Device equipped with a battery terminal cover

Abstract

To provide a battery terminal cover and a battery terminal unit, capable of absorbing a tolerance in a battery and stopping a battery material at an appropriate position when assembling the battery terminal to a battery post.SOLUTION: A battery terminal cover 40 comprises: a cover part 41; and a whirl stop part 43. The whirl stop part 43 includes a contact surface 45 that is formed by chamfering. The contact surface 45 is formed at a position that is deviated from a movement region MR of a mating side connector 50 against a connector 23 provided to a battery terminal 20. The contact surface 45 is contacted to a corner part 6e of a battery wall 5 to regulate a rotation of a direction directed to the battery wall 5 in the battery terminal 20. The contact surface 45 is formed so as to enable an absorption of a dimensional tolerance between a battery post 7, a wall surface 6a of a battery wall 5 forming a corner part 6e, and a side surface 6d.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery terminal cover and a battery terminal unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when assembling a battery terminal to a battery post erected on the upper surface of a battery housing, a member for restricting the rotation of the battery terminal is known.

[0003] The battery terminal disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with a stopper as a member for restricting the rotation of the battery terminal. The stopper has a first rotation prevention portion and a second rotation prevention portion.

[0004] In a state where the battery terminal is assembled to the battery post, the first rotation prevention portion abuts on the side surface of the battery housing, and the second rotation prevention portion abuts on the wall surface of a battery wall provided on the upper surface of the battery housing and orthogonal to the side surface of the battery housing.

[0005] With such a configuration, the rotation of the battery terminal around the battery post can be restricted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In Patent Document 1, by the first rotation prevention portion abutting on the side surface of the battery housing, the rotation in the direction (counterclockwise) toward the battery housing around the battery post is restricted.

[0008] However, there is a manufacturing tolerance (dimensional tolerance) between the battery post and the side of the battery housing. Therefore, if the distance between the battery post and the side of the battery housing becomes shorter than the standard value within the dimensional tolerance, the first anti-rotation part will rotate counterclockwise extra by the amount of the shortened distance and come into contact with the side of the battery housing.

[0009] In this case, because the space where the battery is located is limited, components connected to the battery terminals, such as electrical wires, may interfere with surrounding components. In this case, for example, vibrations in the vehicle may cause damage to the insulation of the electrical wires.

[0010] Therefore, further improvements were needed to accommodate tolerances in the battery while ensuring that the battery terminals could be properly secured.

[0011] This invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art. The object of this invention is to provide a battery terminal cover and a battery terminal unit that can secure the battery terminal in an appropriate position while absorbing tolerances in the battery when assembling the battery terminal to the battery post. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A battery terminal cover according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a cover portion that can be attached to a battery terminal, and an anti-rotation portion extending from the cover portion and having a chamfered contact surface. The contact surface contacts the corner of the battery wall provided on the upper surface of the battery housing when the battery terminal is assembled to a battery post erected on the upper surface of the battery housing with the cover portion attached to the battery terminal. The contact surface is formed at a position outside the range of movement of the mating connector with respect to a connector provided on one end of the battery terminal. The contact surface is formed to absorb the dimensional tolerance between the battery post and the first and second surfaces of the battery wall that form the corner. By the contact surface contacting the corner, rotation of the battery terminal in the direction toward the battery wall with the battery post as the center of rotation is restricted.

[0013] A battery terminal unit according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises a battery terminal mounted on a battery post erected on the upper surface of a battery housing, and a battery terminal cover according to the first aspect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery terminal cover and a battery terminal unit that can secure the battery terminal in an appropriate position while absorbing tolerances in the battery when assembling the battery terminal to the battery post. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view showing an example of the battery terminal unit according to this embodiment attached to a battery. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a view from arrow II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the battery terminal unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining tolerances in a battery. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram for explaining tolerance absorption by the battery terminal cover according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram for explaining tolerance absorption by the battery terminal cover according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is an explanatory diagram for explaining tolerance absorption by the battery terminal cover according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a battery terminal unit according to a modification of the present embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram for explaining tolerance absorption by the battery terminal cover according to a modification of the present embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram for explaining tolerance absorption by the battery terminal cover according to a modification of the present embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is an explanatory diagram for explaining tolerance absorption by the battery terminal cover according to a modification of the present embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, the battery terminal unit and the battery terminal cover according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios. Also, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same functions and configurations, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0017] [Configuration of Battery] First, the configuration of the battery 1 will be described using FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view showing an example of a state where the battery terminal unit 10 is attached to the battery 1.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the battery 1 is an energy storage device mounted on a vehicle and comprises a battery housing 3, a battery wall 5, and a battery post 7. The battery housing 3 houses the components of the battery 1. The battery housing 3 has a top surface 3a, a front surface 3b, and a side surface 3c. The top surface 3a is formed on the upper side of the battery housing 3 in the vertical direction. The front surface 3b and the side surface 3c are perpendicular to the top surface 3a and are included in the circumferential surface of the battery housing 3. The battery wall 5 is provided on the top surface 3a of the battery housing 3.

