Connector Assembly

Abstract

A connector assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first connector including a first body portion and a first connecting portion protruding in one direction from the first body portion, and a second connector including a second body portion and a second connecting portion recessed from the second body portion in the insertion direction of the first connecting portion to accommodate the first connecting portion, and an inclined portion may be formed on an edge of the second connecting portion so that the first connecting portion can slide.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0033567, filed March 14, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0115116, filed August 31, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector assembly. [Background technology]

[0003] To address the growing need for new energy sources due to the depletion of petroleum resources and to solve the increasingly serious problem of environmental pollution, research and development into power generation based on environmentally friendly energy sources is being conducted. In particular, research into secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged is being actively conducted, and various aspects of secondary batteries, such as their materials, structure, processes, and stability, are being studied.

[0004] The secondary battery may be managed in a module or pack unit, and the modules or packs containing the secondary battery may be electrically connected via a connector. In particular, in order to effectively manage the energy storage system containing the secondary battery, it is necessary to smoothly transmit and receive power and control signals using the connector.

[0005] According to the prior art, there are problems that the module or connector may be damaged by repeated removal and installation, or the internal structure of the connector may be dislodged by external forces. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly that can be assembled stably and effectively. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A connector assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first connector including a first body portion and a first connecting portion protruding in one direction from the first body portion, and a second connector including a second body portion and a second connecting portion recessed from the second body portion in the insertion direction of the first connecting portion to accommodate the first connecting portion, and an inclined portion may be formed on an edge of the second connecting portion so that the first connecting portion can slide. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the assembly stability of the connector assembly can be increased.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ease of assembling the connector assembly can be increased. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the assembly of a battery module assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a battery module assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is temporarily attached. [Figure 4] 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views illustrating a point in time in the process of connecting a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled; [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention in a coupled state; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a second connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a first connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a terminal block of a first connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view showing a terminal block of a first connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a plan view of a first connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one direction. [Figure 12] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a first high-voltage first locking structure of a first connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a first high-voltage second locking structure of a first connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1A and 1B are conceptual diagrams showing a first low-voltage first locking structure and a second locking structure of a first connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1 is a plan view showing a state in which a first connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention is viewed from above. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a second connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 10 is a plan view showing the second connector housing according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 21] 10 is a perspective view showing an inclined portion of a second connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 22] 5A and 5B are conceptual diagrams illustrating sliding of a first connector and a second connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23]1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a holding member is attached to a first connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 24] 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a holding member is attached to a first connector housing according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 25] 10 is a partially enlarged view showing a state in which a holding member is attached to a first connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 26] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first high-voltage terminal block and a first high-voltage terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 27] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first high-voltage terminal block and a first high-voltage terminal are coupled together according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 28] 1 is a perspective view showing a terminal block mounting portion of a first connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 29] 10 is a bottom view showing the terminal block mounting portion of the first connector according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 30] 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a first connector according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a first connector attachment portion. FIG. [Figure 31] 10 is a bottom view showing the terminal block mounting portion of the second connector according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 32] 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the second connector according to the embodiment of the present invention is attached to the second connector attachment portion. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011]

[0033] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention; however, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the following embodiments.

[0012] In order to clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of parts that are not relevant to the explanation or related known technologies that may obscure the gist of the present invention are omitted, and when referring to components in each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference symbols are used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0013] Furthermore, the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in a limited way to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a way that is consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best explain their inventions.

[0014] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] The energy storage system 1 may include a battery control unit 2. The battery control unit 2 may perform overall control of the energy storage system 1.

[0016] The energy storage system 1 may include a battery module assembly 3. The battery module assembly 3 may be an assembly having a battery module or a battery built therein. A plurality of battery module assemblies 3 may be provided.

[0017] The energy storage system 1 may include a bottom plate assembly 4. The bottom plate assembly 4 may form a lower exterior of the energy storage system 1.

[0018] The energy storage system 1 may be provided in a form in which the battery module assembly 3 is stacked on the bottom plate assembly 4, and the battery control unit 2 is stacked on the battery module assembly 3.

