Semi-fitting detection structure

Abstract

This invention provides a partial mating detection structure for a voltage measurement connector in a fuel cell cell, to ensure a correct mating state. [Solution] The anti-dislodgement mechanism 2 has a connector-side engaging portion 21 formed on the connector side and a stack-side engaging portion 22 that can engage with the connector-side engaging portion 21. The detection means 3 includes a detection substrate 31 exposed on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole, a connection terminal 32 electrically connected to the detection substrate 31 and to which an external device is connected, and a conductive body N provided on the connector and configured to be in contact with the detection substrate 31. The mating state transitions from a semi-matted state in which the connector-side engaging portion 21 and the stack-side engaging portion 22 are not engaged and the connector and the stack are electrically connected, to a fully mated state in which the connector-side engaging portion 21 and the stack-side engaging portion 22 are engaged and the connector and the stack are electrically connected, as the connector slides in the connection direction. In the fully mated state, the conductive body N is in contact with the detection substrate 31.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure for detecting a semi-fitted state of a connector for voltage measurement in a fuel cell.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, against the backdrop of the world becoming more active in efforts to reduce environmental impact, the advantages of fuel cells have drawn attention.

[0003] Fuel cells can generate electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are available, and emit only water during power generation, resulting in a low environmental impact. In addition, fuel cells have many advantages, such as generating no noise because they generate electricity only through chemical reactions, having low power transmission losses, and being easily accessible for fuel.

[0004] By the way, a fuel cell is generally configured by stacking a plurality of substantially plate-shaped components called cells, each of which can react hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity on its own. In the manufacture of fuel cells, etc., it is necessary to perform condition control according to the power generation status of each cell, so a connector for monitoring the voltage of each cell is used.

[0005] Regarding this connector, Patent Document 1 describes an invention related to a connector that does not require a frontage member for a mating partner.

[0006] This connector includes a fitting frontage defined by an arm formed in a U shape, and a lock member provided on the housing so as to face the side fitting frontage in order to prevent detachment from the mating member.

[0007] Since the housing of the invention described in Patent Document 1 has a side fitting frontage as described above, it is not necessary to provide a fitting frontage on the mating device, and the purpose is to reduce the cost of the mating device associated with the fitting frontage.

Prior Art Documents

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-176901 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] By the way, the invention described in Patent Document 1 only has a locking member for preventing detachment that is provided to bend relative to the housing. Therefore, depending on the degree of insertion, even if the locking mechanism is not engaged (partially mated), the separator and terminal may come into contact, resulting in electrical conductivity between the connector and the cell.

[0010] In such cases, the worker will monitor the voltage of each cell without being able to detect that the cells are not properly fitted, and if a cell unexpectedly comes loose, it will disrupt the work.

[0011] This invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and aims to provide a partial mating detection structure for ensuring a correct mating state for a voltage measuring connector in a fuel cell cell. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To solve the above problems, the present invention comprises a fitting assist member attached to a fuel cell, a dislodgement prevention mechanism for preventing a connector fitted to the stack of the fuel cell from coming loose, and a detection means for detecting the fitted state of the connector to the stack. The aforementioned fitting auxiliary member has a main body portion provided with a through-hole through which the connector is inserted, The anti-dislodgement mechanism comprises a stack-side engaging portion provided on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole, and a connector-side engaging portion that can engage with the stack-side engaging portion. The detection means includes a detection substrate exposed on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole, a connection terminal electrically connected to the detection substrate and to which an external device is connected, and a conductive body provided in the connector and configured to be in contact with the detection substrate. The mating state transitions from a semi-matted state, where the stack-side engaging portion and the connector-side engaging portion are not engaged and the connector and the stack are electrically connected, to a fully mated state, where the stack-side engaging portion and the connector-side engaging portion are engaged and the connector and the stack are electrically connected, due to the sliding of the connector in the connection direction. The conductive element contacts the detection substrate in the fully mated state.

[0013] According to the present invention, the contact state between the conductive body and the detection substrate changes depending on the configuration of the anti-dislodgement mechanism, so that an operator can detect whether or not it is properly fitted using an external device connected to the connection terminal.