[0019] The battery wall 5 has a notch 5a that is cut out in a roughly L-shape in a plan view of the battery housing 3 at the corner of the battery 1. Therefore, the upper surface 3a of the battery housing 3 is exposed at the corner of the battery 1. Note that there is at least one corner of the battery 1 that has a notch 5a.

[0020] The battery wall 5 has wall surfaces 6a, 6b, a top surface 6c, and a side surface 6d. In the cutout portion 5a of the battery wall 5, wall surfaces 6a and 6b are exposed. Wall surface 6a is perpendicular to the plane parallel to the side surface 3c of the battery housing 3. Wall surface 6b is connected to wall surface 6a and is parallel to the side surface 3c of the battery housing 3. The top surface 6c is formed on the upper side of the battery wall 5 in the vertical direction. Side surface 6d is connected to wall surface 6a and is parallel to the side surface 3c of the battery housing 3.

[0021] The wall surface 6a and side surface 6d of the battery wall 5 form the corner portion 6e of the battery wall 5. As will be described later, when the battery terminal unit 10 is attached to the battery 1, the battery terminal unit 10 comes into contact with the corner portion 6e of the battery wall 5. In this case, the battery terminal unit 10 comes into contact with the corner portion 6e of the battery wall 5 from the side surface 3c of the battery housing 3. The wall surface 6a and side surface 6d that form the corner portion 6e are also referred to as the first surface and the second surface, respectively.

[0022] The battery post 7 is formed in a roughly cylindrical shape and is erected on the upper surface 3a of the battery housing 3, which is exposed at the corner of the battery 1. The central axis C of the battery post 7 is perpendicular to the upper surface 3a of the battery housing 3.

[0023] [Battery terminal unit configuration] Next, the configuration of the battery terminal unit 10 will be explained using Figures 1 to 3. Figure 2 is a view from arrow II in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a plan view of the battery terminal unit 10.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the battery terminal unit 10 is a component attached to the battery 1 and comprises a battery terminal 20 and a battery terminal cover 40. The battery terminal 20 is assembled to the battery post 7 and is used to electrically connect the battery 1 and the components connected to the battery terminal 20.

[0025] The battery terminal 20 comprises a main body 21, a connector 23, a stud bolt 25, and a fastening portion 27. The main body 21 is provided with the connector 23, the stud bolt 25, and the fastening portion 27. The main body 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and has an upper surface 21a and side surfaces 21b to 21e (see Figure 3). However, the shape of the main body 21 is not limited to a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0026] Here, the X direction shown in Figure 3 corresponds to the short side direction of the main body 21. The Y direction shown in Figure 3 corresponds to the long side direction of the main body 21 and is perpendicular to the X direction. The Z direction shown in Figure 3 corresponds to the height direction of the main body 21 and is perpendicular to both the X and Y directions.

[0027] The upper surface 21a is formed on the upper side of the main body 21 in the vertical direction (Z direction). The sides 21b to 21e are perpendicular to the upper surface 21a and constitute the circumferential surface of the main body 21. Side 21b is the side on the longer side of the main body 21 and is formed on one end (-X side) of the shorter side of the main body 21. Side 21c is the side on the longer side of the main body 21 and is formed on the other end (+X side) of the shorter side of the main body 21.

[0028] Side surface 21d is the side surface on the shorter side of the main body 21 and is formed on one end (-Y side) of the longer side of the main body 21. Side surface 21e is the side surface on the shorter side of the main body 21 and is formed on the other end (+Y side) of the longer side of the main body 21.

[0029] The connector 23 has a connector body 23a and a connector mating portion 23b. The connector body 23a is provided near the center of the upper surface 21a of the main body 21 in the direction of the long side (Y direction) of the main body 21. However, the installation position of the connector body 23a is not limited to the area near the center of the upper surface 21a, but may also be on the side 21d side (-Y side) of the upper surface 21a.

[0030] The connector mating portion 23b is provided at one end 23a1 (-Y side) of the connector body portion 23a and is mated to the mating connector 50. The mating connector 50 is attached to the end of a cable 51 connected to a device inside a vehicle on which the battery 1 is installed (see Figure 1).