[0019] The energy storage system 1 may include a first connector 10 and a second connector 20. For example, the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 may electrically couple the bottom plate assembly 4, the battery module assembly 3, and the battery control unit 2, which are stacked together.

[0020] Specifically, for example, a first connector 10 and a second connector 20 may be disposed on the upper and lower parts of each battery module assembly 3. Here, the first connector 10 may be disposed on the bottom plate assembly 4, and the second connector 20 may be disposed on the battery control unit 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0021] By providing the energy storage system 1 as in the above example, the bottom plate assembly 4, the battery module assembly 3, and the battery control unit 2 can be electrically connected by the first connector 10 and the second connector 20.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the assembly of a battery module assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the battery module assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is temporarily attached.

[0023] The energy storage system 1 may include a plurality of battery module assemblies 3. For convenience of explanation, of the two battery module assemblies 3, the one disposed at the bottom may be defined as a first battery module assembly, and the one disposed at the top may be defined as a second battery module assembly.

[0024] For example, the energy storage system 1 can include a first battery module assembly and a second battery module assembly mounted on the first battery module assembly.

[0025] The first connector 10 can be attached to the first connector attachment portion 3-1 of the first battery module assembly, and the second connector 20 can be attached to the second connector attachment portion 3-2 of the second battery module assembly.

[0026] The first battery module assembly may include a module guide 3-3, which may be provided to guide attachment to the second battery module assembly.

[0027] A plurality of module guides 3-3 can be provided.

[0028] To give a specific example, the first battery module assembly may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the module guides 3-3 may be formed on two or more edges of the first battery module assembly when viewed from above.

[0029] The module guide 3-3 may be formed on an edge of the first battery module assembly and may be provided to extend upward from the edge of the first battery module assembly.

[0030] The second battery module assembly may include a guide mounting portion 3-5, which may be provided to mount the module guide 3-3.

[0031] A plurality of guide mounting portions 3-5 may be provided. For example, a plurality of module guides 3-3 may be provided to extend upward from the edge of the first battery module assembly, and the second battery module assembly may include guide mounting portions 3-5 to which the module guides 3-3 are attached.

[0032] The battery module assembly 3 may be provided with both a module guide 3-3 and a guide mounting portion 3-5. For example, the module guide 3-3 may be formed on an upper edge of the battery module assembly 3, and the guide mounting portion 3-5 may be formed on a lower edge. In this case, battery module assemblies 3 of the same shape may be easily stacked.

[0033] The positions where the module guide 3-3 and the guide attachment portion 3-5 are formed are not limited to the positions described above.

[0034] The first battery module assembly may include a first connector 10 exposed upward so as to be electrically connected to the second battery module assembly.

[0035] The second battery module assembly may include a second connector 20 exposed downward so as to be electrically connected to the first battery module assembly.

[0036] The first connector 10 and the second connector 20 may be provided to be electrically connected.

[0037] The first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be provided so as to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance L1 when the module guide 3-3 is temporarily attached to the guide attachment portion 3-5. The predetermined distance L1 can be in the range of 4 mm to 5 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0038] As described above, when the module guide 3-3 is temporarily attached to the guide mounting portion 3-5, the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are spaced a predetermined distance L1 apart, thereby preventing damage caused by a collision between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a point in time in the process of coupling a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the coupled state of the terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] After the temporary attachment, the attachment of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be completed by the weight of the second battery module assembly. For example, after the temporary attachment, the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be fastened together by the load of the second battery module assembly temporarily attached on the first battery module assembly.

[0041] The first connector 10 may include a first high voltage terminal 110 and a first low voltage terminal 120 .

[0042] The second connector 20 may include a second high voltage terminal 210 and a second low voltage terminal 220 .

[0043] When the first high-voltage terminal 110 and the second high-voltage terminal 210 come into contact, the first low-voltage terminal 120 and the second low-voltage terminal 220 can be spaced apart by a predetermined distance L2. The predetermined distance L2 by which the first low-voltage terminal 120 and the second low-voltage terminal 220 are spaced apart can be within a range of 1 mm to 1.5 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0044] The first high-voltage terminal 110 and the second high-voltage terminal 210 may have a larger radius than the first low-voltage terminal 120 and the second low-voltage terminal 220, respectively.

