooked with the second recessed portion 220b to restrict the rotational movement of the second connector 300. Specifically, the pitching movement around the y-axis may be restricted.

[0249] In order to maximize the prevention of pitching motion, each surface of the first recessed portion 220a and the second recessed portion 220b can meet a specific conditional formula. For example, the length F1 of the support surface 220a-1 of the first recessed portion 220a can be 0.4mm to 0.6mm. When the length F1 of the support surface 220a-1 of the first recessed portion 220a is less than 0.4mm, the contact area between the support surface 220a-1 and the front surface of the frame 321 may be significantly narrowed to reduce the support area for preventing pitching, and therefore, the pitching operation of the second connector 300 may not be effectively prevented. On the other hand, when the length F1 of the support surface 220a-1 of the first recessed portion 220a exceeds 0.6mm, there may be a risk of generating an undesirable conductive area in the design by expanding an unnecessary conductive area.

[0250] In addition, the length F2 of the second surface 220b-2 of the second recessed portion may satisfy a specific conditional formula. For example, the length F2 of the second surface 220b-2 may be 0.9mm to 1.1mm. When the length F2 of the second surface 220b-2 is less than 0.9mm, the recessed depth of the second recessed portion 220b may be small, which may reduce the effect of preventing tilting. On the other hand, when the length F2 of the second surface 220b-2 exceeds 1.1mm, the length of the first protruding portion 321-1 may become longer compared to the thickness, and therefore, the problem of the first protruding portion 321-1 being damaged due to the tilting phenomenon may occur.

[0251] In addition, the first protrusion 321-1 may be provided along a direction extending to each of the two sides of the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted. In other words, the first protrusion 321-1 may be provided along a direction parallel to the y-axis direction. According to this structure, due to the shape of the first protrusion 321-1, the rolling of the second connector 300 can be prevented in a state in which the second connector 300 is inserted and coupled to the first connector 200.

[0252] The second protrusion 321-2 may be provided to protrude upward or downward from the body of the frame 321 based on the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted. For example, the second protrusion 321-2 may be provided to protrude from the bottom surface of the body of the frame 321 in a direction toward the second conductive portion 310. Specifically, the second protrusion 321-2 may be provided to protrude downward so as to be parallel to the z-axis direction.

[0253] Reference Fig. 9, the first connector 200 may further include a third recessed portion 220c recessed upward or downward from the first recessed portion 220a based on the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted, and the second protrusion 321-2 may be inserted into the third recessed portion 220c. That is, the third recessed portion 220c may extend from the first recessed portion 220a along the z-axis direction.

[0254] When viewed from the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted (that is, the x-axis direction), the third recessed portion 220c may be disposed on each of the two sides of the first recessed portion 220a. Similarly, the second protruding portion 321-2 may be disposed on each of the two sides of the frame 321 to correspond to the third recessed portion 220c.

[0255] In addition, the third recessed portion 220c disposed on each of the two sides of the lower side of the first recessed portion 220a may have an inclined step structure. In other words, based on the x-axis direction, the outermost inner surface of the third recessed portion may include a stepped and inclined structure relative to the inner surface of the first recessed portion 220a.

[0256] According to this structure, the second protrusion 321-2 can be inserted into and coupled to the third recessed portion 220c and then hooked with the third recessed portion 220c to limit the rotation of the second connector 300. Specifically, the deflection operation of the second connector 300 can be prevented by fitting the second protrusion 321-2. In order to maximize the above effect, the second protrusion 321-2 can extend in a longitudinal direction parallel to the direction in which the second connector 300 is inserted.

[0257] [Topic 7]

[0258] <Structure for Improving the Fixing Force of the First Conductive Part 210 and the Second Conductive Part 310>

[0259] Fig.32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the interior of a connector module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0260] Reference Fig.32 , the first conductive portion 210 may be electrically connected to only a single surface of the second conductive portion 310. In other words, the first conductive portion 210 may not be a structure surrounding the second conductive portion 310, but may be in contact with only one surface of the second conductive portion 310. For example, the first conductive portion 210 may be electrically connected to the second conductive portion 310 by contacting with the bottom surface of the second conductive portion 310 in a state set by the first connector housing 220.