[0031] The movement region MR shown in Figure 3 indicates the region in which the mating connector 50 moves when it is mated with the connector mating portion 23b. As shown in the movement region MR, the mating connector 50 moves along the long side direction (Y direction) of the main body 21 and mates with the connector mating portion 23b of the connector 23 from the side 21d of the main body 21. Once the mating connector 50 is mated with the connector mating portion 23b, it is electrically connected to the battery 1 via the connector 23. The movement region MR is also called the connection track.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, in the direction of the long side of the main body 21, the end portion 23b1 of the connector mating portion 23b is located on the -Y side of the side surface 21d of the main body 21. With this configuration, the end portion 23b1 of the connector mating portion 23b protrudes from the main body 21 on the -Y side.

[0033] Furthermore, when the battery terminal 20 is assembled to the battery post 7, the upper surface 6c of the battery wall 5 is located above the lower end 23b2 of the connector 23 in the height direction (Z direction) of the main body 21 (see Figure 2). Also, when the mating connector 50 is mated to the connector mating portion 23b, the upper surface 6c of the battery wall 5 is located above the lower end 50a of the mating connector 50 in the height direction (Z direction) of the main body 21 (see Figure 2).

[0034] The stud bolt 25 is provided on the side 21e (+Y side) of the main body 21 and has a shaft portion 25a that protrudes from the upper surface 21a of the main body 21. A mating terminal attached to the end of a cable can be connected to the shaft portion 25a. When the mating terminal is connected to the shaft portion 25a, it is electrically connected to the battery 1 via the stud bolt 25.

[0035] The fastening portion 27 is provided on the side 21b side of the main body portion 21 and has an extending portion 27a, an insertion portion 27b, and a fastening portion 27c. The extending portion 27a extends from the side 21b of the main body portion 21 in a direction away from the main body portion 21. The direction of extension of the extending portion 27a is parallel to the short side direction (X direction) of the main body portion 21.

[0036] The insertion portion 27b is connected to the extension portion 27a. The insertion portion 27b is formed in a substantially annular shape and has a post insertion hole 27b1. When assembling the battery terminal 20 to the battery post 7, the battery post 7 is inserted into the post insertion hole 27b1.

[0037] The fastening portion 27c is connected to the insertion portion 27b and has a bolt 31 and a nut 33. With the battery post 7 inserted into the post insertion hole 27b1, the fastening portion 27c uses the bolt 31 and nut 33 to fasten the end of the insertion portion 27b. When the fastening portion 27c fastens the end of the insertion portion 27b, the diameter of the post insertion hole 27b1 is reduced, and the battery post 7 is fixed in the post insertion hole 27b1. In this way, the battery terminal 20 is assembled to the battery post 7 by the fastening force of the fastening portion 27c.

[0038] The battery terminal cover 40 is attached to the battery terminal 20 so as to surround the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 21 of the battery terminal 20. For example, the battery terminal cover 40 is attached to the battery terminal 20 by engaging an engaging portion (not shown) provided on the inner circumferential surface of the battery terminal cover 40 with an engaged portion (not shown) provided on the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 21 of the battery terminal 20.

[0039] The battery terminal cover 40 is a component used to restrict the rotation of the battery terminal 20 around the battery post 7 when assembling the battery terminal 20 to the battery post 7. The battery terminal cover 40 also serves to protect the battery terminal 20.

[0040] The battery terminal cover 40 is made of a resin material or the like and includes a cover portion 41 and an anti-rotation portion 43. The cover portion 41 is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame so as to follow the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 21 of the battery terminal 20. When the battery terminal cover 40 is attached to the battery terminal 20, the short side direction, long side direction, and height direction of the cover portion 41 correspond to the short side direction, long side direction, and height direction of the main body portion 21 of the battery terminal 20, respectively.

[0041] The cover portion 41 has an upper surface 41a and side surfaces 41b and 41c. The upper surface 41a is formed on the upper side of the cover portion 41 in the vertical direction. The side surfaces 41b and 41c are perpendicular to the upper surface 41a and are included in the circumferential surface of the cover portion 41. Side surface 41b is the side surface on the long side of the cover portion 41 and is formed on one end of the short side of the cover portion 41. Side surface 41c is the side surface on the short side of the cover portion 41 and is formed on one end of the long side of the cover portion 41.

