Mechanism for locking a connector connected to a fuel cell

Abstract

A mechanism for locking a connector connected to a fuel cell by utilizing elastic deformation, which provides a mechanism resistant to the usage environment of the fuel cell. 【Solution means】A mechanism X for locking a connector B connected to a fuel cell A, comprising a fuel cell side engaging portion X1, a connector side engaging portion X2 engageable with the fuel cell side engaging portion X1, and an elastic deformation portion X3 formed of a material different from that of the housing B1 of the connector B. One end of the elastic deformation portion X3 is a fixed end fixed to the housing B1 of the connector B, the other end of the elastic deformation portion X3 is a free end, and the connector side engaging portion X2 is arranged to be displaceable following the elastic deformation of the elastic deformation portion X3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanism for connecting a fuel cell and a connector.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, against the backdrop of the world's active efforts to reduce the environmental impact, the advantages of fuel cells have drawn attention. A fuel cell generates electricity through the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen and emits only water, thus imposing little burden on the environment. Furthermore, it has many advantages such as no noise generation, low power transmission loss, and easy availability of fuel.

[0003] A fuel cell is configured as a stack in which a plurality of cells are stacked. In a place such as the manufacture of a fuel cell, the voltage of each cell may be monitored for the purpose of controlling the power generation conditions according to the power generation status of each cell. For this monitoring, a connector (CVM connector) designed for the cell and the stack is required.

[0004] In the design of the CVM connector, various techniques for preventing the CVM connector from coming off have been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses an electrical connector including a housing that holds terminals, a lateral fitting opening located on the side of the housing for receiving a mating member, and a locking member for preventing detachment from the mating member, wherein the lateral fitting opening is provided in the housing and partitioned by an arm formed in a U shape, and the locking member is provided in the housing so as to face the lateral fitting opening.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Not limited to the field of fuel cells, generally, a mechanism for locking a connector using elastic deformation is formed integrally with a resin housing for ease of manufacture. Here, in the field of fuel cells, considering the usage environment of the fuel cell, it is necessary to adopt a resin having excellent heat resistance and moisture resistance as the resin forming the housing. However, such resins generally have poor elasticity and are prone to cracking. Therefore, in the CVM connector of a fuel cell, the conventional locking mechanism using elastic deformation as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is likely to cause wear or damage to the member responsible for elastic deformation due to an external force during engagement, etc., and is not practical.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above actual situation, and it is an object to provide a mechanism for locking a connector connected to a fuel cell using elastic deformation, which can withstand the usage environment of the fuel cell.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is a mechanism for locking a connector connected to a fuel cell, comprising a fuel cell side engaging portion, a connector side engaging portion engageable with the fuel cell side engaging portion, and an elastic deformation portion formed of a material different from the housing of the connector. One end of the elastic deformation portion is a fixed end fixed to the housing of the connector. The other end of the elastic deformation portion is a free end. The connector side engaging portion is arranged to be displaceable following the elastic deformation of the elastic deformation portion.

[0009] According to this aspect, by making the material of the elastic deformation portion different from that of the connector housing, wear and damage of the elastic deformation portion can be suppressed. Therefore, even in the usage environment of a fuel cell, the connector can be reliably locked to the fuel cell.

[0010] In a preferred aspect of the present invention, an external force applying portion is further provided. The external force applying portion is provided on the free end side of the elastic deformation portion.

[0011] With such a configuration, when the user applies an external force, elastic deformation of the elastic deformation part can be caused. Therefore, the engagement between the fuel cell side engaging part and the connector side engaging part can be released without difficulty.

[0012] In a preferred form of the present invention, it further includes an elongation suppression part, The elongation suppression part is arranged and fixed so as to contract the elastic deformation part.

[0013] With such a configuration, elongation of the elastic deformation part can be prevented. Therefore, breakage of the elastic deformation part is prevented. Also, with such a configuration, the vertical position of the connector side engaging part can be fixed. Therefore, reliable engagement can be ensured.

[0014] In a preferred form of the present invention, it further includes an external force blocking part, The external force blocking part is provided so as to cover at least a part of the external force applying part.

[0015] With such a configuration, application of an unintended external force to the elastic deformation part can be prevented. Therefore, sagging of the elastic deformation part can be prevented.

