Connector device and busbar module

Abstract

Provides a short-circuit prevention structure with good assemblability. The connector device (10) includes: a connector (30) in which multiple terminal parts (32) are mounted in a parallel manner on a housing (31); a circuit board (21) with a surface that serves as a mounting surface (24) for mounting multiple terminal parts (32); a through hole (25) formed in the area between adjacent terminal parts (32) in the circuit board (21); and a busbar retainer (11) as a short-circuit prevention member, which is a separate component from the circuit board (21), the busbar retainer (11) having: a base (16) that is close to the back of the circuit board (21) to block the through hole (25); and a protrusion (18) that protrudes from the base (16) and is housed in the through hole (25) to leave an insulating space (S).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to connector devices and busbar modules. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism for preventing short circuits between multiple male terminal components mounted on a printed circuit board, wherein a short-circuit prevention wall formed in a housing is inserted into a short-circuit prevention groove formed in the printed circuit board. By separating the male terminal components with the short-circuit prevention wall, short circuits between adjacent male terminal components can be prevented. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-066560 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] The above-described structure has poor assemblability because it requires the short-circuit prevention wall to be seamlessly embedded into the short-circuit prevention groove.

[0005] This disclosure is made based on the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a short-circuit prevention structure with good assemblability. Solution for solving the problem

[0006] (1) The connector device disclosed in the first disclosure comprises: The connector is designed to have multiple terminal components mounted side-by-side in a housing. The circuit board has a surface that serves as a mounting surface for mounting the plurality of terminal components; Through-holes are formed in the region between adjacent terminal components in the circuit board; and The short-circuit prevention component is a separate part from the circuit board. The short-circuit prevention component has: The base, closely attached to the back of the circuit board, seals the through-hole; and The protrusion protrudes from the base and is housed within the through hole in a manner that creates an insulating space.

[0007] The second disclosed connector device includes: The connector is designed to have multiple terminal components mounted side-by-side in a housing. The circuit board has a surface that serves as a mounting surface for mounting the plurality of terminal components; Through holes are formed in the area between adjacent terminal components in the circuit board; A blocking member, which is in close contact with the back of the circuit board to block the through hole; and The cover is a component that is separate from the housing and the circuit board. The cover has: A cover portion that covers the substrate connection portion of the terminal component that protrudes to the outside of the housing; and The protrusion protrudes from the cover and is housed within the through hole in a way that creates an insulating space.

[0008] The third publicly disclosed bus module has the following features: The first disclosed connector device; and Multiple busbars used to connect multiple battery cells. The short-circuit prevention member integrally forms a busbar holding part for holding the plurality of busbars.

[0009] The fourth disclosed bus module includes: The second disclosed connector device; and Multiple busbars used to connect multiple battery cells. The blocking member has an integrally formed busbar holding part for holding the plurality of busbars. Invention Effects

[0010] According to the first, second, third and fourth disclosures, a short-circuit prevention structure with good assemblability can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the busbar module of Embodiment 1. Figure 2 This is a 3D view of the busbar module from an oblique, upward perspective, showing its disassembled state. Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the busbar module from a slightly downward angle, showing its disassembled state. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the connector assembly. Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the connector assembly with the cover removed. Figure 6 This is a rear sectional view of the connector assembly. Figure 7 This is a side sectional view of the connector assembly. Figure 8 This is a 3D diagram of a short-circuit prevention component. Figure 9 This is a rear sectional view of the connector device in Embodiment 2. Figure 10 This is a rear sectional view of the connector device in Embodiment 3. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the connector device in Embodiment 4. Figure 12 This is a 3D view of the connector assembly with the cover removed. Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional view of the cover from a slightly lower angle. Figure 14 This is a rear sectional view of the connector assembly. Figure 15 This is a side sectional view of the connector assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0012] (Description of embodiments of this disclosure) First, embodiments of this disclosure are described. Embodiments formed by arbitrarily combining the following embodiments without creating contradictions are also included in the methods of carrying out the invention. (1) The connector device disclosed in the first disclosure comprises: a connector in which a plurality of terminal parts are mounted in a parallel manner on a housing; a circuit board with a surface serving as a mounting surface for mounting the plurality of terminal parts; a through hole formed in a region between adjacent terminal parts in the circuit board; and a short-circuit prevention member, which is a separate component from the circuit board, the short-circuit prevention member having: a base that is in close contact with the back surface of the circuit board to block the through hole; and a protrusion that protrudes from the base and is housed in the through hole in a manner that leaves an insulating space. According to the structure disclosed in the first disclosure, since a creepage path in the form of a bend through the inner peripheral surface of the through hole, the base, and the protrusion is formed between adjacent terminal parts, a short circuit between the terminal parts can be prevented. Since the protrusion forming the creepage path is housed in the through hole in a manner that leaves an insulating space, the short-circuit prevention member has good assemblability with the circuit board.

