Half-fit detection structure

Abstract

A half-fit detection structure is provided for ensuring a correct fit state of a voltage measurement connector in a fuel cell. [Solution] The anti-slip mechanism 2 has a connector side engagement portion 21 formed on the connector side and a stack side engagement portion 22 engageable with the connector side engagement portion 21. The detection means 3 includes a detection board 31 exposed on the inner surface of the through hole, a connection terminal 32 electrically connected to the detection board 31 and to which an external device is connected, and a conductor N provided on the connector and configured to be able to come into contact with the detection board 31. As the connector slides in the connection direction, the mated state transitions from a semi-mated state in which the connector side engagement portion 21 and the stack side engagement portion 22 are not engaged and the connector and stack are conductive, to a fully mated state in which the connector side engagement portion 21 and the stack side engagement portion 22 are engaged and the connector and stack are conductive, and the conductor N comes into contact with the detection board 31.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, the advantages of fuel cells have been attracting attention against the backdrop of active efforts around the world to reduce the environmental impact.

[0003] Fuel cells can generate electricity using only hydrogen and oxygen, and because they only emit water during power generation, they place a low burden on the environment. In addition, fuel cells have many advantages, such as no noise being generated because electricity is generated solely through chemical reactions, there being little transmission loss, and the fuel is easily available.

[0004] Incidentally, a fuel cell is generally constructed by stacking a plurality of roughly plate-shaped components called cells, each of which is capable of generating electricity by reacting hydrogen and oxygen. In the manufacture of fuel cells, etc., it is necessary to control conditions according to the power generation status of each cell, so connectors are used to monitor the voltage of each cell.

[0005] Regarding this connector, Patent Document 1 describes an invention relating to a connector that does not require a frontage member on the mating side.

[0006] This connector has a mating opening defined by a U-shaped arm, and a locking member provided on the housing facing the side mating opening to prevent the mating member from coming loose.

[0007] The invention described in Patent Document 1 aims to reduce the cost of the mating device associated with a mating opening by eliminating the need to provide a mating opening in the mating device because the housing has a side mating opening as described above. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-176901 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, the locking member for preventing dislodging is simply provided so as to bend with respect to the housing. Therefore, depending on the degree of insertion, even when the locking member is not locked (semi-fitted state), the separator and terminal may come into contact with each other, resulting in electrical continuity between the connector and the cell.

[0010] In such a case, the worker will have to monitor the voltage of each cell without being able to detect that the cells are not properly fitted, and if one cell suddenly falls out, this will cause disruption to the work.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a half-fit detection structure for ensuring a correct fit state of a voltage measurement connector in a fuel cell. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a fuel cell stack including a fuel cell connector and a fuel cell stack stack, the fuel cell connector including a fuel cell stack stack and a fuel cell stack ... the fitting assist member has a main body portion provided with a through hole through which the connector is inserted, the fall-out prevention mechanism includes a stack-side engaging portion provided on an inner circumferential surface of the through hole, and a connector-side engaging portion engageable with the stack-side engaging portion, the detection means includes a detection board exposed on an inner circumferential surface of the through hole, a connection terminal electrically connected to the detection board and to which an external device is connected, and a conductor provided in the connector and configured to be able to come into contact with the detection board; the mated state transitions from a semi-fitted state in which the stack-side engaging portion and the connector-side engaging portion are not engaged with each other and the connector and the stack are electrically connected, to a fully mated state in which the stack-side engaging portion and the connector-side engaging portion are engaged with each other and the connector and the stack are electrically connected, as the connector slides in the connecting direction; The conductor contacts the detection board in the fully engaged state.

[0013] According to the present invention, the contact state between the conductor and the detection board changes depending on the configuration of the anti-slip mechanism, so that an operator can detect whether or not the connection is correctly engaged using an external device connected to the connection terminal.

[0014] That is, in the half-fitted state, the conductor and the detection board are not in contact, whereas in the fully-fitted state, the conductor and the detection board are in contact. Therefore, the worker can use the external device to detect the contact state between the conductor and the detection board and reliably determine whether the connector is in a fully engaged state or a partially engaged state.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conductor includes a support portion attached to the connector, and a resilient contact piece extending from the support portion and capable of bending and deforming, a pressing point is formed in the elastic contact piece, which becomes a starting point of deflection deformation by being pressed against an inner circumferential surface of the through hole as the state transitions from the semi-fitted state to the fully-fitted state; The pressure point contacts the detection board in the fully engaged state.

