Inter-pile connection structure and protector

Abstract

The invention provides an inter-stack connection structure and a protector, which can reduce the possibility of short circuit or breakage of terminal joints under the condition that the connection terminals of a cell stack are not adjacent to each other. The inter-stack connection structure electrically connects connection terminals (CT) with each other in a state in which a second cell stack (BS2) is provided on a specific direction side of a first cell stack (BS1), and includes a first terminal (T1) electrically connectable to the connection terminal (CT) of the first cell stack (BS1), a second terminal (T2) electrically connectable to the connection terminal (CT) of the second cell stack (BS2), a protector (P) formed in a hollow shape, and an electric wire electrically connected to the protector (P) and electrically connected to the first terminal (T1) and the second terminal (T2). And a second terminal (T2), one end side of which is connected to the first terminal (T1) and the other end side of which is connected to the second terminal (T2), and which is inserted into the protector (P), the protector (P) having a hinge portion that can be bent in a predetermined direction, and being capable of switching between a first state for connecting the connection terminals (CT) and a second state that is bent in the predetermined direction from the first state by means of the hinge portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an inter-stall connection structure and a protector. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, an inter-stack connection structure was proposed that electrically connects battery stacks containing multiple stacked battery cells to each other (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Patent Document 1 describes a configuration where the connection terminals of the battery stacks are adjacent to each other. Therefore, the connection terminals of the battery stacks are electrically connected to each other by busbars. On the other hand, Patent Document 2 describes a configuration where the connection terminals of the battery stacks are not adjacent to each other and are positioned separately. In this case, the connection terminals of the battery stacks are electrically connected to each other by flexible wires. Terminal connectors are provided at both ends of the wires, which are connected to the connection terminals.

[0003] Prior technology documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-181780

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-120939 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, the inter-pile connection structure described in Patent Document 2 uses flexible wires. Therefore, there is a problem that the wire position is unstable from the time the wire is connected to the connection terminal of the first battery stack until it is connected to the connection terminal of the second battery stack. As a result, if the wire bends in an unexpected direction, there is a possibility that the terminal joint may collide with other components, causing damage or deformation, and there is a possibility that a short circuit may occur.

[0009] This invention was made to solve this previous problem, and its purpose is to provide an inter-stack connection structure and protector that can reduce the possibility of terminal joint damage or short circuit when the connection terminals of the battery stack are not adjacent to each other.

[0010] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0011] The inter-pile connection structure of the present invention is an inter-pile connection structure that electrically connects the connection terminals to each other in a battery pack including a first battery pack and a second battery pack having battery cells stacked and having connection terminals on a specific direction side, wherein the second battery pack is disposed on the specific direction side of the first battery pack. The structure includes: a first terminal that can be electrically connected to the connection terminal of the first battery pack; a second terminal that can be electrically connected to the connection terminal of the second battery pack; a protector that is formed into a hollow shape; and a wire that is connected at one end to the first terminal and at the other end to the second terminal and inserted into the protector. The protector has a hinge portion that can be bent in a predetermined direction and can be switched between a first state for connecting the connection terminals and a second state from the first state to a state in which the wire bends in the predetermined direction using the hinge portion.

[0012] Furthermore, the protector of the present invention is a hollow structure that houses wires connected to both a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is electrically connected to the connection terminal of the first battery stack in a first battery stack and a second battery stack in a specific direction, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the connection terminal of the second battery stack. The protector has a hinge portion that can be bent in a predetermined direction, and can switch between a first state for connecting the connection terminals and a second state from the first state to a second state in which the hinge portion bends in the predetermined direction.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to the present invention, an inter-stall connection structure and protector can be provided to reduce the possibility of terminal joint damage or short circuit when the connection terminals of the battery stack are not adjacent to each other. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the inter-stack connection structure of this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded three-dimensional view of a portion of the structure shown.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure of the first hinge section. (a) shows the state before bending, (b) shows the state after bending, and (c) is an enlarged view of the first hinge section.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structure of the second hinge section. (a) shows the bent state, and (b) is an enlarged view of the second hinge section.