[0013] (2) Preferably, the mounting surface has pads for connecting the terminal parts, and the opening area of ​​the through hole is larger than the forming area of ​​the pads in a direction orthogonal to the parallel direction of the terminal parts. According to this structure, a longer creepage distance between adjacent pads can be ensured on the mounting surface.

[0014] (3) Based on (1) or (2), preferably, the circuit board has: a sheet-like flexible substrate for connecting the terminal component to the mounting surface; and a reinforcing plate fixed to the back side of the flexible substrate, wherein the through hole is in the form of passing through the flexible substrate and the reinforcing plate. According to this structure, even if the mounting object of the terminal component is a flexible substrate that is prone to deformation, the base of the short-circuit prevention member can be tightly attached to the back side of the circuit board.

[0015] (4) Based on (3), it is preferable that the path holding portion is integrally formed on the short-circuit prevention member, and the path holding portion holds the flexible substrate in a shape along a predetermined wiring path. According to this structure, the number of components can be reduced compared to the case where the path holding portion is manufactured as a separate component from the short-circuit prevention member.

[0016] (5) Based on (1) or (2), preferably, a cutout is formed on the opposing surface of the base opposite to the circuit board, the cutout exposing the opening edge of the through hole in the back surface of the circuit board, and the protrusion protruding from the inner bottom surface of the cutout. According to this structure, the creepage distance can be increased through the opening edge of the through hole in the back surface of the circuit board and the inner surface of the cutout of the short-circuit prevention member.

[0017] (6) Based on (1) or (2), it is preferable to form a recess on the protruding end face of the protrusion. According to this structure, the creepage distance can be increased by the recess of the protrusion.

[0018] (7) The connector device of the second disclosure includes: a connector in which a plurality of terminal parts are mounted in a parallel manner on a housing; a circuit board with a surface that serves as a mounting surface for mounting the plurality of terminal parts; a through hole formed in a region between adjacent terminal parts in the circuit board; a blocking member that is in close contact with the back of the circuit board to block the through hole; and a cover, which is a separate component from the housing and the circuit board, the cover having: a covering portion that covers a substrate connection portion of the terminal parts that protrudes to the outside of the housing; and a protrusion that protrudes from the covering portion and is housed in the through hole in a manner that leaves an insulating space. According to the structure of the second disclosure, since a creepage path in the form of bending along the inner surface of the through hole or a creepage path in the form of bending along the surface of the protrusion is formed between adjacent terminal parts, short circuits between terminal parts can be prevented. Since the protrusion forming the creepage path is housed in the through hole in a manner that leaves an insulating space, the cover and the circuit board have good assemblability.

[0019] (8) The busbar module of the third disclosure includes: the connector device of the first disclosure; and a plurality of buses for connecting a plurality of battery units, wherein a busbar holding portion for holding the plurality of buses is integrally formed in the short-circuit prevention member. According to the third disclosure, since the connector device and the plurality of buses are modularized, it is easy to perform assembly operations to the battery units.

[0020] (9) The busbar module of the fourth disclosure includes: the connector device of the second disclosure; and a plurality of buses for connecting a plurality of battery units, wherein a busbar holding portion for holding the plurality of buses is integrally formed in the blocking member. According to the fourth disclosure, since the connector device and the plurality of buses are modularized, it is easy to perform assembly operations to the battery units.

[0021] (Details of the embodiments disclosed herein) (Example 1) Reference Figures 1 to 8 The present invention is illustrated by Embodiment 1, which embodies the present disclosure. The invention is not limited to these illustrations, but is defined by the claims and is intended to include all modifications of the same meaning and scope as the claims.

[0022] In this embodiment 1, regarding the front and back directions, Figures 1-5 In 7 and 8, the direction F is defined as forward. Regarding the up and down directions, ... Figures 1-8 The H direction is defined as upward. The bottom surface and back surface are used interchangeably. Regarding the left and right directions, ... Figures 1-6 In section 8, the R direction is defined as the right. The left and right directions are used interchangeably with the width direction.

