Connector

Abstract

[Task] To provide a connector that is engageable with a locking part provided in a fuel cell, in which the connector is easily locked to the locking part. [Solution] A connector (1) attachable to and detachable from a fuel cell (3), in which the fuel cell comprises a plurality of plates (9) which are arranged at intervals in a predetermined stacking direction and each of which has a receiving recess (11), each of the receiving recesses of the plurality of plates being provided with a locking part (21), the connector includes a housing 25 insertable into each of the receiving recesses of the plurality of plates, a terminal member 27 held by the housing and electrically connected to the plurality of plates when the housing is inserted into each of the receiving recesses, a lever 31 insertable into the housing, and a locking member 29. The lock member rotates about an axis extending in the stacking direction in response to a pressing force caused by insertion of the lever and engages with the locking portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector having a plurality of terminals accommodated in a housing, and in particular to an electrical connector connectable to a fuel cell. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, efforts to realize a low-carbon society or a carbon-free society have become more active, and for vehicles, the electrification of vehicles has been promoted for the purpose of reducing CO2 emissions and improving energy efficiency. In an electrified vehicle, that is, an electric vehicle, a motor for generating a driving force and a battery for supplying power to the motor are installed.

[0003] As a battery to be installed in an electric vehicle, a fuel cell has attracted attention (e.g., Patent Document 1). A fuel cell has a plurality of cells stacked in a predetermined direction (hereinafter, a first direction). Each cell includes an air electrode and a fuel electrode, a polymer electrolyte membrane disposed between the air electrode and the fuel electrode, and a separator disposed on the outer sides of the air electrode and the fuel electrode.

[0004] The fuel cell of Patent Document 1 is provided with a cell monitoring connector for checking the voltage of each cell. The spacer of the fuel cell is provided with a receiving groove, and the receiving groove defines a receiving space for receiving the cell monitoring connector in the fuel cell.

[0005] The battery monitoring connector includes a housing and a connection terminal. The housing is inserted into the receiving space along a second direction intersecting the first direction. When the housing is inserted into the receiving space, the connection terminal is connected to the spacer, thereby making it possible to check the voltage of each battery.

[0006] In order to prevent the battery monitoring connector from coming out of the fuel cell, each spacer is provided with a stopper. The stopper is located around the receiving groove and has a hook shape. The battery monitoring connector includes a rod disposed in the housing and a rod operator for operating the rod.

[0007] With respect to the movement of the rod operator in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, each rod is displaced between a first position in which the rod protrudes from the outer surface of the housing in the third direction and a second position in which the rod does not protrude. By making the rod protrude and retract according to the movement of the rod operator, it is possible to hook the rod on the stopper of the spacer. When the rod is hooked on the stopper, the cell monitoring connector is prevented from being detached from the fuel cell. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: JP2021-77616A Summary of the invention The task to be accomplished by the present invention

[0009] In a fuel cell, stack misalignment may occur when manufacturing or when using. Therefore, it is desirable to develop an electrical connector provided with a locking mechanism having a large engagement margin so as to be able to lock even when stack misalignment of a spacer occurs.

[0010] In the battery monitoring connector of Patent Document 1, in response to the movement of the lever operator in the third direction, the housing undergoes flexural deformation, and each lever is displaced between a first position and a second position. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to ensure the amount of protrusion of the lever (locking member) from the housing and it is difficult to lock the lever to the stopper.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the prior art, and a main object thereof is to provide a connector which is engageable with a stopper provided in a fuel cell, wherein the connector is easily locked to the stopper. Means of accomplishing the task

[0012] A first aspect of the present invention provides a connector (1) capable of being attached to and detached from a fuel cell (3), wherein the fuel cell is provided with a plurality of plates (9), the plurality of plates being arranged at intervals along a predetermined stacking direction and each plate having a receiving recess (11), each of the respective receiving recesses of the plurality of plates being provided with a stopper (21), and the connector comprising: a shell (25) capable of being inserted into the plurality of receiving recesses of the plurality of plates; a terminal member (27) held by the shell and electrically connected to the plurality of plates when the shell is inserted into the respective receiving recesses; a rod (31) capable of being inserted into the shell; and a locking member (29) which is rotated around an axis extending along the stacking direction and engages with the stopper by utilizing a pressing force caused by the insertion of the rod.

[0013] According to this, the locking member rotates and engages with the stopper by the pressing force caused by the insertion of the rod. Therefore, the connector is more easily locked to the stopper than in the case where the locking member engages with the stopper by undergoing flexural deformation.

[0014] In the second aspect of the present invention, the locking member is provided with a locked portion (77) capable of being locked to the locking portion, and due to the insertion of the rod into the shell, the locking member is shifted from a retracted position to a protruding position, in which the locked portion is retracted into the interior of the shell, and in the protruding position, the locked portion protrudes to the outside of the shell.

[0015] According to this point, since the locked portion is exposed from the housing in the protruding position, the locked portion is easily engaged with the locking portion.

[0016] In a third aspect of the present invention, the locking portion includes a cutout (23) provided in the plate, and the locked portion includes a hook portion (85) and at least one insertion wall (87), the hook portion being configured to be inserted into each of the respective cutouts provided in the plurality of plates adjacent to each other and hooked on the plurality of plates, and the at least one insertion wall being configured to be inserted between the plurality of plates.

[0017] According to this, since the latched portion can be locked to a plurality of boards, the connector can be more securely locked to the fuel cell than in the case where the latched portion is locked to a single board. In addition, since the insertion wall is inserted between the boards when the latched portion is locked to the latching portion, deformation of the boards can be prevented.

[0018] In the fourth aspect of the present invention, the at least one insertion wall is inserted between each pair of adjacent plates on which the hook portions are hooked among the plurality of plates.

[0019] According to this point, since the insertion wall is inserted between each pair of adjacent boards, electrical contact of the adjacent boards can be prevented.