[0019] Figure 5This is a perspective view showing the first step of the electrical connection method for the battery stack.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the second step of the electrical connection method for the battery stack. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described according to preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown below, some diagrams and descriptions of the components are omitted; however, for details of the omitted techniques, well-known or publicly known techniques are appropriately applied without contradicting the following description.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the inter-stack connection structure of this embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded three-dimensional view of a portion of the structure shown. Figure 1 The inter-stall connection structure 1 shown is configured to include a first battery stack BS1, a second battery stack BS2, a first terminal T1, a second terminal T2, a protector P, and wires W (see reference). Figure 2 Inter-stall connection structure 1 electrically connects the first and second battery stacks BS1 and BS2 in a battery pack BP that includes a first battery stack BS1 and a second battery stack BS2.

[0023] The first and second battery stacks BS1 and BS2 are constructed by stacking battery cells BC. Furthermore, the first and second battery stacks BS1 and BS2 have connection terminals on a specific directional side (see reference). Figure 6 (Referring to the reference numeral CT in the attached diagram). Furthermore, the second battery stack BS2 is disposed on the side of the first battery stack BS1 in a specific direction. Therefore, the first and second battery stacks BS1 and BS2 have connection terminals CT in the same direction, and the connection terminals CT are not adjacent to each other. Alternatively, as long as they are disposed on the side of the first and second battery stacks BS1 and BS2 in a specific direction, the connection terminals CT may not be disposed on the end face in that specific direction. Therefore, for example, the first battery stack BS1 may have connection terminals CT on that end face, and the second battery stack BS2 may be disposed on the other side near that end face. Alternatively, the connection terminals CT of both may be disposed on the other side of the first and second battery stacks BS1 and BS2 near that end face.

[0024] like Figure 2As shown, terminals T1 and T2 are both terminal connectors made of metal plates. Terminal T1 can be electrically connected to the connection terminal CT of the first battery stack BS1, and terminal T2 can be electrically connected to the connection terminal CT of the second battery stack BS2. Terminals T1 and T2 have openings T11 and T21 at their front ends for connection to the connection terminal CT. Terminals T1 and T2 are electrically connected through the openings T11 and T21 by the connection terminal CT and bolts. The root side of terminal T1 is connected to one end of wire W, and the root side of terminal T2 is connected to the other end of wire W.

[0025] The protector P is hollow, housing and protecting a portion of the first and second terminals T1 and T2 and the wire W. In this embodiment, the wire W is assumed to be a flexible flat cable, but it is not particularly limited thereto and may also be composed of multiple round wires, etc.

[0026] The protector P includes a first component P1 and a second component P2. Both components P1 and P2 are configured to clamp the wire W along a depth direction orthogonal to the length and vertical directions. The first component P1 is a U-shaped component with an open inner section in the depth direction, and the second component P2 is a U-shaped component with an open front section in the depth direction.

[0027] Furthermore, the first component P1 has an inwardly extending engaging portion P11 at the end of the "U" shape. The engaging portion P11 is formed by a "U"-shaped plate. On the other hand, the second component P2 has an engaging portion P21 near the end of the "U" shape, and this engaging portion P21 has an inclined structure. Regarding these first and second components P1 and P2, when the wire W is contained, the engaging portion P21 engages with the engaging portion P11. Thus, the first and second components P1 and P2 cover and protect the wire W.

[0028] Furthermore, the protector P includes a third component P3 and a fourth component P4. The third component P3 is a U-shaped member with an open lower section, and the fourth component P4 is a U-shaped member with an open upper section. The third and fourth components P3 and P4 have enlarged portions P31 and P41 with a larger inner cross-sectional area at one end, and reduced portions P32 and P42 with a smaller inner cross-sectional area than the enlarged portions P31 and P41 at the other end.