[0023] In this embodiment, the bus module M is installed in a battery module formed by connecting multiple battery cells C in series. The bus module M is a component that constitutes a circuit for detecting the voltage of each battery cell C and the temperature of the battery module. The bus module M is configured to include a connector device 10 and multiple buses 39. The multiple buses 39 are independently connected to the electrodes (not shown) of the multiple battery cells C.

[0024] The connector assembly 10 is constructed by assembling a busbar retainer 11 (short-circuit prevention member) and a conductive path 20. The conductive path 20 is constructed by assembling a circuit board 21 and a connector 30. The busbar retainer 11 is made of synthetic resin material (insulating material) and is a single component that integrates the busbar retainer 12, the path retainer 14, and the short-circuit prevention member 15. As described later, the busbar retainer 11 has the function of preventing short circuits between terminal parts 32.

[0025] Viewed from above in a top-down perspective of the connector assembly 10, the busbar retainer 11 is rectangular with its long side pointing in the front-back direction. The busbar retainer portion 12 is elongated in the front-back direction and forms the right side region of the busbar retainer 11. The busbar retainer portion 12 has multiple retaining plate portions 13 arranged along the front-back direction. Multiple buses 39 are independently held in the multiple retaining plate portions 13. The path retainer portion 14, like the busbar retainer portion 12, is elongated in the front-back direction and forms the left side region of the busbar retainer 11. The path retainer portion 14 functions to hold the circuit board 21 in a straight line extending in the front-back direction. The path retainer portions 14 are arranged side-by-side to the side of the busbar retainer portion 12.

[0026] A short-circuit prevention section 15 is disposed in the left-hand region of the front end of the busbar retainer 11. The short-circuit prevention section 15 is disposed adjacent to the front end edge of the path retainer 14. That is, the short-circuit prevention section 15 is connected to the front end of the path retainer 14. Figure 8 As shown, the short-circuit prevention part 15 has a flat base 16, a pair of left and right positioning protrusions 17, a pair of left and right retaining wall parts 19, and a protrusion 18. The positioning protrusions 17 are cylindrical portions that protrude upward from the left and right ends of the upper surface of the base 16. The pair of retaining wall parts 19 are portions that stand upright from the upper surface of the base 16 at a position forward of the positioning protrusions 17.

[0027] The protrusion 18 is a rectangular portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the base 16. Viewed from above, the protrusion 18 is a rectangle with its longer side pointing in the front-rear direction. The protrusion 18 extends from a position slightly forward of the positioning protrusion 17 to a position slightly rearward of the front end of the retaining wall portion 19. The protrusion 18 in the left-right direction is located in the area between the pair of retaining walls 19, and is positioned slightly to the right of the center of the width direction of the pair of retaining walls 19. The upward protrusion dimension of the protrusion 18 from the base 16 is larger than the thickness dimension of the circuit board 21, which will be described later.

[0028] The circuit board 21 is a substrate referred to as an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit). The circuit board 21 has a sheet-like flexible substrate 22 extending elongated in the rear-to-rear direction and a reinforcing plate 23 made of a rigid material. The flexible substrate 22 is a component capable of flexible deformation. Circuitry for detecting the voltage value of each battery cell C is formed on the flexible substrate 22. The upper surface of the flexible substrate 22 (the surface of the circuit board 21) functions as a mounting surface 24 for mounting the terminal component 32, described later. The reinforcing plate 23 is attached to the front end of the back (lower surface) of the flexible substrate 22. The front end of the flexible substrate 22 is reinforced by the reinforcing plate 23 to improve its bending stiffness, making it less prone to deformation.

[0029] A through-hole 25 is formed at the front end of the circuit board 21. The through-hole 25 is an opening extending from the mounting surface 24 of the flexible substrate 22 to the back surface 21L of the circuit board 21 (the back surface 23L of the reinforcing plate 23). The through-hole 25, viewed from above, is a rectangle with its long side facing forward and backward. The through-hole 25 is positioned slightly to the right of the center in the width direction of the circuit board 21. A pair of positioning holes 26 are formed in the circuit board 21, located behind the through-hole 25. The positioning holes 26 extend through the circuit board 21 from the mounting surface 24 to the back surface 23L of the reinforcing plate 23.