[0014] In other words, when the device is partially mated, the conductive element and the detection board do not come into contact, while when it is fully mated, the conductive element and the detection board come into contact. Therefore, the operator can use the above-mentioned external device to detect the contact state between the conductive material and the detection board, and reliably determine whether the connector is fully mated or partially mated.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conductive body includes a support portion attached to the connector and a flexible, deformable elastic contact piece extending from the support portion. The elastic contact piece has a pressure point formed on it, which becomes the starting point for bending deformation as it is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole as it transitions from the partially fitted state to the fully fitted state. The pressing point contacts the detection substrate in the fully fitted state.

[0016] This configuration ensures contact pressure between the pressing point and the detection substrate, enabling more reliable detection of the contact state.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic contact piece includes a first structure extending from the support portion and extending away from the connector as it extends from the proximal end to the distal end, and a second structure extending from the first structure and curved in a mountain shape. The pressing point is formed at the top of the second structure.

[0018] With such a configuration, while ensuring the contact pressure between the pressing point and the detection substrate, the elastic contact piece can be smoothly introduced into the through-hole.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic contact piece includes a third structure extending from the second structure and extending toward the connector. A support point that contacts the housing of the connector is formed on the third structure. The support point is configured to be slidable on the surface of the housing as the elastic contact piece deflects.

[0020] With such a configuration, since the elastic contact piece is supported at two points by the pressing point and the support point, the contact pressure between the pressing point and the detection substrate can be more stably ensured.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the distal end side of the third structure is formed to be curved in a mountain shape. The support point is formed at the top of the third structure.

[0022] With such a configuration, the sliding operation of the support point accompanying the deflection deformation starting from the pressing point becomes smooth, and the elastic contact piece can be smoothly introduced into the through-hole.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing of the connector is provided with a groove portion that extends along the connection direction and slidably supports the distal end side of the third structure.

[0024] With such a configuration, the sliding operation of the support point is performed more stably.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tip end of the elastic contact piece in the groove is provided with abutment portion against which the tip end of the sliding third component abuts.

[0026] This configuration suppresses excessive bending deformation of the elastic contact piece and ensures appropriate contact pressure between the pressing point and the detection substrate.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing of the connector is provided with a protective portion that covers the area above the pressing point.

[0028] This configuration prevents the elastic contact piece from bending due to an unexpected external force from above the point of pressure, thereby suppressing damage to the elastic contact piece. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the present invention, a partial mating detection structure can be provided for a voltage measuring connector in a fuel cell to ensure a correct mating state. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a fitting auxiliary member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the detachment prevention mechanism and detection means of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a conductive body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows the configuration of a semi-fitting detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an overall perspective view illustrating the process of mating a connector using the semi-mating detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged view illustrating the process of mating a connector using the semi-mating detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]This is an enlarged view illustrating the process of mating a connector using the semi-mating detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged view illustrating the process of mating a connector using the semi-mating detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a side view illustrating the effects of a semi-fitting detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows a modified example of the semi-fitting detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows a modified example of the semi-fitting detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] The semi-fitting detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 11. The embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In these figures, the symbol X represents the semi-fitting detection structure according to this embodiment, the symbol A represents the fuel cell according to this embodiment, and the symbol B represents the connector according to this embodiment.

[0032] Hereafter, for the sake of explanation, the x-axis direction in Figure 1, etc., will be referred to as the front-to-back direction, the y-axis direction as the stacking direction or left-to-right direction, and the z-axis direction as the height direction. Furthermore, in the x-axis direction, the direction indicated by the arrow will be referred to as the connection direction.

[0033] <Structure> The configuration of the semi-fitting detection structure X will be explained below using Figures 1 to 4. The connector B (see Figure 3, etc.) used for measuring the voltage of each cell in fuel cell A has a resin housing B1 that houses terminals (not shown) that clamp each cell C, and an electric wire B2 (see Figure 6, etc.) extending from the rear surface of the housing B1.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the semi-fitting detection structure X includes a fitting auxiliary member 1 that is attached to the fuel cell A. Figure 1(a) shows a perspective view of the fitting auxiliary member 1 as seen from the front, and Figure 1(b) shows a perspective view of the fitting auxiliary member 1 as seen from the rear.