[0029] Furthermore, the third component P3 has a locking portion P33, which is formed by a "U"-shaped plate extending downward from the lower end of the reduced portion P32. On the other hand, the fourth component P4 has a locking portion P43 near the upper end of the reduced portion P42 with a "U"-shaped cross-section, and this locking portion P43 has an inclined structure. Regarding these third and fourth components P3 and P4, when the other end of the first and second components P1 and P2 is housed by the enlarged portions P31 and P41, and the area near the center of the wire W is housed by the reduced portions P32 and P42, the locking portion P43 is engaged with the locking portion P33. Thus, the third and fourth components P3 and P4 are in a state that covers and protects a portion of the first and second components P1 and P2 and a portion of the wire W.

[0030] Furthermore, the protector P includes 5th to 8th components P5 to P8. Component P5 is a U-shaped member with an open inner side in the depth direction, and component P6 is a U-shaped member with an open front side in the depth direction. Additionally, a terminal opening P61 is formed at one end of component P6, through which the front end of the first terminal T1 is inserted.

[0031] Furthermore, the fifth component P5 has a locking portion P53, which is formed through openings in the plates P52 forming the two ends of the "U". On the other hand, the sixth component P6 has a locking portion P63 in the plates P62 forming the two ends of the "U", and this locking portion P63 has an inclined structure. Regarding these fifth and sixth components P5 and P6, with the wire W and the first terminal T1 housed at one end, and the first and second components P1 and P2 housed at the other end, the locking portion P63 is engaged with the locking portion P53. Thus, the fifth and sixth components P5 and P6 cover and protect the root side of the first terminal T1, one end of the wire W, and one end of the first and second components P1 and P2.

[0032] The 7th component P7 is a U-shaped component with an open inner side in the depth direction, and the 8th component P8 is a U-shaped component with an open front side in the depth direction. In addition, a terminal opening P81 is formed on the other end of the 8th component P8, through which the front end of the 2nd terminal T2 is inserted.

[0033] Furthermore, the 7th component P7 has a locking portion P73, which is formed through openings in the plates P72 forming the two ends of the "U". On the other hand, the 8th component P8 has a locking portion P83 in the plates P82 forming the two ends of the "U", and the locking portion P83 has an inclined structure. Regarding these 7th and 8th components P7 and P8, with the wire W and the second terminal T2 housed on one end side, and the reduced portions P32 and P42 of the 3rd and 4th components P3 and P4 housed on one end side, the locking portion P83 is engaged with the locking portion P73. Thus, the 7th and 8th components P7 and P8 are in a state that covers and protects the root side of the second terminal T2, the other end side of the wire W, and the other end sides of the reduced portions P32 and P42.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protector P has a first and a second hinge portion (hinge portion) that can be bent in a predetermined direction. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure of the first hinge section. (a) shows the state before bending, (b) shows the state after bending, and (c) is an enlarged view of the first hinge section.

[0035] like Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 As shown in (b), the protector P, via the first hinge portion H1, has one end fixed, while the other end can rotate and bend in the up-down direction (an example of a predetermined direction). That is, the protector P is capable of... Figure 3 The first state shown in (a) and Figure 3 The transition is shown in (b) to the second state. The first state is for making electrical connections between the connection terminals CT. The second state is the state from the first state where the protector P is bent upward and downward using the first hinge part H1.

[0036] To achieve this conversion, the protector P has the following configuration. That is, as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in (c), the first and second components P1 and P2 have protrusions P12 and P22 at the upper corners of one end. Furthermore, the fifth and sixth components P5 and P6 have openings P54 and P64 for inserting the protrusions P12 and P22.

[0037] Here, the protrusions P12 and P22 and the openings P54 and P64 are arranged coaxially along the depth direction. Furthermore, unlike the fifth and sixth components P5 and P6, which have limiting walls P55 and P65 on their lower sides, these components are open on the upper side at the other end. Therefore, relative to the fifth and sixth components P5 and P6, the other components P1 to P4, P7, and P8 can rotate and bend upwards around the protrusions P12 and P22 (see reference). Figure 3 (b)