[0030] Multiple pads 27 for connecting to the terminal components 32 described later are formed on the mounting surface 24 of the circuit board 21. The multiple pads 27 are arranged in a row at intervals in the left-right direction (width direction). Each pad 27, viewed from above, is a rectangle with its long side facing the front-back direction. The length of the pad 27 in the front-back direction is smaller than the opening size of the through-hole 25 in the front-back direction. In the front-back direction, the area formed by the pad 27 is located within the opening area of ​​the through-hole 25. The front edge 25F of the opening edge of the through-hole 25 is located forward of the front edge of the pad 27. The rear edge 25R of the opening edge of the through-hole 25 is located backward of the rear edge of the pad 27.

[0031] Multiple pads 27 are arranged side-by-side along the width direction in two regions divided to the left and right by the through-hole 25. In this embodiment, four pads 27 are arranged in a narrow region to the right of the through-hole 25, and nine pads 27 are arranged in a wide region to the left of the through-hole 25. Since the four pads 27L to the right of the through-hole 25 constitute a temperature detection circuit for detecting the temperature of the battery cell C, the voltage of these four pads 27L is low (e.g., a few V to tens of V). The nine pads 27 to the left of the through-hole 25 constitute a voltage detection circuit for detecting the voltage of the battery cell C. Among the pads 27 of the voltage detection circuit, the leftmost pad 27 has the lowest voltage, and the voltage of the pads 27 further to the right increases progressively. The voltage of the current flowing in the pad 27H closest to the through-hole 25 is, for example, as high as about 800 V. Therefore, the potential difference between two adjacent pads (pad 27L and pad 27H) separated by the through hole 25 becomes a value close to 800V.

[0032] The connector 30 is constructed by assembling a housing 31, a plurality of terminal parts 32, and a cover 38. The housing 31 is formed into a flat shape with a smaller height dimension compared to its dimensions in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The cover 38 is mounted on the housing 31 to cover the portions of the plurality of terminal parts 32 that are exposed to the rear of the housing 31.

[0033] Terminal component 32 is formed by bending a metal rod-shaped member. Terminal component 32 has a wire harness connecting portion 33 extending in a straight line in the forward-backward direction and a substrate connecting portion 34 extending rearward from the rear end of the wire harness connecting portion 33. The substrate connecting portion 34 has a leg 35 extending downward in a straight line from the rear end of the wire harness connecting portion 33 and a mounting portion 36 extending rearward from the lower end of the leg 35.

[0034] Multiple terminal parts 32 are mounted side-by-side on the housing 31 in a left-right direction. The terminal parts 32 are mounted by pressing a wiring harness connector 33 into the housing 31 from the rear. At the rear of the housing 31, the rear ends of the wiring harness connectors 33 of the multiple terminal parts 32 and the entire substrate connector 34 are exposed. The number of terminal parts 32 mounted on one housing 31 is the same as the number of pads 27 described above (13 poles). The positional relationship (side-by-side spacing in the left-right direction) of the 13 mounting portions 36 is the same as that of the pads 27. The connector 30 is mounted on the mounting surface 24 by means of positioning posts 37 fixed to the left and right outer surfaces of the housing 31. The mounting portions 36 of each terminal part 32 hold solder (not shown) applied to the upper surface of the pad 27.

[0035] The connector 30 and circuit board 21, after installation, are reflowed in a reflow oven (not shown). The reflow process allows the mounting surface 24 and pad 27 to be electrically bonded via solder. After reflow, the cover 38 is assembled onto the housing 31. Based on the above, a conductive path 20 is formed.

[0036] The conductive path 20, after undergoing reflow treatment, is assembled onto the upper surface of the short-circuit prevention portion 15 in the busbar holder 11. During assembly, the positioning hole 26 is engaged with the positioning protrusion 17, and a pair of retaining walls 19 are secured to both ends of the cover 38. By securing the retaining walls 19 to the cover 38, the upper surface of the base 16 of the short-circuit prevention portion 15 is brought into close contact with the back surface 21L of the circuit board 21 (the back surface 23L of the reinforcing plate 23). By assembling the conductive path 20 onto the busbar holder 11, the connector device 10 is thus formed.