[0016] With this configuration, the contact pressure between the pressing point and the detection substrate is ensured, and the contact state can be detected more reliably.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the resilient contact piece includes a first component extending from the support portion and extending away from the connector as it extends from a base end to a tip end, and a second component extending from the first component and curved in an arch shape, The pressure point is formed on the top of the second structure.

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

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

[0020] With this configuration, the elastic contact piece is supported at two points, that is, the pressing point and the supporting point, so that the contact pressure between the pressing point and the detection board can be more stably ensured.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the third component is formed so that a tip side thereof is curved in an arch shape, The support point is formed on the top of the third structure.

[0022] With this configuration, the sliding movement of the support point accompanying the bending 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 a tip end side of the third component.

[0024] With this configuration, the sliding action of the support point can be performed more stably.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a front end portion of the resilient contact piece in the groove is provided with an abutment portion against which the front end side of the third component abuts when slid.

[0026] With this configuration, excessive bending deformation of the elastic contact piece can be prevented, and appropriate contact pressure between the pressing point and the detection board can be ensured.

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

[0028] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the elastic contact piece from being bent due to an unexpected external force from above the pressing point, and to suppress damage to the elastic contact piece. Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a half-fit detection structure for ensuring a correct fit state of a voltage measurement connector in a fuel cell. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a fitting assistance member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a slip-out prevention mechanism and a detection unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a conductor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a half-fitting detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is an overall perspective view for explaining a flow of mating a connector using a half-fitting detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are enlarged views for explaining a flow of mating a connector using the half-fitting detection structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]5A to 5C are enlarged views for explaining a flow of mating a connector using the half-fitting detection structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 5A to 5C are enlarged views for explaining a flow of mating a connector using the half-fitting detection structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 11A and 11B are side views for explaining the effect of the half-fitting detection structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the half-fitting detection structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the half-fitting detection structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, a half-fit detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that the embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. In these figures, the symbol X indicates the half-fit detection structure according to this embodiment, the symbol A indicates the fuel cell according to this embodiment, and the symbol B indicates the connector according to this embodiment.

[0032] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the x-axis direction in FIG. 1 etc. will be referred to as the front-rear direction, the y-axis direction as the stacking direction or left-right direction, and the z-axis direction as the height direction. Moreover, in the x-axis direction, the direction indicated by the arrow will be referred to as the connection direction.

[0033] <Configuration> The configuration of the half-fit detection structure X will be described below with reference to FIGS. Connector B (see Figure 3, etc.) used to measure 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 housing B1.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the incomplete fitting detection structure X includes a fitting assist member 1 attached to a fuel cell A. The incomplete fitting detection structure X includes a fitting assist member 1 attached to a fuel cell A. FIG. 1(a) shows a perspective view of the fitting assisting member 1 as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 1(b) shows a perspective view of the fitting assisting member 1 as viewed from the rear side.

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

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

[0037] Each mounting portion 12 is a plate-shaped 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] In addition, the fitting auxiliary member 1 has a plurality of key protrusions q provided on the inner surface of the through hole h and extending along the front-to-rear direction, and a rail portion r provided on the inner surface of the through hole h opposite each key protrusion q and extending in the front-to-rear direction.

[0039] The key projections q are a pair of ridges j extending from the inner circumferential lower surface of the through hole h to the front end of the wall portion w1. Each key projection q is fitted into a corresponding key groove p (not shown) provided in the housing B1, thereby ensuring stable sliding in the connecting direction of the connector B together with the corresponding rail portion r.

[0040] Each rail portion r extends from the inner circumferential upper surface of the through hole h to the front end of the wall portion w2, and is a generally U-shaped component that opens downward when viewed from the front. The rail portions r are aligned at regular intervals in the stacking direction so as to correspond to the key projections q.

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

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

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the connector side engaging portion 21 is a protrusion provided on the upper surface of an engaging portion forming body 23, which will be described later. Furthermore, the connector side engaging portion 21 is provided with an inclined surface that gradually descends as it approaches the connection direction.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the stack side engagement portion 22 is a through hole formed in the inner circumferential upper surface of each rail portion r.

[0045] The engagement portion forming body 23 is a component that extends in the front-rear direction and has a generally U-shape that opens downward when viewed from the front, and is provided to cover the second spring portion W2 described later.

[0046] The finger hook portion 24 is formed at the rear end of the engagement portion forming body 23, and is a component for bending the second spring portion W2 by hooking an operator's finger thereon.