[0020] In the fifth aspect of the present invention, the locking member is provided with a pair of shaft portions (79) extending in the direction of the axis, the housing is provided with a bearing portion (81) for rotatably receiving the pair of shaft portions of the locking member, and includes a locking member receiving portion (61) for receiving the locking member, and the locking member rotates due to the rod being inserted into the locking member receiving portion.

[0021] According to this, the locking member is rotatably supported in the housing, and it is possible to rotate the locking member by inserting the rod into the locking member receiving chamber.

[0022] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, an insertion direction of the rod into the housing is the same as an insertion direction of the rod into the receiving recess.

[0023] According to this, it is possible to lock the locking member to the stopper by moving the rod in the insertion direction of the housing. Therefore, compared with the case where the rod moves in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, the space in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction required for the operation of the rod can be reduced.

[0024] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, the rod and the locking member are provided with a first cam mechanism (101) for converting the movement of the rod in the insertion direction into the rotation of the locking member.

[0025] According to this, the locking member can be rotated by inserting the rod into the housing.

[0026] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, the rod and the housing are provided with a limiting mechanism (103) for limiting the rotation of the locking member by limiting the movement of the rod in a direction opposite to the insertion direction when the locking member reaches the protruding position.

[0027] According to this, when the locking member reaches the protruding position, the rotation of the locking member is restricted by the restriction mechanism. Thus, the locking member is held in the protruding state, and therefore, it is possible to prevent the connector from falling off from the fuel cell.

[0028] In the ninth aspect of the present invention, the rod includes a pull-out portion (107), which is used to resist the restriction of the limiting mechanism and be pulled out from the shell in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, and a second cam mechanism (109) is provided between the rod and the locking member, and the second cam mechanism is used to rotate the locking member from the protruding position to the retracted position according to the movement of the rod in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0029] According to this, by pulling out the rod using a tool, the locking member moves to the retracted position, thereby releasing the engagement between the locking member and the latching portion, so that the connector can be separated from the fuel cell.

[0030] In a tenth aspect of the present invention, the locking member is provided in each of both end portions in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the housing and in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0031] According to this aspect, the connector can be more securely coupled to the fuel cell compared to a case in which the locking member is provided in one end portion of the housing. Effects of the Invention

[0032] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector engageable with a stopper portion provided in a fuel cell, wherein the connector is easily locked to the stopper portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a state of the connector before being locked to the fuel cell by the locking member Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional perspective view of a fuel cell and a connector connected to the fuel cell and an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a two-dot chain line Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connector excluding the retainer and the terminal member, and an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by a two-dot chain line Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the terminal component. Figure 5(A) is a perspective view of the locking member when viewed from a side away from the housing body, and (B) is a perspective view of the locking member when viewed from a side of the housing body. Figure 6 is along Figure 5 (A) Cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI Figure 7 is a perspective view of the rod Figure 8 (A) is a side view of the connector when the locking member is in a retracted position, and (B) is a side view of the connector when the locking member is in a protruding position Fig. 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view for explaining the position change of the rod and the locking member when the locking member is displaced from the (A) retracted position to the (E) protruding position due to the insertion of the rod Fig.10 are front and rear cross-sectional views for illustrating the position of the lever when the locking member is in (A) a retracted position and (B) a protruding position Fig.11 (A) is a lateral side view showing the positional relationship between the rod and the tool when the rod is pulled out by using the tool, and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIB-XIB Fig.12 is a transverse cross-sectional view for explaining the change in position of the rod and the locking member when the locking member is displaced from (A) a protruding position to (E) a retracted position when the rod is pulled out using a tool Fig.13 (A) is a perspective view showing a first modification of the connector and (B) is a perspective view showing a second modification of the connector Fig.14 (A) is a perspective view showing a third modification of the connector and (C) is a transverse cross-sectional view showing the connector when connected to a fuel cell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector 1 according to the present invention is attached to a fuel cell 3. Figure 2 As shown, the fuel cell 3 to which the connector 1 is attached has a plurality of cells 5 stacked in a predetermined direction (hereinafter, stacking direction). In this embodiment, the fuel cell 3 is mounted on the vehicle so that the stacking direction is in the horizontal direction. The connector 1 is used as an electrical connector for monitoring the voltage of each cell 5 of the fuel cell 3.

[0036] Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, description will be made based on a state in which the connector 1 is connected and locked to the fuel cell 3, wherein the stacking direction of the battery 5 is defined as the front-to-back direction, the direction which is horizontal and perpendicular to the stacking direction is defined as the left-right direction, and the vertical direction is defined as the up-down direction. However, it is noted that these directions are for the convenience of explanation, and the posture and arrangement of the fuel cell 3 of the present invention are not limited by these directions. In addition, the present invention is not limited by the use or type of the fuel cell 3.

[0037] The fuel cell 3 is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell and is Figure 2 As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 1 , a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies 7 (MEAs) and a plurality of plates 9 (also referred to as spacers or spacer plates) are provided.

[0038] Each membrane electrode assembly 7 includes an air electrode 7A and a fuel electrode 7B serving as electrodes and a polymer electrolyte membrane 7C disposed between the air electrode 7A and the fuel electrode 7B. The polymer electrolyte membrane 7C is a membrane having insulating properties and is composed of an ion exchange membrane that allows hydrogen ions generated at the fuel electrode 7B to move to the air electrode 7A. Each of the air electrode 7A and the fuel electrode 7B has a reaction catalyst applied thereto, and the air electrode 7A serves as a positive electrode (cathode) and the fuel electrode 7B serves as a negative electrode (anode).

[0039] The individual plates 9 are arranged on the outer side of each membrane electrode assembly 7, that is, on the outer sides of the air electrode 7A and the fuel electrode 7B that are opposite to each other via the polymer electrolyte membrane 7C. Thus, the individual plates 9 are arranged at intervals in the stacking direction. Each plate 9 is composed of a thin plate made of a metal such as stainless steel (SUS), titanium, etc. Each plate 9 is provided with a flow path for passing hydrogen or oxygen (air). Each of the air electrode 7A and the fuel electrode 7B is in electrical contact with the plate 9 on its outer side. Therefore, each plate 9 is at the same potential as the potential of the air electrode 7A or the fuel electrode 7B that is in electrical contact with it.