[0037] With the connector assembly 10 assembled, the protrusion 18 of the busbar retainer 11 passes through the through hole 25 of the circuit board 21, and the upper end of the protrusion 18 protrudes upward beyond the mounting surface 24 of the circuit board 21. Viewed from above, an insulating space S is ensured throughout the entire circumference between the outer peripheral surface (front and rear surfaces and left and right outer surfaces) of the protrusion 18 and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 25. That is, the outer surface of the protrusion 18 does not contact the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 25 throughout the entire area.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, a mounting portion 36H, connected to a pad 27H for high-voltage current flow, is positioned immediately to the left of the through-hole 25 and the protrusion 18. A mounting portion 36L, connected to a pad 27L for low-voltage current flow, is positioned immediately to the right of the through-hole 25 and the protrusion 18. The potential difference between the mounting portions 36H and 36L of two adjacent terminal parts 32 separated by the through-hole 25 and the protrusion 18 is approximately 800V. Therefore, if the creepage distance between the two mounting portions 36H and 36L is short, there is a concern that a short circuit may occur between the two mounting portions 36H and 36L.

[0039] As a countermeasure, a through hole 25 is formed between the two mounting portions 36H and 36L, and a protrusion 18 that does not contact the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 25 is clamped within the through hole 25. This ensures a creepage path between the mounting portions 36H and 36L, passing through the left inner side of the through hole 25, the upper surface of the base 16, the left outer side of the protrusion 18, the upper end surface of the protrusion 18, the right side of the protrusion 18, the upper surface of the base 16, and the right inner side of the through hole 25. The distance of this creepage path (creep distance) is increased by an amount corresponding to the length obtained by adding the distance along the vertical direction of the left and right inner sides of the through hole 25 to the vertical direction of the left and right outer sides of the protrusion 18, compared to the creepage distance without the through hole 25 and the protrusion 18. Therefore, short circuits between the mounting portions 36H and 36L can be prevented.

[0040] Furthermore, an insulating space S is ensured throughout the entire circumference between the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 25 and the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 18. Therefore, during the assembly of the conductive path 20 (circuit board 21) to the busbar holder 11 (short-circuit prevention part 15), there is no concern that the protrusion 18 will come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 25. That is, there is no concern about sliding resistance occurring between the protrusion 18 and the circuit board 21. Therefore, even if the tolerances of the through-hole 25 and the protrusion 18 are large, it will not hinder the assembly of the circuit board 21 and the short-circuit prevention part 15.

[0041] The leading edge 25F of the through-hole 25 is located forward of the leading edges of the pads 27, 27H, 27L and the mounting portions 36, 36H, 36L. The trailing edge 25R of the through-hole 25 is located rearward of the trailing edges of the pads 27, 27H, 27L and the mounting portions 36, 36H, 36L. Therefore, the creepage path between the high-potential mounting portion 36H and the low-potential mounting portion 36L on the mounting surface 24 is a bend along the leading edge 25F or the trailing edge 25R of the through-hole 25. Thus, the creepage distance between the mounting portions 36H and 36L on the mounting surface 24 is ensured to be longer by forming the through-hole 25.

[0042] The bus module M of this embodiment 1 includes a connector device 10 and multiple busbars 39 for connecting multiple battery units C. A busbar holding part 12 for holding the multiple busbars 39 is integrally formed on the busbar holding member 11, which functions as a short-circuit prevention member. According to this structure, since the connector device 10 and the multiple busbars 39 are modularized into a single assembly, assembly operations to the battery units C are easily performed.

[0043] The connector device 10 of Embodiment 1 includes a connector 30, a circuit board 21, and a busbar retainer 11 that functions as a short-circuit prevention member. The connector 30 is configured to mount a plurality of terminal parts 32 in a parallel manner on a housing 31. The surface of the circuit board 21 functions as a mounting surface 24 for mounting the plurality of terminal parts 32. A through hole 25 is formed in the region of the circuit board 21 between the mounting portions 36H and 36L of adjacent terminal parts 32. The busbar retainer 11 is a separate component from the circuit board 21. The short-circuit prevention portion 15 of the busbar retainer 11 has a base 16 and a protrusion 18. The base 16 is in close contact with the back surface 21L of the circuit board 21 to block the through hole 25. The protrusion 18 protrudes from the base 16 and is housed within the through hole 25 with an insulating space S vacated.

[0044] Because a creepage path is formed between adjacent terminal parts 32 (high-potential mounting portion 36H and low-potential mounting portion 36L) through the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 25, the base 16, and the protrusion 18 in a bent form, short circuits between the terminal parts 32 (between mounting portion 36H and mounting portion 36L) can be prevented. Since the protrusion 18 forming the creepage path is housed in the through hole 25 with an insulating space S left open, the busbar retainer 11 (short circuit prevention portion 15) and the circuit board 21 have good assembly properties.