[0042] Furthermore, when the battery terminal cover 40 is attached to the battery terminal 20, in the height direction (Z direction) of the main body 21 of the battery terminal 20, the upper surface 41a of the cover 41 is located below the upper surface 21a of the main body 21 and the lower end 23b2 of the connector mating portion 23b of the connector 23 (see Figure 2). Also, when the battery terminal 20 is assembled to the battery post 7, in the height direction (Z direction) of the main body 21 of the battery terminal 20, the upper surface 41a of the cover 41 is located below the upper surface 6c of the battery wall 5 (see Figure 2). Moreover, when the mating connector 50 is mated to the connector mating portion 23b, in the height direction (Z direction) of the main body 21 of the battery terminal 20, the upper surface 41a of the cover 41 is located below the lower end 50a of the mating connector 50 (see Figure 2).

[0043] A through-hole 41b1 is formed on the side surface 41b. When the battery terminal cover 40 is attached to the battery terminal 20, the extended portion 27a of the fastening portion 27 of the battery terminal 20 extends away from the main body portion 21 through the through-hole 41b1 of the cover portion 41.

[0044] The anti-rotation portion 43 extends from the side surface 41c of the cover portion 41 so as to protrude away from the cover portion 41. The direction of extension of the anti-rotation portion 43 is parallel to the long side direction of the cover portion 41. The height of the anti-rotation portion 43 is the same as the height of the side surface 41c of the cover portion 41 (see Figure 2).

[0045] The anti-rotation portion 43 has a contact surface 45, an inclined surface 47, and a tip surface 49. The contact surface 45 is a flat surface formed by chamfering one of the tip corners of the anti-rotation portion 43 and is connected to the side surface 41b of the cover portion 41. The inclined surface 47 is a flat surface formed by chamfering the other tip corner of the anti-rotation portion 43 and is connected to the side surface 41c of the cover portion 41. The tip surface 49 is parallel to the side surface 41c of the cover portion 41 and is connected to the contact surface 45 and the inclined surface 47.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, the contact surface 45 is formed at a position outside the movement range MR of the mating connector 50 relative to the connector 23. As will be described later, when the battery terminal 20 is assembled to the battery post 7, the contact surface 45 comes into contact with the corner 6e of the battery wall 5, thereby restricting the rotation of the battery terminal 20 in the direction toward the battery wall 5 with the battery post 7 as the center of rotation.

[0047] Furthermore, the side 41b of the cover portion 41 on the contact surface 45 is also referred to as the base side of the anti-rotation portion 43. Also, the tip side 49 of the contact surface 45 is also referred to as the tip side of the anti-rotation portion 43.

[0048] [Tolerances in batteries] Next, Figure 4 will be used to explain the tolerances in battery 1. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the tolerances in battery 1. In this embodiment, the tolerances in battery 1 are those between the battery post 7 and the wall surface 6a and side surface 6d of the battery wall 5 that form the corner portion 6e of the battery wall 5.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, in a plan view of the battery 1, the distance between the center CT of the battery post 7 and the wall surface 6a of the battery wall 5 is allowed to have a dimensional tolerance of -d1 to +d1 with respect to the reference value D1. Therefore, the distance between the center CT of the battery post 7 and the wall surface 6a of the battery wall 5 has a value within the range of D1-d1 to D1+d1. The dimensional tolerance of -d1 to +d1 with respect to the reference value D1 is also referred to as the first dimensional tolerance. The distance between the center CT of the battery post 7 and the wall surface 6a of the battery wall 5 is also referred to as the first distance.

[0050] Similarly, in this embodiment, in a plan view of the battery 1, the distance between the center CT of the battery post 7 and the side surface 6d of the battery wall 5 is allowed to have a dimensional tolerance of -d2 to +d2 with respect to the reference value D2. Therefore, the distance between the center CT of the battery post 7 and the side surface 6d of the battery wall 5 has a value within the range of D2-d2 to D2+d2. Note that the dimensional tolerance of -d2 to +d2 with respect to the reference value D2 is also referred to as the second dimensional tolerance. Furthermore, the distance between the center CT of the battery post 7 and the side surface 6d of the battery wall 5 is also referred to as the second distance.

[0051] The tolerance between the battery post 7 and the side surface 6d of the battery wall 5 may be determined based on the tolerance between the battery post 7 and the side surface 3c of the battery housing 3, and the tolerance between the side surface 6d of the battery wall 5 and the side surface 3c of the battery housing 3.

[0052] [Tolerance absorption by battery terminal cover] Next, Figures 5A to 5C will be used to explain tolerance absorption by the battery terminal cover 40. Figure 5A is an explanatory diagram illustrating tolerance absorption by the battery terminal cover 40 when the first and second distances are within the reference value. Figure 5B is an explanatory diagram illustrating tolerance absorption by the battery terminal cover 40 when the first and second distances are within the minimum value of the first and second dimensional tolerance. Figure 5C is an explanatory diagram illustrating tolerance absorption by the battery terminal cover 40 when the first and second distances are within the maximum value of the first and second dimensional tolerance.

