Waterproof structure of connector and battery pack provided with connector

Abstract

The present invention reduces manufacturing cost and fixes a connector to a fixed member with a waterproof structure. The waterproof structure of the connector comprises the following components: a fixed component (2) which is provided with a connector insertion port (2A) and a plurality of screw insertion ports (2B); a connector (3) provided with a connector body section (31) and a flange section (32); a screw receiving member (4) which is provided on the second surface side of the fixed member (2) and into which a fixing screw (7) penetrating the flange portion (32) and the fixed member (2) is screwed; a pad member (5); and an O-ring (6). The screw receiving member (4) connects a plurality of screw fixing portions (41) into which the fixing screws (7) are screwed without penetrating through the screw receiving member (4) via connecting portions (42). In a state in which a fixing screw (7) inserted through a screw insertion hole (33) of a flange portion (32) and a screw insertion opening (2B) is screwed into a screw fixing portion (41) with an O-ring (6) interposed therebetween, the waterproof structure seals an opening of the screw insertion opening (2B) by means of the O-ring (6), and seals an opening of a connector insertion opening (2A) by means of a gasket member (5) with the gasket member (5) sandwiched between the flange portion (32) and a member to be fixed (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a waterproof structure of a connector and a battery pack having a connector having the waterproof structure. Background Art

[0002] In order to drive electric equipment such as a motor for a vehicle using a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, a power supply device is used in which a plurality of secondary battery cells are accommodated in an outer casing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In such a power supply device, there is a device that has a charging connector and a discharging connector on the outer casing in order to charge and discharge the built-in secondary battery cells. When the charging and discharging connector arranged on the outer casing is used outdoors, it is preferably connected to the outer casing with a waterproof structure to prevent rainwater from entering.

[0004] An example of a waterproof structure for connecting a connector to an outer casing is shown in FIG. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 . Fig. 9 The connector 93 shown in the figure includes: a connector body 93A connected to a connection plug; and a connection flange 93B protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of the connector body 93A. The connector 93 shown in the figure is provided with a flange 93B having a substantially square shape in a plan view on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical connector body 93A. The flange 93B is provided with connection holes 93b for inserting set screws 97 at the corners of the four corners, and is provided with a structure in which the connector 93 is fixed to the plate portion 92 by screwing the set screws 97 inserted through the connection holes 93b into the plate portion 92 of the outer shell. The plate portion 92 of the outer shell is provided with an insertion opening 92A for inserting the connector body 93A, and an internal threaded hole 92B for screwing the set screws 97 is provided around the insertion opening 92A.

[0005] exist Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In the conventional waterproof structure shown in the figure, an O-ring 96A for sealing an immersion path (indicated by arrow A) between the flange portion 93B connected to the upper surface side of the plate portion 92 and the plate portion 92 and an O-ring 96B for sealing an immersion path (indicated by arrow B) between the connection hole 93b of the flange portion 93B and the set screw 97 are required, so two O-rings 96 are required for one set screw 97. Therefore, as shown in the figure, in the connector 93 fixed by four set screws 97, a total of eight O-rings 96 are required to seal the immersion path around the set screws 97. Therefore, in the conventional waterproof structure, there are problems that the number of parts increases, the cost of parts increases, and it is difficult to mass-produce at low cost because the manufacturing process is labor-intensive.

[0006] In addition, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In the prevention structure shown, since the plate portion 92 is fixed by screwing the set screw 97, the plate portion 92 needs to be provided with an internal thread hole 92B for screwing the set screw 97. Therefore, when the plate portion 92 is made of metal, a thickness for providing the internal thread hole 92B is required, or when a resin plate is used as the plate portion, a thickness and strength for screwing the set screw in are required. Therefore, there is a problem that the plate portion, which is a member to be fixed for fixing the connector, is restricted.

[0007] Prior Art Literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-103259 Summary of the invention

[0010] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0011] One of the purposes of the present disclosure is to provide a waterproof structure of a connector and a battery pack having a connector with a waterproof structure, which can simply and easily fix the connector to a fixed component such as an outer shell with a waterproof structure while reducing manufacturing costs, and can reliably fix the connector with a waterproof structure without being restricted by the material and thickness of the fixed component.

[0012] Means for solving problems

[0013] The waterproof structure of the connector involved in a certain scheme of the present invention is composed of the following components: a fixed member, which has an opening for a connector insertion port and a plurality of screw insertion ports arranged around the connector insertion port; a connector, which has a connector body portion inserted into the connector insertion port, and a flange portion arranged along the periphery of the connector body portion and arranged on the first surface side of the fixed member; a screw receiving member, which is arranged on the second surface side of the fixed member and into which a fixing screw that passes through the flange portion and the fixed member is screwed; a cushion member, which is interposed between the fixed member and the flange portion and arranged along the opening edge of the connector insertion port; and an O-ring, which is interposed between the fixed member and the screw receiving member and arranged along the opening edge of the screw insertion port. The screw receiving member has: a plurality of screw fixing portions, which are arranged opposite to the screw insertion ports, and the fixing screws are screwed in without penetrating; and a connecting portion, which connects the plurality of screw fixing portions. The flange portion has a screw insertion hole at a position opposite to the screw insertion port. The waterproof structure seals the opening of the screw insertion port by the O-ring when the fixing screw inserted into the screw insertion hole and the screw insertion port is screwed into the screw fixing portion via the O-ring, and seals the opening of the connector insertion port by the gasket member clamped by the flange portion and the fixed member.