[0045] Mounting surface 24 has pads 27, 27H, and 27L for connecting terminal parts 32. In the front-back direction orthogonal to the parallel direction of the terminal parts 32, the opening area of ​​the through hole 25 is larger than the forming area of ​​the pad 27. According to this structure, a longer creepage distance between adjacent pads 27 can be ensured on mounting surface 24.

[0046] The circuit board 21 includes: a sheet-like flexible substrate 22 on which terminal parts 32 are connected to a mounting surface 24; and a reinforcing plate 23 fixed to the back side of the flexible substrate 22. The through hole 25 is designed to pass through the flexible substrate 22 and the reinforcing plate 23. With this structure, even if the terminal parts 32 are mounted on the easily deformable flexible substrate 22, the base 16 of the short-circuit prevention member can be tightly attached to the back side 21L of the circuit board 21.

[0047] A path holding portion 14 for holding the flexible substrate 22 in a shape that follows a predetermined wiring path is integrally formed on the busbar retainer 11 (short-circuit prevention portion 15). According to this structure, the number of components can be reduced compared to manufacturing the path holding portion 14 as a separate component from the busbar retainer 11 (short-circuit prevention member).

[0048] (Example 2) Reference Figure 9The connector device 40 of Embodiment 2, which embodies the present disclosure, will be described below. In this Embodiment 2, regarding the vertical direction, Figure 9 The H direction is defined as upward. Regarding the left and right directions, [the following is a list of directions]. Figure 9 The R direction is defined as the rightward direction. In this embodiment 2, the connector device 40 has a different structure for the short-circuit prevention part 42 of the busbar retainer 41 compared to that of embodiment 1. Regarding other structures, since they are the same as in embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are used for the same structures, and descriptions of their construction, function, and effects are omitted.

[0049] The short-circuit prevention part 42 of this embodiment has a cutout 44 formed by recessing the upper surface of the base 43. A protrusion 45 protrudes upward from the inner bottom surface of the cutout 44. When viewed from above, the cutout 44 is formed as a rectangle larger than the opening area of ​​the through hole 25. That is, the front edge of the cutout 44 is located in front of the front edge of the through hole 25, and the rear edge of the cutout 44 is located in rear of the rear edge of the through hole 25. The left edge of the cutout 44 is located to the left of the left edge of the through hole 25, and the right edge of the cutout 44 is located to the right of the right edge of the through hole 25. The opening edge 25E of the through hole 25 in the back surface 21L of the circuit board (the back surface 23L of the reinforcing plate) is opposed to the upper surface of the base 43 in the vertical direction without contact.

[0050] The creepage path between the high-potential mounting portion 36H and the low-potential mounting portion 36L is through the left inner side of the through hole 25, the back surface 21L of the circuit board 21, the left inner side of the cut portion 44, the inner bottom surface of the cut portion 44, the left outer side of the protrusion 45, the upper end surface of the protrusion 45, the right outer side of the protrusion 45, the inner bottom surface of the cut portion 44, the right inner side of the cut portion 44, the back surface 21L of the circuit board 21, and the right inner side of the through hole 25.

[0051] In this embodiment 2, a cutout 44 is formed on the opposing surface (upper surface) of the base 43 opposite to the circuit board 21, exposing the opening edge 25E of the through hole 25 in the back surface 21L of the circuit board 21. A protrusion 45 protrudes upward from the inner bottom surface of the cutout 44. According to this structure, the creepage distance can be increased through the opening edge 25E of the through hole 25 in the back surface 21L of the circuit board 21 and the inner surface of the cutout 44 of the short-circuit prevention part 42.

[0052] (Example 3) Reference Figure 10 The connector device 50 of Embodiment 3, which embodies the present disclosure, will be described below. In this Embodiment 3, regarding the vertical direction, Figure 10 The H direction is defined as upward. Regarding the left and right directions, [the following is a list of directions]. Figure 10 The R direction is defined as the rightward direction. In this embodiment 3, the connector device 50 has a different structure for the short-circuit prevention part 52 of the busbar retainer 51 compared to that of embodiment 1. Regarding other structures, since they are the same as in embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are used for the same structures, and descriptions of their construction, function, and effects are omitted.

[0053] The short-circuit prevention part 52 of this embodiment has a protrusion 54 that protrudes upward from the base 53. A recess 55 is formed on the upper end surface of the protrusion 54. When viewed from the rear of the connector device 50, the recess 55 is formed in the center of the protrusion 54 in the left-right direction. The front end and rear end of the recess 55 may or may not open on the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 54.

