Plug-in devices and systems

Abstract

To provide a technique to improve the safety of a terminal.SOLUTION: A plug-in device includes can be connected to a receiving side device by plugging, and a first plug-in terminal 210a to a fifth plug-in terminal 210e can be plugged in a plurality of plug-in ports provided in the receiving side device on a one-to-one basis. The first plug-in terminal 210a to the fifth plug-in terminal 210e include a detection terminal, a positive electrode terminal, a negative electrode terminal, a first communication terminal, and a second communication terminal. The detection terminal is arranged between the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal. The second communication terminal is arranged between the detection terminal and the negative electrode terminal. The size of the detection terminal is smaller than the size of the second communication terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to plug-in devices and systems, and more particularly to pluggable plug-in devices and systems. [Background technology]

[0002] The battery pack has a connector, and the connector is connected to a charging / discharging device to charge / discharge the battery pack. The connector includes a number of terminals, such as a positive terminal, a negative terminal, an information transmitting terminal, an information receiving terminal, a signal ground terminal (SG; Signal Ground), and a protective ground terminal (FG; Frame Ground) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-221002 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A significant risk is the occurrence of short circuits between the terminals or sparks at the terminals.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and has an object to provide a technique for improving safety in terminals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a plug-in device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a plug-in device connectable to a receiving device by plugging, and includes a plurality of plug-in terminals that can be plugged one-to-one into a plurality of sockets provided on the receiving device, and a main body that supports the plurality of plug-in terminals. The plurality of plug-in terminals are arranged spaced apart from one another, and include a detection terminal to which a voltage can be applied in order to detect connection with the receiving device, a positive terminal and a negative terminal that can transmit power after connection with the receiving device, and a communication terminal that can transmit data after connection with the receiving device. The detection terminal is arranged between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, and the communication terminal is arranged between the detection terminal and the negative terminal, and the size of the detection terminal is smaller than the size of the communication terminal. The width of the detection terminal is narrower than that of the communication terminal. .

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a plug-in device. The device is a plug-in device that can be connected to a receiving device by plugging, and includes a plurality of plug-in terminals that can be plugged one-to-one into a plurality of sockets provided on the receiving device, and a body that supports the plurality of plug-in terminals. The plurality of plug-in terminals include a detection terminal to which a voltage can be applied in order to detect a connection with the receiving device, a positive terminal and a negative terminal that can transmit power after connection with the receiving device, and a communication terminal that can transmit data after connection with the receiving device. The detection terminal is disposed between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, the communication terminal is disposed between the detection terminal and the negative terminal, and the width of the detection terminal is wider than the width of the negative terminal. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the safety of the terminal can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1(a)-(b) are diagrams showing the structure of a charge / discharge system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2(a)-(c) are diagrams showing the structure of a part of the charge / discharge system of FIGS. 1(a)-(b). [Diagram 3] 3(a)-(d) are diagrams showing the arrangement of the plug-in terminals. [Figure 4]4(a) to 4(d) are diagrams showing the arrangement of plug-in terminals according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5(a) to 5(c) are diagrams showing the arrangement of plug-in terminals according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] 6(a) and 6(b) are diagrams illustrating a structure of a battery pack according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] 7(a) to (c) are diagrams showing the structure of a charge / discharge device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] 8(a) to 8(c) are diagrams showing the structure of another charge / discharge system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] 9(a) to 9(c) are diagrams showing the structure of still another charge / discharge system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the structure of still another charge / discharge device according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Example 1 Before describing the specific embodiments of the present disclosure, an overview of the embodiments will be described. The present embodiment relates to a charging / discharging system that enables charging / discharging of a battery pack by connecting the battery pack to a charging / discharging device. The charging / discharging device is provided with a plurality of plug-in terminals, and the battery pack is provided with a plurality of sockets, and the battery pack is connected to the charging / discharging device by inserting the plug-in terminals into the sockets in a one-to-one relationship. The multiple plug-in terminals include, for example, a detection terminal for detecting a connection between the battery pack and the charging / discharging device, a positive terminal and a negative terminal capable of transmitting power between the battery pack and the charging / discharging device, and a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal capable of transmitting data between the battery pack and the charging / discharging device.

[0013] A voltage is applied to the detection terminal, and when the battery pack is inserted into the socket and connected to the charging / discharging device, the detection terminal is connected to the ground of the charging / discharging device and a current flows. Furthermore, the connection between the battery pack and the charging / discharging device is detected by detecting the current. Furthermore, when the connection between the battery pack and the charging / discharging device is detected, power is transmitted between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, and data is transmitted between the first communication terminal and the second communication terminal. Up until now, the plug terminals have been of uniform size, and the detection terminal and the negative terminal are arranged adjacent to each other. If a good conductor such as a metal foreign object falls onto the charging / discharging device and comes into contact with the detection terminal and the negative terminal, a short circuit occurs in the charging / discharging device.