[0038] Here, components P1, P2, P5, and P6 (parts 1, 2, 5, and 6) have a first fixing structure (fixed structure) F1. The first fixing structure F1 is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, it consists of small protrusions P13 provided in the first and second components P1 and P2, and small holes P56, P57, P66, and P67 provided in the fifth and sixth components P5 and P6. Figure 3 As shown in (c), the small protrusion P13, provided on the first component P1, is positioned slightly below the protrusion P12, and protrudes forward in the same manner as the protrusion P12. The first small hole P56, provided on the fifth component P5, is positioned slightly below the opening P54. Such small protrusions P13 and P56 are as follows... Figure 3 As shown in (c), in the first state without bending, it becomes an embedded structure. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in (c), the second small hole P57 is positioned at a rotational position relative to the first small hole P56, centered on the opening portion P54. In the second state, the small protrusion P13 and the second small hole P57 become an embedded structure. Therefore, the first fixing structure F1 can fix its position in both the first and second states by embedding the small protrusion P13 into either the first small hole P56 or the second small hole P57.

[0039] Additionally, although the illustration is omitted, the fourth component P4 also has a small protrusion identical to the small protrusion P13. Furthermore, the sixth component P6 also has small holes P66 and P67. These are positioned symmetrically in the depth direction to the small protrusion P13 and the small holes P56 and P57. Therefore, the small protrusion of the fourth component P4 and the small holes P66 and P67 of the sixth component P6 can also function, fixing their positions in both the first and second states.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structure of the second hinge section. (a) shows the bent state, and (b) is an enlarged view of the second hinge section. Figure 4 As shown in (a), the protector P is fixed at one end via the second hinge H2, while the other end can rotate and bend in the depth direction (an example of a predetermined direction). That is, the protector P is able to... Figure 4 The transition between the first state (shown by the dashed line) and the second state (shown by the solid line) in (a) is as follows: The first state is used for electrical connection between the connection terminals CT. The second state is the state in which the protector P is bent in the depth direction using the second hinge part H2 from the first state.

[0041] To achieve this conversion, the protector P has the following configuration. That is, as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown in (b), the first component P1 has an upwardly protruding protrusion P14 on the upper surface of its inner side at the other end. The third component P3 has an opening P34 in the enlarged portion P31 for the protrusion P14 to be inserted. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the first component P1 has a downwardly protruding protrusion on the lower surface of its inner side at the other end. Furthermore, the fourth component P4 has an opening in the enlarged portion P31 for the protrusion to be inserted. The two protrusions P14 of the first component P1 and the openings P34 of the third and fourth components P3 and P4 are arranged coaxially. Thus, the third and fourth components P3 and P4 can be rotated and bent in the depth direction with respect to the first and second components P1 and P2, centered on the protrusion P14 (see reference). Figure 4 (a)

[0042] Here, components P1 to P4, numbered 1 to 4, have a second fixing structure (fixing structure) F2. The second fixing structure F2 is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, it is composed of a small protrusion P23 provided on the second component P2, and small holes P35 and P36 provided on the third and fourth components P3 and P4. The small protrusion P23 provided on the second component P2 protrudes upward from the upper surface on the inner side of the other end. The first small hole P35 provided on the third component P3 is located slightly inside the opening P34. Such a small protrusion P23 and the first small hole P35 constitute a structure that is embedded in the first state without bending. Furthermore, as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown in (b), the second small hole P36 is positioned at a rotational position of the first small hole P35 centered on the opening portion P34. This small protrusion P23 and the second small hole P36 form an embedded structure in the second state. Therefore, the second fixing structure F2 fixes its position in both the first and second states by embedding the small protrusion P23 into either the first small hole P35 or the second small hole P36.

[0043] Additionally, although the illustration is omitted, a small protrusion identical to the small protrusion P23 is also provided on the lower surface of the second component P2. Furthermore, a small hole identical to the small holes P35 and P36 is also provided on the fourth component P4. These are positioned symmetrically in the vertical direction to the small protrusion P23 and the small holes P35 and P36. Therefore, the small protrusion on the lower surface of the second component P2 and the small hole in the fourth component P4 can function similarly, fixing their positions in both the first and second states.