[0016] In a preferred form of the present invention, it further includes an interposed part, The interposed part is interposed between the housing of the connector and the external force applying part.

[0017] With such a configuration, movement of the external force applying part toward the housing side can be prevented. Therefore, unintended contraction of the elastic deformation part can be prevented, and thus sagging of the elastic deformation part can be prevented. Also, with such a configuration, access between the housing and the external force applying part becomes impossible. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the connector from being pulled by a wire or the like getting caught between the external force applying part and the housing.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell side engaging portion is formed on the connection auxiliary member. The connection auxiliary member is formed to extend in the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack and is configured to be attachable to the end plate of the fuel cell.

[0019] With such a configuration, the connection auxiliary member and the connector can be engaged. Therefore, the freedom in the design of the fuel cell cells is increased, and the load on the fuel cell stack during engagement can be reduced.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell side engaging portion and the connector side engaging portion are formed as steps that engage with each other. The step of the connector side engaging portion is inclined so as to face the step of the fuel cell side engaging portion during engagement.

[0021] With such a configuration, even when the connector is pulled unintentionally, the fuel cell side engaging portion and the connector side engaging portion are always in surface contact. Therefore, a reliable engagement is maintained.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, a mechanism for locking a connector connected to a fuel cell by utilizing elastic deformation and a mechanism that can withstand the usage environment of the fuel cell can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14, a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the following embodiments are examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In these figures, reference numeral X indicates the locking mechanism according to the present embodiment, reference numeral A indicates the fuel cell according to the present embodiment, and reference numeral B indicates the connector according to the present embodiment.

[0025] Hereinafter, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction will be defined respectively. In the drawings, they correspond to the x-axis direction, y-axis direction, and z-axis direction respectively. Note that the defined directions do not define the directions during use in the present embodiment, and are only for convenience of explanation.

[0026] <Configuration> Hereinafter, the configuration of the locking mechanism X related to the fuel cell A and the connector B will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10.

[0027] The configuration of the locking mechanism X includes the configuration of the fuel cell A and the configuration of the connector B. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view when the fuel cell A and the connector B are connected, and FIG. 2 shows a perspective view when the fuel cell A and the connector B are not connected.

[0028] The fuel cell A includes a stack A1 and an end plate A2. The stack A1 has a plurality of cells A11, and the plurality of cells A11 are stacked in the left-right direction. The end plate A2 is provided at both the left and right ends of the stack A1 and sandwiches the stack A1. FIG. 3 shows a left-side projection view when the cell A11 and the connector B are not connected.

[0029] The connector B is a connector (CVM connector) that monitors the voltage of the cell A11. The connector B has a plurality of terminals (not shown), a resin housing B1 that houses the terminals, and electric wires B2 that are connected to the terminals and extend from the housing B1. The housing B1 has a main body portion B11 that houses the periphery of the connection point between the terminal and the electric wire B2, and a plurality of tip portions B12 that extend forward from the main body portion B11 and house the tip portions of the respective terminals.

[0030] Here, the front-rear direction (x-axis direction) corresponds to the connection direction of the connector B, and the left-right direction (y-axis direction) corresponds to the stacking direction of the cells A11.

[0031] A rearward notch for receiving the connector B is formed in the cell A11. In the stack A1, the plurality of cells A11 are stacked so that the notches are aligned in the left-right direction.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the cell A11 has a first notch portion A111 that forms a substantially square-bracket shape and is wide in the vertical direction, and a second notch portion A112 that is connected to the first notch portion A111 and forms a substantially square-bracket shape and is narrow in the vertical direction.

[0033] The housing B1 further has an extended portion B13 extending forward from the main body portion B11. The extended portion B13 is formed in a substantially plate shape and is provided so as to cover the upper end (or lower end) of each tip portion B12. The second notch portion A112 is fitted to the extended portion B13.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the fuel cell A further includes a connection auxiliary member A3 that assists in connecting the terminals of the cell A11 and the connector B. FIG. 4 shows a front projection view of the connection auxiliary member A3. The connection auxiliary member A3 is configured separately from the stack A1 and the end plate A2 assembly and is a member that is detachably attached to the front surface of this assembly.

[0035] The connection auxiliary member A3 has a main body portion A31 formed of an insulating material (for example, resin). The main body portion A31 is formed so as to extend in the left - right direction.