[0261] Specifically, refer to Fig.25 and Fig.28, the second connector 300 can be inserted and coupled to the recessed portion surrounded by the frame 321 and the connection portion 322, and the inner bottom surface of the frame 321 can be arranged opposite to the connection portion 322 based on the recessed portion, so that the inner bottom surface of the frame 321 supports the bottom surface of the second conductive portion 310. Here, referring to Fig.13a , a plurality of holes 350-1 may be defined through the inner bottom surface. In other words, a plurality of holes 350-1 may be defined through the spaces between the comb-tooth structures 350, and the first conductive portion 210 may contact the bottom surface of the second conductive portion 310 through the holes 350-1 therethrough.

[0262] According to this structure, the first conductive part 210 can be electrically connected by contacting only one surface of the second conductive part 310 instead of contacting both sides of the second conductive part 310, and therefore, the height of the coupling structure of the first conductive part 210 and the second conductive part 310 can be reduced to reduce the overall height of the connector module 100. However, a problem in which the contact force between the first conductive part 210 and the second conductive part 310 is weakened may occur, and the connector module 100 may include a structure for preventing the problem of the weakened contact force from occurring.

[0263] The connecting portion 322 may contact the top surface of the second conductive portion 310 to apply pressure to the top surface of the second conductive portion 310, thereby strengthening the contact force between the first conductive portion 210 and the second conductive portion 310. For example, the front side of the connecting portion 322 may be fixedly connected to the top surface of the frame 321, and the rear side of the connecting portion 322 may move in an upward or downward direction. Here, the front side of the connecting portion 322 connected to the top surface of the frame 321 may include a ring structure defining an empty space inside thereof. That is, the connecting portion 322 may include an elastic material and be elastically deformed by allowing the rear side to move upward or downward through the ring structure.

[0264] Specifically, the connection portion 322 may include a contact portion 322-2 that contacts the top surface of the second conductive portion 310. In addition, the connection portion 322 may include a connection portion 322-3 coupled to the first connector 200. In a state in which the front side of the connection portion is connected to the front side of the contact portion 322-2, the connection portion 322-3 may extend backward based on the insertion direction of the second connector 300, and a portion of the connection portion 322-3 may be spaced apart from the contact portion 322-2 by a predetermined distance. The connection portion 322-3 may be coupled to the hole 230 defined to pass through the top surface of the first connector housing 220, or the coupling of the connection portion 322-3 may be released from the hole 230, and thus, the second connector 300 may be coupled to the first connector, or the coupling between the second connector 300 and the first connector 200 may be released.

[0265] More specifically, in a state where the contact portion 322-2 is in contact with the top surface of the second conductive portion 310 and the front side of the connecting portion 322 is fixed, an external force can be applied to the rear top surface of the connecting portion 322-3 by using the lever principle, so that the rear side of the connecting portion 322-3 moves downward to approach the contact portion 322-2. In this process, after the second connector 300 is inserted into the first connector 200, the connecting portion 322-3 can move upward again, and a portion of the top surface of the connecting portion 322-3 can protrude to fit into the hole defined to pass through the top surface of the first connector housing 220, and thus, the second connector 300 can be connected to the first connector 200. The process of releasing the connection between the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 can be performed by the reverse operation. As a result, according to the structure of the connecting portion 322, the second conductive portion 310 can be more firmly fixed by fitting between the contact portion 322-2 and the first conductive portion 210.

[0266] In addition, in order to further increase the fixing effect, each portion of the connection portion 322 may satisfy a specific conditional formula.

[0267] For example, when viewed from the side surface based on the direction of inserting and connecting the second connector 300, the height G1 of the contact portion 322-2 may be 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm. When the height G1 of the contact portion 322-2 is less than 0.6 mm, the thickness of the contact portion 322-2 may become too small, and therefore, the function of the contact portion 322-2 to support the second conductive portion 310 to strengthen the fixing force of the first conductive portion 210 and the second conductive portion 310 may be lost. On the contrary, when the height G1 of the contact portion 322-2 exceeds 1.5 mm, the thickness of the connecting portion 322 itself may increase to cause the problem of increasing the overall height of the connector module 100, and the spacing distance between the contact portion 322-2 and the connecting portion 322-3 may become too narrow to cause the problem that the function of the connecting portion 322 cannot be smoothly performed.