[0040] Each plate 9 is respectively formed with an inwardly recessed receiving recess 11 at a position where it overlaps in the front-to-back direction (stacking direction). Specifically, each plate 9 has a plate shape, and the receiving recess 11 is provided on the upper edge of the plate 9 so that the receiving recess 11 is formed to be recessed downward. Each membrane electrode assembly 7 is also formed with an assembly recess 13 overlapping with the receiving recess 11 in the stacking direction. The receiving recesses 11 of the plurality of plates 9 and the assembly recesses 13 of the membrane electrode assembly 7 form a receiving groove 15 extending in the front-to-back direction. The receiving groove 15 defines a receiving space 17 into which the connector 1 is removably inserted.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the odd-numbered plates 9 counted from the rear end of the fuel cell 3 have the same shape, and the even-numbered plates 9 also have the same shape. The shape of the receiving recess 11 of the odd-numbered plates 9 and the shape of the receiving recess 11 of the even-numbered plates 9 are bilaterally symmetrical to each other, and therefore, the odd-numbered plates 9 or the receiving recess 11 of the even-numbered plates 9 will be described in detail below.

[0042] Each receiving recess 11 is recessed downward into a quadrilateral shape at the upper edge of the board 9. The lower edge of the receiving recess 11 is provided with a terminal portion 19 extending upward. In addition, the receiving recess 11 of the board 9 is provided with a stopper 21. In the present embodiment, the stopper 21 defines the edge portion of the receiving recess 11 on the left or right side. The stopper 21 includes a cutout 23, which is recessed laterally outward from a portion of the receiving recess 11 above the approximate center with respect to the up-down direction.

[0043] Next, the structure of the connector 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, the connector 1 includes a housing 25, a plurality of terminal members 27 (see Figure 2 ), multiple locking members 29 and multiple rods 31.

[0045] The housing 25 is a member made of resin and is configured so that at least a portion thereof can be removably inserted from above into the receiving space 17. The housing 25 includes a housing body 37 constituting a central portion thereof and having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and housing side portions 39 provided on both left and right sides of the housing body 37.

[0046] The housing body 37 is provided with a plurality of terminal holes 41 extending in the up-down direction. In the present embodiment, in the housing body 37, a plurality of pairs of terminal holes 41 provided on the upper left and right are arranged in the front-rear direction.

[0047] Each of the terminal members 27 is composed of a member made of metal. Each of the terminal members 27 is inserted into the terminal hole 41 and held in the housing body 37. In this embodiment, the retainer 47 (see FIG. 1 ) made of resin Figure 2 ) is inserted into the housing body 37 from the rear, thereby preventing the individual terminal members 27 from detaching from the housing body 37.

[0048] Each terminal member 27 is connected to an electric wire 49. When the connector 1 is inserted into the receiving space 17, each terminal member 27 contacts the terminal portion 19 of the board 9. The voltage generated by each battery 5 can be obtained by measuring the potential difference between the electric wires 49 of each associated terminal member 27.

[0049] In this embodiment, if Figure 4As shown, each terminal member 27 is formed by bending a metal member. The terminal member 27 includes a wire 49 (see Figure 2 ) is crimped to it and a contact portion 55 configured to contact the terminal portion 19. When the core wire of the electric wire 49 is crimped to the crimping portion 53, the electric wire 49 and the terminal member 27 are electrically connected. The contact portion 55 is composed of a pair of metal plates having surfaces facing each other. When the connector 1 is inserted into the receiving space 17, the terminal portion 19 is inserted between the metal plates constituting the contact portion 55, and the metal plates contact the terminal portion 19, whereby the terminal member 27 is electrically connected to the board 9.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, each of the housing side portions 39 is formed with a locking member receiving portion 61 that is recessed downward from its upper end. The locking member receiving portion 61 is a recessed portion in the shape of a quadrangular prism and extends downward. The boundary of the locking member receiving portion 61 on the side close to the housing body 37 in the left-right direction is defined by an inner wall 63. The boundary of the locking member receiving portion 61 on the side away from the housing body 37 in the left-right direction is defined by an outer wall 65. The front boundary of the locking member receiving portion 61 is defined by a front wall 67, the rear boundary of the locking member receiving portion 61 is defined by a rear wall 69, and the lower boundary of the locking member receiving portion 61 is defined by a lower wall 71.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the housing side portions 39 are respectively provided on the left and right side portions of the housing body 37. Each of the housing side portions 39 protrudes further upward (in the direction opposite to the insertion direction) than the housing body 37. On the left and right edges of the upper surface of each housing side portion 39, a protective wall 39A protruding upward (in the direction opposite to the insertion direction) is provided.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown in the enlarged view of , the lateral outer surface of the lower wall 71 (the side surface away from the shell body 37) is provided with a plurality of plate-like partition walls 43 that protrude laterally outward and extend in the up-down direction. Due to the provision of the partition walls 43, the lateral outer surface of the lower wall 71 is formed with partition grooves 45 extending in the up-down direction between the respective partition walls 43. When the shell 25 is inserted into the receiving space 17, the shell body 37 is received in the receiving space 17, and the respective plates 9 are respectively received in the partition grooves 45. Thus, the respective partition walls 43 are inserted between adjacent plates among the respective plates 9.

[0053] Each locking member 29 is a member made of resin. Figure 1 As shown, each locking member 29 is respectively provided at both left and right ends of the housing 25, that is, at both ends in a direction perpendicular to the downward direction which is the insertion direction of the connector 1 and perpendicular to the stacking direction (front-rear direction) of each battery 5.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, each locking member 29 includes a pair of front and rear arm portions 75 and an arm connecting portion 77 extending in the front-rear direction to connect the lower ends of the front and rear arm portions 75 .