[0036] The main body portion A31 has an opening portion A311 provided at the center of the main body portion A31 and forming a substantially rectangular opening, and attachment portions A312 provided on the left and right of the main body portion A31. The opening portion A311 is formed so that a plurality of connectors B can be inserted. The left and right attachment portions A312 are each configured to be attachable to the left and right end plates A2.

[0037] The opening portion A311 includes a guiding portion A3111 for guiding the connector B. The guiding portion A3111 is formed in a substantially square - bracket shape having substantially the same width as the left - right width of the connector B, and is provided on the upper surface of the inner periphery of the opening of the opening portion A311, facing the inside of the opening and extending in the front - rear direction.

[0038] The opening portion A311 includes a key portion A3112 that fits a specific connector B. The key portion A3112 is formed in a convex shape and is provided on the lower surface of the inner periphery of the opening of the opening portion A311, facing the inside of the opening and extending in the front - rear direction. The key portions A3112 are provided at irregular intervals.

[0039] Further, the housing B1 has a key portion (not shown) that fits the key portion A3112 for at least one guide portion A3111. The key portion of the housing B1 is provided so as to form a slit at the rear of the lower surface of the main body portion B11.

[0040] The attachment portion A312 includes a first hole portion A3121 that forms a substantially circular hole and a second hole portion A3122 that also forms a substantially circular hole. The first hole portion A3121 and the second hole portion A3122 are arranged along the vertical direction. Further, the end plate A2 has a protruding portion A21 protruding from the front surface and a screw hole portion A22 into which the fastening member v can be screwed. The first hole portion A3121 and the second hole portion A3122 are provided so as to be arranged at the same position in the front projection view with respect to the protruding portion A21 and the screw hole portion A22, respectively.

[0041] The connection auxiliary member A3 further has a metal collar A32. The collar A32 is formed along the inner circumference of the hole of the second hole portion A3122 and forms a substantially circular hole through which the fastening member v can be inserted. The front-rear direction width of the collar A32 is larger than the front-rear direction width of the main body portion A31, and the collar A32 slightly protrudes in the front-rear direction from the main body portion A31.

[0042] In one of the left and right attachment portions A312, the first hole portion A3121 and the second hole portion A3122 do not form strictly circular holes but form holes that are long in the left-right direction. Further, the connection auxiliary member A3 further has a sleeve A33. The sleeve A33 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and forms a substantially circular hole through which the fastening member v can be inserted. The sleeve A33 is formed so as to be slidable in the left-right direction inside the collar A32. The front-rear direction width of the sleeve A33 is larger than the front-rear direction width of the collar A32, and the sleeve A33 slightly protrudes in the front-rear direction from the collar A32.

[0043] The locking mechanism X includes a fuel cell side engaging portion X1 provided on the fuel cell A and a connector side engaging portion X2 provided on the connector B. FIG. 5 shows a peripheral cross-sectional view of the fuel cell side engaging portion X1 and the connector side engaging portion X2 (the V-V cross-sectional view of FIG. 1). The locking mechanism X locks the connector B connected to the fuel cell A by engaging the fuel cell side engaging portion X1 and the connector side engaging portion X2.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the opening A311 includes a stepped portion A3113 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the opening of the opening A311. The stepped portion A3113 forms a step that descends from the rear to the front on the upper surface of the inner circumference of the guide portion A3111. Preferably, the stepped portion A3113 forms a step that is not inclined in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the stepped portion A3113 corresponds to the fuel cell side engaging portion X1.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the connector B further includes a locking member B3. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the housing B1 and the locking member B3. FIG. 7 shows an exploded perspective view of the housing B1 and the locking member B3. The locking member B3 is fixed to the upper surface of the housing B1. The locking member B3 includes a stepped portion B31 provided on the upper surface of the locking member B3. The stepped portion B31 forms a step that rises from the front to the rear. Preferably, the stepped portion B31 forms a step that is inclined forward. In the present embodiment, the stepped portion B31 corresponds to the connector side engaging portion X2.