[0045] The first high-voltage terminal 110 and the second high-voltage terminal 210 may have greater rigidity than the first low-voltage terminal 120 and the second low-voltage terminal 220, respectively.

[0046] When the first high-voltage terminal 110 is inserted into the second high-voltage terminal 210, the second low-voltage terminal 220 may be in the state before being inserted into the first low-voltage terminal 120.

[0047] As described above, when the first high-voltage terminal 110 is inserted into the second high-voltage terminal 210, the second low-voltage terminal 220 is in the state before being inserted into the first low-voltage terminal 120. This allows the high-voltage terminal, which has a relatively large rigidity and radius, to be coupled first, and the low-voltage terminal, which has a relatively small rigidity, to be coupled later. This prevents damage to the terminals. Furthermore, the high-voltage terminal is inserted first, which allows the low-voltage terminal to be guided.

[0048] The overlap length L4 when the first high-voltage terminal 110 is fully inserted into the second high-voltage terminal 210 may be in the range of 4 mm to 5 mm. Also, the overlap length L3 when the first low-voltage terminal 120 is fully inserted into the second low-voltage terminal 220 may be in the range of 3.5 mm to 4 mm. The above numerical ranges are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a coupled state of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a second connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a first connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. The descriptions regarding the above embodiments can be applied equally or similarly to this embodiment.

[0050] The first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be mated to form a connector assembly 30 .

[0051] The second connector 20 may include a second connector housing 200. The second connector housing 200 may form the exterior of the second connector 20.

[0052] The second connector 20 may include terminals 210 and 220. The terminals 210 and 220 may be provided in the second connector housing 200 so as to be inserted in a predetermined insertion direction.

[0053] The second connector 20 may include terminal blocks 211, 221.

[0054] The terminal blocks 211, 221 may be inserted into the second connector housing 200, encase the terminals 210, 220, and restrict the terminals 210, 220 from moving in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. The second connector housing 200 may be provided with protrusions that lock the terminal blocks 211, 221.

[0055] The terminals 210, 220 may include a second high voltage terminal 210 and a second low voltage terminal 220.

[0056] The terminal blocks 211, 221 may include a second high voltage terminal block 211 and a second low voltage terminal block 221.

[0057] The second low-voltage terminal block 221 may include a second low-voltage upper block 221-1 and a second low-voltage lower block 221-2.

[0058] The first connector 10 may include a first connector housing 100. The first connector housing 100 may form the exterior of the first connector 10.

[0059] The first connector 10 may include terminals 110 and 120. The terminals 110 and 120 may be provided so as to be inserted into the first connector housing 100 in a predetermined insertion direction.

[0060] The first connector 10 may include terminal blocks 111, 121.

[0061] The terminal blocks 111, 121 may be inserted into the first connector housing 100, enclose the terminals 110, 120, and restrict movement of the terminals 110, 120 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. The first connector housing 100 may be provided with protrusions that lock the terminal blocks 111, 121.

[0062] The terminals 110, 120 may include a first high voltage terminal 110 and a first low voltage terminal 120.

[0063] The terminal blocks 111, 121 may include a first high voltage terminal block 111 and a first low voltage terminal block 121.

[0064] The first low-voltage terminal block 121 may include a first low-voltage upper block 121-1 and a first low-voltage lower block 121-2.

[0065] The description of the first connector 10 below can be applied to the second connector 20 in the same or similar manner.

[0066] 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a terminal block of a first connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a terminal block of a first connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. The description of the above embodiment can be applied equally or similarly to this embodiment.

[0067] The first connector 10 may include a first high voltage terminal block 111 and a first low voltage terminal block 121 .

[0068] The first high-voltage terminal block 111 may be provided to enclose the first high-voltage terminal 110 .

[0069] The first low-voltage terminal block 121 may include a first low-voltage upper block 121-1 and a first low-voltage lower block 121-2.

[0070] The first low-voltage lower block 121-2 may be provided to enclose the first low-voltage terminal 120.

[0071] The first low-voltage upper block 121-1 may be configured to support the first low-voltage lower block 121-2 from the outside in a stacked form so that, when the first low-voltage lower block 121-2 is inserted into the first connector housing 10, the first low-voltage lower block 121-2 is restricted from moving in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0072] 11 is a plan view of a first connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from one direction. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a first connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. The description of the above-described embodiment can be applied equally or similarly to this embodiment.