[0044] Furthermore, the 3rd, 4th, 7th, and 8th components P3, P4, P7, and P8 of the protector P in this embodiment are as follows: Figure 3 As shown in (a), it has a stretchable structure TS. The stretchable structure TS is as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown in (a), it is composed of protrusions P37, P44 and sliding grooves P74, P75, P84, etc.

[0045] In detail, the third component P3 has a protrusion P37 on its side near the upper end of its other end. Similarly, the fourth component P4 has a protrusion P44 on its side near the lower end of its other end. Furthermore, the seventh component P7 has a first sliding groove P74 into which the protrusion P37 of the third component P3 is inserted. Furthermore, the seventh component P7 has a second sliding groove P75 into which the protrusion P44 of the fourth component P4 is inserted. The first sliding groove P74 is formed along the length direction on the side near the upper end of one end of the seventh component P7. The second sliding groove P75 is formed along the length direction on the side near the lower end of one end of the seventh component P7. Therefore, the protrusions P3 and P44 can move within the sliding grooves P74 and P75, and the seventh and eighth components P7 and P8 can extend or retract the length of the sliding grooves P74 and P75 relative to the third and fourth components P3 and P4.

[0046] Furthermore, although not shown in the illustrations, the third and fourth components P3 and P4 have the same protrusions as the protrusions P37 and P44. Furthermore, although some illustrations are omitted, the eighth component P8 also has a sliding groove P84, the same as the sliding grooves P74 and P75. These protrusions and sliding grooves P84 are formed in positions symmetrical in the depth direction to the protrusions P37 and P44 of the third and fourth components P3 and P4, and to the sliding grooves P74 and P75 of the seventh component P7. Therefore, these configurations also function for the seventh and eighth components P7 and P8, allowing them to extend and retract relative to the third and fourth components P3 and P4.

[0047] Furthermore, as described above, the protector P is bendable and extendable, so the wire W will be stretched when bent outwards or extended. Therefore, it is preferable that the wire W is folded in a manner that includes a bend within the protector P, so that the wire W will not break in the face of such stretching.

[0048] Next, the electrical connection method of the battery stacks BS1 and BS2 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the first step of the electrical connection method for battery stacks BS1 and BS2. Figure 6 This is a top view showing the second step of the electrical connection method for battery stacks BS1 and BS2.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, firstly, a first battery stack BS1 is mounted relative to the housing B that constitutes the battery pack BP. Next, a protector P that houses the first terminal T1, the second terminal T2, and the wire W is prepared. Then, the first terminal T1 and the connection terminal CT of the first battery stack BS1 are connected by bolts or the like.

[0050] Next, as Figure 6 As shown, the protector P is bent. Specifically, the protector P is bent upward by the first hinge portion H1 and is placed in a second state in relation to the first hinge portion H1. Furthermore, preferably, the protector P is bent forward by the second hinge portion H2 and is placed in a second state with respect to the second hinge portion H2. Then, the second battery stack BS2 is mounted.

[0051] Here, the bending direction is defined by the hinge portions H1 and H2, thus preventing the protector P from bending in an unexpected direction. Furthermore, the protector P has first and second fixing structures F1 and F2, so it can be fixed in the second state. Therefore, the possibility of the protector P accidentally returning to the first state, or the second terminal T2 colliding with the connecting terminal CT and breaking, is also reduced.

[0052] Then, the protector P is in its first state with respect to both the first hinge portion H1 and the second hinge portion H2. At this time, it is preferable that, due to the rotation radius of the protector P, the protector P is pre-extended using the telescopic structure TS, such that the corner C of the second battery stack BS2 (refer to...) Figure 1 It will not collide with the second terminal T2.

[0053] Next, when the protector P is in the first state, the second terminal T2 and the connection terminal CT of the second battery stack BS2 are connected by bolts or the like. At this time, the protector P has a telescopic structure TS, which can absorb the manufacturing tolerances between the battery stacks BS1 and BS2.