[0055] Each of the arm portions 75 has a surface facing the front-rear direction and is in a plate shape extending in the up-down direction. At the center of each of the arm portions 75 in the up-down direction, a shaft portion 79 having a cylindrical shape is provided. Each shaft portion 79 having a cylindrical shape protrudes in directions opposite to each other. The front wall 67 and the rear wall 69 of each housing side portion 39 are respectively provided with bearing portions 81 for receiving the shaft portion 79. In the present embodiment, the bearing portions 81 are formed as through holes penetrating the front wall 67 and the rear wall 69 at positions aligned in the front-rear direction, respectively.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the locking member 29 is received in the locking member receiving portion 61, wherein the shaft portion 79 of each arm portion 75 is respectively supported by the bearing portion 81. Thus, each locking member 29 is supported by the housing 25 so as to be rotatable (freely rotatable) about the axis X extending in the front-rear direction (stack direction).

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, at the lower edge of each outer wall 65, a through hole 83 penetrating in the left-right direction is provided. By rotating about the axis X, each locking member 29 is displaceable between a retracted position, in which the arm portion 75 is received in the locking member receiving portion 61 and the arm connecting portion 77 is retracted into the interior of the housing 25, and a protruding position, in which a portion of the arm connecting portion 77 passes through the through hole 83 of the outer wall 65 to reach the outside of the locking member receiving portion 61 and protrude to the outside of the housing 25.

[0058] The arm connecting portion 77 includes: a connecting portion body 85, which connects the lower ends of the respective arm portions 75; a plurality of insertion walls 87 (see Figure 5 (A)), which is provided on the side of the connecting portion main body 85 opposite to the housing main body 37; and a plurality of ridges 89 (see Figure 5 (B)), which is provided on the surface of the connecting portion main body 85 located on the side of the housing main body 37. Figure 5 As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B , the upper end of each arm portion 75 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 91 that protrude toward each other.

[0059] The connecting portion body 85 is provided with a vertical wall 85A extending in the up-down direction and having a surface facing the left-right direction and a horizontal wall 85B extending from the lower end of the vertical wall 85A in a direction away from the shell body 37, so that the connecting portion body 85 has an L-shaped lateral cross-section.

[0060] Each of the insertion walls 87 is in a plate shape with a surface facing the front-rear direction. Each insertion wall 87 is connected to the surface of the vertical wall 85A on the side away from the housing body 37 and the upper surface of the horizontal wall 85B. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 8A , the respective insertion walls 87 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. As the insertion walls 87 are provided, the arm connecting portion 77 is formed with arm receiving grooves 87A each of which is recessed toward the housing body 37 between the insertion walls 87 .

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1B , ridges 89 protrude from the surface of the connection portion body 85 on the housing body 37 side and form stripes extending in the up-down direction. The ridges 89 are arranged at intervals on the surface of the vertical wall 85A on the housing body 37 side.

[0062] Each rod 31 is a member made of resin, and Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown in (A), it is configured to be inserted into the left and right locking member receiving parts 61 respectively from above. In this way, since each rod 31 is configured to be inserted into the corresponding locking member receiving part 61 in which the locking member 29 is received, it is possible to convert the pulling force or the pressing force caused by the insertion of the rod 31 to rotate the locking member 29.

[0063] In the present embodiment, each rod 31 includes: a rod body 93 having a surface facing in the left-right direction; a pair of rail portions 95 coupled to the surface of the rod body 93 facing away from the housing body 37 and extending in the up-down direction; and a Y-shaped portion 97 protruding in a bifurcated manner from between the pair of rail portions 95 in a direction away from the housing body 37. The Y-shaped portion 97 is provided at the tip with plate portions 97A that are opposite to each other in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the Y-shaped portion 97 is disposed between two rail portions 95 disposed front and rear.

[0064] like Figure 8 (A) and Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 2A , the locking member 29 and the rod 31 are provided with a retaining mechanism 99 for retaining the locking member 29 in the retracted position. Due to the retaining mechanism 99, it is possible to retain the locking member 29 in the retracted position by inserting only a portion of the rod 31 into the locking member receiving portion 61.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the holding mechanism 99 includes a lever holding surface 95A provided on a protruding end surface of each rail portion 95 on the lever 31 and a lock holding surface 91A provided on a protrusion 91 at an upper end of each arm portion 75 of the lock member 29 .

[0066] like Figure 7As shown, each rod holding surface 95A is composed of a flat surface facing away from the housing body 37 in the lateral direction. Figure 5 As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, each lock holding surface 91A is composed of a flat surface facing toward the housing body 37 in the lateral direction. Fig. 9 As shown in (A), when the locking member 29 is in the retracted position, the upper end of the rod 31 is in a position protruding from the locking member receiving portion 61, and each rod holding surface 95A contacts the lock holding surface 91A, so that the rotation of the locking member 29 is restricted. Thus, the locking member 29 is held in the retracted position.

[0067] The locking member 29 and the rod 31 are provided with a first cam mechanism 101 which rotates the locking member 29 in the retracted position by utilizing the pressure caused by the insertion of the rod 31, thereby moving the locking member 29 to the protruding position. Figure 8 (B) and Fig. 9 As shown in (B) to 9 (E), when the rod 31 is inserted, in the case where the housing body 37 has been inserted into the receiving recess 11, the movement of the rod 31 is converted into the rotation of the locking member 29 around the axis X, and the locking member 29 in the retracted position moves to the protruding position. At this time, the arm connecting portion 77 protrudes into the cutout 23 and engages with each stopper 21. Thereby, the upward movement of the arm connecting portion 77 is restricted, and the connector 1 is prevented from being separated from the fuel cell 3.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the first cam mechanism 101 is constituted by the first arm inclined surface 89A provided on each ridge 89 of the arm connecting portion 77 and the first rail inclined surface 95B provided at the lower end of each rail portion 95. Figure 5 As shown, each of the first arm inclined surfaces 89A is inclined in a direction approaching the housing body 37 as it extends downward. The first rail inclined surface 95B extends downward and is inclined in a direction approaching the housing body 37. In this embodiment, the lower end portions of the two rail portions 95 are connected as one in the front-rear direction, and the first arm inclined surface 89A is formed on that one portion.