[0073] The first connector housing 100 may include a terminal block mounting portion 140 .

[0074] The terminal block mounting portion 140 may include a first high voltage terminal block mounting portion 141 and a first low voltage terminal block mounting portion 142 .

[0075] The first low-voltage terminal block mounting portion 142 may be provided so that the first low-voltage terminal 120 is inserted in a predetermined insertion direction.

[0076] The first low-voltage terminal block 121 encloses the first low-voltage terminal 120 and can be inserted into the first low-voltage terminal block mounting portion 142 .

[0077] The first low-voltage terminal block 121 may include a first low-voltage upper block 121-1 and a first low-voltage lower block 121-2.

[0078] The first low-voltage lower block 121-2 can enclose the first low-voltage terminal 120 and be disposed inside the first low-voltage terminal block mounting portion 142.

[0079] The first low-voltage upper block 121-1 may be configured to support the first low-voltage lower block 121-2 from the outside in a stacked form so that, when the first low-voltage lower block 121-2 is inserted inside the first connector housing 100, the first low-voltage lower block 121-2 is restricted from moving in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0080] The first connector 10 may include a first high-voltage terminal block mounting portion 141. For example, the first connector housing 100 may be formed with the first high-voltage terminal block mounting portion 141.

[0081] The first connector 10 may include a first high-voltage terminal 110. The first high-voltage terminal 110 may be inserted into the first high-voltage terminal block mounting portion 141 in a predetermined insertion direction.

[0082] The first connector 10 may include a first high-voltage terminal block 111. The first high-voltage terminal block 111 encloses the first high-voltage terminal 110 and may be inserted into the first high-voltage terminal block mounting portion 141.

[0083] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a first high-voltage first locking structure of a first connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a first high-voltage second locking structure of a first connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. The descriptions regarding the above embodiments can be applied equally or similarly to this embodiment.

[0084] The first connector housing 100 may include a stopper portion 141-1, which may support the first high-voltage terminal 110 so that the first high-voltage terminal 110 does not enter beyond a predetermined extent in the insertion direction.

[0085] The first connector housing 100 may include a first protrusion 141-2 that may protrude inward of the first connector housing 100 to restrict movement of the first high-voltage terminal block 111 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0086] The first connector housing 100 may include a second protrusion 141-3 that may protrude inward from the first connector housing 100 to restrict movement of the first high-voltage terminal 110 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0087] The first high-voltage terminal 110 may include a protrusion 110-1. The protrusion 110-1 may protrude in a direction transverse to the direction of insertion into the first connector housing 100. For example, the protrusion 110-1 of the first high-voltage terminal 110 may protrude outward to be locked with the second protrusion 141-3. The second protrusion 141-3 may be provided to protrude inward from the first connector housing 100 to lock the protrusion 110-1. The protrusion 110-1 may also be understood as a terminal protrusion.

[0088] The first high-voltage terminal block 111 may be provided with a block protrusion 111-1 that protrudes outward. For example, the block protrusion 111-1 may protrude outward to be engaged with the first protrusion 141-2. Specifically, for example, the first protrusion 141-2 may protrude inward from the first connector housing 100 and be engaged with the block protrusion 111-1 so that movement of the first high-voltage terminal block 111 is suppressed when a force is applied in the direction opposite to the direction of insertion into the first connector housing 100.

[0089] 15 is a conceptual diagram showing a first low-voltage first locking structure and a second locking structure of a first connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. The explanations regarding the above-mentioned embodiments can be applied equally or similarly to this embodiment.

[0090] The first low-voltage terminal 120 may be formed with a protrusion 120-1 that protrudes in a direction transverse to the direction of insertion into the first connector housing 100. The protrusion 120-1 may be understood as a terminal protrusion. The protrusion 120-1 may be provided to protrude toward and engage with the first low-voltage terminal block 121. Specifically, for example, the protrusion 120-1 may be provided to protrude in a direction transverse to the direction of insertion into the first connector housing 100 and to be engaged with the first low-voltage terminal lower block 121-2.