[0053] First, let's explain the rotation of the battery terminal unit 10. The battery terminal unit 10 is constructed by attaching the battery terminal cover 40 to the battery terminal 20.

[0054] To assemble the battery terminal 20 to the battery post 7, with the battery terminal unit 10 assembled, the battery post 7 of the battery 1 is inserted into the post insertion hole 27b1 of the insertion portion 27b of the tightening portion 27 of the battery terminal 20. Once the battery post 7 is inserted into the post insertion hole 27b1, the nut 33 of the tightening portion 27c of the tightening portion 27 of the battery terminal 20 is rotated clockwise to tighten the end of the insertion portion 27b.

[0055] In this process, the battery terminal unit 10 rotates clockwise around the central axis C of the battery post 7 as the nut 33 rotates. The battery terminal unit 10 rotates until the contact surface 45 of the anti-rotation portion 43 of the battery terminal cover 40 contacts the corner portion 6e of the battery wall 5 (see Figures 5A to 5C).

[0056] When the contact surface 45 contacts the corner 6e of the battery wall 5, the rotation of the battery terminal unit 10 is stopped. In this state, while the contact surface 45 is in contact with the corner 6e of the battery wall 5, the nut 33 is rotated further clockwise to securely tighten the end of the insertion portion 27b, thereby fixing the battery post 7 in the post insertion hole 27b1. As a result, the battery terminal 20 is assembled to the battery post 7, and the battery terminal unit 10 is attached to the battery 1.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5A, when the first and second distances are at the reference value, as the battery terminal unit 10 rotates, the contact surface 45 contacts the corner 6e of the battery wall 5 on the side 41b of the cover portion 41 (the base side of the anti-rotation portion 43). This prevents the battery wall 5 from entering the movement area MR of the mating connector 50. Therefore, the mating connector 50 can be mated into the connector mating portion 23b of the connector 23.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5B, when the first and second distances are within the minimum values ​​of the first and second dimensional tolerances, as the battery terminal unit 10 rotates, the contact surface 45 contacts the corner 6e of the battery wall 5 near the side surface 41b of the cover portion 41 (near the base of the anti-rotation portion 43). This prevents the battery wall 5 from entering the movement area MR of the mating connector 50. Therefore, the mating connector 50 can be mated into the connector mating portion 23b of the connector 23.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5C, when the first and second distances are within the maximum values ​​of the first and second dimensional tolerances, as the battery terminal unit 10 rotates, the contact surface 45 contacts the corner 6e of the battery wall 5 on the tip surface 49 side (the tip side of the anti-rotation portion 43). This prevents the battery wall 5 from entering the movement area MR of the mating connector 50. Therefore, the mating connector 50 can be mated into the connector mating portion 23b of the connector 23.

[0060] In all cases shown in Figures 5A to 5C, even if one of the tip corners of the anti-rotation portion 43 is not chamfered, i.e., even if a contact surface 45 is not formed, it is possible to avoid the corner 6e of the battery wall 5 entering the movement area MR of the mating connector 50. However, in this case, the connector mating portion 23b of the connector 23 of the battery terminal unit 10 stops at a position further away from the battery 1 compared to the case where a contact surface 45 is formed on the anti-rotation portion 43. Therefore, when the mating connector 50 is mated to the connector mating portion 23b of the connector 23, the cable 51 may interfere with the surrounding components 100.

[0061] In this way, by forming a contact surface 45 on the anti-rotation portion 43 of the battery terminal cover 40, the battery terminal 20 can be secured in the appropriate position while absorbing tolerances in the battery 1.

[0062] [Effects / Effects] According to this embodiment, the battery terminal cover 40 comprises a cover portion 41 and an anti-rotation portion 43. The cover portion 41 is attachable to the battery terminal 20. The anti-rotation portion 43 extends from the cover portion 41 and has a chamfered contact surface 45.

[0063] When assembling the battery terminal 20 to the battery post 7 erected on the upper surface 3a of the battery housing 3 with the cover portion 41 attached to the battery terminal 20, the contact surface 45 contacts the corner portion 6e of the battery wall 5 provided on the upper surface 3a of the battery housing 3. The contact surface 45 is formed at a position outside the movement range MR of the mating connector 50 relative to the connector 23 provided on one end of the battery terminal 20. The contact surface 45 contacts the corner portion 6e of the battery wall 5, thereby restricting the rotation of the battery terminal 20 in the direction toward the battery wall 5 with the battery post 7 as the center of rotation.