[0069] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIGS. 9(A) to 9(E), if the user inserts the rod 31 into the locking member receiving portion 61 from above when the locking member 29 is in the retracted position, the first track inclined surface 95B contacts the respective first arm inclined surfaces 89A. When the user presses the rod 31 downward, due to the pressing force generated thereby, the respective first arm inclined surfaces 89A are pushed by the first track inclined surfaces 95B in a direction away from the housing body 37. As a result, the locking member 29 rotates about the axis X to move to the protruding position.

[0070] like Fig. 9As shown in (E), when the locking member 29 is in the protruding position, the locking member 29 is locked to the stopper 21 provided in the plurality of plates 9. In this embodiment, since the connecting portion body 85 of the locking member 29 is inserted into the cutout 23 of each stopper 21, the locking member 29 is locked to each stopper 21. At this time, each insertion wall 87 is inserted between adjacent plates of each plate 9, respectively.

[0071] The rod 31 and the housing 25 are provided with a limiting mechanism 103 for limiting the movement of the rod 31 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (see Fig.10 (A) and 10 (B)). With the restriction mechanism 103, the rotation of the lock member 29 is restricted, and the lock member 29 is held in the protruding position.

[0072] In this embodiment, if Fig.10 (A) and Fig.10 As shown in (B), the restriction mechanism 103 includes a protrusion 65A provided on the outer wall 65 defining the lock member receiving portion 61 and a retaining claw 97B provided on each end of the Y-shaped portion 97 .

[0073] The protrusion 65A protrudes toward the locking member receiving portion 61 at a position above the through hole 83 of the outer wall 65. The protrusion 91 has a quadrangular column shape with a quadrangular transverse cross-sectional shape. The respective latch claws 97B are respectively provided on the lower portion of the plate portion 97A and protrude toward each other.

[0074] When the user pushes the rod 31 downward, Fig.10 As shown in (A), the protrusion 65A is inserted between the two plate portions 97A constituting the distal end of the Y-shaped portion 97. At this time, the respective locking claws 97B slidably contact the front and rear side surfaces of the protrusion 65A, respectively, and the Y-shaped portion 97 is elastically deformed so that the respective plate portions 97A move away from each other.

[0075] When the locking member 29 is placed in the protruding position due to the downward movement of the rod 31, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown in (B), each locking claw 97B moves to the lower side of the protrusion 65A, and the Y-shaped portion 97 returns to its original shape. As a result, the upward movement of each locking claw 97B is restricted by the protrusion 65A, whereby the movement of the rod 31 in the upward direction (i.e., the direction opposite to the insertion direction) is restricted, and the locking member 29 is maintained in the protruding position. Therefore, the engagement between the connector 1 and the fuel cell 3 is maintained, and the connector 1 can be prevented from falling off from the fuel cell 3.

[0076] Preferably, if Fig.10As shown in (A), the connector 1 is provided with a disengagement prevention mechanism 104 for preventing the rod 31 from being disengaged from the housing 25. In the present embodiment, the disengagement prevention mechanism 104 includes a plurality of disengagement prevention claws 97C provided on the Y-shaped portion 97 and a plurality of disengagement prevention protrusions 61A provided on the opening edge (upper edge) of the locking member receiving portion 61. The respective disengagement prevention claws 97C are respectively provided on the surfaces of the plate portion 97A facing away from each other, and the respective disengagement prevention claws 97C protrude in a direction away from each other. The respective disengagement prevention protrusions 61A are arranged above the disengagement prevention claws 97C of the rod 31 in the retracted position, and each protrudes toward the inside of the locking member receiving portion 61. Thus, the upward movement of the respective disengagement prevention claws 97C is limited by the respective disengagement prevention protrusions 61A, and the rod 31 is prevented from being disengaged from the housing 25.

[0077] In addition, in order to facilitate the insertion of the rod 31 into the locking member receiving portion 61, each disengagement prevention claw 97C may preferably be provided with a slope inclined toward the top in a direction away from the plate portion 97A, or each disengagement prevention protrusion 61A may preferably be provided with a slope inclined downward toward the interior of the locking member receiving portion 61.

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, each locking member 29 is respectively provided at the left and right ends of the housing 25. Therefore, compared with the case where each locking member 29 is provided in one end of the housing 25, that is, at only one of the left and right ends of the housing 25, the connector 1 can be more firmly coupled to the fuel cell 3.

[0079] The rod 31 includes a pull-out portion 107 configured to be detachably engaged with the tool 105 to pull the rod 31 out of the housing 25 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction against the restriction of the restriction mechanism 103 .

[0080] In the present embodiment, the pull-out portion 107 is provided at the tip end portion of the Y-shaped portion 97. Specifically, the pull-out portion 107 connects the rear edges of the respective plate portions 97A, and has a plate shape having a surface facing the up-down direction.

[0081] like Fig.12 (A) to Fig.12 As shown in (E), when the user engages the tool 105 with the pull-out portion 107 and pulls the tool 105 upward, the restriction of the restriction mechanism 103 is released, and the rod 31 moves upward.