[0091] The first low-voltage terminal 120 may be formed with a protrusion 120-2 that protrudes to be engaged with the first low-voltage terminal block 121. The protrusion 120-2 may be understood as a terminal protrusion. Specifically, for example, the protrusion 120-2 may extend toward the first low-voltage terminal upper block 121-1 and protrude so as to be supported by the first low-voltage terminal upper block 121-1 when a force is applied in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0092] For convenience of explanation, the first low-voltage terminal lower block 121-2 and the first low-voltage terminal upper block 121-1 may be referred to as a first terminal block and a second terminal block, respectively.

[0093] 16 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. The description of the above embodiment can be applied equally or similarly to this embodiment. FIG. 16 shows a state in which the coupling axis is rotated 180 degrees compared to FIG. 6 showing the connector assembly 30.

[0094] The first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be mated to form a connector assembly 30. Figure 16 can show that the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can form the connector assembly 30 along a mating axis Z-Z'.

[0095] Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a first connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 18 is a plan view showing the first connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from above, Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing a second connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 20 is a plan view showing the second connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from above, and Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing an inclined portion of the second connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. The descriptions regarding the above embodiments can be applied equally or similarly to this embodiment.

[0096] The first connector 10 may include a first connector housing 100 .

[0097] The first connector housing 100 may include a first body portion 130 .

[0098] The first connector housing 100 may include a holding member mounting portion 131. The holding member mounting portion 131 may be provided in the form of a through hole formed on the edge of the first body portion .

[0099] The first connector housing 100 may include a first connecting portion 150. For example, the first connecting portion 150 may protrude in one direction from the first body portion 130. The one direction may be upward along the coupling axis Z-Z'.

[0100] The first connecting part 150 may include a first high-voltage connecting part 151. For example, the first high-voltage connecting part 151 may form an outer periphery surrounding the first high-voltage terminal 110.

[0101] The first connection part 150 may include a first low-voltage connection part 152. For example, the first low-voltage connection part 152 may form an outer periphery surrounding the first low-voltage terminal 120.

[0102] The first high voltage connector 151 and the first low voltage connector 152 may be spaced apart from the body part 130 and extend in one direction.

[0103] Round portions 151-1 and 152-1 may be formed on the first connecting portion 150. For example, round portions 151-1 and 152-1 may be formed on the ends of the first high-voltage connecting portion 151 and the first low-voltage connecting portion 152, respectively, to be slidable.

[0104] The first high-voltage connector 151 and the first low-voltage connector 152 may be formed with rounded portions 151-1 and 152-1 so as to be slidable on the inclined portion 250, which will be described later.

[0105] The first connector housing 100 may include a corresponding inclined portion 160. The corresponding inclined portion 160 may have a shape corresponding to an inclined portion 250 described below.

[0106] The corresponding inclined portion 160 is formed on the edge of the first connecting portion 150 and may have an inclination corresponding to the inclined portion 250, which will be described later, so that the inclined portion 250 can be placed thereon.

[0107] When viewed from above, the corresponding inclined portion 160 may have a locus that encompasses the first high-voltage connector 151 and the first low-voltage connector 152. In other words, when viewed along the insertion direction (or the coupling axis Z-Z'), the first high-voltage connector 151 and the first low-voltage connector 152 may be provided inside the corresponding inclined portion 160.

[0108] The second connector housing 200 may include a second body portion 230 .

[0109] The second connector housing 200 may include a second connecting portion 240. The second connecting portion 240 may be recessed from the second body portion 230 in the insertion direction of the first connecting portion 150 to accommodate the first connecting portion 150.

[0110] The second connector 240 may include a second high-voltage connector 241 and a second low-voltage connector 242. The second high-voltage connector 241 and the second low-voltage connector 242 may have a recessed shape in the second body part 230 corresponding to the first high-voltage connector 151 and the first low-voltage connector 152, respectively.

[0111] The second connecting part 240 may have an inclined portion 250 formed at its edge so that the first connecting part 150 can slide thereon.

[0112] The inclined portion 250 can extend from an edge of the second connecting portion 240 so as to be inclined relative to the insertion direction (or the bonding axis ZZ') in a direction away from the bonding axis ZZ' in the insertion direction.