[0014] A battery pack involved in a certain scheme of the present invention has a connector configured with the above waterproof structure, and the battery pack comprises: an outer shell that accommodates one or more secondary battery cells; and a connector arranged on the outer shell for charging and / or discharging the secondary battery cells, with the outer shell serving as a fixed component, and the connector being arranged on the outer shell with a waterproof structure.

[0015] Effects of the Invention

[0016] The waterproof structure of the connector and the battery pack having the connector according to one aspect of the present invention can achieve the following advantages: the connector can be simply and easily fixed to a fixed component such as an outer shell by a waterproof structure while reducing manufacturing costs, and the connector can be reliably fixed by a waterproof structure without being restricted by the material or thickness of the fixed component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a waterproof structure of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the waterproof structure shown.

[0019] Figure 3 Observed from the bottom Figure 2 Bottom perspective view of the waterproof structure shown.

[0020] Figure 4 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a waterproof structure of a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Vertical cross-sectional view at line VI-VI.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the battery pack is shown.

[0024] Figure 8 Viewed from the bottom side Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the battery pack is shown.

[0025] Fig. 9 It is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a waterproof structure of a conventional connector.

[0026] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the waterproof structure shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The waterproof structure of the connector involved in a certain aspect of the present invention is composed of the following components: a fixed component, which has an opening for a connector insertion port and a plurality of screw insertion ports arranged around the connector insertion port; a connector, comprising a connector body portion inserted into the connector insertion port, and a flange portion arranged along the periphery of the connector body portion and arranged on the first surface side of the fixed component; a screw receiving component arranged on the second surface side of the fixed component, into which a fixing screw passing through the flange portion and the fixed component is screwed; a cushion component interposed between the fixed component and the flange portion and arranged along the opening edge of the connector insertion port; and an O-ring, The screw receiving component is disposed between the fixed component and the screw insertion component along the opening edge of the screw insertion port, and comprises: a plurality of screw fixing parts, which are disposed opposite to the screw insertion port and into which the fixing screws are screwed without penetrating; and a connecting part, which connects the plurality of screw fixing parts, and the flange part has a screw insertion hole at a position opposite to the above-mentioned screw insertion port, and when the fixing screw inserted through the screw insertion hole and the screw insertion port is screwed into the screw fixing part via an O-ring, the opening of the screw insertion port is sealed by the O-ring, and the opening of the connector insertion port is sealed by the gasket member by clamping the gasket member between the flange part and the fixed component.

[0028] According to the above waterproof structure, since the O-ring disposed on the second surface side of the fixed member seals both the immersion path between the flange portion of the connector formed on the first surface side of the fixed member and the fixed member, and the immersion path between the screw insertion hole of the flange portion and the fixing screw, it has the following advantages: the number of O-rings used can be reduced to half of the previous ones, reducing the cost of components, while reducing the labor spent on manufacturing, and manufacturing inexpensively and efficiently. In addition, since the flange portion of the connector and the fixing screw of the fixed member are screwed into the screw fixing portion of the screw receiving member and fixed, the following advantages can be achieved: the connector can be reliably fixed to various fixed members with a waterproof structure without providing an internal thread in the screw insertion hole of the fixed member, in other words, without being restricted by the material and thickness of the fixed member.

[0029] The waterproof structure of the connector involved in another embodiment of the present invention can be that the cushioning member is set to be a plate with a center hole opening along the opening edge of the connector insertion port of the fixed member, and a through hole opening along the opening edge of the screw insertion port is provided on the outer peripheral portion opposite to the screw insertion port.

[0030] According to the waterproof structure described above, since the cushion member for sealing the connector insertion port of the fixed member is formed into a plate-like shape having a center hole opened along the opening edge of the connector insertion port, the connector insertion port can be reliably sealed and waterproofed by clamping the cushion member between the fixed member and the flange portion in a state where the connector main body is inserted into the center hole. In addition, since the plate-like cushion member has a through hole opened along the opening edge of the screw insertion port at the outer peripheral portion opposite to the screw insertion port, there is also an advantage that the immersion path between the flange portion of the connector and the fixed member can be sealed by the cushion member by interposing the outer peripheral edge portion of the through hole between the flange portion and the fixed member and sealing it.

[0031] In a waterproof structure of a connector according to another aspect of the present invention, the screw fixing portion of the screw receiving member may include an insertion hole for guiding a fixing screw, and the insertion hole may be an internal thread hole for threading with the fixing screw.

[0032] According to the waterproof structure described above, by screwing the fixing screw into the internal thread hole provided in the screw fixing portion, the fixed member can be reliably and firmly fixed in a state where the fixed member is sandwiched between the flange portion of the connector and the screw receiving member.

[0033] In a waterproof structure of a connector according to another aspect of the present invention, the fixing screw may be a self-tapping screw, and a guide hole for guiding the self-tapping screw may be provided in the screw fixing portion.

[0034] According to the above waterproof structure, since the fixing screw is set as a self-tapping screw, the self-tapping screw can be screwed in and reliably fixed without providing an internal thread in the screw fixing portion. In addition, by providing a guide hole for guiding the self-tapping screw in the screw fixing portion, the self-tapping screw can be guided to the correct position of the screw fixing portion and screwed in.

[0035] In a waterproof structure of a connector according to another aspect of the present invention, the screw receiving member may include a positioning recessed portion, and an O-ring disposed along an opening edge of the screw insertion port may be disposed at a fixed position.

[0036] According to the above waterproof structure, there is an advantage that a plurality of O-rings between the fixed member and the screw receiving member can be simply and easily arranged at a fixed position of the opening edge of the screw insertion port. This is because the screw receiving member has a positioning recess for arranging the O-ring at a fixed position. Furthermore, according to this structure, a plurality of O-rings can be efficiently arranged at a fixed position of a plurality of screw insertion ports, which has an advantage of being able to improve work efficiency.