[0035] The mating auxiliary member 1 has a main body portion 11 through which the connector B is inserted, and mounting portions 12 provided at both ends of the main body portion 11. Furthermore, the fitting auxiliary member 1 is made of an insulating material such as resin, as it comes into contact with the stack S when attached to the fuel cell A.

[0036] The main body 11 is a roughly plate-like body extending along the stacking direction, and is provided with a pair of wall portions w1 and w2 that protrude forward from the upper and lower edges of the through-hole h and extend along substantially the entire length of the upper and lower edges. The through-hole h is a roughly rectangular hole that extends along the stacking direction and has a length approximately equal to the width of the stack S in the stacking direction.

[0037] Each mounting portion 12 is a plate-like body and is provided with a positioning hole T1 through which a positioning pin t1 (see Figure 5) provided in each end plate E (described later) is inserted, and a communication hole T2 that communicates with a penetration hole t2 (see Figure 5) provided in the end plate E.

[0038] Furthermore, the fitting auxiliary member 1 has a plurality of key projections q provided on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole h and extending in the front-rear direction, and rail portions r provided on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole h, opposite each key projection q and extending in the front-rear direction.

[0039] The key projection q is a pair of protrusions j that extend from the inner lower surface of the through-hole h to the front end of the wall portion w1. Each key projection q engages with a key groove p (not shown) provided in the housing B1, thereby ensuring stable sliding of the connector B in the connection direction, together with the corresponding rail portion r.

[0040] Each rail section r extends from the inner upper surface of the through-hole h to the front end of the wall section w2, and is a roughly U-shaped structure that opens downward when viewed from the front. Furthermore, each rail section r is arranged at a constant interval in the stacking direction to correspond to each key projection q.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the semi-mating detection structure X includes a disconnection prevention mechanism 2 that prevents the connector B, which is mated to the stack S, from coming loose, and a detection means 3 that detects the mating state of the connector B to the stack S. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the configuration of the anti-dislodgement mechanism 2 and the detection means 3 provided in the housing B1 of connector B, and Figure 2(b) is an enlarged perspective view showing the inside of the through-hole h. Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the conductive element N, which will be discussed later.

[0042] The anti-dislodgement mechanism 2 includes a connector-side engaging portion 21, a stack-side engaging portion 22 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole h and capable of engaging with the connector-side engaging portion 21, an engaging portion forming body 23 on which the connector-side engaging portion 21 is formed and which is attached to the second spring portion W2 described later, and a finger rest portion 24.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the connector-side engaging portion 21 is a projection provided on the upper surface of the engaging portion forming body 23, which will be described later. Furthermore, the connector-side engagement portion 21 is provided with an inclined surface that gradually slopes downward as it moves in the connection direction.

[0044] The stack-side engaging portion 22 is a through-hole formed on the inner upper surface of each rail portion r, as shown in Figure 2(b).

[0045] The engaging portion forming body 23 is a structure that extends in the front-rear direction and has a substantially U-shape that opens downward when viewed from the front, and is provided covering the second spring portion W2, which will be described later.

[0046] The finger rest portion 24 is formed at the rear end of the engagement portion forming body 23 and is a component that allows the operator's finger to bend the second spring portion W2.

[0047] The detection means 3 includes a detection substrate 31 exposed on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole h, a connection terminal 32 electrically connected to the detection substrate 31 and to which an external device is connected, and a conductive body N provided on the connector B and configured to be in contact with the detection substrate 31.

[0048] The detection boards 31 are provided in pairs on the inner upper surface of each rail section r, spaced apart in the left-right direction.

[0049] The connection terminal 32 is located above the through-hole h and is a terminal into which a detection connector (shown in the figure) that detects detection signals from each detection board 31 is inserted and electrically connected. Furthermore, each detection connector is connected to an external device such as a monitor that allows the operator to visually confirm the presence or absence of a detection signal.