[0064] With the above configuration, when assembling the battery terminal 20 to the battery post 7, the battery wall 5 can be prevented from entering the movement area MR of the mating connector 50 relative to the connector 23, while stopping the rotation of the battery terminal near the battery 1. Therefore, even if peripheral components 100 are present in the space where the battery 1 is placed, the worker can attach the mating connector 50 and cable 51 to the connector 23 without interfering with the battery wall 5 and the peripheral components 100.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the contact surface 45 is formed in such a way as to be able to absorb the dimensional tolerance between the battery post 7 and the wall surface 6a and side surface 6d of the battery wall 5 that form the corner portion 6e of the battery wall 5.

[0066] With the above configuration, the operator can absorb tolerances in the battery 1 and reliably attach the mating connector 50 to the connector 23.

[0067] Therefore, by using the battery terminal cover 40 configured in this way, it is possible to absorb tolerances in the battery 1 while securing the battery terminal 20 in the appropriate position.

[0068] According to this embodiment, the contact surface is composed of a single plane (contact surface 45). When the cover portion 41 is attached to the battery terminal 20, the anti-rotation portion 43 is located on one end side of the battery terminal 20.

[0069] With the above configuration, a simple setup can be used to accommodate tolerances in battery 1 while securing the battery terminal 20 in the appropriate position.

[0070] According to this embodiment, the battery terminal unit 10 comprises a battery terminal 20 that is attached to a battery post 7 erected on the upper surface 3a of the battery housing 3, and the battery terminal cover 40 described above.

[0071] With the above configuration, by using the battery terminal unit 10, tolerances in the battery 1 can be absorbed while the battery terminal 20 can be secured in the appropriate position.

[0072] [Differentiation] In the embodiments described above, the contact surface consisted of a single plane, but it is not limited to this. The contact surface may consist of two planes.

[0073] Figure 6 is a plan view of the battery terminal unit 10a according to this modified example. As shown in Figure 6, the battery terminal unit 10a includes a battery terminal 20 and a battery terminal cover 40a. The configuration of the battery terminal 20 has been described in the above embodiment, so its description is omitted in this modified example.

[0074] The battery terminal cover 40a comprises a cover portion 41 and an anti-rotation portion 43a. The configuration of the cover portion 41 has been described in the above-described embodiment, so its description is omitted in this modification. The anti-rotation portion 43a has contact surfaces 45a, 45b, an inclined surface 47, and a tip surface 49. The inclined surface 47 and the tip surface 49 have been described in the above-described embodiment, so their description is omitted in this modification.

[0075] The contact surfaces 45a and 45b are two flat surfaces formed by chamfering one of the tip corners of the anti-rotation portion 43a. When the battery terminal cover 40a is attached to the battery terminal 20, the contact surfaces 45a and 45b are formed to be recessed toward the battery terminal 20.

[0076] The contact surface 45a is connected to the side surface 41b and the contact surface 45b of the cover portion 41. The contact surface 45b is connected to the tip surface 49. The contact surfaces 45a and 45b are formed at positions outside the movement range MR of the mating connector 50 relative to the connector 23.

[0077] In this modified example, the contact surface 45b is formed parallel to the long side direction of the cover portion 41, and the angle between the contact surfaces 45a and 45b is formed as an obtuse angle. However, the contact surface 45b is not limited to being formed parallel to the long side direction of the cover portion 41, and can be appropriately set based on the relationship between the installation position of the battery wall 5, the installation position of the battery post 7, and the installation positions of the peripheral components arranged around the battery 1. Similarly, the angle between the contact surfaces 45a and 45b is not limited to being formed as an obtuse angle, and can be appropriately set based on the relationship between the installation position of the battery wall 5, the installation position of the battery post 7, and the installation positions of the peripheral components arranged around the battery 1.

[0078] The contact surface 45a is also referred to as one of the planes located on the base side of the anti-rotation portion 43. The contact surface 45b is also referred to as the other plane located on the tip side of the anti-rotation portion 43.

[0079] Figure 7A is an explanatory diagram illustrating tolerance absorption by the battery terminal cover 40a when the first and second distances are within the reference value. Figure 7B is an explanatory diagram illustrating tolerance absorption by the battery terminal cover 40a when the first and second distances have the minimum value within the first and second dimensional tolerance. Figure 7C is an explanatory diagram illustrating tolerance absorption by the battery terminal cover 40a when the first and second distances have the maximum value within the first and second dimensional tolerance.