[0037] In a waterproof structure of a connector according to another aspect of the present invention, the amount of pressing of the O-ring can be determined in a state in which the opening edge of the positioning recess of the screw receiving member is in contact with the second surface of the fixed member.

[0038] According to the above waterproof structure, the amount of extrusion of the O-ring is determined by making the opening edge of the positioning recess abut against the second surface of the fixed member, so it has the following advantages: the O-ring can be elastically deformed regardless of the degree of tightening of the fixing screw, so that it always becomes an ideal extrusion amount, and it is reliably sealed, and it can effectively prevent the O-ring from being deteriorated over time due to excessive extrusion, and maintain a stable waterproof structure for a long time. In addition, since the opening edge of the positioning recess is abutted against the second surface of the fixed member, the fixed member is clamped by the flange and the screw receiving member, so it also has the advantage of being able to more firmly fix the connector to the fixed member.

[0039] A battery pack having a connector involved in a certain embodiment of the present invention has a connector configured with any of the above waterproof structures, and the battery pack comprises: an outer shell that accommodates one or more secondary battery cells; and a connector that is arranged on the outer shell and is used to charge and / or discharge the secondary battery cells, with the outer shell serving as a fixed component, and the connector is arranged on the outer shell with a waterproof structure.

[0040] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments shown below illustrate the waterproof structure of the connector and the battery pack with the connector for embodying the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following waterproof structure and battery pack. In addition, this specification does not limit the components shown in the claims to the components of the embodiments. In particular, the size, material, shape, relative configuration, etc. of the structural components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to only this, as long as there is no special specific description, but are just simple illustrative examples. In addition, the size, positional relationship, etc. of the components shown in the drawings are sometimes exaggerated for clear explanation. Further, in the following description, for the same name, symbol, representing the same or homogeneous components, detailed description is appropriately omitted. Further, the various elements constituting the present invention can be a scheme in which the same component constitutes multiple elements to use one component as multiple elements, or conversely, it can be realized by multiple components sharing the function of one component.

[0041] [Implementation Method 1]

[0042] The waterproof structure of the connector according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1 to Figure 3 In these figures, Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view showing the waterproof structure of the connector is shown. Figure 2 Show Figure 1The exploded perspective view of the waterproof structure shown, Figure 3 Shown from the bottom side Figure 2 The waterproof structure shown in these figures is composed of the following components: a fixed member 2 having an opening of a connector insertion port 2A and a plurality of screw insertion ports 2B arranged around the connector insertion port 2A; a connector 3 having a connector body 31 inserted into the connector insertion port 2A and a flange 32 arranged along the periphery of the connector body 31 and arranged on the first surface 2X side of the fixed member 2; a screw receiving member 4 arranged on the second surface 2Y side of the fixed member 2, into which a fixing screw 7 is screwed to penetrate the flange 32 and the fixed member 2; a cushion member 5 disposed between the fixed member 2 and the flange 32 and arranged along the opening edge of the connector insertion port 2A; and an O-ring 6 disposed between the fixed member 2 and the screw receiving member 4 and arranged along the opening edge of the screw insertion hole 33.

[0043] (Fixed component 2)

[0044] The fixed member 2 is a member to which the connector 3 is fixed, and can be a plate portion 12A constituting one surface of a housing to which the connector 3 is fixed. Figure 1 to Figure 3 In the waterproof structure shown, an example is shown in which an outer casing of a battery pack described later is used as a housing to which a connector 3 is fixed, and a plate portion 12A of the outer casing 10 is used as a fixed member 2 to which the connector 3 is fixed. The fixed member 2 constituted by the plate portion 12A of the outer casing 10 can be, for example, a metal plate or a resin plate.

[0045] The fixed member 2 as the plate portion 12A has an opening of a connector insertion port 2A for inserting the connector main body portion 31 of the connector 3 in the region where the connector 3 is fixed. The connector 3 shown in the figure has the connector main body portion 31 protruding up and down along the flange portion 32, and the connector insertion port 2A is opened in a shape that allows the connector main body portion 31 protruding downward from the flange portion 32 to be inserted. The connector main body portion 31 shown in the figure has a cylindrical outer shape, so the connector insertion port 2A opens in a substantially circular shape that is slightly larger than the outer shape of the connector main body portion 31.

[0046] Furthermore, the fixed member 2 is provided with a plurality of screw insertion openings 2B around the connector insertion opening 2A. The flange portion 32 of the connector 3 is set to be roughly square in a plan view, and the fixed member 2 shown in the figure is provided with screw insertion openings 2B at positions opposite to the four corners of the flange portion 32. The details will be described later, but the screw insertion openings 2B are through holes through which the fixing screws 7 are inserted, and are set as loose holes whose inner diameter is slightly larger than the outer shape of the fixing screws 7. The screw insertion openings 2B as loose holes can be easily opened by punching or perforating.

[0047] (Connector 3)

[0048] The connector 3 is fixed to the fixed member 2, which is the plate portion 12A of the outer shell such as the outer casing 10, with a waterproof structure, and is connected to an external device via a cable or the like having a connection plug (not shown). The connector 3 shown in the figure includes: a connector body 31, which is inserted into the connector insertion port 2A of the fixed member 2; and a flange 32, which is provided along the periphery of the connector body 31 and is arranged on the first surface 2X (the upper surface in the figure) side of the fixed member 2. The connector 3 shown in the figure is provided with a flange 32 arranged on the surface of the fixed member 2 in a planar shape, and the columnar connector body 31 is connected in a posture perpendicular to the flange 32. The connector body 31 protrudes to both sides of the flange 32, and the portion protruding to one side (the lower side in the figure) is arranged at a fixed position of the fixed member 2 in a state of being inserted into the connector insertion port 2A. The connector body 31 leads a plurality of leads 39 from the front end side of the insertion portion inserted into the connector insertion port 2A. A cylindrical main body tube 34 is provided on a protruding portion protruding to the other side (the upper surface side in the figure) of the flange portion 32 , and a plurality of terminal connection portions 35 connected to a connection plug (not shown) are provided inside the main body tube 34 .