[0268] In addition, the length G2 of the contact portion 322-2 that is disposed along the direction of inserting and coupling the second connector 300 and that contacts the second conductive portion 310 may be 1.8 mm to 2.1 mm. When the length G2 of the contact portion 322-2 that contacts the second conductive portion 310 is less than 1.8 mm, the contact force between the contact portion 322-2 and the second conductive portion 310 may be weakened, and thus, the function of the contact portion 322-2 to strengthen the fixing force of the first conductive portion 210 and the second conductive portion 310 may be lost. On the other hand, when the length G2 of the contact portion 322-2 that contacts the second conductive portion 310 exceeds 2.1 mm, the spacing space between the connection portion 322 and the second conductive portion 310 may be excessively invaded, and thus, the function of the connection portion 322 may be deteriorated.

[0269] In addition, the spacing distance G3 between the contact portion 322-2 and the connection portion 322-3 may be 0.23 mm to 0.27 mm. If the spacing distance G3 between the contact portion 322-2 and the connection portion 322-3 is 0.23 mm or less, a problem in which the function of the connection portion 322 is degraded may occur. On the other hand, when the spacing distance G3 between the contact portion 322-2 and the connection portion 322-3 exceeds 0.27 mm, the thickness of the contact portion 322-2 and the connection portion 322-3 may become too thin, and a problem in which the contact portion 322-2 and the connection portion 322-3 are easily damaged by external factors may occur.

[0270] When viewed from the side surface based on the direction of inserting and connecting the second connector 300, the connection portion 322 may satisfy the conditional formula: 2.5≤G2 / G1≤3.5. In the case of the conditional formula: G2 / G1<2.5, the contact force between the contact portion 322-2 and the second conductive portion 310 is weakened, and therefore, the function of the contact portion 322-2 to strengthen the fixing force of the first conductive portion 210 and the second conductive portion 310 may be lost. On the other hand, in the case of the conditional formula: G2 / G1>3.5, the length compared to the thickness may increase to cause a problem of weakened strength of the contact portion 322-2, and therefore, the contact portion 322-2 is easily damaged.

[0271] In addition, refer to Fig.31, when the length from the frontmost surface to the rearmost surface of the connection part 322 is G5, and the length from the frontmost surface of the connection part 322 to the rearmost surface of the contact part 322-2 is G4, the conditional formula: 2≤G5 / G4≤2.5 may be satisfied. If the conditional formula: G5 / G4 is less than 2, the area of ​​the bottom surface of the contact part 322-2 supporting the second conductive part 310 may become smaller, and the application of the lever principle to the connection part 322-3 may not be sufficient, resulting in the functional degradation of the connection part 322. On the other hand, when the conditional formula: G5 / G4 exceeds 2.5, the connection part 322 may occupy an excessively large space inside the connector module 300, or the connection part 322-3 may be hooked with the contact part 322-2, and therefore, the spacing distance between the connection part 322-3 and the second conductive part 310 may not be sufficiently ensured to cause the problem of deterioration of the connection function.

[0272] Finally, refer to Fig.31 , in order to effectively move the connection portion 322-3 downward to connect to the first connector housing 220 or release the connection with the first connector housing 220, the rear bottom surface of the connection portion 322-3 may include an inclined surface 322-3a. Specifically, the inclined surface 322-3a may be provided on the rear bottom surface of the connection portion 322-3 so that the distance between the connection portion 322-3 and the second conductive portion 310 increases as it moves toward the rear end of the connection portion 322-3. For example, the angle θ at which the inclined surface 322-3a is inclined relative to the extension line of the front bottom surface of the connection portion 322-3 may be 5 to 8 degrees. When the inclination angle θ of the inclined surface 322-3a is less than 5 degrees, the spacing distance between the rear bottom surface of the connection portion 322-3 and the second conductive portion 310 may not be properly ensured, and therefore, the connection function of the connection portion 322 may be deteriorated. On the other hand, when the inclination angle θ of the inclined surface 322 - 3 a is greater than 8 degrees, the thickness of the connection portion 322 - 3 may become too thin to cause a problem that the connection portion 322 - 3 is easily damaged and deformed due to external impact.