[0080] As shown in Figure 7A, when the first and second distances are at reference values, as the battery terminal unit 10a rotates, the contact surface 45a comes into contact with the corner 6e of the battery wall 5 near the boundary between the contact surfaces 45a and 45b. This prevents the battery wall 5 from entering the movement area MR of the mating connector 50 relative to the connector 23. As a result, the mating connector 50 can be mated with the connector mating portion 23b of the connector 23.

[0081] As shown in Figure 7B, when the first and second distances are within the minimum value of the first and second dimensional tolerances, as the battery terminal unit 10a rotates, the contact surface 45a comes into contact with the corner 6e of the battery wall 5 near the side surface 41b of the cover portion 41. This prevents the battery wall 5 from entering the movement area MR of the mating connector 50 relative to the connector 23. As a result, the mating connector 50 can be mated with the connector mating portion 23b of the connector 23.

[0082] As shown in Figure 7C, when the first and second distances are at their maximum values ​​within the first and second dimensional tolerances, the contact surface 45b comes into contact with the corner 6e of the battery wall 5 on the tip surface 49 side as the battery terminal unit 10 rotates. This prevents the battery wall 5 from entering the movement area MR of the mating connector 50 relative to the connector 23. As a result, the mating connector 50 can be mated with the connector mating portion 23b of the connector 23.

[0083] In all cases shown in Figures 7A to 7C, if the contact surface consists of one surface, it is possible to avoid the corner 6e of the battery wall 5 entering the movement area MR of the mating connector 50 relative to the connector 23, and to avoid the cable 51 of the mating connector 50 interfering with the surrounding components 100. However, in this case, the connector mating portion 23b of the connector 23 of the battery terminal unit 10a stops at a position further away from the battery 1 compared to the case where the contact surface consists of two surfaces. Therefore, when connecting the mating terminal 60 to the stud bolt 25 of the battery terminal 20, there is a possibility that the cable 61 of the mating terminal 60 may interfere with the surrounding components 200.

[0084] In this way, by forming contact surfaces 45a and 45b on the anti-rotation portion 43a of the battery terminal cover 40a, tolerances in the battery 1 can be absorbed, and the battery terminal 20 can be secured in a more appropriate position.

[0085] Furthermore, if one end corner of the anti-rotation portion 43a is chamfered to form only the contact surface 45a, a portion of the contact surface 45a will be formed within the movement area MR of the mating connector 50. For this reason, for example, if the first and second distances have their maximum values ​​within the first and second dimensional tolerances, the battery wall 5 may enter the movement area MR of the mating connector 50 as the battery terminal unit 10a rotates. However, even in this case, by connecting the contact surface 45a to the contact surface 45b at a position outside the movement area MR of the mating connector 50, it is possible to avoid the battery wall 5 entering the movement area MR of the mating connector 50 as the battery terminal unit 10a rotates.

[0086] Similarly, if one side of the anti-rotation portion 43a is chamfered to form only the contact surface 45b, the contact surface 45b will connect to the side surface 41c of the cover portion 41 that is exposed on the side surface 41b side of the cover portion 41. For this reason, for example, if the first distance has the minimum value within the first dimensional tolerance and the second distance has the maximum value within the second dimensional tolerance, the battery terminal unit 10a may rotate more clockwise toward the battery wall 5 compared to the case where contact surfaces 45a and 45b are formed. In this case, the cable 51 of the mating connector 50 may interfere with the side surface 3c of the battery housing 3. However, even in this case, the connection of the contact surface 45b with the contact surface 45a can prevent the battery terminal unit 10a from rotating more clockwise toward the battery wall 5.

[0087] In this modified example, the contact surface is composed of two planes (contact surfaces 45a and 45b). When the cover portion 41 is attached to the battery terminal 20, the anti-rotation portion 43a is located on one end of the battery terminal 20, and the contact surfaces 45a and 45b are recessed toward the battery terminal 20. A stud bolt 25 is provided on the other end of the battery terminal 20.

[0088] With the above configuration, when assembling the battery terminal 20 to the battery post 7, the battery wall 5 can avoid entering the movement area MR of the mating connector 50 relative to the connector 23, and the rotation of the battery terminal can be stopped near the battery 1. Therefore, even if peripheral components 100 and 200 are present in the space where the battery 1 is placed, the worker can attach the mating connector 50 and cable 51 to the connector 23 without interfering with the battery wall 5 and peripheral components 100, and without interfering with the cable 61 of the mating terminal 60 with peripheral components 200.

[0089] Therefore, by using the battery terminal cover 40a configured in this way, the battery terminals 20 can be secured in a more appropriate position while absorbing tolerances in the battery 1.