[0050] The conductive body N includes, in particular as shown in Figure 3, a support portion W attached to the connector B, and a pair of left and right elongated elastic contact pieces K extending from the support portion W and capable of bending and deforming.

[0051] The support portion W is made up of a leaf spring curved in the direction of connection, and includes a first spring portion W1 and a second spring portion W2 facing each other, and a substantially U-shaped connecting portion W3 that connects them.

[0052] The first spring portion W1 includes a first arrowhead portion W1a formed in the shape of an arrowhead, a second arrowhead portion W1b similarly formed in the shape of an arrowhead, and a lance portion W1c formed in the shape of a lance. The first arrowhead portion W1a and the second arrowhead portion W1b are formed to be convex in the left-right direction. The second arrowhead portion W1b is positioned rearward relative to the first arrowhead portion W1a. The lance portion W1c is formed to protrude downward. The first spring section W1 is attached to the housing B1 using these components.

[0053] The second spring portion W2 includes a first arrowhead portion W2a formed in the shape of an arrowhead, a second arrowhead portion W2b similarly formed in the shape of an arrowhead, and a lance portion W2c formed in the shape of a lance. The first arrowhead portion W2a and the second arrowhead portion W2b are formed to be convex in the left-right direction. The second arrowhead portion W2b is positioned rearward relative to the first arrowhead portion W2a. A pair of lance portions W2c are positioned on the left and right sides and are formed to protrude downward. The second spring portion W2 is attached to the engagement portion forming body 23 using these components.

[0054] Each elastic contact piece K includes a first component K1 extending from the first spring portion W1 and extending so as to move away from the connector B from the base end to the tip, a second component K2 extending from the first component K1 and curved in a parabolic shape, and a third component K3 extending from the second component K2 and extending toward the connector B. The third component K3 is formed with its tip curved in a mountain-like shape.

[0055] Figure 4(a) is a perspective view showing the conductive body N and the engagement part forming body 23 (connector-side engagement part 21) attached to the connector B, Figure 4(b-1) is a cross-sectional view of (a) along the PP line, Figure 4(b-2) is a cross-sectional view of (a) along the QQ line, and Figure 4(c) is an enlarged perspective view of (a) seen from the rear.

[0056] Here, as shown in Figure 4, the housing B1 and the engagement part forming body 23 are provided with a structure for attaching the conductive body N.

[0057] More specifically, as shown in Figures 4(b-1) and (b-2), the housing B1 is provided with an arrowhead receiving section B1a that receives the first arrowhead section W1a and the second arrowhead section W1b, and a lance receiving section B1b that receives the lance section W1c.

[0058] The arrowhead receiving portion B1a is formed in a roughly angular bracket shape with a width approximately the same as the left-right width of the second spring portion W2, and is provided on the upper surface of the housing B1, facing upward and extending in the front-rear direction. The lance receiving portion B1b is the stepped portion on the front side of the convex part that protrudes from the upper surface of the housing B1.

[0059] The first arrowhead portion W1a is positioned to follow the arrowhead receiving portion B1a, and the second arrowhead portion W1b is positioned to bite into the arrowhead receiving portion B1a. The lance portion W1c is positioned so that its tip abuts against the lance receiving portion B1b.

[0060] Furthermore, the arrowhead receiving portion (not shown) and lance receiving portion (not shown) in the engaging portion forming body 23 support the second spring portion W2 with substantially the same configuration as the arrowhead receiving portion B1a and lance receiving portion B1b in the housing B1, so their illustration and explanation are omitted.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(c), when each of the above components is attached to connector B, the top of the third component K3 is in contact with the upper surface of housing B1. Furthermore, the upper surface of the housing B1 is provided with a groove L that extends along the connection direction and slides to support the tip of the third component K3. Hereafter, the top of the third component K3 that contacts the upper surface (groove L) of housing B1 will be referred to as the support point p1 (see Figure 8, etc.).

[0062] In addition, the housing B1 is provided with upright sections B1c that are erected upward from its left and right side edges, and protective sections B1d that are suspended from each of the B1c. The protective part B1d is provided to cover the top of the second component K2 (pressure point p2, which will be described later).