[0014] In order to prevent the occurrence of a short circuit, in the charging / discharging device in this embodiment, the detection terminal and the negative terminal are not adjacent to each other, and for example, a second communication terminal is arranged between them. Also, the size of the detection terminal is made smaller than the size of the second communication terminal. Here, the size includes the width and height of the plug-in terminal. Due to such an arrangement and size of the plug-in terminal, even if a good conductor falls into the charging / discharging device, the good conductor is unlikely to come into contact with the detection terminal and the negative terminal.

[0015] 1(a)-(b) show the structure of the charging / discharging system 1000. As shown in FIG. 1(a)-(b), an orthogonal coordinate system consisting of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis is defined. The x-axis and the y-axis are mutually orthogonal in a horizontal plane. The z-axis is perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis, and extends in the height (vertical) direction. The positive directions of the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis are defined as the directions of the arrows in FIG. 1(a)-(b), and the negative directions are defined as the directions opposite to the arrows. The positive side of the x-axis is sometimes called the "front side", the negative side of the x-axis is sometimes called the "rear side", the positive side of the y-axis is sometimes called the "right side", the negative side of the y-axis is sometimes called the "left side", the positive side of the z-axis is sometimes called the "upper side", and the negative side of the z-axis is sometimes called the "lower side". Therefore, the z-axis is an axis that extends in the up-down direction, the x-axis is an axis that extends in the front-back direction, and the y-axis is an axis that extends in the left-right direction.

[0016] Fig. 1(a) is a perspective view showing the structure of a charge / discharge system 1000. The battery pack 100 has a box shape that is long in the vertical direction, and the charge / discharge device 200 has a box shape that is long in the front-rear direction. The battery pack 100 is connected to the charge / discharge device 200 by being inserted into the upper surface of the charge / discharge device 200. The battery pack 100 includes a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery therein, and is connected to the charge / discharge device 200 to charge and discharge the secondary battery.

[0017] Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view showing the structure of the charging / discharging device 200 with the storage battery pack 100 removed from the state shown in Fig. 1(a). A recess having a shape corresponding to the shape of the storage battery pack 100 is provided on the upper surface of the charging / discharging device 200, and a support surface 202 extending in the xy plane is disposed below the recess. A plurality of plate-shaped plug-in terminals 210 protruding upward are arranged in the left-right direction on the support surface 202.

[0018] 2(a)-(c) show a part of the structure of the charging / discharging system 1000. FIG. 2(a) shows a perspective view of the charging / discharging device 200 when cut along the line A-A' in FIG. 1(b). On the support surface 202 of the charging / discharging device 200, the first plug-in terminal 210a, the second plug-in terminal 210b, the third plug-in terminal 210c, the fourth plug-in terminal 210d, and the fifth plug-in terminal 210e are arranged from the left side to the right side. The first plug-in terminal 210a, the second plug-in terminal 210b, the third plug-in terminal 210c, the fourth plug-in terminal 210d, and the fifth plug-in terminal 210e are plate-shaped metal terminals having a surface extending in the zx plane. The first plug-in terminal 210a, the second plug-in terminal 210b, the third plug-in terminal 210c, the fourth plug-in terminal 210d, and the fifth plug-in terminal 210e are collectively referred to as plug-in terminals 210, but the number of plug-in terminals 210 is not limited to "5." The support surface 202 that supports the multiple plug-in terminals 210 may be referred to as a body.

[0019] Fig. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack 100 connected to the charging / discharging device 200 as in Fig. 1(a). When the charging / discharging device 200 having a plurality of plug-in terminals 210 is called a "plug-in device," the battery pack 100 plugged in by the plurality of plug-in terminals 210 is called a "receiving device." The combination of the plug-in device and the receiving device is called a "plug-in system." As in Fig. 2(a), a first plug-in terminal 210a, a second plug-in terminal 210b, a third plug-in terminal 210c, a fourth plug-in terminal 210d, and a fifth plug-in terminal 210e are arranged from left to right on the support surface 202 of the charging / discharging device 200.

[0020] The lower surface of the storage battery pack 100 is the bottom surface 102, and the first socket 110a, the second socket 110b, the third socket 110c, the fourth socket 110d, and the fifth socket 110e are arranged in the left-right direction on the bottom surface 102. The first socket 110a, the second socket 110b, the third socket 110c, the fourth socket 110d, and the fifth socket 110e are collectively referred to as sockets 110, and the plug-in terminals 210 can be plugged into the sockets 110 in a one-to-one relationship. For example, the first plug-in terminal 210a is plugged into the first socket 110a. When the plug-in terminal 210 is plugged into the socket 110, the support surface 202 supports the bottom surface 102 from below.

[0021] Inside the storage battery pack 100, a first contact portion 120a is provided above the first plug-in port 110a. When the first plug-in terminal 210a is inserted into the first plug-in port 110a, the tip portion of the first plug-in terminal 210a is connected so as to be sandwiched between the first contact portions 120a from the left and right sides. Since the first contact portion 120a is also made of metal, the first contact portion 120a and the first plug-in terminal 210a are also electrically connected.