[0090] According to this modified example, if the first distance between the battery post 7 and the wall surface 6a of the battery wall 5 is the maximum value within the first dimensional tolerance, and the second distance between the battery post 7 and the side surface 6d of the battery wall 5 is the maximum value within the second dimensional tolerance, then of the contact surfaces 45a and 45b, the contact surface 45b located on the tip side of the anti-rotation portion 43a will contact the corner portion 6e. If the first distance between the battery post 7 and the wall surface 6a of the battery wall 5 is the minimum value within the first dimensional tolerance, and the second distance between the battery post 7 and the side surface 6d of the battery wall 5 is the minimum value within the second dimensional tolerance, then of the contact surfaces 45a and 45b, the contact surface 45b located on the base side of the anti-rotation portion 43a will contact the corner portion 6e.

[0091] With the above configuration, tolerances in battery 1 can be reliably accommodated with a simple design.

[0092] [Other variations] In the embodiment described above, the side surface 6d of the battery wall 5 is formed parallel to the side surface 3c of the battery housing 3, but is not limited to this. For example, the side surface 6d of the battery wall 5 may be formed to be inclined with respect to the top surface 3a such that it moves away from the top surface 3a of the battery housing 3 and away from the side surface 3c of the battery housing 3.

[0093] In the embodiment described above, the side surface 6d of the battery wall 5 and the side surface 3c of the battery housing 3 do not form a single plane, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The side surface 6d of the battery wall 5 and the side surface 3c of the battery housing 3 may form a single plane. In this case, the tolerance between the battery post 7 and the side surface 6d of the battery wall 5 is equal to the tolerance between the battery post 7 and the side surface 3c of the battery housing 3. In this case, the tolerance between the battery post 7 and the side surface 6d of the battery wall 5 can be replaced with the tolerance between the battery post 7 and the side surface 3c of the battery housing 3.

[0094] In the embodiment described above, the battery terminal unit 10 abuts against the corner 6e of the battery wall 5, which is formed by the wall surface 6a and the side surface 6d of the battery wall 5, but is not limited to this. For example, the battery terminal unit 10 may abut against the corner of the battery wall 5, which is formed by the wall surface 6b of the battery wall 5 and the side surface of the battery wall parallel to the front surface 3b of the battery housing 3. In this case, the battery terminal unit 10 rotates counterclockwise and abuts against the corner of the battery wall 5 from the front surface 3b side of the battery housing 3.

[0095] Although this embodiment has been described above, this embodiment is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of this embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 3 Battery housing 3a Top side 5 Battery Wall 6a Wall surface 6d Side view 6e corner 7 Battery Post 10, 10a Battery Terminal Unit 20 Battery terminals 23 Connectors 25 stud bolts 40, 40a Battery Terminal Cover 41 Cover section 43, 43a Anti-rotation part 45, 45a, 45b contact surface 50. Mating connector MR movement area

Claims

1. A battery comprising a battery housing, a battery wall provided on the upper surface of the battery housing, and a battery post erected on the upper surface of the battery housing, A battery terminal unit comprising a battery terminal having a connector provided on one end, and a battery terminal cover attached to the battery terminal, Equipped with, The aforementioned battery terminal cover is A cover portion that can be attached to the aforementioned battery terminal, An anti-rotation portion extending from the cover portion and having a chamfered contact surface, Equipped with, The aforementioned contact surface contacts the corner of the battery wall when assembling the battery terminal to the battery post with the cover portion attached to the battery terminal. The contact surface is formed at a position outside the movement range of the mating connector relative to the connector. The aforementioned contact surface is formed in such a way as to absorb the dimensional tolerance between the battery post and the first and second surfaces of the battery wall that form the corner. A device in which the contact surface contacts the corner portion, thereby restricting the rotation of the battery terminal in the direction toward the battery wall, with the battery post as the center of rotation.

2. The aforementioned contact surface is composed of a single plane, The device according to claim 1, wherein, with the cover portion attached to the battery terminal, the anti-rotation portion is located on one end side of the battery terminal.

3. The aforementioned contact surface is composed of two planes, With the cover portion attached to the battery terminal, the anti-rotation portion is located on one end of the battery terminal, and the contact surface is recessed toward the battery terminal side. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a stud bolt is provided on the other end of the battery terminal.

4. If the first distance between the battery post and the first surface of the battery wall is the maximum value within the first dimensional tolerance, and the second distance between the battery post and the second surface of the battery wall is the maximum value within the second dimensional tolerance, then one of the two planes, the plane located on the tip side of the anti-rotation portion, abuts against the corner. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, if the first distance has the minimum value within the first dimensional tolerance and the second distance has the minimum value within the second dimensional tolerance, the other plane of the two planes located on the base side of the anti-rotation portion abuts against the corner.

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