[0047] The detection means 3 has a detection board 31 exposed on the inner surface of the through hole h, a connection terminal 32 electrically connected to the detection board 31 and to which an external device is connected, and a conductor N provided on the connector B and configured to be able to come into contact with the detection board 31.

[0048] A pair of detection boards 31 are provided on the inner circumferential upper surface of each rail portion r with a gap therebetween in the left-right direction.

[0049] The connection terminal 32 is disposed above the through hole h, and is a terminal into which a detection connector (illustrated) that detects a detection signal from each detection board 31 is inserted and electrically connected. Each detection connector is further connected to an external device such as a monitor that enables an operator to visually check the presence or absence of a detection signal.

[0050] As shown particularly in FIG. 3, the conductor N includes 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 configured by a leaf spring curved in the connection direction, and includes a first spring portion W1 and a second spring portion W2 facing each other, and a substantially U-shaped connecting portion W3 connecting these.

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

[0053] The second spring portion W2 includes a first barbed portion W2a formed in an arrowhead shape, a second barbed portion W2b similarly formed in an arrowhead shape, and a lance portion W2c formed in a lance shape. The first barbed portion W2a and the second barbed portion W2b are formed to be convex in the left-right direction. The second barbed portion W2b is disposed rearward of the first barbed portion W2a. The lance portions W2c are disposed 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 by utilizing these configurations.

[0054] Each elastic contact piece K includes a first component K1 extending from the first spring portion W1 and extending away from the connector B as it extends from the base end to the tip end, a second component K2 extending from the first component K1 and curved in an arch shape, and a third component K3 extending from the second component K2 and extending toward the connector B. The third component K3 is formed so that its tip end side is curved in an arch shape.

[0055] Figure 4(a) is an oblique view showing the state in which the conductor N and the engagement portion forming body 23 (connector side engagement portion 21) are attached to the connector B, Figure 4(b-1) is a cross-sectional view taken along line PP in (a), Figure 4(b-2) is a cross-sectional view taken along line QQ in (a), and Figure 4(c) is an enlarged oblique view of (a) as seen from the rear.

[0056] Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the housing B1 and the engagement portion forming body 23 are provided with a structure for mounting the conductor N.

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

[0058] The arrowhead receiving portion B1a is formed in a generally square bracket shape having a width substantially the same as the left-right width of the second spring portion W2, and is provided on the top surface of the housing B1 facing upward and extending in the front-rear direction. The lance receiving portion B1b is a stepped portion on the front side of a convex portion protruding from the upper surface of the housing B1.

[0059] The first barbed portion W1a is provided so as to extend along the barbed portion B1a, and the second barbed portion W1b is provided so as to be fitted into the barbed portion B1a. The lance portion W1c is provided so that its tip abuts against the lance receiving portion B1b.

[0060] In addition, the arrowhead receiving portion (not shown) and the lance receiving portion (not shown) in the engagement portion forming body 23 support the second spring portion W2 in a configuration substantially similar to the arrowhead receiving portion B1a and the lance receiving portion B1b in the housing B1, and therefore are not shown or described.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4(c), in a state in which the above-mentioned components are attached to the connector B, the top of the third component K3 contacts the upper surface of the housing B1. Further, a groove portion L that extends along the connection direction and slidably supports the tip side of the third component K3 is provided on the upper surface of the housing B1. In the following description, the top of the third component K3 in contact with the upper surface (groove L) of the housing B1 will be referred to as a support point p1 (see FIG. 8, etc.).

[0062] In addition, the housing B1 is provided with standing portions B1c standing upward from the left and right side edges thereof, and protective portions B1d provided so as to be suspended from each B1c. The protective portion B1d is provided so as to cover the top portion (pressure point p2 described later) of the second structure K2.

[0063] <How to use> Hereinafter, a method of using the half-fit detection structure X will be described with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that only in the enlarged views of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the cross-sectional portions are hatched.

[0064] First, the worker attaches the fitting assistance member 1 to the fuel cell A as shown in FIG.

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

[0066] Here, each detection board 31, each connection terminal 32 and each stack side engagement portion 22 are integrally formed by being provided on a flat base portion D extending in the stacking direction, which is configured separately from the main body portion 11. That is, each detection board 31 is provided on the lower surface of the base part D, each connection terminal 32 is provided on the upper surface of the base part D, and each stack side engagement part 22 is provided in the base part D as a through hole.

[0067] In addition, the main body 11 is provided with a gap g1 (indicated by a dotted rectangular frame) formed between each rail portion r and the upper edge of the through hole h, and a connection terminal hole g2 communicating 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 forms the upper surface of each rail portion r (the inner upper surface of the through hole h).