[0063] <How to use> The method of using the semi-fitting detection structure X will be explained below with reference to Figures 5 to 9. Note that only the enlarged views in Figures 7 and 8 have hatching applied to their cross-sectional areas.

[0064] First, the worker attaches the fitting auxiliary member 1 to the fuel cell A, as shown in Figure 5.

[0065] More specifically, the worker inserts each positioning pin t1 into each positioning hole T1, and positions the front side of each mounting portion 12 adjacent to the rear side of each end plate E. Then, the worker inserts each fastening member (bolt) v through each connecting penetration hole t2 and each connecting hole T2, and fastens them.

[0066] Here, each detection board 31, each connection terminal 32, and each stack-side engaging portion 22 are integrally configured by being provided on a flat plate-shaped base portion D that extends in the stacking direction and is configured separately from the main body portion 11. Specifically, each detection board 31 is provided on the lower surface of the base portion D, each connection terminal 32 is provided on the upper surface of the base portion D, and each stack-side engaging portion 22 is provided as a through hole in the base portion D.

[0067] Furthermore, the main body 11 is provided with a gap g1 (shown by a dotted rectangle) formed between each rail section r and the upper edge of the through-hole h, and a connection terminal hole g2 that communicates with the gap g1. As a result, the base portion D is inserted into the gap g1 and each connection terminal 32 is inserted into each connection terminal hole g2, thereby attaching each component, including the base portion D, to the main body portion 11, and the base portion D constitutes the upper surface of each rail portion r (the inner circumferential upper surface of the through-hole h).

[0068] Each cell C is provided with a roughly U-shaped first notch C1 and a slender second notch C2 connected to the first notch C1 and extending in the direction of connection of the connector B, as shown in Figure 5(b-1). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(b-2), the stack S is provided with a groove G formed by each of the first notches C1 communicating along the stacking direction, and a slit Z formed by each of the second notches C2 communicating along the stacking direction, according to the configuration of each cell C described above.

[0069] As a result, when the above mounting configuration is achieved, the upper surface of the wall portion w1 is adjacent to the upper surface of the inner circumference of the groove portion G, and the lower surface of the wall portion w2 is adjacent to the lower surface of the inner circumference of the groove portion G, so that each wall portion w1 and w2 is inserted into the groove portion G. Furthermore, when connecting the connector B, the upper portion of the slit Z is inserted through the guide portion (the portion formed on the front side of the housing B1) which is a substantially plate-shaped body arranged in multiple directions in the left-right direction on the housing B1.

[0070] Next, the worker inserts the assembled connector B, as shown in Figure 4, into the stack S via the mating support member 1.

[0071] In other words, the worker inserts the connector B into the through-hole h (sliding it in the connection direction) while engaging the keyway p and the key projection q, as shown in Figure 6. Note that Figure 6 shows a non-mated state in which connector B (terminal) and stack S (cell C) are not electrically connected and the respective engaging parts 21 and 22 are not engaged.

[0072] From the state shown in Figure 6, as connector B slides further in the connection direction, as shown in Figure 7, the engaging parts 21 and 22 do not engage, and connector B and stack S become electrically connected, resulting in a semi-mated state. At this time, the inclined surface of the connector-side engaging portion 21 and the rear end of the rail portion r come into contact, causing the second spring portion W2 to bend and deform downward as the connector B slides in the connection direction. In Figure 7, the connector-side engaging portion 21 is shown in contact with the inner circumferential upper surface of the through-hole h (rail portion r). Furthermore, from Figure 7 to the fully fitted state shown in Figure 8, the upper surface of the rail portion r is inserted between the protective portion B1d and each elastic contact piece K (second component K2).

[0073] In the partially mated state, the conductive body N does not come into contact with the detection substrate 31. In other words, in the semi-fitted state, the second component K2 does not come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole h, but is positioned adjacent to the through-hole h.

[0074] From the state shown in Figure 7, by further sliding connector B in the connection direction, as shown in Figure 8, the engagement parts 21 and 22 engage, and the connector B and stack S become electrically connected, resulting in a fully mated state. At this time, the connector-side engaging portion 21 (projection) fits into the stack-side engaging portion 22 (groove), which eliminates the bending deformation of the second spring portion W2 and prevents the connector B from coming loose.