[0049] The flange portion 32 is arranged along the first surface 2X of the fixed member 2 and is fixed to the fixed member 2 via the fixing screws 7. The flange portion 32 is a plate-shaped portion protruding in the outer peripheral direction of the connector body portion 31, and a plurality of screw insertion holes 33 through which the fixing screws 7 are inserted are provided on the outer peripheral portion. The flange portion 32 shown in the figure is roughly square in shape when viewed from above, and is located at the four corners of the square and is provided with the screw insertion holes 33 opened. However, the flange portion 32 does not necessarily need to be square in shape when viewed from above, and can also be circular, elliptical, rectangular, or polygonal.

[0050] The screw insertion hole 33 is arranged at a position facing the screw insertion opening 2B opened in the fixed member 2. In other words, the screw insertion opening 2B of the fixed member 2 is opened at a position facing the screw insertion hole 33 arranged in the flange portion 32 of the first surface 2X. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The flange portion 32 shown in the figure is provided with screw insertion holes 33 at the four corners of the square, so there is an advantage that the flange portion 32 can be fixed to the fixed member 2 in a well-balanced manner. The flange portion 32 in the figure has screw insertion holes 33 opened at the four corners, but the flange portion can also make various changes to the number and arrangement of the screw insertion holes opened at the outer periphery according to its shape. In this case, the screw insertion port of the fixed member is opened at a position opposite to the screw insertion hole opened in the flange portion.

[0051] The flange portion 32 shown in the figure is provided with recessed portions 32a for guiding the head 7a of the fixing screw 7 at the four corners, and each screw insertion hole 33 is opened at the bottom surface of the recessed portion 32a. This structure has the advantage of being able to save space by not allowing the head 7a of the fixing screw 7 to protrude from the flange portion 32. However, the flange portion 32 can also be provided in a plate shape with uniform thickness without providing the recessed portions 32a at the corners, and the screw insertion holes 33 are opened. The details will be described later, but the above screw insertion holes 33 are through holes through which the fixing screws 7 are inserted, and are provided as loose holes whose inner diameter is slightly larger than the outer shape of the fixing screws 7. The screw insertion port 2B as a loose hole can be simply opened by punching and perforating.

[0052] (Screw receiving member 4)

[0053] The screw receiving member 4 is arranged on the second surface 2Y (the lower surface in the figure) side of the fixed member 2, and the fixing screw 7 that penetrates the flange portion 32 and the fixed member 2 is screwed in. The screw receiving member 4 has: a plurality of screw fixing portions 41, which are arranged opposite to the screw insertion port 2B and screwed in without allowing the fixing screw 7 to penetrate; and a connecting portion 42 that connects the plurality of screw fixing portions 41. The fixed member 2 shown in the figure is provided with four screw insertion ports 2B, so the screw receiving member 4 is in a shape formed by connecting four screw fixing portions 41 with a connecting portion 42. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the screw receiving member 4, which connects a plurality of screw fixing portions 41 with a connecting portion 42, has an outer shape that is roughly square, and has a connector insertion portion 43 opened in the center thereof, which allows the connector body portion 31 inserted into the connector insertion port 2A of the fixed member 2 to pass through. The screw receiving member 4 shown in the figure makes the inner shape of the connector insertion portion 43 roughly equal to the outer shape of the connector body portion 31, and can be temporarily connected to the connector body portion 31 through the friction force generated between the connector body portion 31, thereby preventing the connector body portion 31 from falling during the assembly operation. However, the connector insertion portion 43 of the screw receiving member 4 can also be slightly larger than the outer shape of the connector body portion 31. The screw receiving member 4 is formed by integrally forming the screw fixing portion 41 and the connecting portion 42 with a resin such as polycarbonate, so that the fixing screw 7 can be screwed into the screw fixing portion 41. However, the screw receiving member 4 can also be formed with other resins, or can also be made of metal that can be screwed into the fixing screw.

[0054] The screw fixing portion 41 is formed in a columnar shape extending in the axial direction of the thread so that the fixing screw 7 can be deeply screwed in. The columnar screw fixing portion 41 is made longer than the insertion portion of the fixing screw 7 so that the inserted screw does not penetrate. Figure 1The screw fixing portion 41 shown is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole, and has an insertion hole 44 provided at the center thereof, into which the fixing screw 7 penetrating the flange portion 32 and the fixed member 2 is screwed. Figure 1 The screw fixing portion 41 shown is an internal threaded hole 44a that screws the insertion hole 44 with the fixing screw 7. By screwing the fixing screw 7 into the internal threaded hole 44a provided in the screw fixing portion 41, the fixing screw 7 and the screw fixing portion 41 are firmly connected, and the connector 3 and the screw receiving member 4 can be fixed to a state where the fixed member 2 is clamped.