[0046] The locking mechanism X further includes an elastically deformable portion X3. The elastically deformable portion X3 is configured to be elastically deformable in the vertical direction. One end of the elastically deformable portion X3 is a fixed end fixed to the housing B1, and the other end of the elastically deformable portion X3 is a free end. The material of the elastically deformable portion X3 is different from the material of the housing B1, has excellent heat resistance and moisture resistance, and is a material that is more elastic and less likely to crack compared to the resin material of the housing B1. Preferably, the material of the elastically deformable portion X3 is metal, but it may also be carbon or the like. Preferably, the elastically deformable portion X3 is configured as a separate body from the housing B1. The connector-side engaging portion X2 is arranged to be displaceable in the vertical direction following the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable portion X3.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the locking member B3 has a metal spring B32. The metal spring B32 is formed by bending a metal plate at the rear side. The metal spring B32 includes a lower plate portion B321, an upper plate portion B322, and a bent portion B323 that connects the lower plate portion B321 and the upper plate portion B322 at the rear. In the present embodiment, the metal spring B32 corresponds to the elastically deformable portion X3.

[0048] The locking mechanism X further has an external force applying portion X4. The external force applying portion X4 is provided on the free end side of the elastically deformable portion X3. The external force applying portion X4 is configured such that when an external force in the vertical direction is applied to the external force applying portion X4, the elastically deformable portion X3 elastically deforms in the vertical direction.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the locking member B3 has a finger-hooking member B34. The finger-hooking member B34 is configured as a separate body from the metal spring B32 and is fixed to the front portion of the upper plate portion B322. In the present embodiment, the finger-hooking member B34 corresponds to the external force applying portion X4.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the finger-hooking member B34 includes a base end portion B341, a lower extending portion B342 extending forward from the base end portion B341, and an upper extending portion B343 extending forward from the base end portion B341 above the lower extending portion B342. The stepped portion B31 is formed on the upper surface of the upper extending portion B343.

[0051] The engaging member B3 has a fixing structure B33 for fixing to the housing B1, and the housing B1 has a fixing structure B14 for receiving the fixing structure B33. Further, the metal spring B32 has a fixing structure B324 for fixing to the finger-hooking member B34, and the finger-hooking member B34 has a fixing structure B344 for receiving the fixing structure B324. FIG. 8 shows an upper projection view of the periphery of the fixing structure B33 and the fixing structure B14. FIG. 9 shows an upper projection view of the periphery of the fixing structure B324 and the fixing structure B344. FIG. 10 shows a peripheral cross-sectional view (sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 1) of the fixing structure B33 and the fixing structure B14 and the fixing structure B324 and the fixing structure B344.

[0052] The fixing structure B33 is provided on the lower plate portion B321. The fixing structure B33 includes a first arrowhead portion B331 formed in an arrowhead shape, a second arrowhead portion B332 similarly formed in an arrowhead shape, and a lance portion B333 formed in a lance shape. The first arrowhead portion B331 and the second arrowhead portion B332 are formed to protrude in the left-right direction. The second arrowhead portion B332 is disposed rearward with respect to the first arrowhead portion B331. The lance portion B333 is formed to protrude downward.

[0053] The fixing structure B14 for receiving the fixing structure B33 includes an arrowhead receiving portion B141 for receiving the first arrowhead portion B331 and the second arrowhead portion B332, and a lance receiving portion B142 for receiving the lance portion B333. The arrowhead receiving portion B141 is formed in a substantially square-bracket shape having substantially the same width as the left-right direction width of the lower plate portion B321, and is provided on the upper surface of the main body portion B11 upward and extending in the front-rear direction. The lance receiving portion B142 forms a step that descends from the front to the rear on the upper surface of the main body portion B11. The first arrowhead portion B331 is provided along the arrowhead receiving portion B141, and the second arrowhead portion B332 is provided so as to bite into the arrowhead receiving portion B141.

[0054] The fixing structure B324 is provided on the upper plate portion B322. The fixing structure B324 includes a first arrowhead portion B3241 formed in an arrowhead shape, a second arrowhead portion B3242 similarly formed in an arrowhead shape, and a lance portion B3243 formed in a lance shape. The first arrowhead portion B3241 and the second arrowhead portion B3242 are formed to protrude in the left-right direction. The second arrowhead portion B332 is disposed forward of the first arrowhead portion B331. The lance portion B3243 is formed to protrude downward.