[0273] In this case, in order to space the connection portion 322 from the second conductive portion to more effectively perform the connection function, the spacing distance G6 between the last part of the connection portion 322 and the second conductive portion may be 0.7 mm to 0.8 mm. In order to increase the fixing force and contact force between the first conductive portion 210 and the second conductive portion 310, the coupling housing 400 may be configured to further fix the second conductive portion 310 to the second connector housing 320 through a coupling structure. The coupling housing 400 may include a coupling body 410 and a coupling portion 420.

[0274] The coupling portion 420 may be connected to one side of the coupling body 410 and may be coupled to a side surface of the second connector housing 320. For example, the coupling portion 420 may include a structure extending from each of both sides of the coupling body 410 to surround both sides of the second connector housing 320. That is, the coupling portion 420 may be provided along both sides of the frame 321 and coupled to both sides of the frame 321.

[0275] The coupling portion 420 may be coupled to the side surface of the frame 321 through a ring structure 421. Specifically, one side of the coupling portion 420 may be connected to the coupling body 410, and the ring structure 421 may be provided on the other end of the coupling portion 420. The ring structure 421 of the coupling portion 420 may be provided along the side surface of the frame 321 and coupled to the lower side of the frame 321.

[0276] More specifically, the coupling portion 420 may include an inclined surface inclined toward the side surface of the frame 321, and the side surface of the frame 321 may include an inclined surface corresponding to the inclined surface of the coupling portion 420. The ring structure of the coupling portion 420 may be hooked with the side surface of the frame 321 by a sliding method in which the inclined surface of the coupling portion 420 moves along the inclined surface of the side surface of the frame 321. In other words, when the second conductive portion 310 is inserted into the frame 321, the coupling housing 400 may be coupled in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the second conductive portion 310 is inserted, and the coupling housing 400 may be coupled so that the inclined surface of the coupling portion 420 moves along the inclined surface of the side surface of the frame 321, and thus, the ring structure 421 of the coupling portion 420 may be coupled to the lower side of the side surface of the frame 321.

[0277] As a result, the first conductive portion 210 can be in contact with only a single surface of the second conductive portion 310, and the first conductive portion 210 and the second conductive portion 310 can strengthen the fixing force through the connection portion 322 and the coupling housing 400 to reduce the overall height of the connector module 100, thereby allowing the connector module 100 to more efficiently occupy the space within the battery module. Specifically, the height H3 of the connector module 100 can be 3.5 mm to 4 mm. In other words, the height of the first connector 200 can be 3.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0278] [Topic 8]

[0279] Fig.33 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a visual inspection is performed on a connector module 100 using a visual inspection device 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The description of the aforementioned embodiments may be equally or similarly applied to the present embodiment.

[0280] <Visual Inspection Device 1000>

[0281] The visual inspection device 1000 can perform a visual inspection on the connector module 100 conveyed along a predetermined conveying direction by the conveying device 1100. For example, the visual inspection device 1000 can be installed at a predetermined position to perform a visual inspection above the connector module 100 conveyed along the conveying direction. For a specific example, when the connector module 100 is conveyed along the conveying direction by a conveyor belt, the visual inspection device 1000 can be installed above the conveyor belt to perform a visual inspection on the upper part of the connector module 100. The above description is an example and is not limited thereto.

[0282] Fig.34 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of performing a visual inspection according to one embodiment of the present invention. The description of the foregoing embodiments may be equally or similarly applied to the present embodiment.

[0283] <Connector inspection method>

[0284] According to operation S100 , the connector inspection method may include a connector preparation process.

[0285] The connector preparation process may be a process of preparing the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 , and the second connector 300 is partially inserted into the accommodation space (or insertion space V) inside the first connector 200 .

[0286] The connector preparation process may include a process of preparing the first connector 200. The process of preparing the first connector 200 may be a process of preparing the first connector 200 including the first conductive portion 210 and provided with at least one hole 230 through which the accommodation space defined in the first connector 200 communicates with the outside.