[0022] The second contact portion 120b and the second plug-in terminal 210b, the third contact portion 120c and the third plug-in terminal 210c, the fourth contact portion 120d and the fourth plug-in terminal 210d, and the fifth contact portion 120e and the fifth plug-in terminal 210e are configured similarly to the first contact portion 120a and the first plug-in terminal 210a. The first contact portion 120a, the second contact portion 120b, the third contact portion 120c, the fourth contact portion 120d, and the fifth contact portion 120e are collectively referred to as contact portion 120. Connecting the contact portion 120 and the plug-in terminal 210 corresponds to connecting the storage battery pack 100 and the charging / discharging device 200. The storage battery 130 inside the storage battery pack 100 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0023] Fig. 2(c) is a perspective view similar to Fig. 2(a) showing a state in which the first contact portion 120a to the fifth contact portion 120e are connected to the charging / discharging device 200. As shown in the figure, the contact portions 120 sandwich the left and right surfaces of the plug-in terminal 210 by the elastic force of the spring.

[0024] 3(a)-(d) show the arrangement of the plug-in terminals 210. FIG. 3(a)-(b) show the arrangement of the plug-in terminals 210 as viewed from above. FIG. 3(a) shows the arrangement of the plug-in terminals 210 as a comparison target of this embodiment. Here, the detection terminal "D" is a terminal to which a voltage is applied in order to detect the connection between the charging / discharging device 200 and the storage battery pack 100. The positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" are terminals for transmitting power after the charging / discharging device 200 and the storage battery pack 100 are connected. The first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2" are terminals for transmitting data after the charging / discharging device 200 and the storage battery pack 100 are connected. The first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2" are collectively referred to as communication terminals.

[0025] As shown in the figure, the first plug-in terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second plug-in terminal 210b is used as the first communication terminal "C1", and the third plug-in terminal 210c is used as the second communication terminal "C2". The fourth plug-in terminal 210d is used as the negative terminal "-", and the fifth plug-in terminal 210e is used as the detection terminal "D". In other words, the negative terminal "-" and the detection terminal "D" are arranged adjacent to each other. The first plug-in terminal 210a to the fifth plug-in terminal 210e have the same width in the front-rear direction. In such an arrangement, if a good conductor 300, which is a metal foreign object, exists from the fourth plug-in terminal 210d to the fifth plug-in terminal 210e, the good conductor 300 contacts the fourth plug-in terminal 210d and the fifth plug-in terminal 210e. As a result, the negative terminal "-" and the detection terminal "D" are shorted, and the voltage of the detection terminal "D" is applied to the negative terminal "-".

[0026] FIG. 3(b) shows the arrangement of the plug-in terminals 210 to prevent a short circuit occurring in FIG. 3(a). The first plug-in terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second plug-in terminal 210b is used as the first communication terminal "C1", and the third plug-in terminal 210c is used as the detection terminal "D". The fourth plug-in terminal 210d is used as the second communication terminal "C2", and the fifth plug-in terminal 210e is used as the negative terminal "-". In this way, the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" are arranged at both ends, the detection terminal "D" is arranged between the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-", and the second communication terminal "C2" is arranged between the detection terminal "D" and the negative terminal "-". In other words, the detection terminal "D" and the negative terminal "-" are not arranged adjacent to each other.

[0027] The sizes of the positive terminal "+", the negative terminal "-", and the detection terminal "D" are made smaller than the sizes of the first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2". Specifically, the widths of the positive terminal "+", the negative terminal "-", and the detection terminal "D" in the front-rear direction are made smaller than the widths of the first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2" in the front-rear direction. In particular, the positive terminal "+", the negative terminal "-", and the detection terminal "D" are arranged inside the first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2" in the front-rear direction. In such an arrangement, when the good conductor 300 is present from the third plug-in terminal 210c to the fifth plug-in terminal 210e, the good conductor 300 does not contact at least one of the third plug-in terminal 210c and the fifth plug-in terminal 210e. As a result, the negative terminal "-" and the detection terminal "D" are not shorted, so the voltage of the detection terminal "D" is not applied to the negative terminal "-".

[0028] 3(c)-(d) are views of a plurality of plug-in terminals 210 viewed from the side. FIG. 3(c) shows the arrangement of the plug-in terminals 210 to be compared with this embodiment. As in FIG. 3(a), the first plug-in terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second plug-in terminal 210b is used as the first communication terminal "C1", and the third plug-in terminal 210c is used as the second communication terminal "C2". The fourth plug-in terminal 210d is used as the negative terminal "-", and the fifth plug-in terminal 210e is used as the detection terminal "D". In other words, the negative terminal "-" and the detection terminal "D" are arranged adjacent to each other. The first plug-in terminal 210a to the fifth plug-in terminal 210e have the same height in the height direction. In such an arrangement, if the good conductor 300 is present so as to cover the fourth plug-in terminal 210d and the fifth plug-in terminal 210e, the good conductor 300 will come into contact with the fourth plug-in terminal 210d and the fifth plug-in terminal 210e. As a result, the negative terminal "-" and the detection terminal "D" are shorted, and the voltage of the detection terminal "D" is applied to the negative terminal "-".