[0055] The screw fixing portion 41 described above is provided with an internal thread hole 44a for screwing the fixing screw 7, but the screw fixing portion 41 is not limited to a structure in which the internal thread hole 44a is provided and the fixing screw 7 is screwed. Figure 4 The waterproof structure shown in the figure shows an example in which the fixing screw 7 is a self-tapping screw 7A screwed into the screw fixing portion 41 . Figure 4 The screw fixing portion 41 shown is provided with an insertion hole 44 at the center portion as a guide hole 44b for guiding the front end of the self-tapping screw 7A. The guide hole 44b is a hole thinner than the threaded portion 7b of the self-tapping screw 7A, and no internal thread is provided on the inside. This structure can guide the front end of the self-tapping screw 7A to the guide hole 44b, and at the same time, the fixing screw 7 can be reliably screwed in and fixed. In particular, there is an advantage that the insertion hole 44b can be easily provided on the screw fixing portion 41.

[0056] As described above, the flange portion 32 of the through-connector 3 and the fixing screw 7 of the fixed member 2 are screwed into the screw fixing portion 41 of the screw receiving member 4 and fixed, and the connector 3 can be fixed without providing an internal thread in the screw insertion port 2B of the fixed member 2. Therefore, it is possible to achieve an excellent waterproof structure with respect to various fixed members 2 and fix the connector 3 without being restricted by the material and thickness of the fixed member 2.

[0057] (Positioning recess 45)

[0058] Furthermore, the screw fixing portion 41 is provided with a positioning recess 45 at the opening edge of the insertion hole 44, and the positioning recess 45 arranges the O-ring 6 arranged along the opening edge of the screw insertion port 2B provided in the fixed member 2 at a fixed position. The positioning recess 45 shown in the figure is set as a circular step recess whose shape is substantially equal to the shape of the O-ring 6. The screw fixing portion 41 of this structure can efficiently arrange multiple O-rings 6 at the fixed positions of multiple screw insertion ports 2B by arranging the O-ring 6 in the positioning recess 45, which has the advantage of being able to improve the working efficiency. The positioning recess 45 shown in the figure is set as a step recess, but the positioning recess 45 can also be a ring groove that can be embedded with the O-ring 6.

[0059] The positioning recess 45 is formed shallower than the thickness of the O-ring 6. Figure 1 As shown, in the state where the fixing screw 7 is screwed into the screw fixing portion 41, the following structure is adopted: the O-ring 6 is sandwiched and elastically pressed by the bottom surface of the positioning recess 45 and the second surface 2Y of the fixed member 2, and at the same time, the opening edge 46 of the positioning recess 45 of the opposing surface 4A of the screw receiving member 4 is brought into contact with the second surface 2Y of the fixed member 2. According to this structure, by tightening the fixing screw 7 until the opening edge 46 of the positioning recess 45 is brought into contact with the second surface 2Y of the fixed member 2, there is an advantage that the amount of pressing of the O-ring 6 can be determined.

[0060] exist Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In the conventional waterproof structure shown, the O-ring 96B is clamped between the head of the set screw 97 and the flange 93B by screwing the set screw 97 into the plate 92, and the O-ring 96B is pressed and sealed, and the O-ring 96A is clamped between the flange 93B and the plate 92, and the O-ring 96A is pressed and sealed, so there is a problem that it is difficult to tighten the set screw 97. This is because, if the set screw 97 is tightened too weakly, the O-ring 96 cannot be sufficiently pressed, and the sealing by the O-ring 96 becomes insufficient. On the contrary, if the set screw 97 is tightened too strongly, the O-ring 96 is excessively pressed, and it is excessively elastically deformed, which may promote deterioration over time and fail to maintain a stable waterproof structure for a long time. Even if the set screw 97 is tightened so as not to excessively squeeze the O-ring 96 and achieve the optimum elastic deformation state, there is still a disadvantage that the connector 93 itself may wobble relative to the plate portion 92 when there is a surplus of elastic deformation of the O-ring 96 .

[0061] In contrast, Figure 1 As shown, in the structure in which the extrusion amount of the O-ring 6 is determined by making the opening edge 46 of the positioning recess 45 abut against the second surface 2Y of the fixed member 2, the depth of the positioning recess 45 is equal to the thickness of the O-ring 6 in the ideally extruded state, thereby having the advantage of being able to simply and reliably determine the extrusion amount of the O-ring 6. Therefore, the O-ring 6 is not affected by the tightening degree of the fixing screw 7, and is squeezed to the extrusion amount determined by the depth of the positioning recess 45 to be reliably sealed, while suppressing the deterioration over time. In addition, the fixing screw 7 is tightened until the opening edge 46 of the positioning recess 45 of the opposing surface 4A of the screw receiving member 4 is in a state of abutting against the second surface 2Y of the fixed member 2, and the fixed member 2 is clamped by the flange 32 and the screw receiving member 4, so there is also an advantage that the connector 3 can be fixed to the fixed member 2 more firmly. The depth of the positioning recess 45 is determined in consideration of the material, thickness, and ideal extrusion amount (elastic deformation amount) of the O-ring 6.

[0062] Further, Figure 2as well as Figure 3 The screw fixing portion 41 shown in the figure cuts out a part of the opening edge portion 46 of the positioning recess 45, and is provided with a cutout portion 47 that communicates with the positioning recess 45. The screw fixing portion 41 shown in the figure has a cutout portion 47 opened on the connector insertion portion 43 side, and the positioning recess 45 is communicated with the connector insertion portion 43 via the cutout portion 47. According to this structure, there is an advantage that even when the fixing screw 7 is screwed into the screw fixing portion 41 and the O-ring 6 is clamped and pressed by the bottom surface of the positioning recess 45 and the second surface 2Y of the fixed member 2, the opening of the positioning recess 45 is blocked by the O-ring 6 in close contact, the O-ring 6 can be reliably deformed and pressed by releasing air from the cutout portion 47.