[0287] The connector preparation process may include a process of preparing the second connector 300. The process of preparing the second connector 300 may be a process of preparing the second connector 300 which is inserted into the accommodation space (or the insertion space V) through the opening 220-1 of the first connector 200, is provided with the second conductive portion 310 electrically connected to the first conductive portion 210, and includes a connecting portion 322 installed and detachably coupled to at least one hole 230.

[0288] According to operation S200 , the connector inspection method may include a connector installation process.

[0289] The connector mounting process may be a process of mounting the second connector 300 to the first connector 200 .

[0290] The connector installation process may include a hook installation process. The hook installation process may include hooking the connection portion 322 on at least one hole 230 so that the first conductive portion 210 and the second conductive portion 310 are matched.

[0291] According to operation S300 , the connector inspection method may include a reference recognition process.

[0292] The reference recognition process may be performed in one direction of the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 .

[0293] The reference identification process may include a process of identifying a first reference line.

[0294] The process of identifying the first reference line may be a process of identifying the first reference line having a height difference compared to a surrounding area in the first connector 200 through visual inspection to serve as a standard for visual inspection.

[0295] The reference identification process may include a process of identifying a second reference line.

[0296] The process of identifying the second reference line may be a process of identifying the second reference line in the second connector 300 for comparison with the first reference line through visual inspection.

[0297] The reference recognition process may include a process of performing a visual inspection in a direction transverse to a conveying direction during conveyance of the mounted first connector 200 and second connector 300 .

[0298] According to operation S400 , the connector inspection method may include an assembly distance determination process.

[0299] The assembly distance determination process may be a process of determining whether the assembly distance D from the first reference line to the second reference line is within a critical distance range. Critical distance range data used as a criterion for determining whether the distance is within the critical distance range may be predefined.

[0300] The assembly distance determination process may include a process of comparing pre-stored critical distance range data with the identified assembly distance D.

[0301] According to operation S500, the connector inspection method may include a process of determining whether it is correctly installed.

[0302] The process of determining whether the device is correctly installed may be a process of determining that the device is correctly installed when it is determined that the assembly distance D is within a predetermined distance range.

[0303] The connector checking method may further include a notification providing process.

[0304] The notification providing process may be a process of providing a notification regarding normal installation or abnormal installation to a user through a user interface after a process of determining whether a device is normally installed or abnormally installed.

[0305] According to the above connector inspection method, it is possible to determine whether the connector is correctly installed. Therefore, during the automatic assembly (or installation) process of the connector or connector module, it is possible to quickly and accurately determine whether it has been correctly installed by visual inspection.

[0306] Fig.35 is a perspective view of a connector module 100 subjected to visual inspection in a connector inspection method according to one embodiment of the present invention. The description of the foregoing embodiments may be equally or similarly applied to the present embodiment.

[0307] The connector module 100 may include a first connector 200. The first connector 200 may be provided with a first conductive portion 210 and at least one hole 230 allowing an internal accommodation space V (or insertion space) to communicate with the outside.

[0308] The first connector 200 may be provided with a first reference line. The first reference line may have a height difference compared to the surrounding area to serve as a standard for visual inspection. For example, the first reference line may be an edge of a reference recessed area 220-2-1 formed by recessing a portion of an outer edge of the first connector 200. For another example, it may be an edge of the first connector 200.

[0309] The connector module 100 may include a second connector 300. The second connector 300 may be provided with a second conductive portion 310 inserted into the accommodation space V (or insertion space) through the opening 220-1 of the first connector 200 and electrically connected to the first conductive portion 210. The second connector 300 may be attached to and detached from the first connector 200 by hooking a connection portion 322 of the second connector 300 with at least one hole 230 of the first connector 200.

[0310] The second connector 300 may include a second reference line. The second reference line may be a line for comparison with the first reference line when performing a visual inspection.

[0311] The implementation of the first reference line and the second reference line will be described later.

[0312] Fig.36 is a plan view of a reference line according to an embodiment of the present invention. The description of the foregoing embodiments may be equally or similarly applied to this embodiment.