[0055] The fixing structure B344 for receiving the fixing structure B324 includes an arrowhead receiving portion B3441 for receiving the first arrowhead portion B3241 and the second arrowhead portion B3242, and a lance receiving portion B3442 for receiving the lance portion B3243. The arrowhead receiving portion B3441 is formed in a substantially square bracket shape having substantially the same width as the left-right direction width of the upper plate portion B322, and is provided upward and extending in the front-rear direction on the upper surface of the downward extending portion B342. The lance receiving portion B3442 forms a step that slopes downward from the rear to the front on the upper surface of the downward extending portion B342. The first arrowhead portion B3241 is provided along the arrowhead receiving portion B3441, and the second arrowhead portion B3242 is provided so as to bite into the arrowhead receiving portion B3441.

[0056] The external force applying portion X4 may be not the finger-hooking member B34 but the upper part of the metal spring B32. That is, the locking member B3 does not have to have the finger-hooking member B34. At this time, the stepped portion B31 is formed on the upper surface of the metal spring B32 instead of the upper surface of the upward extending portion B343. In this case, the metal spring B32 elastically deforms when an external force is directly applied to the upper part of the metal spring B32.

[0057] Preferably, the locking mechanism X includes an elongation suppressing portion X5 that suppresses the upward deformation (elongation) of the elastic deformation portion X3. The elongation suppressing portion X5 is configured separately from the external force applying portion X4 and is fixed above the external force applying portion X4.

[0058] In this embodiment, the housing B1 further has a pressing structure B15. The pressing structure B15 is provided above the finger-hooking member B34. As an example, the pressing structure B15 is a structure that protrudes forward at the left and right side portions of the main body portion B11. At this time, the finger-hooking member B34 includes a wing portion B345 that protrudes in the left-right direction from the base end portion B341 so as to be disposed below the pressing structure B15. In this embodiment, the pressing structure B15 corresponds to the elongation suppression portion X5.

[0059] Preferably, the pressing structure B15 is biased by a metal spring B32. That is, the pressing structure B15 is arranged to compress the metal spring B32. More specifically, the metal spring B32 is configured to have a natural length at a position separated in the vertical direction from a position where the upper plate portion B322 is parallel to the lower plate portion B321. Then, the metal spring B32 is compressed by being pressed by the pressing structure B15 until the upper plate portion B322 is parallel to the lower plate portion B321.

[0060] Preferably, the locking mechanism X includes an external force blocking portion X6 that prevents an unintentional external force from being applied to the elastic deformation portion X3. The external force blocking portion X6 is configured separately from the external force applying portion X4 and is provided so as to cover at least a part above the external force applying portion X4.

[0061] In this embodiment, the housing B1 further has a protection structure B16. The protection structure B16 is provided above the finger-hooking member B34. As an example, the pressing structure B15 is a structure provided so as to bridge the upper ends of the left and right side portions of the main body portion B11. In this embodiment, the protection structure B16 corresponds to the external force blocking portion X6.

[0062] <Locking method and effect of the locking mechanism> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 12, the locking method of the connector B related to the locking mechanism X and the effect of the locking mechanism X will be described.

[0063] In advance, the user prepares the locking member B3. Specifically, the user performs the following two connector configuration steps to obtain the connector B with the locking member B3 mounted thereon.

[0064] The first connector configuration step is a step of mounting the finger hook member B34 on the metal spring B32 to obtain the locking member B3. The first assembly step includes mounting the finger hook member B34 on the metal spring B32 using the fixing structures B324 and B344. The first assembly step includes inserting the upper plate portion B322 into the arrow receiving portion B3441. At this time, in the early stage of insertion, the first arrow portion B3241 follows the arrow receiving portion B3441, so that the insertion direction of the upper plate portion B322 is uniquely determined. In the later stage of insertion, the second arrow portion B3242 bites into the arrow receiving portion B3441, so that the upper plate portion B322 is fixed to the arrow receiving portion B3441. Here, in the later stage of insertion, the lance portion B3243 falls into the lance receiving portion B3442, thereby preventing the upper plate portion B322 from being removed.

[0065] The second connector configuration step is a step of mounting the locking member B3 on the housing B1. The second assembly step includes mounting the locking member B3 on the housing B1 using the fixing structures B14 and B33. The second assembly step includes inserting the lower plate portion B321 into the arrow receiving portion B141. At this time, in the early stage of insertion, the first arrow portion B331 follows the arrow receiving portion B141, so that the insertion direction of the lower plate portion B321 is uniquely determined. In the later stage of insertion, the second arrow portion B332 bites into the arrow receiving portion B141, so that the lower plate portion B321 is fixed to the arrow receiving portion B141. Here, in the later stage of insertion, the lance portion B333 falls into the lance receiving portion B142, thereby preventing the lower plate portion B321 from being removed.