[0063] (Padding member 5)

[0064] The cushion member 5 is interposed between the fixed member 2 and the flange portion 32 and is arranged along the opening edge of the connector insertion port 2A. The cushion member 5 is made of rubber or soft plastic and is pressed against the flange portion 32 and the first surface 2X of the fixed member 2 in a state of being in close contact with the fixing screw 7 inserted through the screw insertion hole 33 and the screw insertion port 2B and screwed into the screw fixing portion 41, thereby sealing the opening of the connector insertion port 2A.

[0065] Figure 2 The pad member 5 shown is a plate-shaped member having a center hole 5A opened along the opening edge of the connector insertion port 2A of the fixed member 2. The plate-shaped pad member 5 is structured as follows: its outer shape is further enlarged to a shape along the outer shape of the flange portion 32, and a through hole 5B is provided along the opening edge of the screw insertion hole 33 and the screw insertion port 2B at the outer peripheral portion opposite to the screw insertion hole 33 and the screw insertion port 2B. The pad member 5 of this structure is clamped by the fixed member 2 and the flange portion 32 in a state where the connector body portion 31 is inserted into the center hole 5A, thereby reliably sealing the connector insertion port 2A and waterproofing. In addition, the pad member 5 is provided with a through hole 5B at the outer peripheral portion opposite to the screw insertion hole 33 and the screw insertion port 2B, thereby enabling the outer peripheral edge of the through hole 5B to be interposed between the flange portion 32 and the fixed member 2, and the immersion path between the flange portion 32 and the fixed member 2 is sealed by the pad member 5. However, the cushion member 5 does not necessarily need to be configured as a structure with an enlarged outer periphery to seal the screw insertion hole 33 and the screw insertion port 2B. Although not shown in the figure, the cushion member 5 can also be interposed between the fixed member and the flange portion as an O-ring arranged along the opening edge of the connector insertion port.

[0066] (O-ring 6)

[0067] The O-ring 6 is interposed between the fixed member 2 and the screw fixing portion 41 of the screw receiving member 4, and is arranged along the opening edge of the screw insertion port 2B. The fixing screw 7 inserted through the screw insertion hole 33 of the flange portion 32 and the screw insertion port 2B of the fixed member 2 is inserted, and the fixing screw 7 is screwed into the screw fixing portion 41, so that the O-ring 6 is pressed in a state of close contact between the second surface 2Y of the fixed member 2 and the screw fixing portion 41, and the opening of the screw insertion port 2B is sealed. That is, the fixing screw 7 inserted through the screw insertion hole 33 and the screw insertion port 2B is screwed into the screw fixing portion 41 through the O-ring 6, so that the opening of the screw insertion port 2B is sealed with the O-ring 6. The waterproof structure shown in the figure has screw insertion holes 2B opened at four locations of the fixed component 2, so an O-ring 6 is arranged between each screw insertion hole 2B and each screw fixing part 41, that is, four O-rings 6 are arranged as a whole, and all the screw insertion holes 2B are sealed with O-rings 6 to prevent waterproofing.

[0068] According to this waterproof structure, it is possible to seal the second surface 2Y side of the fixed member 2 with an O-ring 6. Figure 1 The immersion path formed between the flange portion 32 and the fixed member 2 on the first surface 2X side of the fixed member 2 as shown by the arrow A, and Figure 1 Since the screw insertion hole 33 formed in the flange portion 32 and the immersion path between the fixing screw 7 are both indicated by the arrow B, the number of O-rings 6 used can be reduced to reduce the component cost while reducing the labor required for manufacturing and enabling efficient manufacturing.

[0069] The connector fixed by the above waterproof structure is suitable for various electrical devices requiring waterproof structure and devices equipped with connectors. In addition, in this specification, the so-called electrical device is used in a broad sense including battery packs and power supply devices that supply power to these loads in addition to loads driven by power.

[0070] As an example of an electrical device having a connector fixed by the above waterproof structure, a battery pack having a connector is shown below. The battery pack having a connector can be used, for example, as a driving power source for a self-propelled robot for door-to-door delivery, an electric cart for door-to-door delivery, an electric scooter for golf courses, a construction machine, a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, and other vehicles. In addition to the driving power source for power-assisted bicycles, it can also be used as a power source for portable electrical equipment such as wireless devices, electric cleaners, and electric tools. Alternatively, it can also be used as a backup power source for servers, a power supply device for home use, office use, and factory use in a fixed-type power storage application. Below, as one embodiment of the battery pack, a battery pack used as a driving power source for a self-propelled robot is described.

[0071] A battery pack 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figures 5 to 8 In these figures, Figure 5 A perspective view of a battery pack 100 is shown. Figure 6 Show Figure 5 A vertical cross-sectional view of the VI-VI line. Figure 7 Show Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the battery pack 100, Figure 8 Shown as viewed from the bottom side Figure 5 The battery pack 100 shown in these figures includes: an outer casing 10 accommodating one or more secondary battery cells 1; and a connector 3 fixed to the outer casing 10 for charging and / or discharging the secondary battery 1 accommodated in the outer casing 10.

[0072] (External casing 10)

[0073] The outer casing 10 accommodates a battery module 20 composed of one or more secondary battery cells 1 and a circuit board 23. Figures 5 to 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the outer casing 10 is formed into a box shape that is elongated in one direction when viewed from above. The box-shaped outer casing 10 includes: a main casing 11 that is formed into a box shape with a bottom and an upper opening; and a cover casing 12 that closes the opening of the main casing 11. Figures 5 to 8 As shown, inside the outer casing 10 , a storage space 13 for storing the battery module 20 and the circuit board 23 is provided.