[0054] The creepage path between the high-potential mounting portion 36H and the low-potential mounting portion 36L is a path passing through the left inner side of the through hole 25, the upper surface of the base 53, the left outer side of the protrusion 54, the upper end face of the protrusion 54, the bent inner surface of the recess 55, the upper end face of the protrusion 54, the right outer side of the protrusion 54, the upper surface of the base 53, and the right inner side of the through hole 25. The creepage distance between the high-potential mounting portion 36H and the low-potential mounting portion 36L can be increased by the recess 55 formed on the protruding end face of the protrusion 54.

[0055] (Example 4) Reference Figures 11-15 The connector device 60 of Embodiment 4, which embodies the present disclosure, will be described below. In this Embodiment 4, regarding the front-to-back direction, Figures 11-13 In section 15, the direction F is defined as forward. Regarding the up and down directions, [the following is a separate section:] Figures 11-15 The H direction is defined as upward. Regarding the left and right directions, [the following is a list of directions]. Figures 11-14 In this context, the R direction is defined as the right side. The left-right direction is used interchangeably with the width direction. The connector device 60 of this embodiment 4 has a different short-circuit prevention mechanism between the high-potential mounting portion 36H and the low-potential mounting portion 36L compared to the structure described in Embodiment 1. Regarding other structures, since they are the same as in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are used for the same structures, and descriptions of their construction, function, and effects are omitted.

[0056] In the connector 61 constituting the connector device 60 of this embodiment 4, the housing 31 and the terminal part 32 have the same structure as the connector 30 of embodiment 1. The cover 62 of the connector 61 of embodiment 4 is formed with a different shape than the cover 38 of embodiment 1. The cover 62 of embodiment 4 is a single component having a covering portion 63 and a protrusion 64, wherein the covering portion 63 covers the portion of the terminal part 32 that protrudes to the rear of the housing 31 (the substrate connection portion 34), and the protrusion 64 protrudes downward from the covering portion 63. The shape and size of the protrusion 64 when viewed from below in a bottom view of the connector device 60 are the same as the protrusion 18 when viewed from above in embodiment 1.

[0057] The circuit board 21 in Embodiment 4 is the same component as in Embodiment 1. The area in the busbar holder 65 for mounting the front end of the circuit board 21 functions as a blocking portion 66. With the circuit board 21 mounted on the busbar holder 65, the blocking portion 66 blocks the entire opening area of ​​the through-hole 25 of the circuit board 21. The upper surface of the blocking portion 66 is in close contact with the back surface 21L of the circuit board 21 (the back surface 23L of the reinforcing plate 23). The protrusion 64 is received from above the circuit board 21 into the through-hole 25. An insulating space S is ensured throughout the entire circumference between the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 25 and the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 64. The lower end face (protruding end face) of the protrusion 64 is positioned relative to the upper surface of the blocking portion 66 with a vertically spaced gap.

[0058] The connector device 60 of this embodiment 4 includes a connector 61, a circuit board 21, a bus retainer 65 (blocking member), and a cover 62. The connector 61 is designed to mount a plurality of terminal parts 32 in a parallel manner onto the housing 31. The surface of the circuit board 21 functions as a mounting surface 24 for mounting the plurality of terminal parts 32.

[0059] A through-hole 25 is formed in the area between the high-potential mounting portion 36H and the low-potential mounting portion 36L of adjacent terminal parts 32 in the circuit board 21. A busbar retainer 65 is attached to the back surface 21L of the circuit board 21 to close the through-hole 25. The cover 62 is a separate component from the housing 31 and the circuit board 21. The cover 62 has a covering portion 63 and a protrusion 64. The covering portion 63 covers the substrate connection portion 34 of the terminal part 32 that protrudes to the outside of the housing 31. The protrusion 64 protrudes downward from the covering portion 63 and is housed within the through-hole 25 to create an insulating space S.

[0060] According to the connector device 60 of this embodiment 4, a creepage path is formed between adjacent terminal parts 32 in the form of a bend along the inner surface of the through hole 25 or a bend along the surface of the protrusion 64. Since this bend creepage path ensures a longer creepage distance, short circuits between the terminal parts 32 can be prevented. Since the protrusion 64 forming the creepage path is housed in the through hole 25 with an insulating space S left open, the cover 62 and the circuit board 21 have good assemblability.