[0082] A second cam mechanism 109 is provided between the rod 31 and the locking member 29 for rotating the locking member 29 from the protruding position to the retracted position according to the movement of the rod 31 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction (upward direction). Thus, the movement of the rod 31 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction (upward direction) is converted into the rotation of the locking member 29, so that the locking member 29 rotates from the protruding position to the retracted position.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the second cam mechanism 109 includes a second track inclined surface 95C provided at the upper end of the track portion 95 of the rod 31 (see also Figure 7 ) and a second arm inclined surface 91B provided on the protrusion 91 at the upper end of the arm portion 75 of the locking member 29 (see Figure 5 (A) and 5 (B)). When the rod 31 is inserted and the locking member 29 is in the protruding position, the second rail inclined surface 95C is inclined toward the top in the direction toward the housing body 37. The second arm inclined surface 91B is also inclined toward the top in the direction toward the housing body 37.

[0084] When the user hooks the tool 105 on the pull-out portion 107 and pulls the rod 31 upward, the respective ends of the Y-shaped portion 97 are deformed and opened, and the respective locking claws 97B become movable along the front and rear side surfaces of the protrusion 65A, thereby releasing the restriction of the limiting mechanism 103.

[0085] Furthermore, the second rail inclined surface 95C contacts the second arm inclined surface 91B, and the upper end of the arm portion 75 is pushed out in a direction away from the housing body 37 as the rod 31 moves upward. As a result, the locking member 29 rotates about the axis X and shifts from the protruding position to the retracted position. Thus, the engagement of the locking member 29 with the stopper 21 is released, and the connector 1 can be separated from the fuel cell 3.

[0086] Next, the effects of the connector 1 thus constructed will be described.

[0087] In the fuel cell 3, there is a problem that stacking misalignment of the plates 9 may occur when manufacturing or when using, and the stacking misalignment may accumulate.

[0088] Therefore, in a case where each plate 9 is provided with a latching portion 21 and a locking portion for detachably engaging with the latching portion 21 to prevent the connector 1 from falling off the fuel cell 3, it is necessary to set the movable range of the locking portion compared to usual and ensure a sufficient engagement margin.

[0089] As a method for configuring the housing 25 to include a locking portion for detachably engaging with the stopper 21, it is conceivable, for example, to provide the housing 25 with an arm made of a resin material capable of undergoing flexural deformation and provided with a locking portion. In this case, due to the flexural deformation of the arm, the locking portion is detachably engaged with the stopper 21, but the arm portion 75 cannot be deformed beyond the mechanical strength of the resin material. Therefore, the movable range of the locking portion cannot be ensured, and the engagement margin between the stopper 21 and the locking portion may be insufficient.

[0090] In contrast, in the present invention, the locking member 29 rotates due to the rod 31 being inserted into the locking member receiving portion 61. As a result, the locking member 29 is displaced from the retracted position to the protruding position, and the locking member 29 is locked to the stopper 21. In this way, the displacement of the locking member 29 is performed as the locking member 29 rotates, and therefore, compared with the case of using flexural deformation or the like, the movable range of the locking member 29 becomes larger, and it is easy to ensure the amount of the locking member 29 protruding from the housing 25. Therefore, the connector 1 can be easily locked to the stopper 21. In this way, according to the present invention, even if there is a larger tolerance than usual in the stacking size, the connector 1 can be more reliably engaged with the fuel cell 3, and the connector 1 can be more reliably prevented from falling off from the fuel cell 3.

[0091] Therefore, since the connector 1 is prevented from falling off from the fuel cell 3, the voltage of the battery 5 can be advantageously monitored. Therefore, for example, it becomes possible to advantageously monitor the state of the fuel cell 3 mounted on an electric vehicle. Therefore, the connector 1 according to the present invention contributes to reducing CO2 emissions and improving energy efficiency.

[0092] When the locking member 29 is in the protruding position, the arm connecting portion 77 is exposed from the housing 25 and protrudes into the cutout 23 of the plate 9. In this way, when in the protruding position, the arm connecting portion 77 is exposed from the housing 25, whereby the arm connecting portion 77 can be easily locked to the stopper 21 (cutout 23).

[0093] Furthermore, in the case where the locking portion for disengaging from the retaining portion 21 is constituted by an arm that undergoes flexural deformation, the locking portion slidably contacts the end of the plate 9 during the insertion of the connector 1. Therefore, there is a risk that deformation of the plate 9 may occur. In contrast, in the present invention, when the connector 1 (housing body 37) is inserted into the receiving groove 15, the locking member 29 is maintained in the retracted position. Therefore, during the insertion of the connector 1, the locking member 29 does not contact the plate 9, and therefore, deformation of the plate 9 can be more reliably prevented.

[0094] The connector 1 is inserted downwardly from above into the receiving groove 15. Furthermore, the rod 31 is inserted downwardly from above into the locking member receiving portion 61, whereby the locking member 29 is locked to the stopper 21. Therefore, the insertion direction of the connector 1 and the operating direction of the rod 31 are both downward and the same.

[0095] On the other hand, in the case where the insertion direction of the connector 1 and the operating direction of the rod 31 are different, there is a risk that a load may be applied from the connector 1 to the plate 9 in the direction perpendicular to the surface due to the operation of the rod 31. Therefore, the fuel cell 3 is required to have a strength capable of withstanding the load that may be applied in the direction perpendicular to the surface due to the operation of the rod 31. In the present invention, since the insertion direction of the connector 1 and the operating direction of the rod 31 are the same, it is possible to suppress the load that may be applied in the direction perpendicular to the surface due to the operation of the rod 31. Therefore, compared with the case where the insertion direction of the connector 1 and the operating direction of the rod 31 are different, the strength required for the fuel cell 3 in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the plate 9 can be suppressed.

[0096] In the present invention, the operation of the lever 31 can be performed from above the housing 25 (from the side opposite to the insertion direction). That is, the insertion direction of the housing 25 into the receiving space 17 (receiving recess 11) is the same as the insertion direction of the lever 31. Therefore, compared with a case where the configuration is such that the lever 31 is operated from one of the left and right sides with respect to the insertion direction of the connector 1, the space in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction required for the operation of the lever 31 can be reduced. Therefore, the space around the connector 1 for operating the locking member 29 can be reduced.