[0074] The outer shell 10 shown in the figure is divided into two parts, namely, a main body shell 11 and a cover shell 12. The divided main body shell 11 and the cover shell 12 are fixed by screwing, fitting, bonding, ultrasonic welding, etc. to the opposing peripheral parts. In the example of the figure, the main body shell 11 and the cover shell 12 are screwed together, and a gasket 16 is placed between the main body shell 11 and the cover shell 12 to exert waterproof performance. Furthermore, in the example of the figure, the main body shell 11 is set to a box shape with an upper opening, and the cover shell 12 is set to a plate-like plate portion 12A. The outer shell 10 sets the main body shell 11 to a member with excellent insulation, such as a resin such as polycarbonate, PC-ABS alloy, etc., and sets the plate portion 12A as the cover shell 12 to a metal plate. However, the outer shell 10 can also set the main body shell 11 and the cover shell 12 to be made of resin.

[0075] The main body housing 11 includes a bottom plate 11a and a side panel 11b connected to the periphery of the bottom plate 11a. A housing 14 for housing the circuit board 23 is provided inside the bottom plate 11a. In addition, a plurality of ribs 11e are separately provided on the side panel 11b. Each rib 11e extends in the thickness direction of the main body housing 11, and contributes to the reinforcement of the main body housing 11. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 7As shown, a threaded hole 11f for fixing the cover housing 12 is opened at the end surface of each rib 11e.

[0076] Furthermore, if Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the main body case 11 has bosses 11 g formed at a total of six locations at the corners and the middle of the long sides of the rectangular main body case 11 , and the bosses 11 g are provided with screw holes 11 h for fixing the battery module 20 .

[0077] (Secondary battery cell 1)

[0078] One or more secondary battery cells 1 can use secondary battery cells whose outer cans are made into square or cylindrical shapes. Figure 6 to Figure 8 In the example shown, 120 cylindrical secondary battery cells 1 are arranged in a vertical position. In addition, the secondary battery cells 1 are set to be connected in series with 10 and in parallel with 12. In addition, the number, configuration, number of series and parallel connections of the secondary battery cells are not limited to this example, and any number and configuration can be appropriately adopted. Each secondary battery cell 1 has a positive and negative electrode. The positive and negative electrodes are preferably provided on one end surface of the secondary battery cell 1. In such a secondary battery cell 1, known secondary batteries such as lithium-ion secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-cadmium batteries can be appropriately utilized.

[0079] The battery module 20 includes a battery holder 21 that accommodates a plurality of secondary battery cells 1. The battery holder 21 is provided with a plurality of accommodating tubes that individually accommodate the secondary battery cells 1. Such a battery holder 21 is made of a resin such as polycarbonate having excellent insulating properties.

[0080] (Circuit board 23)

[0081] The battery modules 20 are connected to a given arrangement via lead plates 25 and are connected to a circuit board 23. The circuit board 23 is mounted with electronic components such as a charge and discharge circuit for charging and discharging the secondary battery cells 1, and a protection circuit for monitoring the voltage and temperature of the secondary battery cells 1 and cutting off the current in the event of an abnormality. The circuit board 23 is made of a glass epoxy substrate or the like.

[0082] like Figure 6 As shown, the above circuit substrate 23 is fixed to the fixed position of the battery holder 21 of the battery module 20 via the fixing member 17. The fixing member 17 shown in the figure is a set screw. The circuit substrate 23 fixed to the battery module 20 is arranged at a fixed position of the accommodating portion 14 when the battery module 20 is accommodated in the main body housing 11. Figure 6As shown, the connecting screw 18 inserted into the threaded hole 11h of the boss 11g provided on the bottom plate 11a of the main body case 11 is screwed into the battery holder 21, and the battery module 20 accommodated in the outer case 10 is fixed to the main body case 11. An O-ring 19 is arranged between the boss 11g and the battery holder 21, and the threaded hole 11h portion into which the connecting screw 18 is screwed is provided with a waterproof structure.

[0083] (Connector 3)

[0084] The battery pack 100 fixes the connector 3 to the cover case 12 of the outer case 10 in a waterproof structure. The connector 3 is fixed to the cover case 12 of the outer case 10 by the aforementioned waterproof structure. Therefore, the battery pack uses the cover case 12 of the outer case 10 as the fixed member 2 and fixes the connector 3 in a waterproof structure.

[0085] Figure 5 The outer casing 10 shown is provided with a protrusion 15 protruding outward from the storage area of ​​the battery module 20 stored therein, and the connector 3 is arranged on the protrusion 15. In this way, the structure in which the connector 3 is provided on the protrusion 15 of the outer casing 10 has the following advantages: the connector body 3A inserted into the inner side of the fixed member 2 and the screw receiving member 4 fixed to the inner side of the fixed member 2 can be arranged without being affected by the arrangement of the battery module 20 stored in the outer casing 10.

[0086] Figure 5 The battery pack 100 shown in the figure has a pair of protrusions 15 protruding to both sides at one end of the outer casing 10, and a connector 3 is fixed to each protrusion 15. One of the pair of connectors 3 is set as a charging connector for charging the stored secondary battery cells 1, and the other is set as a discharging connector for discharging the stored secondary battery cells 1. Each connector 3 is provided inside the outer casing 10 as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown by the dot-dash line, the circuit board 23 is connected via the lead wire 31, and the power supplied from the charging connector is supplied to the secondary battery cells 1 via the circuit board 23 to charge each secondary battery cell 1. The power discharged from each secondary battery cell 1 is output from the discharge connector via the circuit board 23 to supply power to an externally connected load. The charging connector is connected to a connection plug (not shown) connected to a charger, and power is supplied from the charger. The discharge connector is connected to a connection plug (not shown) connected to a load, and power is output from the battery pack 100 to the load.