[0068] As shown in Figure 5 (b-1), each cell C has a substantially U-shaped first notch C1 and an elongated second notch C2 connected to the first notch C1 and extending in the connection direction of the connector B. As shown in Figure 5 (b-2), the stack S is provided with a groove portion G formed by connecting each of the first notches C1 along the stacking direction, and a slit portion Z formed by connecting each of the second notches C2 along the stacking direction, due to the configuration of each of the cells C.

[0069] As a result, when the above-mentioned mounting configuration is adopted, the walls w1 and w2 are inserted into the groove G so that the upper surface of the wall w1 is adjacent to and faces the upper inner surface of the groove G, and the lower surface of the wall w2 is adjacent to and faces the lower inner surface of the groove G. When connecting the connector B, the upper surface portion of the housing B1 is inserted into the slit portion Z, which extends to a guide portion (a portion formed on the front side of the housing B1) of a plurality of approximately plate-shaped bodies arranged in the left-right direction of the housing B1.

[0070] Next, the worker fits the connector B, which has been assembled as shown in FIG.

[0071] That is, the worker inserts the connector B into the through hole h (sliding it in the connection direction) as shown in FIG. 6 while fitting the key groove p into the key protrusion q. FIG. 6 shows a non-fitted state in which the connector B (terminal) and the stack S (cell C) are not electrically connected and the engagement portions 21, 22 are not engaged with each other.

[0072] When the connector B slides further in the connecting direction from the state shown in FIG. 6, the engaging portions 21, 22 are disengaged, and the connector B and the stack S are electrically connected, resulting in a semi-fitted state, as shown in FIG. At this time, the inclined surface of the connector side engagement portion 21 comes into contact with the rear end of the rail portion r, so that the second spring portion W2 is flexibly deformed downward as the connector B slides in the connecting direction. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the connector side engagement portion 21 abuts against the inner circumferential upper surface of the through hole h (rail portion r). Furthermore, from the state shown in FIG. 7 to the fully fitted state shown in FIG. 8, the upper surface of the rail portion r is inserted between the protective portion B1d and each of the elastic contact pieces K (second component K2).

[0073] In the semi-fitted state, the conductor N is not in contact with the detection board 31. That is, in the semi-fitted state, the second component K2 is not in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the through hole h, but is disposed adjacent to the through hole h.

[0074] By further sliding connector B in the connection direction from the state shown in FIG. 7, the respective engagement portions 21, 22 engage with each other, and connector B and stack S are brought into electrical continuity as shown in FIG. 8, resulting in a fully engaged state. At this time, the connector side engaging portion 21 (protrusion) enters into the stack side engaging portion 22 (groove), whereby the deflection deformation of the second spring portion W2 is released and the connector B is prevented from coming off.

[0075] In the fully fitted state, the conductor N contacts the detection board 31. That is, in the fully engaged state, each elastic contact piece K enters into the through hole h while the top of the second component K2 is pressed against the inner upper surface of the through hole h, causing the entire component to flex and deform, and the top of the second component K2 comes into contact with the detection board 31. In the following, the top portion of each second structure K2 that comes into contact with the detection board 31 will be referred to as a pressing point p2.

[0076] In this way, each pressing point p2 becomes a starting point of deflection deformation of each elastic contact piece K by being pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the through hole h as the state transitions from the semi-fitted state to the fully-fitted state. Then, each elastic contact piece K is flexibly deformed with each pressing point p2 as a starting point, so that each supporting point p1 slides rearward on the groove portion L (see FIG. 8(b)).

[0077] Finally, the worker checks the mating state by checking the presence or absence of a detection signal generated by contact between the detection board 31 and the pressing point p2 via the monitors connected to the detection connectors.

[0078] When pulling out connector B from stack S, the worker places his / her finger on finger hook portion 24 and bends second spring portion W2 downward to release the engagement between engagement portions 21, 22 and slide connector B backward.

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

[0080] In addition, since the pressure point p2, which is the starting point of the bending deformation of each elastic contact piece K, comes into contact with the detection board 31 in the fully engaged state, the contact pressure between the pressure point p2 and the detection board 31 can be ensured, making it possible to detect the contact state more reliably.

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

[0082] In addition, as each elastic contact piece K flexes and deforms, the support point p1 is configured to be able to slide on the surface of the housing B1, so that each elastic contact piece K is supported at two points, the pressure point p2 and the support point p1, thereby making it possible to more stably ensure the contact pressure between the pressure point p2 and the detection board 31.