[0097] Furthermore, by configuring so that the operation of the lever 31 is performed from above the housing 25, it is possible to utilize the space required for arranging the electric wires 49. Thus, the connector 1 can be adapted to a case where the connectors 1 need to be densely arranged as in the fuel cell 3.

[0098] Due to the holding mechanism 99 for holding the locking member 29 in the retracted position, it is possible to hold the locking member 29 in the retracted position during the insertion of the housing 25 into the receiving recess 15, and therefore, it is possible to prevent the locking member 29 from contacting the board 9 during the insertion. Therefore, when the connector 1 is connected, a load is less likely to be applied to the board 9, whereby deformation of the board 9 of the fuel cell 3 can be prevented and the board 9 can be protected.

[0099] like Fig.12As shown in (A), in the present embodiment, the rod 31 can be inserted downward even after the locking member 29 is placed in the protruding position. It is constructed so that when the rod 31 is fully inserted in the locking member receiving portion 61, due to the rotation of the locking member 29, the first arm inclined surface 89A does not engage (contact) with the first track inclined surface 95B. Therefore, even if a load in a direction away from the receiving groove 15 (upward direction) is applied to the connector 1 when the rod 31 is fully inserted in the locking member receiving portion 61, the first arm inclined surface 89A does not engage with the first track inclined surface 95B, and the rod 31 does not move upward. In addition, since the protruding end surface of the ridge 89 contacts the protruding end surface of the track portion 95 to limit the rotation of the locking member 29, the engagement of the locking member 29 with the stop portion 21 will not be released, and the connector 1 can be prevented from falling off from the fuel cell unit 3.

[0100] In addition, when the rod 31 is pulled upward by the tool 105, the locking member 29 moves to the retracted position, and the connector 1 becomes detachable from the fuel cell 3. Therefore, even if the connector 1 is detached from the fuel cell 3, it is possible to prevent the locking member 29 from contacting the plate 9, thereby protecting the plate 9.

[0101] When the housing 25 is inserted into the receiving space 17, each plate 9 is received in the partition groove 45, and each partition wall 43 is inserted between adjacent plates among the plates 9. Thus, contact of adjacent plates among the plates 9 can be prevented, and further, deflection and deformation of the plates 9 can be prevented. In addition, when the locking member 29 is in the protruding position, each plate 9 is received in the arm receiving groove 87A, and the insertion wall 87 of the locking member 29 is inserted between the plates 9. Thus, contact of adjacent plates among the plates 9 can be prevented.

[0102] The locking member 29 is displaced from the retracted position to the protruding position by rotation. Therefore, compared with the case where the locking portion for detachably engaging with the stopper portion 21 is composed of an arm that undergoes flexural deformation, the insertion wall 87 can be inserted more deeply between the respective plates 9. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent contact between adjacent plates among the respective plates 9.

[0103] When the connection part body 85 protrudes into the plurality of cutouts 23, the connection part body 85 is hooked on the plurality of stopper parts 21, and the locking member 29 is locked to the plurality of stopper parts 21. That is, the connection part body 85 functions as a hook part which is inserted into each of the respective cutouts 23 provided in the plurality of plates 9 and is hooked on each of the plurality of stopper parts 21. In addition, the arm connection part 77 functions as a stopped part which is locked to the stopper parts 21.

[0104] In this way, since the connection portion main body 85 protrudes into the plurality of cutouts 23, the connector 1 can be locked to the fuel cell unit 3 more securely than in the case where the locking member 29 is locked by the connection portion main body 85 protruding into a single cutout 23. In addition, since locking is performed by the connection portion main body 85 protruding into the plurality of cutouts 23, even in the case of displacement in the stacking direction of the plate 9, the locking member 29 can be locked to the stopper 21, and the connector 1 can be locked to the fuel cell unit 3.

[0105] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, the left and right edges of the upper surface of the housing side portion 39 are respectively provided with upwardly protruding protective walls 39A. Therefore, the rod 31 is surrounded by the protective walls 39A from the left and right sides, and the insertion of the rod 31 that is not intended by the user due to collision with an object, etc. can be prevented.

[0106] The present invention is described above based on specific embodiments, but these embodiments are only examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Not all components of the connector 1 shown in the above embodiments are essential, and at least a person of ordinary skill in the art can appropriately select and adopt them without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the connector 1 is provided with five mechanisms: the holding mechanism 99, the first cam mechanism 101, the limiting mechanism 103, the disengagement prevention mechanism 104, and the second cam mechanism 109, but the connector 1 may be provided with only the first cam mechanism 101 and the limiting mechanism 103. In the above embodiment, each of the first cam mechanism 101, the limiting mechanism 103, the disengagement prevention mechanism 104, and the second cam mechanism 109 is only an example, and they may be implemented by other configurations having similar effects.

[0108] Although in the above embodiment, it is described that the locking member 29 is in the protruding position when the connecting portion body 85 protrudes from the housing 25, it is only necessary that the connecting portion body 85 is engageable with the cutout 23 when in the protruding position. For example, as long as at least a portion of the connecting portion body 85 is disposed on the bottom surface 45A (see FIG. 4 ) when the locking member 29 is in the protruding position, the connecting portion body 85 is not engaged with the cutout 23. Fig. 9 (E)) outside and protrudes into the cutout 23 at least in a portion so that the locking member 29 is locked to the plate 9, any arrangement may be adopted.

[0109] Although in the above-described embodiment, the pull-out portion 107 is provided at the distal end portion of the Y-shaped portion 97, the present invention is not limited by the position of the pull-out portion 107. In addition, although in the above-described embodiment, the description is given by exemplarily showing a configuration in which the rod 31 is pulled out by using the tool 105, in the present invention, the tool 105 is not necessary, and the present invention is not limited by the presence or absence of the tool 105 for pulling out the rod 31.