[0029] Fig. 3(d) shows the arrangement of plug-in terminals 210 to prevent the short circuit that occurs in Fig. 3(c). As in Fig. 3(b), the first plug-in terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second plug-in terminal 210b is used as the first communication terminal "C1", and the third plug-in terminal 210c is used as the detection terminal "D". In addition, the fourth plug-in terminal 210d is used as the second communication terminal "C2", and the fifth plug-in terminal 210e is used as the negative terminal "-".

[0030] The sizes of the positive terminal "+", the negative terminal "-", and the detection terminal "D" are smaller than the sizes of the first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2". Specifically, the height of the detection terminal "D" is smaller than the heights of the positive terminal "+", the negative terminal "-", the first communication terminal "C1", and the second communication terminal "C2". In such an arrangement, when the good conductor 300 is present so as to cover the upper sides of the third plug-in terminal 210c to the fifth plug-in terminal 210e, the good conductor 300 does not contact the third plug-in terminal 210c. As a result, the negative terminal "-" and the detection terminal "D" are not short-circuited, and therefore the voltage of the detection terminal "D" is not applied to the negative terminal "-".

[0031] According to this embodiment, the detection terminal is disposed between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, and the communication terminal is disposed between the detection terminal and the negative terminal. Since the size of the detection terminal is smaller than the size of the communication terminal, it is possible to prevent a short circuit between the detection terminal and the negative terminal. Furthermore, since a short circuit between the detection terminal and the negative terminal is prevented, the safety of the terminals can be improved. Furthermore, since a short circuit between the detection terminal and the negative terminal is prevented, the durability of the terminals can be improved. Furthermore, since the width of the detection terminal is narrower than the width of the communication terminal, it is possible to prevent a short circuit between the detection terminal and the negative terminal. Furthermore, since the height of the detection terminal is lower than the height of the communication terminal, it is possible to prevent a short circuit between the detection terminal and the negative terminal.

[0032] An outline of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows. A plug-in device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a plug-in device connectable to a receiving device by plugging, and includes a plurality of plug-in terminals (210) that can be plugged one-to-one into a plurality of sockets (110) provided on the receiving device, and a body that supports the plurality of plug-in terminals (210). The plurality of plug-in terminals (210) include a detection terminal to which a voltage can be applied in order to detect connection with the receiving device, a positive terminal and a negative terminal that can transmit power after connection with the receiving device, and a communication terminal that can transmit data after connection with the receiving device. The detection terminal is disposed between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, and the communication terminal is disposed between the detection terminal and the negative terminal, and the size of the detection terminal is smaller than the size of the communication terminal.

[0033] The width of the detection terminal is narrower than the width of the communication terminal.

[0034] The height of the detection terminal is lower than the height of the communication terminal.

[0035] Example 2 Next, a second embodiment will be described. As with the first embodiment, the second embodiment relates to a charge / discharge system that enables charging / discharging of a battery pack by connecting the battery pack to a charge / discharge device. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of plug-in terminals. The configuration of a charge / discharge system 1000 according to the second embodiment is the same type as that shown in Figs. 1(a)-(b) and 2(c). Here, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0036] 4(a)-(d) show the arrangement of the plug-in terminals 210. FIG. 4(a)-(d) are views of the multiple plug-in terminals 210 as viewed from above. FIG. 4(a) shows the arrangement of the plug-in terminals 210 compared to this embodiment, and is the same as FIG. 3(a). FIG. 4(b) shows the arrangement of the plug-in terminals 210 for preventing a short circuit that occurs in FIG. 4(a). The first plug-in terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second plug-in terminal 210b is used as the first communication terminal "C1", and the third plug-in terminal 210c is used as the detection terminal "D". The fourth plug-in terminal 210d is used as the second communication terminal "C2", and the fifth plug-in terminal 210e is used as the negative terminal "-". In this way, the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" are disposed at both ends, the detection terminal "D" is disposed between the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-", and the second communication terminal "C2" is disposed between the detection terminal "D" and the negative terminal "-". In other words, the detection terminal "D" and the negative terminal "-" are not disposed adjacent to each other.

[0037] The detection terminal "D" has a width in the front-rear direction that is wider than the width of the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-", and the first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2" have a width in the front-rear direction that is narrower than the detection terminal "D" and wider than the width of the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-". The first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2" are disposed inside the detection terminal "D" in the front-rear direction, and the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" are disposed inside the first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2" in the front-rear direction. In such an arrangement, when the good conductor 300 is present from the third plug-in terminal 210c to the fifth plug-in terminal 210e, the good conductor 300 does not contact the third plug-in terminal 210c or the fifth plug-in terminal 210e. As a result, the negative terminal "-" and the detection terminal "D" are not shorted, so the voltage of the detection terminal "D" is not applied to the negative terminal "-".