[0113] The second high-voltage connector 241 and the second low-voltage connector 242 may be provided inside the inclined portion 250 when viewed along the insertion direction (or the coupling axis ZZ').

[0114] 22 is a conceptual diagram showing the sliding of the first connector and the second connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. The explanations regarding the above-mentioned embodiment can be applied in the same or similar manner to this embodiment.

[0115] When the second connector 20 is attached to the first connector 10, it can be attached by the weight of the battery module assembly 3 described above.

[0116] In a temporary mounting state, when the second connector 20 is attached to the first connector 10 due to the weight of the battery module assembly 3, the first connecting portion 150 of the first connector 10 can be accurately inserted into the second connecting portion 240 of the second connector 20 without collision or contact.

[0117] When the second connector 20 is attached to the first connector 10 due to the weight of the battery module assembly 3 in a temporary attachment state, the first connecting portion 150 of the first connector 10 may collide with or come into contact with the second connecting portion 240 of the second connector 20. In this case, the first connecting portion 150 may collide with or come into contact with the inclined portion 250.

[0118] The inclination of the inclined portion 250 allows the first connecting part 150 to be guided for insertion into the inside of the second connector 20. For example, when viewed from above along the coupling axis Z-Z', the first connecting part 150 may come into contact with the left upper end LH, the right upper end RH, the left lower end LL, and the right lower end RL. Inclined surfaces are formed on the left upper end LH, the right upper end RH, the left lower end LL, and the right lower end RL, allowing the connecting part 150 to be guided into the inside of the second connector 20.

[0119] Although the above description has been given using the left upper end LH, the right upper end RH, the left lower end LL, and the right lower end RL as examples, it can be applied to any point on the inclined portion 250 in the same manner.

[0120] The first connecting portion 150 has rounded portions 151-1 and 152-1, which are more effective than the inclined portion 250 and can guide the insertion while minimizing damage and wear.

[0121] Fig. 23 is a perspective view showing a state in which a holding member is attached to a first connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 24 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a holding member is attached to a first connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 25 is a partially enlarged view showing a state in which a holding member is attached to a first connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. The descriptions regarding the above embodiments can be applied equally or similarly to this embodiment.

[0122] The first connector 10 may include a holding member 170 .

[0123] The holding member 170 can be attached to the first body part 130 so that the first connector 10 is able to move within a predetermined range. For example, the holding member 170 can be attached to the first body part 130 so that the first connector 10 is able to move within a predetermined range when the second connector 20 is attached onto the first connector 10. Specifically, the holding member 170 can be attached to the holding member attachment part 131 of the first body part 130.

[0124] The holding member 170 can movably couple the first body portion 130 to the battery module assembly 3 (or the first connector attachment portion 3-1) to which the first body portion 130 is attached.

[0125] The first body portion 130 may be provided with a holding member mounting portion 131 having a through hole formed therein so that the holding member 170 can be mounted thereon. The through hole formed in the holding member mounting portion 131 may have a shape including a hemispherical shape. The hemispherical shape may allow a predetermined distance to be spaced between the first portion 172 of the holding member 170 and the holding member mounting portion 131.

[0126] A portion of the holding member 170 is in contact with the holding member attachment portion 131 , and another portion thereof can be spaced apart from the holding member attachment portion 131 .

[0127] The holding member 170 may include a head portion 171. For example, the head portion 171 may be a portion that has a diameter larger than that of the through-hole and is placed on the holding member mounting portion 131.

[0128] The holding member 170 may include a first portion 172. For example, the first portion 172 may be connected to the head portion 171 and spaced a predetermined distance L5 from the holding member mounting portion 131. The first portion 172 may have a length corresponding to the thickness of the first body portion 130.

[0129] The holding member 170 may include a second portion 173. For example, the second portion 173 may be connected to the first portion 172 and have a smaller outer diameter than the first portion 172. However, the second portion 173 does not necessarily have to have a smaller outer diameter than the first portion 172, and may not be particularly limited. The second portion 173 may be coupled to the battery module assembly 3 (or the first connector mounting portion 3-1).

[0130] When the second connector 20 is attached onto the first connector 10, if the first connector 10 is movable within a predetermined range, damage and wear can be minimized and the attachment of the second connector 20 can be guided onto the first connector 10. In other words, the first connector 10 can be freely moved by a predetermined distance L5, and the coupling portion 150 can be effectively guided inside the second connector 20.