[0313] The reference recessed area 220-2-1 may be formed in the first connector 200. The reference recessed area 220-2-1 may be formed by recessing a portion of the outer edge of the first connector 200 (or the first connector housing 200). The reference recessed area 220-2-1 may be a rectangular recessed area. The reference recessed area 220-2-1 may be an area formed adjacent to the edge of the first connector 200 opposite to the side where the second connector 300 is inserted.

[0314] The first reference line S1 may be a line parallel to an edge of the reference recessed region 220 - 2 - 1 at the second connector 300 insertion side.

[0315] The second reference line S2 may be an edge of the second connector 300 that is parallel to the first reference line S1. Specifically, it may be an edge of the second connector 300 that faces an edge of the first connector 200.

[0316] The assembly distance D may be the distance between the first reference line S1 and the second reference line S2.

[0317] Fig.37 is a plan view of a reference line according to an embodiment of the present invention. The description of the foregoing embodiments may be equally or similarly applied to this embodiment.

[0318] The first reference line S1 - 1 may be an edge of the at least one hole 230 opposite to the opening 220 - 1 .

[0319] The second reference line S2 - 1 may be an edge of the second connector 300 parallel to the first reference line S1 - 1 . Specifically, it may be an edge of the second connector 300 facing an edge of the first connector 200 .

[0320] The assembly distance D1 may be a distance between the first reference line S1 - 1 and the second reference line S2 - 1 .

[0321] Fig.38 is a plan view of a reference line according to an embodiment of the present invention. The description of the foregoing embodiments may be equally or similarly applied to this embodiment.

[0322] The first reference line S1 - 2 may be an edge of the first connector 200 opposite to a side where the second connector 300 is inserted.

[0323] The second reference line S2-2 may be an edge of the second connector 300 that is parallel to the first reference line S1-2. Specifically, it may be an edge of the second connector 300 that faces an edge of the first connector 200.

[0324] The assembly distance D2 may be the distance between the first reference line S1 - 2 and the second reference line S2 - 2 .

[0325] Fig.39 is a plan view of a reference line according to an embodiment of the present invention. The description of the foregoing embodiments may be equally or similarly applied to this embodiment.

[0326] The first reference line S1 - 3 may be an edge of the at least one hole 230 opposite to the opening 220 - 1 .

[0327] The second reference line S2 - 3 may be an edge of the second connector 300 that is parallel to the first reference line S1 - 3 . Specifically, it may be an edge of the second connector 300 that faces an edge of the first connector 200 .

[0328] The assembly distance D3 may be the distance between the first reference line S1 - 3 and the second reference line S2 - 3 .

[0329] Fig.40 is a plan view of a reference line according to an embodiment of the present invention. The description of the foregoing embodiments may be equally or similarly applied to this embodiment.

[0330] The first reference line S1 - 4 may be an edge of the at least one hole 230 opposite to the opening 220 - 1 .

[0331] The second reference line S2-4 may be an edge of the second connector 300 that is parallel to the first reference line S1-4. Specifically, the second reference line S2-4 may be an edge of the second connector 300 that is opposite to the opening 220-1.

[0332] The assembly distance D4 may be the distance between the first reference line S1 - 4 and the second reference line S2 - 4 .

[0333] The embodiments of the above-mentioned first reference lines S1, S1-1, S1-2, S1-3 and S1-4 and the above-mentioned second reference lines S2, S2-1, S2-2, S2-3 and S2-4 are exemplary, and the first reference lines and the second reference lines for determining the assembly distance may be designed in various ways.