[0038] In the arrangement of Figure 4(a), if the detection terminal "D" is shorted to the negative terminal "-", communication will be poor. Also, if the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" are shorted while electricity is flowing, it may cause smoke or fire.

[0039] FIG. 4(c) shows the arrangement of the plug-in terminals 210 for preventing the occurrence of such a phenomenon in FIG. 4(a). The first plug-in terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second plug-in terminal 210b is used as the first communication terminal "C1", and the third plug-in terminal 210c is used as the detection terminal "D". The fourth plug-in terminal 210d is used as the second communication terminal "C2", and the fifth plug-in terminal 210e is used as the negative terminal "-". In this way, the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" are arranged at both ends, the detection terminal "D" is arranged between the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-", and the second communication terminal "C2" is arranged between the detection terminal "D" and the negative terminal "-". In other words, the detection terminal "D" and the negative terminal "-" are not arranged adjacent to each other. The front-rear width of the detection terminal "D", the first communication terminal "C1", and the second communication terminal "C2" is made wider than the front-rear width of the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-". In particular, the detection terminal "D", the first communication terminal "C1", and the second communication terminal "C2" are disposed inside the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" in the front-rear direction.

[0040] FIG. 4(d) is a modified example of FIG. 4(c). The first plug-in terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second plug-in terminal 210b is used as the detection terminal "D", and the third plug-in terminal 210c is used as the first communication terminal "C1". The fourth plug-in terminal 210d is used as the second communication terminal "C2", and the fifth plug-in terminal 210e is used as the negative terminal "-". In this way, the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-" are arranged at both ends, the detection terminal "D" is arranged between the positive terminal "+" and the negative terminal "-", and the first communication terminal "C1" and the second communication terminal "C2" are arranged between the detection terminal "D" and the negative terminal "-". In other words, the detection terminal "D" and the negative terminal "-" are not arranged adjacent to each other.

[0041] According to this embodiment, the detection terminal is disposed between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, the communication terminal is disposed between the detection terminal and the negative terminal, and the width of the detection terminal is wider than the width of the negative terminal, so that the detection terminal and the negative terminal are less likely to be short-circuited. Also, the width of the communication terminal is narrower than the detection terminal and wider than the width of the negative terminal, so that the detection terminal and the negative terminal are less likely to be short-circuited.

[0042] An outline of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows. Another aspect of the present disclosure is also a plug device. This device is a plug device that can be connected to a receiving device by plugging, and includes a plurality of plug terminals (210) that can be plugged one-to-one into a plurality of sockets (110) provided on the receiving device, and a body that supports the plurality of plug terminals (210). The plurality of plug terminals (210) include a detection terminal to which a voltage can be applied in order to detect connection with the receiving device, a positive terminal and a negative terminal that can transmit power after connection with the receiving device, and a communication terminal that can transmit data after connection with the receiving device. The detection terminal is disposed between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, the communication terminal is disposed between the detection terminal and the negative terminal, and the width of the detection terminal is wider than the width of the negative terminal.

[0043] The communication terminal has a width narrower than that of the detection terminal and wider than that of the negative terminal.

[0044] Example 3 Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment relates to a charging / discharging system that, as in the past, enables charging / discharging of a battery pack by connecting the battery pack to a charging / discharging device. When the positive and negative terminals come into contact with the contact parts in a state in which the detection terminal or the communication terminal has already come into contact with the contact parts, sparks may occur. The third embodiment relates to an arrangement of plug-in terminals for suppressing the occurrence of such sparks. The configuration of a charging / discharging system 1000 according to the third embodiment is the same type as that shown in Figs. 1(a)-(b) and 2(c). Here, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0045] 5(a)-(c) show the arrangement of the plug-in terminals 210. FIG. 5(a)-(c) show the side views of the multiple plug-in terminals 210. FIG. 5(a) shows the arrangement of the plug-in terminals 210 compared to this embodiment. As in FIG. 3(c), the first plug-in terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second plug-in terminal 210b is used as the first communication terminal "C1", and the third plug-in terminal 210c is used as the second communication terminal "C2". In addition, the fourth plug-in terminal 210d is used as the negative terminal "-", and the fifth plug-in terminal 210e is used as the detection terminal "D". Furthermore, the first plug-in terminal 210a to the fifth plug-in terminal 210e have the same height in the height direction. In such an arrangement, with the first communication terminal "C1" in contact with the second contact portion 120b, the second communication terminal "C2" in contact with the third contact portion 120c, and the detection terminal "D" in contact with the fifth contact portion 120e, if the positive terminal "+" contacts the first contact portion 120a and the negative terminal "-" contacts the fourth contact portion 120d, a spark may occur, as shown in the figure.