[0083] Furthermore, since the support point p1 is formed at the top of the third component K3, the sliding movement of the support point p1 associated with the bending deformation starting from the pressure point p2 becomes smooth, and each elastic contact piece K can be smoothly introduced into the through hole h.

[0084] Moreover, the groove portion L makes the sliding motion of the support point p1 more stable.

[0085] Moreover, the half-fit detection structure X in the state shown in FIG. 8 has the effect shown in FIG.

[0086] That is, as shown in FIG. 9, even if an unexpected external force F occurs from above the pressure point p2 (second component K2), the pressure point p2 is protected by the protective portion B1d, and therefore the external force F will not be applied to the pressure point p2. This prevents each elastic contact piece K from being unexpectedly bent by an external force F, and suppresses damage to each elastic contact piece.

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

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

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

[0090] Alternatively, a modification as shown in FIG. 11 may be used. In addition, Figure 11(a) is an enlarged oblique view of connector B after assembly, in an unmated or semi-mated state, viewed from the rear, (b) is an enlarged oblique view of the connector B in a fully mated state, and (c) is a side cross-sectional view of (b).

[0091] As shown in FIG. 11, the tip end (rear end) of the elastic contact piece K in the groove L is provided with an abutment portion b against which the tip side of the sliding third component K3 abuts. That is, in the above embodiment, the groove portion L extends to the rear end, so that it has an approximately L-shape in side view, whereas in this modified example, an abutment portion b is provided at the rear end, so that it has an approximately U-shape in side view.

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

[0093] The word "approximately" used in the above explanation is a concept which means that the subsequent shape may be chamfered or rounded, and also includes elements constituting the shape that have been deformed or changed in length within a range that does not impair the purpose of the shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] X Half-fit detection structure 1 Fitting support parts 11 Main body 12 Mounting part 2. Anti-disconnect mechanism 21 Connector side engagement portion 22 Stack side engagement portion 23 Engagement part forming body 3. Detection methods 31 Detection board 32 Connection terminal N Conductor W Support part W1 First spring part W2 Second spring part 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. a fitting assisting member attached to a fuel cell; a disconnection prevention mechanism for preventing disconnection of a connector that is fitted to a stack of the fuel cells; and a detection means for detecting a state in which the connector is fitted to the stack, the fitting assist member has a main body portion provided with a through hole through which the connector is inserted, the fall-out prevention mechanism includes a stack-side engaging portion provided on an inner circumferential surface of the through hole, and a connector-side engaging portion engageable with the stack-side engaging portion, the detection means includes a detection board exposed on an inner circumferential surface of the through hole, a connection terminal electrically connected to the detection board and to which an external device is connected, and a conductor provided in the connector and configured to be able to come into contact with the detection board; the mated state transitions from a semi-fitted state in which the stack-side engaging portion and the connector-side engaging portion are not engaged with each other and the connector and the stack are electrically connected, to a fully mated state in which the stack-side engaging portion and the connector-side engaging portion are engaged with each other and the connector and the stack are electrically connected, by sliding the connector in a connecting direction; the conductor includes a support portion attached to the connector and a resilient contact piece extending from the support portion and capable of bending and deforming, a pressing point is formed in the elastic contact piece, which becomes a starting point of deflection deformation by being pressed against an inner circumferential surface of the through hole as the state transitions from the semi-fitted state to the fully-fitted state; The pressing point contacts the detection board in the fully fitted state. Half-fit detection structure.

2. the elastic contact piece includes a first component extending from the support portion and extending away from the connector as it extends from a base end to a tip end, and a second component extending from the first component and curved in an arch shape, The pressing point is formed on the top of the second structure. The half-fit detection structure according to claim 1 .

3. the resilient contact piece includes a third component extending from the second component toward the connector, The third structure is formed with a support point that contacts a housing of the connector, The support point is configured to be slidable on the surface of the housing as the elastic contact piece is bent. The half-fit detection structure according to claim 2 .

4. The third component is formed so that a tip side thereof is curved in an arch shape, The support point is formed on the top of the third structure. The half-fit detection structure according to claim 3 .

5. The housing of the connector is provided with a groove portion that extends along the connection direction and slidably supports a tip side of the third component.

5. The half-fit detection structure according to claim 3 or 4.

6. A tip end of the elastic contact piece in the groove is provided with an abutment portion against which the tip end of the third component abuts when slid. The half-fit detection structure according to claim 5 .

7. The housing of the connector is provided with a protective portion that covers the upper part of the pressing point. The half-fit detection structure according to claim 1 .

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