[0334] While embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0335] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0336] 1: Battery module

[0337] 2: Multiple Batteries

[0338] 3: Shell

[0339] 3-1: Upper shell

[0340] 3-2: Side shell

[0341] 3-3: Lower shell

[0342] 10: Control unit

[0343] 11: Control PCB

[0344] 12: Control unit cover

[0345] 12-1: Cover recess

[0346] 13: PCB frame

[0347] 100: Connector module

[0348] 200: First connector

[0349] 210: First conductive part

[0350] 220: First connector housing

[0351] 220-1: Opening

[0352] 220-2: Upper part

[0353] 220-3: Side

[0354] 220-4: Lower part

[0355] 220-2-1: Reference Depression Area

[0356] 220a: first recessed portion

[0357] 220b: Second recessed portion

[0358] 220c: third recessed portion

[0359] 221: Protrusion

[0360] 222: Main part

[0361] 223: Divider Wall

[0362] 224: Concave line

[0363] 225: Protruding ribs

[0364] 226: Internal rib

[0365] 230: Hole

[0366] 300: Second connector

[0367] 310: Second conductive portion

[0368] 311: Conductive film

[0369] 312: First folded section

[0370] 313: Second fold

[0371] 320: Second connector housing

[0372] 321: Framework

[0373] 321-1: First protrusion

[0374] 321-2: Second protrusion

[0375] 322: Connection

[0376] 322-1: Protruding part of the connection

[0377] 322-2: Contact part

[0378] 322-3: Connection section

[0379] 340: Opening

[0380] 350: Comb structure

[0381] 360: comb base

[0382] 400: Connecting housing

[0383] 410: Connect the main body

[0384] 411: First connection body

[0385] 412: Second connection body

[0386] 410a: first surface of the connecting body

[0387] 410b: Second surface of the connecting body

[0388] 410c: The third surface of the connecting body

[0389] 420: Connection

[0390] 430: Connecting pin

[0391] 1000: Visual inspection device

[0392] 1100: Transmission Device

[0393] V: Insert space

[0394] DI: Insertion direction

Claims

1. A connector module, comprising: A first connector, wherein the first connector is provided with a first conductive portion; as well as a second connector which is inserted into and mounted in the first connector and is provided with a second conductive portion which is electrically connected to the first conductive portion, The first connector includes a protrusion protruding from an inner bottom surface, and the first conductive part is mounted on the protrusion.

2. The connector module according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion comprises: a main body portion that protrudes from the inner bottom surface to a first height; and A partition wall protrudes from the main body portion, wherein the partition wall protrudes from the inner bottom surface to a second height higher than the first height in the form of a plurality of partition walls.

3. The connector module according to claim 2, wherein: The first connector has an opening into which the second connector is inserted, and The body portion includes recessed lines alternately disposed with the partition walls and spaced apart from the partition walls to extend toward the opening.

4. The connector module according to claim 2, wherein: The first height is in the range of 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm.

5. The connector module according to claim 2, wherein: defining an opening in the first connector, the second connector being inserted into the opening, The first conductive portion is arranged as a plurality of first conductive portions in a direction transverse to a direction in which the second connector is inserted, and The main body portion has a length in the transverse direction in the range of 10 mm to 13 mm.

6. The connector module according to claim 1, wherein: The first connector has an opening into which the second connector is inserted, and The main body portion includes a region on which the partition wall is disposed when viewed from above and which extends toward the opening.

7. The connector module according to claim 1, wherein: The first connector has a height of 4 mm or less.

8. The connector module according to claim 1, wherein: The second connector comprises: a comb tooth base; and A comb tooth structure protrudes from the comb tooth base toward the first connector and has a shape corresponding to the protrusion of the first connector.

9. The connector module according to claim 8, wherein: A ratio of a length of a portion of the second connector inserted into the first connector to a length of the comb-tooth structure is in a range of 1 to 3 based on a direction in which the second connector is inserted.

10. The connector module according to claim 8, wherein: The comb teeth structure has a length in the range of 2 mm to 4 mm based on the direction in which the second connector is inserted, and A portion of the second connector inserted into the first connector has a length in the range of 4 mm to 6 mm.

11. The connector module according to claim 2, wherein: When the comb-tooth structure is inserted and mounted in the first connector, the comb-tooth structure fits between the partition walls.

12. The connector module according to claim 1, wherein: The second connector includes protruding portions which protrude from both ends of the second connector to surround both sides of the protrusion when the second connector is inserted into the first connector, and which extend based on a direction in which the second connector is inserted into the first connector.

13. The connector module according to claim 12, wherein: When the second connector is inserted into the first connector, the protruding portion is configured to protrude toward the inner bottom surface.

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