[0046] FIG. 5(b) shows the arrangement of the plug-in terminals 210 to prevent sparks from occurring in FIG. 5(a). As in FIG. 5(a), the first plug-in terminal 210a is used as the positive terminal "+", the second plug-in terminal 210b is used as the first communication terminal "C1", and the third plug-in terminal 210c is used as the second communication terminal "C2". The fourth plug-in terminal 210d is used as the negative terminal "-", and the fifth plug-in terminal 210e is used as the detection terminal "D". Meanwhile, the height of the detection terminal "D" is lower than the height of the positive terminal "+", the height of the negative terminal "-", the height of the first communication terminal "C1", and the height of the second communication terminal "C2". In such an arrangement, when the positive terminal "+" contacts the first contact portion 120a and the negative terminal "-" contacts the fourth contact portion 120d, no sparks are generated because the detection terminal "D" is not in contact with the fifth contact portion 120e.

[0047] Fig. 5(c) shows another structure for preventing sparks from occurring in Fig. 5(a). The first plug-in terminal 210a to the fifth plug-in terminal 210e are the same as those in Fig. 5(a). Therefore, the first plug-in 110a corresponds to a positive terminal plug-in into which the positive terminal "+" is inserted, and the first contact portion 120a corresponds to a positive terminal contact portion that contacts the positive terminal "+" inserted into the positive terminal plug-in. The second plug-in 110b corresponds to a first communication terminal plug-in into which the first communication terminal "C1" is inserted, and the second contact portion 120b corresponds to a first communication terminal contact portion that contacts the first communication terminal "C1" inserted into the first communication terminal plug-in. The third socket 110c corresponds to a second communication terminal socket into which the second communication terminal "C2" is inserted, and the third contact portion 120c corresponds to a second communication terminal contact portion that contacts the second communication terminal "C2" inserted into the second communication terminal socket.

[0048] The fourth socket 110d corresponds to a negative terminal socket into which the negative terminal "-" is inserted, and the fourth contact portion 120d corresponds to a negative terminal contact portion that contacts the negative terminal "-" inserted into the negative terminal socket. The fifth socket 110e corresponds to a detection terminal socket into which the detection terminal "D" is inserted, and the fifth contact portion 120e corresponds to a detection terminal contact portion that contacts the detection terminal "D" inserted into the detection terminal socket.

[0049] Here, the detection terminal contact portion is disposed at a higher position than the positive terminal contact portion, the negative terminal contact portion, the first communication terminal contact portion, and the second communication terminal contact portion. That is, the distance between the detection terminal socket and the detection terminal contact portion is longer than the distance between the positive terminal socket and the positive terminal contact portion, the distance between the negative terminal socket and the negative terminal contact portion, the distance between the first communication terminal socket and the first communication terminal contact portion, and the distance between the second communication terminal socket and the second communication terminal contact portion. In such an arrangement, when the positive terminal "+" contacts the first contact portion 120a and the negative terminal "-" contacts the fourth contact portion 120d, the detection terminal "D" does not contact the fifth contact portion 120e, so no spark is generated.

[0050] According to this embodiment, the height of the detection terminal is lower than the height of the positive terminal, the height of the negative terminal, and the height of the communication terminal, so that the detection terminal can be connected after the positive terminal, the negative terminal, and the communication terminal are connected. In addition, since the detection terminal is connected after the positive terminal, the negative terminal, and the communication terminal are connected, the generation of sparks can be prevented. In addition, since the generation of sparks is prevented, the durability of the terminals can be improved. In addition, since the distance between the detection terminal socket and the detection terminal contact portion is longer than the distance between the positive terminal socket and the positive terminal contact portion, the distance between the negative terminal socket and the negative terminal contact portion, and the distance between the communication terminal socket and the communication terminal contact portion, the detection terminal can be connected after the positive terminal, the negative terminal, and the communication terminal are connected.

[0051] An outline of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows. Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is also a plug device. This device is a plug device that can be connected to a receiving device by plugging, and includes a plurality of plug terminals (210) that can be plugged one-to-one into a plurality of sockets (110) provided on the receiving device, and a body that supports the plurality of plug terminals (210). The plurality of plug terminals (210) include a detection terminal to which a voltage can be applied in order to detect connection with the receiving device, a positive terminal and a negative terminal that can transmit power after connection with the receiving device, and a communication terminal that can transmit data after connection with the receiving device. The height of the detection terminal is lower than the height of the positive terminal, the height of the negative terminal, and the height of the communication terminal.