[0061] (Other embodiments) This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and in the accompanying drawings, but is defined by the claims. The invention includes all modifications equivalent to and within the scope of the claims, and also includes the embodiments described below. Circuit boards can also be rigid substrates (hard substrates) that are not flexible. The width of the protrusion can be the same as the opposing distance between the inner side of the through hole and the outer side of the protrusion, or it can be smaller. If the width of the protrusion is smaller than the opposing distance between the through hole and the protrusion, short circuits caused by the proximity of the opening edge of the through hole to the outer side of the protrusion can be avoided. In the front-back direction orthogonal to the parallel direction of the terminal component, the opening area of ​​the through hole can be the same as or smaller than the forming area of ​​the pad. Alternatively, the path-keeping component can be set as a separate part from the short-circuit prevention component. Alternatively, the busbar retaining section can be designed as a separate component from the short-circuit prevention component. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0062] 10… Connector device 11…Busbar retainer (short circuit prevention component) 12…Busbar support section 13…Keep the board section 14…Path Maintenance Department 15…Short circuit prevention section 16…base 17…Location of the protrusion 18…protrusion 19… Maintain wall section 20…conducting circuit 21…Circuit board 21L…back side of circuit board 22…Flexible substrate 23…reinforcement plate 23L…back of the reinforcement plate 24…Mounting surface 25… Through hole 25E… Opening edge of the through hole 25F… Leading edge of the through hole 25R… Rear end edge of the through hole 26… Positioning Holes 27…pads 27H…High-potential pads 27L…low potential pads 30… connector 31…shell 32…Terminal parts 33…Connector for wire harness 34…Substrate connection portion 35…legs 36… Installation Department 36H…High-potential mounting section 36L…Low-potential mounting section 37… Positioning Post 38…cover 39…busbar 40… Connector device 41…Busbar retainer (short circuit prevention component) 42…Short circuit prevention section 43…base 44…Incision area 45…protrusion 50… Connector device 51…Busbar retainer (short circuit prevention component) 52…Short Circuit Prevention Section 53…base 54…protrusion 55…concave 60… Connector device 61… connector 62…cover 63…Coverage Department 64…protrusion 65… Busbar retainer (blocking component) 66…blockage section C…Battery unit M…bus module S…Insulated space

Claims

1. A connector device comprising: The connector is designed to have multiple terminal components mounted side-by-side in a housing. The circuit board has a surface that serves as a mounting surface for mounting the plurality of terminal components; Through holes are formed in the area between adjacent terminal components in the circuit board; as well as The short-circuit prevention component is a separate part from the circuit board. The short-circuit prevention component has: The base is attached to the back of the circuit board to seal the through hole; as well as The protrusion protrudes from the base and is housed within the through hole in a manner that creates an insulating space.

2. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting surface has pads for connecting the terminal components. In a direction orthogonal to the parallel direction of the terminal component, the opening area of ​​the through hole is larger than the forming area of ​​the pad.

3. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The circuit board has: a sheet-like flexible substrate for connecting the terminal components to the mounting surface; and a reinforcing plate fixed to the back side of the flexible substrate. The through hole is designed to connect the flexible substrate and the reinforcing plate.

4. The connector device according to claim 3, wherein, The short-circuit prevention member has an integrally formed path holding portion that holds the flexible substrate in a shape along a predetermined wiring path.

5. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A cutout is formed on the opposing surface of the base, which is opposite to the circuit board, and the cutout exposes the opening edge of the through hole in the back surface of the circuit board. The protrusion extends from the inner bottom surface of the cut.

6. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A recess is formed on the protruding end face of the protrusion.

7. A connector device comprising: The connector is designed to have multiple terminal components mounted side-by-side in a housing. The circuit board has a surface that serves as a mounting surface for mounting the plurality of terminal components; Through holes are formed in the area between adjacent terminal components in the circuit board; A blocking member is attached to the back of the circuit board to block the through hole; as well as The cover is a component that is separate from the housing and the circuit board. The cover has: A cover portion that covers the substrate connection portion of the terminal component that protrudes to the outside of the housing; and The protrusion protrudes from the cover and is housed within the through hole in a way that creates an insulating space.

8. A busbar module, comprising: The connector device according to claim 1; and Multiple busbars used to connect multiple battery cells. The short-circuit prevention member integrally forms a busbar holding part for holding the plurality of busbars.

9. A busbar module, comprising: The connector device as claimed in claim 7; and Multiple busbars used to connect multiple battery cells. The blocking member has an integrally formed busbar holding part for holding the plurality of busbars.

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