[0075] In the fully mated state, the conductive body N is in contact with the detection substrate 31. In other words, in the fully fitted state, each elastic contact piece K enters the through-hole h as the top of the second component K2 is pressed against the inner circumferential upper surface of the through-hole h, causing the entire assembly to bend and deform, and the top of the second component K2 comes into contact with the detection substrate 31. Hereinafter, the top of each second component K2 that comes into contact with the detection substrate 31 will be referred to as the pressing point p2.

[0076] Thus, as the fitting transitions from a partially fitted state to a fully fitted state, each pressing point p2 is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole h, becoming the starting point for the deflection deformation of each elastic contact piece K. Then, as each elastic contact piece K deforms by bending starting from each pressing point p2, each support point p1 slides backward along the groove L (see Figure 8(b)).

[0077] Finally, the operator confirms the mating state by checking for the presence or absence of a detection signal caused by contact between the detection board 31 and the pressing point p2 via a monitor connected to each detection connector.

[0078] When removing connector B from stack S, the worker can simply place their fingers on the finger rest 24 and deform the second spring W2 downwards to release the engagement of the engagement parts 21 and 22, thereby sliding connector B backward.

[0079] <Effects> According to this embodiment, the contact state between the conductive body N and the detection substrate 31 changes depending on the arrangement of the pressing point p2 according to the mating state. Therefore, the operator can use an external device connected to the connection terminal 32 to detect the contact state between the conductive body N and the detection board 31, and reliably determine whether the connector B is fully mated or partially mated.

[0080] Furthermore, since the pressing point p2, which is the starting point of the deflection deformation of each elastic contact piece K, is in contact with the detection substrate 31 in the fully fitted state, contact pressure between the pressing point p2 and the detection substrate 31 can be ensured, enabling more reliable detection of the contact state.

[0081] Furthermore, since the pressing point p2 is formed on the top of the second component K2, each elastic contact piece K can be smoothly introduced into the through-hole h while ensuring contact pressure between the pressing point p2 and the detection substrate 31.

[0082] Furthermore, as each elastic contact piece K undergoes deflection deformation, the support point p1 is configured to slide along the surface of the housing B1. This means that each elastic contact piece K is supported at two points, by the pressing point p2 and the support point p1, thereby ensuring more stable contact pressure between the pressing point p2 and the detection substrate 31.

[0083] Furthermore, since the support point p1 is formed at the top of the third component K3, the sliding motion of the support point p1 accompanying the deflection deformation starting from the pressing point p2 becomes smoother, allowing each elastic contact piece K to be smoothly introduced into the through-hole h.

[0084] Furthermore, the groove L ensures that the sliding motion of the support point p1 is more stable.

[0085] Furthermore, the semi-fitting detection structure X, as shown in Figure 8, produces the effect shown in Figure 9.

[0086] In other words, as shown in Figure 9, even if an unexpected external force F is generated from above the pressing point p2 (second component K2), the pressing point p2 is protected by the protective part B1d, so the external force F is not applied to the pressing point p2. This prevents each elastic contact piece K from unexpectedly bending due to an external force F, thereby suppressing damage to each elastic contact piece.

[0087] <Example of changes> The shapes and dimensions of the components shown in the above embodiment are merely examples and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements, etc.

[0088] For example, as shown in Figure 10, the engagement portion forming body 23 is not necessarily required; the connector-side engagement portion 21 may be integrally formed with the second spring portion W2, and the finger rest portion 24 may also be integrally provided at the base end of the second spring portion W2.

[0089] In this case, as shown in the lower part of Figure 10(a), the spring force of the support part W may be adjusted by providing through holes or grooves in the center of the connecting part W3 as appropriate. Figure 10(b) is an exploded perspective view of connector B and conductive body N (and engagement part forming body 23, finger rest 24), and Figure 10(c) is an assembled perspective view of these parts.