[0052] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a plug-in system. The plug-in system includes a receiving device having a plurality of plug-in sockets (110) and a plug-in device having a plurality of plug-in terminals (210) that can be plugged into the plurality of plug-in sockets (110) of the receiving device in a one-to-one correspondence. The plurality of plug-in terminals (210) include a detection terminal to which a voltage can be applied in order to detect a connection with the receiving device, a positive terminal and a negative terminal that can transmit power after connection with the receiving device, and a communication terminal that can transmit data after connection with the receiving device. The plurality of plug-in sockets (110) include a detection terminal socket into which the detection terminal is inserted, a positive terminal socket into which the positive terminal is inserted, a negative terminal socket into which the negative terminal is inserted, and a communication terminal socket into which the communication terminal is inserted. The receiving device includes a detection terminal contact portion capable of contacting the detection terminal inserted into the detection terminal socket, a positive terminal contact portion capable of contacting the positive terminal inserted into the positive terminal socket, a negative terminal contact portion capable of contacting the negative terminal inserted into the negative terminal socket, and a communication terminal contact portion capable of contacting the communication terminal inserted into the communication terminal socket. The distance between the detection terminal socket and the detection terminal contact portion is longer than the distance between the positive terminal socket and the positive terminal contact portion, the distance between the negative terminal socket and the negative terminal contact portion, and the distance between the communication terminal socket and the communication terminal contact portion.

[0053] Example 4 Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment relates to a charging / discharging system that enables charging / discharging of a battery pack by connecting the battery pack to a charging / discharging device, as in the past. The detection terminal and the communication terminal are made of a conductive material such as metal. On the other hand, the bottom surface of the battery pack is made of an insulating material such as resin. When a user tries to connect the battery pack to a charging / discharging device by reversing the orientation of the battery pack, the metal detection terminal and the communication terminal come into contact with the bottom surface of the resin. As a result, the bottom surface of the battery pack may be deformed. The fourth embodiment relates to a structure for facilitating the connection of the battery pack while preventing the connection of the battery pack in the wrong direction. Here, the differences from the past will be mainly described.

[0054] 6(a)-(b) show the structure of the storage battery pack 100. These are perspective views including the bottom surface 102 of the storage battery pack 100. As described above, the bottom surface 102 is formed of resin. As in the past, the first plug 110a, the second plug 110b, the third plug 110c, the fourth plug 110d, and the fifth plug 110e are arranged in the left-right direction on the bottom surface 102. The bottom surface 102 of the storage battery pack 100 according to this embodiment is provided with the first guide plug 140a and the second guide plug 140b, which are collectively referred to as the guide plug 140. For example, the first guide plug 140a, the first plug 110a to the fifth plug 110e, and the second guide plug 140b are arranged in order. Guide insertion hole 140 has a shape that allows guide rod 240, which will be described later, to be inserted therein.

[0055] 7(a)-(c) show the structure of the charging / discharging device 200. FIG. 7(a) is a perspective view showing the structure of the charging / discharging device 200, FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the charging / discharging device 200 taken along line B-B' in FIG. 7(b), and FIG. 7(c) is a view of the support surface 202 in FIG. 7(a) seen from above. As in FIG. 1(b), a recess having a shape corresponding to the shape of the storage battery pack 100 is provided on the upper surface of the charging / discharging device 200, and a support surface 202 extending in the xy plane is disposed below the recess. On the support surface 202, a first plug-in terminal 210a, a second plug-in terminal 210b, a third plug-in terminal 210c, a fourth plug-in terminal 210d, and a fifth plug-in terminal 210e are arranged from the left side to the right side. The plug-in terminal 210 is formed of metal.

[0056] A first guide rod 240a and a second guide rod 240b, which are collectively referred to as a guide rod 240, are provided on a support surface 202 of the charge / discharge device 200 according to this embodiment. For example, the first guide rod 240a, the first plug-in terminal 210a to the fifth plug-in terminal 210e, and the second guide rod 240b are arranged in this order. The guide rod 240 is made of resin and is supported on the support surface 202. The guide rod 240 is a member that can be inserted into a guide insertion port 140 provided in the storage battery pack 100, and is made higher than the multiple plug-in terminals 210. The guide rod 240 has a cross section in which a rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction is connected to the front end of a rectangular shape extending in the front-rear direction.

[0057] Due to the shape of the guide rod 240, even if the storage battery pack 100 is connected to the charging / discharging device 200 with the front-to-rear direction oriented incorrectly, the bottom surface 102 and the guide rod 240 come into contact before the bottom surface 102 and the plug-in terminal 210 come into contact. At that time, the guide rod 240 cannot be inserted into the guide plug-in port 140 because the opening shape of the guide plug-in port 140 and the cross-sectional shape of the guide rod 240 are different. In addition, both the bottom surface 102 and the guide rod 240 are made of resin. Therefore, deformation of the bottom surface 102 is suppressed.