[0131] Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view showing a first high-voltage terminal block and a first high-voltage terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 27 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first high-voltage terminal block and the first high-voltage terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention are combined. The descriptions regarding the above embodiments can be applied equally or similarly to this embodiment.

[0132] The first high-voltage terminal block 111 may include a first block 310. For example, the first block 310 may enclose one side of the first high-voltage terminal 110.

[0133] The first high-voltage terminal block 111 may include a second block 320. For example, the second block 320 may be provided to be coupled to the first block 310 and may enclose the other side of the first high-voltage terminal block 111.

[0134] The first high-voltage terminal block 111 may also enclose a portion of the electric wire line connected to the first high-voltage terminal 110 .

[0135] The first high-voltage terminal 110 may include a groove 110-2. For example, the groove 110-2 may be formed by recessing a portion of the first high-voltage terminal 110.

[0136] The first high-voltage terminal block 111 may include a locking portion 312. The locking portion 312 may be provided so that an end of the first high-voltage terminal 110 side of the first high-voltage terminal block 111 is locked into the groove portion 110-2.

[0137] The first block 310 may include a first coupling portion 311 for an interference fit coupling.

[0138] The second block 320 may include a second coupling portion 321 for an interference fit coupling.

[0139] The first coupling portion 311 and the second coupling portion 321 are tightly coupled together, and the first high-voltage terminal block 111 can be attached to the first high-voltage terminal 110 .

[0140] The first high-voltage terminal 110 may include a protrusion 110-1 that may protrude so as to restrict movement of the first high-voltage terminal 110 in the first high-voltage terminal block 111 in the longitudinal direction.

[0141] The first high-voltage terminal block 111 includes a protrusion 111-1 that protrudes toward the first connector housing 100, so that movement of the first high-voltage terminal block 111 relative to the first connector housing 100 can be restricted.

[0142] The first connector housing 100 can support the protrusion 111-1 and limit the movement of the first high-voltage terminal block 111 when a force acts on the first high-voltage terminal block 111 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0143] Fig. 28 is a perspective view showing a terminal block mounting portion of a first connector housing according to one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 29 is a bottom view showing the terminal block mounting portion of the first connector according to one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 30 is a conceptual diagram showing how the first connector according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted to the first connector mounting portion, Fig. 31 is a bottom view showing the terminal block mounting portion of the second connector according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 32 is a conceptual diagram showing how the second connector according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted to the second connector mounting portion. The descriptions regarding the above embodiments can be applied equally or similarly to this embodiment.

[0144] The description of the above embodiment can be applied equally or similarly to this embodiment.

[0145] As described above, the connectors 10, 20 may include body portions 130, 230, connecting portions 150, 240 provided on one side of the body portions 130, 230 to be electrically connected to the outside, and mounting portions 140, 201 provided on the other side of the body portions 130, 230 to open so that the terminals 110, 120, 210, 220 can be inserted and to be mounted to the battery module assembly 3.

[0146] The mounting portions 140 and 201 are mounting portions that function as terminal block mounting portions, and can be mounting portions that are attached to the battery module assembly 3 (or the connector mounting portions 3-1 and 3-2).

[0147] The attachment portions 140, 201 may be formed asymmetrically.

[0148] For example, the mounting portion 140 may include a third protrusion 143 that protrudes from one edge in a direction across the edge. Specifically, the third protrusion 143 may extend perpendicular to the edge, but is not limited thereto.

[0149] As another example, a rounded portion may be provided on the mounting portion 201. Specifically, the mounting portion 201 may have a rounded portion only on one edge.

[0150] By forming the mounting portions 140, 201 asymmetrically, it is possible to prevent assembly in which the connector mounting portions 3-1, 3-2 are mounted in the mounting hole 3-4 in a direction other than the direction specified by the connector mounting portions 3-1, 3-2.

[0151] The above-described configurations of the mounting portions 140, 201 are merely examples, and various designs can be used to prevent misassembly when the mounting portions are asymmetrical.