[0054] By doing so, the inter-stall connection structure 1 and the protector P of this embodiment have hinge portions H1 and H2 that can be bent in a predetermined direction, and can switch between a first state and a second state. The first state is for connecting the connection terminals CT, and the second state is the state in which the protector P is bent in the predetermined direction using the hinge portions H1 and H2 from the first state. Because the protector P has such a structure, after the first terminal T1 is installed on the connection terminal CT of the first battery stack BS1, the bending direction is limited to the predetermined direction by the hinge portions H1 and H2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the protector P from bending in an unexpected direction. This reduces the possibility of the second terminal T2 coming into contact with other components and breaking, or short circuits, due to the protector P bending in an unexpected direction. Therefore, it is possible to provide an inter-stall connection structure 1 that reduces the possibility of terminal joint damage or short circuits even when the connection terminals CT of the battery stacks BS1 and BS2 are not adjacent to each other.

[0055] Furthermore, the protector P has fixing structures F1 and F2 that can be fixed in position in the second state. Therefore, the possibility of the protector P accidentally returning to the first state after entering the second state, causing the second terminal T2 to collide with the connection terminal CT of the second battery stack BS2 and break, is reduced. Therefore, an inter-stack connection structure 1 can be provided that further reduces the possibility of terminal joint breakage.

[0056] Furthermore, the protector P has a retractable telescopic structure TS. Therefore, for example, by bending and tucking the wires W inside, the protector P can accommodate manufacturing tolerances of the battery stacks BS1 and BS2 through telescopic expansion and contraction.

[0057] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. If possible, known or well-known technologies can be combined.

[0058] For example, in the above embodiment, the protector P has two hinge portions H1 and H2, but is not limited thereto; either hinge portion H1 or H2 may be used. Furthermore, the protector P has fixing structures F1 and F2, but is not limited thereto; in particular, it may not have fixing structures. Moreover, as long as its position can be fixed at least in the second state, the fixing structures F1 and F2 may not be fixed in the first state.

[0059] In addition, the protector P has a telescopic structure TS, but the first and second terminals T1 and T2 have some flexibility, etc. As long as the tolerance can be absorbed by other parts, the telescopic structure TS may not be required.

[0060] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0061] 1: Inter-stack connection structure

[0062] BC: Battery cell

[0063] BP: Battery Pack

[0064] BS1: First Battery Stack

[0065] BS2: Second Battery Stack

[0066] CT: Connecting terminal

[0067] F1: First Fixed Structure (Fixed Structure)

[0068] F2: Second fixed structure (fixed structure)

[0069] H1: First hinge section (hinge section)

[0070] H2: Second hinge section (hinge section)

[0071] P: Protector

[0072] T1: Terminal 1

[0073] T2: Terminal 2

[0074] TS: Telescopic structure

[0075] W: Wire

Claims

1. An inter-stacking connection structure, wherein in a battery pack comprising a first battery stack and a second battery stack having battery cells stacked and having connection terminals on a specific orientation side, the second battery stack is disposed on the specific orientation side of the first battery stack, and the connection terminals are electrically connected to each other. The inter-heap connection structure is characterized by including: The first terminal is electrically connectable to the connection terminal of the first battery stack. The second terminal is electrically connectable to the connection terminal of the second battery stack. The protector is formed into a hollow shape, and The wire has one end connected to the first terminal and the other end connected to the second terminal, and is inserted into the protector; The protector has a hinge portion that can be bent in a predetermined direction, and can switch between a first state for connecting the connecting terminals and a second state from the first state to a state in which the hinge portion bends in the predetermined direction.

2. The inter-stack connection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The protector has a fixing structure that enables it to be fixed in position in the second state.

3. The inter-stack connection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The protector has a retractable telescopic structure.

4. A protector formed as a hollow structure housing wires to be connected to both a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal being electrically connectable to the connection terminal of the first battery stack in a first battery stack and a second battery stack in which battery cells are stacked and have connection terminals on a particular side, the second terminal being electrically connectable to the connection terminal of the second battery stack. The feature of this protector is that, It has a hinge portion that can be bent in a predetermined direction, and can switch between a first state for connecting the connecting terminals and a second state from the first state to a state in which the hinge portion bends in the predetermined direction.

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