[0058] Next, another structure of the charging / discharging system 1000 will be described. Figures 8(a)-(c) show the structure of another charging / discharging system 1000. Figure 8(a) is a perspective view including the bottom surface 102 of the storage battery pack 100, similar to Figure 6(a). Figure 8(b) is a perspective view showing the structure of the charging / discharging device 200, similar to Figure 7(a), and Figure 8(c) is a view of the support surface 202 seen from above, similar to Figure 7(c). Here, the shape of the guide rod 240 is different from that in Figures 7(a)-(c). The guide rod 240 has a rectangular cross section extending in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the rear end of the guide rod 240 is arranged to match the rear end of the plug-in terminal 210, but the front end of the guide rod 240 is arranged forward of the front end of the plug-in terminal 210. The guide socket 140 has a shape that allows the guide rod 240 to be inserted.

[0059] Next, another structure of the charging / discharging system 1000 will be described. Figures 9(a)-(c) show another structure of the charging / discharging system 1000. Figure 9(a) is a perspective view including the bottom surface 102 of the battery pack 100. Figure 9(b) is a perspective view showing the structure of the charging / discharging device 200, and Figure 9(c) is a view of the support surface 202 seen from above. These are shown in the same manner as Figures 8(a)-(c). Here, the shape of the guide rod 240 is different from the shapes in Figures 7(a)-(c) and 8(b)-(c). The guide rod 240 has a circular cross section. The guide insertion hole 140 has a shape that allows the guide rod 240 to be inserted.

[0060] Next, another structure of the charge / discharge system 1000 will be described. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the structure of another charge / discharge device. This is a diagram showing the support surface 202 as seen from above, similar to Fig. 9(c) and the like. Here, the shape of the guide rod 240 is different from the previous shapes. The guide rod 240 has a triangular cross section.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the guide rod 240 that is higher than the multiple plug-in terminals 210 is arranged on the support surface 202 of the charging / discharging device 200, so that it is possible to prevent the storage battery pack 100 from being connected in an incorrect direction. Furthermore, the guide rod 240 that is higher than the multiple plug-in terminals 210 is arranged on the support surface 202 of the charging / discharging device 200, so that it is possible to easily connect the storage battery pack 100. Furthermore, the multiple plug-in terminals 210 are made of metal, and the guide rod 240 is made of resin, so that it is possible to suppress deformation of the bottom surface 102 of the storage battery pack 100.

[0062] The outline of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows: The receiving device further includes a guide rod (240) that can be inserted into a guide socket (140) provided in the receiving device, the main body also supports the guide socket (140), and the guide rod (240) may be higher than the multiple plug-in terminals (210).

[0063] The plug terminals (210) may be made of metal, and the guide rods (240) may be made of resin.

[0064] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments. These embodiments are merely illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0065] Any combination of the first to third embodiments is also effective. According to this modification, the effects of any combination of the first to third embodiments can be obtained.

[0066] In the first to third embodiments, the plug-in device is the charging / discharging device 200, and the receiving device is the storage battery pack 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the plug-in device may be a device other than the charging / discharging device 200, and the receiving device may be a device other than the storage battery pack 100. According to this modification, the scope of application of the embodiments can be expanded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 100 battery pack, 102 bottom surface, 110 socket, 120 contact portion, 130 battery, 200 charging / discharging device, 202 support surface, 210 socket terminal, 300 good conductor, 1000 charging / discharging system.

Claims

1. A plug-in device connectable to a receiving device by plugging it in, a plurality of plug-in terminals that can be plugged one-to-one into a plurality of sockets provided on the receiving device; a body supporting the plurality of plug terminals; The plug-in terminals are spaced apart from one another, The plurality of plug terminals include a detection terminal to which a voltage can be applied in order to detect a connection with the receiving device; A positive terminal and a negative terminal capable of transmitting power after being connected to the receiving device; a communication terminal capable of transmitting data after being connected to the receiving device; the detection terminal is disposed between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, the communication terminal is disposed between the detection terminal and the negative terminal, the size of the detection terminal is smaller than the size of the communication terminal; A plug-in device in which the detection terminals are narrower in width than the communication terminals.

2. 2. The plug device of claim 1, wherein the height of the detection terminal is less than the height of the communication terminal.

3. A plug-in device that can be plugged into a receiving device, a plurality of plug-in terminals that can be plugged one-to-one into a plurality of sockets provided on the receiving device; a body supporting the plurality of plug terminals; The plurality of plug terminals include a detection terminal to which a voltage can be applied in order to detect a connection with the receiving device; A positive terminal and a negative terminal capable of transmitting power after being connected to the receiving device; a communication terminal capable of transmitting data after being connected to the receiving device; the detection terminal is disposed between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, the communication terminal is disposed between the detection terminal and the negative terminal, A plug-in device in which the detection terminal is wider than the negative terminal.

4. 4. The plug-in device of claim 3, wherein the communication terminal has a width smaller than that of the detection terminal and larger than that of the negative terminal.

5. The receiving device further includes a guide rod that can be inserted into a guide insertion port provided in the receiving device, The body also supports the guide rod; 5. The plug-in device according to claim 1, wherein the guide rod is higher than the plurality of plug-in terminals.

6. the plug terminals are made of metal; 6. The insertion device according to claim 5, wherein the guide rod is made of resin.

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