[0110] Fig.13 (A) and Fig.13 (B) Each shows a variation of the pull-out portion 107. Fig.13 As shown in FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B), the pull-out portion 107 may be provided, for example, at the upper edge of the rod body 93, that is, at the rear edge with respect to the insertion direction.

[0111] The pull-out portion 107 may be formed by a wall body protruding in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction at the rear edge of the rod body 93 with respect to the insertion direction. Fig.13 As shown in (A) (First Modification of Connector 1), the pull-out portion 107 may be configured as a protruding wall 107A that protrudes toward the electric wire 49 (terminal member 27) at the upper edge of the rod body 93. Fig.13 As shown in (B) (a second variation of the connector 1), the pull-out portion 107 may be configured, for example, as a protruding wall 107B that protrudes toward the electric wire 49 (terminal member 27) side at the upper edge of the rod body 93. With such a configuration, the user can directly and easily pinch the rear end portion of the rod body 93 with respect to the insertion direction, and therefore, the user can insert / remove the rod 31 into / from the housing 25 without using the tool 105.

[0112] In addition, although in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is shown in which the locking members 29 are respectively provided at the left and right ends of the connector 1, in the present invention, the positions of the locking members 29 may not be at the left and right ends of the connector 1, and the number of the locking members 29 is not limited to two. For example, the rod 31 may be provided on only one of the left and right sides of the connector 1, such as Fig.14 (A) (third modification of the connector 1), and the locking member 29 may also be provided only on one of the left and right sides of the connector 1, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 (B) It is only necessary that the connector 1 is provided with at least one locking member 29, and it is only necessary that at least one rod 31 for protruding and retracting the locking member 29 is provided.

[0113] Furthermore, although in the above-described embodiment, the connector 1 is provided with two protection walls 39A, the protection wall 39A is not indispensable, and an arrangement may be adopted in which the connector 1 is provided with one protection wall 39A. Reference numerals list

[0114] 1: Connector 3. Fuel Cell 5: Battery 7: Membrane Electrode Assembly 7A: Air electrode 7B: Fuel electrode 7C: Polymer electrolyte membrane 9: Board 11: Receiving recess 13: Assemble the concave part 15: Receiving groove 17: Receiving Space 19: Terminal 21: Stopper 23: Incision 25: Shell 27: Terminal components 29: Locking components 31: Rod 37: Shell body 39: Shell side 39A: Protective wall 41: Terminal hole 43: Divider Wall 45: Separation groove 45A: Bottom surface 47: Retainer 49: Wire 53: Crimping part 55: Contact Department 61: Locking member receiving portion 61A: Detachment prevention protrusion 63: Inner wall 65: Outer wall 65A: Protrusion 67: Anterior wall 69: Back Wall 71: Lower wall 75: Arm 77: Arm connecting portion (locked portion) 79: Axis 81: Bearing 83: Through hole 85: Connecting part body (hook) 85A: Vertical wall 85B: Horizontal wall 87: Insert wall 87A: Arm receiving groove 89: Spine 89A: First arm inclined surface 91: Protrusion 91A: Locking retention surface 91B: Second arm inclined surface 93: Rod body 95: Rail Department 95A: Rod holding surface 95B: First track inclined surface 95C: Second track inclined surface 97: Y-shaped part 97A: Board 97B: Locking claw 97C: Disengagement prevention claw 99: Maintaining the institution 101: First cam mechanism 103: Restricted institutions 104: Escape prevention mechanism 105: Tools 107: Pull-out section 107A: Protruding wall 107B: Protruding wall 109: Second cam mechanism X: Axis

Claims

1. A connector capable of being attached to and detached from a fuel cell, wherein the fuel cell is provided with a plurality of plates, the plurality of plates are arranged at intervals along a predetermined stacking direction, and each plate has a receiving recess, Each of the receiving recesses of the plurality of plates is provided with a stopper, and The connector comprises: a housing insertable into each of the receiving recesses of the plurality of panels; a terminal member held by the housing and electrically connected to the plurality of boards when the housing is inserted into the respective receiving recesses; a rod insertable into the housing; as well as A locking member is rotated about an axis extending in the stacking direction by a pressing force due to the insertion of the rod and is engaged with the locking portion.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The locking member is provided with a locked portion that can be locked to the locking portion, and As the rod is inserted into the housing, the locking member is displaced from a retracted position in which the latched portion is retracted into the interior of the housing to a protruding position in which the latched portion is protruded to the exterior of the housing.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein: The retaining portion includes a cutout provided in the plate, and The stopped portion includes a hook portion configured to be inserted into each of the respective cutouts provided in the plurality of plates adjacent to each other and hooked on the plurality of plates, and at least one insertion wall configured to be inserted between the plurality of plates.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one insertion wall is inserted between each pair of adjacent plates on which the hook portions are hooked among the plurality of plates.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The locking member is provided with a pair of shaft portions extending in the direction of the axis, The housing is provided with a bearing portion for rotatably receiving the pair of shaft portions of the locking member, and includes a locking member receiving portion for receiving the locking member, and The locking member is rotated due to the insertion of the rod into the locking member receiving portion.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: An insertion direction of the rod into the housing is the same as an insertion direction of the rod into the receiving recess.

7. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The rod and the locking member are provided with a first cam mechanism for converting the movement of the rod in the insertion direction into the rotation of the locking member.

8. The connector according to claim 2, wherein: The lever and the housing are provided with a restriction mechanism for restricting rotation of the locking member by restricting movement of the lever in a direction opposite to an insertion direction when the locking member reaches the protruding position.

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein: The rod includes a pull-out portion for being pulled out from the housing in a direction opposite to the insertion direction against restriction by the restriction mechanism, and A second cam mechanism is provided between the lever and the locking member, the second cam mechanism being configured to rotate the locking member from the protruding position to the retracted position in accordance with movement of the lever in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

10. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The locking member is provided in each of both end portions in a direction perpendicular to an insertion direction of the housing and a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction.

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