[0066] Also, in advance, the user prepares the connection auxiliary member A3. Specifically, the user performs the following fuel cell configuration step to obtain the fuel cell A with the connection auxiliary member A3 mounted thereon.

[0067] The fuel cell assembly process is a process of attaching a connection auxiliary member A3 to the left and right end plates A2. The first assembly process includes screwing a fastening member v into a screw hole portion A22 while inserting it into a collar A32. At this time, by aligning the first hole portion A3121 with the protruding portion A21, the mounting position of the connection auxiliary member A3 is uniquely determined. Note that since the collar A32 slightly protrudes in the front-rear direction from the second hole portion A3122, when the non-metal main body portion A31 is tightened with the fastening member v, loosening due to the thermal creep phenomenon caused by heat generation during power generation is prevented.

[0068] After the above preparations, the user connects the connector B to the fuel cell A. Specifically, the user performs the following fitting process to fit the connector B to the fuel cell A. At this time, the connector B is locked to the fuel cell A by the locking mechanism X. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the fitting process.

[0069] The fitting process includes inserting the connector B into the opening A311 and inserting it into the stack A1. At this time, during insertion, as the housing B1 follows the guide portion A3111, the insertion direction of the connector B is uniquely determined. Also, during insertion, by matching the key portion of the housing B1 with the key portion A3112, displacement of the connector B in the left-right direction during insertion is prevented. Also, during insertion, as the extended portion B13 follows the second notch portion A112, the insertion direction of the connector B is uniquely determined.

[0070] Regarding the locking mechanism X in the fitting process, the elastic deformation portion X3 is contracted by the pressing force from the contact portion between the connector-side engaging portion X2 and the fuel cell-side engaging portion X1 or the external force from the external force applying portion X4 while the connector-side engaging portion X2 passes through the fuel cell-side engaging portion X1 (see FIG. 11), and when the passing is completed, the contraction is released. As a result, the fuel cell-side engaging portion X1 and the connector-side engaging portion X2 are engaged, preventing the removal of the connector B. Note that since the elastic deformation portion X3 biases the elongation restraining portion X5, the vertical position of the connector-side engaging portion X2 is fixed, ensuring reliable engagement.

[0071] Here, when the elastic deformation part X3 is formed integrally with the resin housing B1, the elastic deformation part X3 will be formed of the same resin as the housing. Considering the usage environment of the fuel cell A here, it is necessary to adopt a resin with excellent heat resistance and moisture resistance as the resin forming the housing B1. However, such a resin generally has poor elasticity and is prone to cracking. Therefore, the elastic deformation part X3 is easily worn or damaged by an external force during engagement or the like. On the other hand, in the locking mechanism X, the material of the elastic deformation part X3 is different from that of the housing B1, so wear and damage of the elastic deformation part X3 are suppressed.

[0072] After connecting the connector B to the fuel cell A, the external force blocking part X6 prevents the application of an unintended external force to the elastic deformation part X3, and sagging of the elastic deformation part X3 is prevented. Further, the elongation suppressing part X5 prevents the elongation of the elastic deformation part X3, and breakage of the elastic deformation part X3 is prevented. Also, regarding the fuel cell side engaging part X1 and the connector side engaging part X2, since the step formed by the step part B31 is inclined so as to face the step formed by the step part A3113, even when the connector B is pulled upward unintentionally, the step part A3113 and the step part B31 are always in surface contact (see FIG. 12), and reliable engagement is maintained.

[0073] Note that the stack A1 may expand or contract in the left - right direction due to heat generation during power generation. Here, in one of the left and right mounting parts A312, the first hole part A3121 and the second hole part A3122 form holes that are long in the left - right direction, and the sleeve A33 slightly protrudes in the front - rear direction from the main body part A31 and the collar A32, so that the end plate A2 can move in the left - right direction with respect to the connection auxiliary member A3 during expansion or contraction.

[0074] <Modified Example> Hereinafter, a modified example of the locking mechanism X will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 14.