[0152] Although the present invention has been described above using limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various implementations are possible within the technical spirit of the present invention and the scope of the claims set forth below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 1. Energy storage system 2 Battery Control Unit 3 Battery Module Assembly 3-1 First connector mounting part 3-2 Second connector mounting section 3-3 Module Guide 3-4 Mounting holes 3-5 Guide mounting part 4 Bottom Plate Assembly 10 First Connector 20 Second Connector 30 Connector Assembly 100 First connector housing 110 First high voltage terminal 110-1 Protrusion 110-2 Groove 111 First high voltage terminal block 111-1 First high voltage terminal block protrusion 120 First low voltage terminal 120-1 1st protrusion 120-2 Second protrusion 121 First low voltage terminal block 121-1 Upper block for low voltage No. 1 121-2 First low voltage lower block 130 Body 131 Hold member mounting part 140 Terminal block mounting part 141 First high voltage terminal block mounting section 141-1 Stopper part 141-2 1st protrusion 141-3 Second protrusion 142 First low voltage terminal block mounting section 143 Third protrusion 150 Connection section 151 High voltage connection 151-1 Round Section 152 Low voltage connection 152-1 Round Section 160 Slope 170 Holding member 171 Head 172 Part 1 173 Part 2 200 Second connector housing 201 Terminal block mounting part 201-1 Edge on one side 201-2 Other edge 210 Second high voltage terminal 211 Second high voltage terminal block 220 Second low voltage terminal 221 Second low voltage terminal block 221-1 Second low voltage upper block 221-2 Second low voltage lower block 230 Body 240 Connection section 241 High voltage connection 242 Low voltage connection 250 Slope 310 Block 1 311 1st joint 312 Locking part 320 Block 2 321 2nd joint 322 Locking part HVLOCK1 Second high voltage first lock structure HVLOCK2 Secondary locking structure for second high voltage LVLOCK1 Second low voltage first lock structure LVLOCK2 Second low voltage second lock structure

Claims

1. a first connector including a first body portion and a first coupling portion protruding in one direction from the first body portion; a second connector including a second body portion and a second connecting portion recessed from the second body portion in an insertion direction of the first connecting portion so as to accommodate the first connecting portion; Including, The edge of the second connecting portion has A connector assembly, wherein a sloped portion is formed so that the first connecting portion is slidable.

2. The inclined portion is The connector assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the second coupling portion extends from an edge of the second coupling portion at an angle relative to the insertion direction in a direction away from the insertion axis of the insertion direction.

3. The second connecting portion is The connector assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a second high voltage connection portion and a second low voltage connection portion provided inside the inclined portion when viewed along the insertion direction.

4. The first connector has: The connector assembly according to claim 1 , wherein a corresponding inclined portion is formed on an edge of the first connecting portion and has a corresponding inclination so that the inclined portion rests on the corresponding inclined portion.

5. The first connecting portion is The connector assembly according to claim 4 , further comprising a first high voltage connection portion and a first low voltage connection portion provided inside the corresponding inclined portion when viewed along the insertion direction.

6. At the end of the first connecting portion, The connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein a rounded portion is formed so as to be slidable on the ramp portion.

7. A connector assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a holding member attached to the first body portion so that the first connector can move within a predetermined range when the second connector is attached onto the first connector.

8. The holding member is The connector assembly of claim 7 , wherein the first body portion is movably coupled to a battery module assembly to which the first body portion is attached.

9. 8. The connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein the first body portion is provided with a holding member attachment portion having a through hole formed therein for attachment of the holding member.

10. The through hole formed in the holding member mounting portion The connector assembly of claim 9, wherein the shape includes a hemispherical shape.

11. The holding member is The connector assembly according to claim 9 , wherein a portion of the connector contacts the holding member mounting portion and another portion is spaced apart from the holding member mounting portion.

12. The holding member is a head portion having a diameter larger than that of the through hole and placed on the holding member mounting portion; a first portion connected to the head portion and spaced a predetermined distance from the holding member mounting portion; The connector assembly of claim 11 , comprising:

13. The holding member is The connector assembly of claim 12, including a second portion coupled to said first portion and having a smaller outer diameter than said first portion.

14. The first portion is The connector assembly of claim 12, having a length corresponding to a thickness of the first body portion.

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