[0090] Alternatively, the modifications shown in Figure 11 are also acceptable. Figure 11(a) is an enlarged perspective view of the assembled connector B, showing the connector B in an un-mated or partially-mated state as seen from the rear; (b) is the same enlarged perspective view in the fully-mated state; and (c) is a side cross-sectional view of (b).

[0091] As shown in Figure 11, the leading edge (rear end) of the elastic contact piece K in the groove L is provided with abutment portion b against which the leading edge of the sliding third component K3 abuts. In other words, in the above embodiment, the groove L extended to the rear end, giving it a roughly L-shape when viewed from the side. In this modified example, however, a stopper b is provided at the rear end, giving it a roughly U-shape when viewed from the side.

[0092] As described above, according to the modified example, as shown in Figures 11(b) and (c), the tip of the third component K3 abuts against the abutment portion b, thereby suppressing excessive bending deformation of each elastic contact piece K and ensuring appropriate contact pressure between the pressing point p2 and the detection substrate 31.

[0093] The term "abbreviated" used in the above explanation refers to a concept that includes shapes that have been chamfered or rounded, or shapes whose constituent elements have been deformed or altered in length to the extent that it does not hinder the purpose of the shape. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] X Semi-fitting detection structure 1. Fitting auxiliary member 11 Main body 12 Mounting part 2. Anti-detachment mechanism 21 Connector-side engagement portion 22 Stack-side engagement portion 23 Engagement part forming body 3. Detection means 31. Detection board 32 connection terminals N Conductor W Support part W1 First spring section W2 Second spring section K Elastic Contact Piece K1 first construct K2 second construct K3 third construct A fuel cell B connector B1 Housing B2 electric wire S stack C cell

Claims

1. The system comprises a mating assist member attached to a fuel cell, a disconnection prevention mechanism for preventing the connector that is mated to the stack of the fuel cell from coming loose, and a detection means for detecting the mating state of the connector to the stack. The aforementioned fitting auxiliary member has a main body portion provided with a through-hole through which the connector is inserted, The anti-dislodgement mechanism comprises a stack-side engaging portion provided on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole, and a connector-side engaging portion that can engage with the stack-side engaging portion. The detection means includes a detection substrate exposed on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole, a connection terminal electrically connected to the detection substrate and to which an external device is connected, and a conductive body provided in the connector and configured to be in contact with the detection substrate. The mating state transitions from a semi-matted state, where the stack-side engaging portion and the connector-side engaging portion are not engaged and the connector and the stack are electrically connected, to a fully mated state, where the stack-side engaging portion and the connector-side engaging portion are engaged and the connector and the stack are electrically connected, due to sliding of the connector in the connection direction. The conductive body contacts the detection substrate in the fully fitted state. Semi-fitting detection structure.

2. The conductive body includes a support portion attached to the connector and a flexible, deformable elastic contact piece extending from the support portion. The elastic contact piece has a pressure point formed on it, which becomes the starting point for bending deformation as it is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole as it transitions from the partially fitted state to the fully fitted state. The pressing point contacts the detection substrate in the fully fitted state. The semi-fitting detection structure according to claim 1.

3. The elastic contact piece includes a first component extending from the support portion and extending away from the connector as it moves from the base end towards the tip, and a second component extending from the first component and curving in a parabolic shape. The pressing point is formed on the top of the second component, The semi-fitting detection structure according to claim 2.

4. The elastic contact piece includes a third component that extends from the second component and extends toward the connector. The third component has a support point that contacts the housing of the connector, The support point is configured to slide along the surface of the housing in accordance with the bending deformation of the elastic contact piece. The semi-fitting detection structure according to claim 3.

5. The third component is formed with its tip curved in a mountain-like shape, The support point is formed at the top of the third component, The semi-fitting detection structure according to claim 4.

6. The housing of the connector is provided with a groove that extends along the connection direction and slides to support the tip of the third component. The semi-fitting detection structure according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The semi-fitting detection structure according to claim 6, wherein the tip end of the elastic contact piece in the groove is provided with abutment portion against which the tip end of the sliding third component abuts.

8. The housing of the connector is provided with a protective portion that covers the area above the pressing point. The semi-fitting detection structure according to claim 2.

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