[0075] In the modified example, the locking mechanism X includes an intervening part X7 interposed between the housing B1 and the finger-hooking member B34. The intervening part X7 is configured separately from the housing B1 and the finger-hooking member B34.

[0076] In the embodiment according to the modified example, the connector B further includes an intervening member B4. FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the housing B1 and the locking member B3. FIG. 14 shows an exploded perspective view of the housing B1 and the locking member B3. The intervening member B4 is formed so as to be insertable between the housing B1 and the finger-hooking member B34. In this embodiment, the intervening member B4 corresponds to the intervening part X7.

[0077] Preferably, the intervening member B4 has a fixing structure B41 for the housing B1, and the housing B1 has a fixing structure B17 for receiving the fixing structure B41. The fixing structure B41 includes a convex portion B411. The convex portion B411 is provided on the left and right side surfaces of the intervening member B4. The fixing structure B17 for receiving the fixing structure B41 includes a concave portion B171. The concave portion B171 is provided on the inner surfaces of the left and right side portions of the housing B1. The concave portion B171 is formed as a part of a through hole or a non-through hole in the left and right side portions of the housing B1. Preferably, the fixing structure B41 and the fixing structure B17 are structures of a side release mechanism. After the fitting process, the user inserts and fixes the intervening member B4 between the housing B1 and the finger-hooking member B34.

[0078] Regarding the locking mechanism X according to the modified example, the downward movement of the external force applying portion X4 is prevented by the intervening part X7, so that the contraction of the elastic deformation portion X3 is prevented, and thus the sagging of the elastic deformation portion X3 is prevented. Also, since access to the lower side of the external force applying portion X4 becomes impossible, it is prevented that the connector B is pulled by an electric wire or the like being caught under the external force applying portion X4.

[0079] The various shapes, dimensions, etc. of the respective constituent members shown in the above embodiments and modified examples are merely examples, and can be variously changed based on design requirements and the like.

[0080] The "approximate" used in the above description means a concept that includes chamfering or rounding of the subsequent shape, and also includes cases where the elements constituting the shape are deformed or the length is changed within a range that does not impede the purpose of the shape.

Explanation of Reference Signs

[0081] X: Locking mechanism X1: Fuel cell side engaging portion X2: Connector side engaging portion X3: Elastic deformation portion X4: External force applying portion X5: Elongation suppression portion X6: External force blocking portion X7: Interposed portion A: Fuel cell A1: Stack A2: End plate A3: Connection auxiliary member B: Connector B1: Housing

Claims

1. A mechanism for locking a connector connected to a fuel cell, comprising: a fuel cell side engaging portion, a connector side engaging portion engageable with the fuel cell side engaging portion, an elastic deformation portion formed of a material different from a housing of the connector, and an external force application portion, one end of the elastic deformation portion is a fixed end that is fixed to a housing of the connector, The other end of the elastic deformation portion is a free end, the connector-side engagement portion is disposed so as to be displaceable in response to elastic deformation of the elastic deformation portion, the fuel cell side engaging portion, the connector side engaging portion, and the housing are made of a material that is a resin having heat resistance and moisture resistance, The material of the elastic deformation portion is metal or carbon, The external force application portion is provided on a free end side of the elastic deformation portion, and is configured so that the elastic deformation portion elastically deforms in the vertical direction when an external force in the vertical direction is applied thereto. mechanism.

2. Further comprising an elongation suppressing portion, The elongation suppressing portion is disposed and fixed so as to contract the elastic deformation portion. The mechanism of claim 1.

3. Further comprising an external force blocking unit; The external force blocking portion is provided so as to cover at least a portion of the external force application portion. The mechanism of claim 1.

4. Further comprising an interposition part, The interposition portion is interposed between a housing of the connector and the external force application portion. The mechanism of claim 1.

5. The fuel cell side engagement portion is formed on the connection auxiliary member, The connection auxiliary member is formed to extend in a stacking direction of the fuel cell stack and is configured to be attachable to an end plate of the fuel cell. The mechanism of claim 1.

6. the fuel cell side engaging portion and the connector side engaging portion are formed as steps that engage with each other, the step of the connector-side engagement portion is inclined toward the step of the fuel cell-side engagement portion when engaged; The mechanism of claim 1.

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