[0087] Industrial Applicability

[0088] The waterproof structure of the connector involved in the present invention is suitable for using various housings that require waterproof structures as fixed components. In particular, in a battery pack equipped with a connector, it can be suitable for use as a driving power source for vehicles such as self-driving robots for door-to-door delivery, electric carts for door-to-door delivery, electric scooters for golf courses, construction machinery, hybrid vehicles, and electric vehicles. In addition, in addition to the driving power source for power-assisted bicycles, it can also be used as a power source for portable electrical equipment such as wireless devices, electric cleaners, and electric tools, a backup power source for servers in fixed power storage applications, and a power supply device for home, office, and factory use.

[0089] Explanation of symbols

[0090] 100…Battery Pack

[0091] 1…Secondary battery cell

[0092] 2…Fixed component

[0093] 2X…Side 1

[0094] 2Y…side 2

[0095] 2A…Connector insertion port

[0096] 2B…Screw insertion port

[0097] 3…Connector

[0098] 4…Screw receiving member

[0099] 4A…Opposing surface

[0100] 5…Padding components

[0101] 5A…Center hole

[0102] 5B…Through hole

[0103] 6…O-ring

[0104] 7…Fixing screw

[0105] 7A...Self-tapping screws

[0106] 7a…Head

[0107] 7b…Threaded part

[0108] 10…External housing

[0109] 11…Main body

[0110] 11a…base plate

[0111] 11b…Side panel

[0112] 11e…rib

[0113] 11f…Threaded hole

[0114] 11g…Boss

[0115] 11h…Threaded hole

[0116] 12…Cover housing

[0117] 12A…Board

[0118] 13…Accommodation space

[0119] 14…Accommodation

[0120] 16…Pad

[0121] 17…Fixtures

[0122] 18…Connecting screw

[0123] 19…O-ring

[0124] 20…Battery module

[0125] 21…Battery holder

[0126] 23…Circuit board

[0127] 25...Lead plate

[0128] 31…Connector body

[0129] 32…Flange

[0130] 32a…concave part

[0131] 33…Screw insertion hole

[0132] 34…Main body

[0133] 35…Terminal connection part

[0134] 36…Terminal connection part

[0135] 39…lead

[0136] 41…Screw fixing part

[0137] 42…Connection

[0138] 43…Connector insertion part

[0139] 44…Insert hole

[0140] 44a…Internal thread hole

[0141] 44b…Induction hole

[0142] 45…positioning recess

[0143] 46…Opening edge

[0144] 47…Incision

[0145] 92…Slab

[0146] 92A…Insert opening

[0147] 92B…Internal thread hole

[0148] 93…Connector

[0149] 93A…Connector body

[0150] 93B…Flange

[0151] 93b…Connection hole

[0152] 96, 96A, 96B…O-ring

[0153] 97…Set screw.

Claims

1. A waterproof structure of a connector, consisting of the following components: The fixed member has a connector insertion opening, and a plurality of screw insertion openings are arranged around the connector insertion opening; A connector including a connector body portion inserted into the connector insertion port, and a flange portion provided along the periphery of the connector body portion and arranged on the first surface side of the fixed member; a screw receiving member, arranged on the second surface side of the fixed member, into which a fixing screw penetrating the flange portion and the fixed member is screwed; a cushion member interposed between the fixed member and the flange portion and arranged along an opening edge of the connector insertion port; and An O-ring is interposed between the fixed member and the screw receiving member and is arranged along the opening edge of the screw insertion opening. The screw receiving member comprises: A plurality of screw fixing portions are arranged opposite to the screw insertion openings, and the fixing screws are screwed in without penetrating the screws; and a connecting portion connecting the plurality of screw fixing portions, The flange portion has a screw insertion hole at a position opposite to the screw insertion port. When the fixing screw inserted through the screw insertion hole and the screw insertion port is screwed into the screw fixing portion via the O-ring, the opening of the screw insertion port is sealed by the O-ring, and the opening of the connector insertion port is sealed by the gasket member clamped by the flange portion and the fixed member.

2. The waterproof structure of the connector according to claim 1, wherein: The spacer member is in the shape of a plate having a center hole opened along the opening edge of the connector insertion port of the fixed member, and has a through hole opened along the opening edge of the screw insertion port on the outer peripheral portion facing the screw insertion port.

3. The waterproof structure of the connector according to claim 1, wherein: The screw fixing portion of the screw receiving member includes an insertion hole for guiding the fixing screw. The insertion hole is formed as an internal thread hole that is threadedly engaged with the fixing screw.

4. The waterproof structure of the connector according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing screw is a self-tapping screw, and the screw fixing portion includes a guide hole for guiding the self-tapping screw.

5. The waterproof structure of the connector according to claim 1, wherein: The screw receiving member includes a positioning recess for arranging the O-ring disposed along the opening edge of the screw insertion port at a fixed position.

6. The waterproof structure of the connector according to claim 5, wherein: The amount of pressing of the O-ring is determined in a state in which the screw receiving member causes the opening edge of the positioning recess to abut against the second surface of the fixed member.

7. A battery pack comprising a connector arranged in the waterproof structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the battery pack comprising: An outer casing accommodating one or more secondary battery cells; and A connector is provided on the outer casing and is used to charge and / or discharge the secondary battery cell. The outer casing is used as the fixed member, and the connector is provided in the outer casing in a waterproof structure.

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