Voltage detection unit

Abstract

A voltage detection unit includes a voltage detection terminal, an electric wire, a housing, and a cover, wherein the housing includes a terminal accommodating recess and a wire accommodating recess. The cover includes an extension piece extending in a first direction, and the cover is attached to the housing in the first direction. The housing includes an accommodating hole to accommodate the extension piece. The wire accommodating recess includes an inclined surface and a guide surface. The inclined surface is inclined relative to the first direction, so that in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the housing, the first end of the inclined surface is arranged closer to the accommodating hole than the second end thereof. The guide surface is continuous with the inclined surface and continuous with the inner wall surface of the accommodating hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to a voltage detection unit configured such that a voltage detection terminal conductively connected to a detection target is accommodated in a plate-shaped housing. Background Art

[0002] A stacked power storage device has been proposed in the prior art, in which a plurality of power storage modules are connected in series via conductive plates by alternately arranging and repeatedly stacking thin plate-shaped power storage modules and conductive plates, wherein each power storage module is capable of charging and discharging. The power storage module used in this type of power storage device generally has a structure in which a plurality of battery cells are built-in, and is used as a battery capable of charging and discharging. In a power storage device in the prior art, in order to monitor the output state of each power storage module (i.e., the potential of the output surface of each power storage module relative to a reference zero potential, hereinafter also referred to as "the voltage of the power storage module"), a detection terminal such as a bus bar is connected to a conductive plate in contact with the output surface of each power storage module, and the voltage of each power storage module is measured via the detection terminal (for example, see JP2020-161340A).

[0003] When the busbar and the like are actually connected to the conductive plate in the power storage device having the above-mentioned structure, it is difficult to ensure space for setting other components for connection (for example, bolts for bolt tightening) because the power storage module or the conductive plate has a thin plate shape. Therefore, in the above-mentioned power storage device of the prior art, an insertion hole for inserting the detection terminal is provided in the side edge of the conductive plate, and the detection terminal is inserted into the insertion hole of each conductive plate from the side of the stacked body in which the power storage module and the conductive plate are stacked, thereby connecting the conductive plate and the detection terminal. However, in the connection method of the prior art, when inserting the detection terminal, it is difficult to improve the operability of the connection operation because the position alignment between the insertion hole of the conductive plate and the detection terminal is complicated. Summary of the invention

[0004] Illustrative aspects of the disclosed subject matter provide a voltage detection unit that is excellent in operability of conductive connection with a detection target.

[0005] According to an illustrative aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure, a voltage detection unit includes: a voltage detection terminal configured to be conductively connected to a detection target; an electric wire configured to be conductively connected to the voltage detection terminal; a housing having a plate shape and including a terminal accommodating recess and an electric wire accommodating recess, the terminal accommodating recess being configured to accommodate the voltage detection terminal, and the electric wire accommodating recess being configured to accommodate the electric wire and guide the electric wire so that the electric wire is led out of the housing; and a cover configured to be attached to the housing and cover the voltage detection terminal accommodated in the terminal accommodating recess. The cover includes an extension piece extending in a first direction in which the cover is attached to the housing, and configured to be placed on an opening of the electric wire accommodating recess when the cover is attached to the housing. The housing includes an accommodating hole configured to start accommodating the extension piece as the cover is moved in the first direction in order to attach the cover to the housing. The electric wire accommodating recess includes an inclined surface and a guide surface as a part of an inner wall of the electric wire accommodating recess. The inclined surface has a first end in the first direction and a second end opposite to the first end, and the inclined surface is inclined relative to the first direction so that the first end is disposed closer to the accommodation hole than the second end in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to a plane in which the housing having a plate shape extends. The guide surface is continuous with the inclined surface and continuous with an inner wall surface of the accommodation hole.

[0006] Other aspects and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be apparent from the following description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a stacked power storage device including a voltage detection unit according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter;

[0008] Figure 2A is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 2B yes Figure 2A An enlarged view of part B;

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partially exploded perspective view of the conductive module shown;

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a voltage detection unit according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter is shown;

[0011] Figure 5Ais a top view showing a housing and a cover accommodating voltage detection terminals and electric wires, and Figure 5B yes Figure 5A An enlarged view of part C in FIG.

[0012] Figure 6 is a bottom view showing a housing and a cover accommodating voltage detection terminals and electric wires;

[0013] Fig. 7A is a top view showing a state where the cover is locked to the housing in a temporary locking position, Figure 7B It is along Fig. 7A A cross-sectional view taken along line DD of Figure 7C yes Fig. 7A an enlarged view of section E in FIG. 1 ; and

[0014] Fig. 8A is a top view showing a state where the cover is locked to the housing in a final locking position, and Figure 8B It is along Fig. 8A A cross-sectional view taken along line FF. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The voltage detection unit 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The front-rear direction, the left-right direction, the up-down direction, the front, the back, the left, the right, the up, and the down are defined in the following. The front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction are perpendicular to each other. The left-right direction coincides with a first direction in which the cover is attached to the housing. The front-rear direction coincides with a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to a plane in which the housing having a flat plate shape extends.

[0016] In the stacked power storage device 1, for example Figure 1 In the power storage device shown, a voltage detection unit 5 is generally used. The power storage device 1 is formed by alternately stacking rectangular thin plate-shaped power storage modules 2 capable of charge and discharge and rectangular thin plate-shaped conductive modules 3 capable of electrically connecting adjacent power storage modules 2 to each other in the up-down direction. In the power storage device 1, a plurality of power storage modules 2 are electrically connected to each other in series via the conductive modules 3. The power storage module 2 has a structure in which a plurality of battery cells (not shown) are built in, and the power storage module 2 as a whole functions as one battery capable of charge and discharge.

[0017] like Figure 1As shown, the conductive module 3 includes: a conductive plate 4 having a rectangular thin plate shape (the conductive plate 4 also has a function of serving as a heat dissipation portion, as described later); a voltage detection unit 5 having a rectangular thin plate shape, which is connected to the right side of the conductive plate 4; and an opposing unit 6 having a rectangular thin plate shape, which is connected to the left side of the conductive plate 4, and the conductive module 3 is formed as a whole to have a rectangular thin plate shape. Figures 1 to 3 As shown (see especially Figure 2A ), the conductive plate 4 and the voltage detection unit 5 are connected to each other by fitting the flange portion 4a provided on the right end surface of the conductive plate 4 and extending in the front-to-back direction into the recessed portion 5a provided on the left end surface of the voltage detection unit 5 and extending in the front-to-back direction. The conductive plate 4 and the opposing unit 6 are connected to each other by fitting the flange portion 4b provided on the left end surface of the conductive plate 4 and extending in the front-to-back direction into the recessed portion 6a provided on the right end surface of the opposing unit 6 and extending in the front-to-back direction.

[0018] In each conductive module 3 located between adjacent power storage modules 2 in the vertical direction, the conductive plate 4 is in direct contact with the upper and lower power storage modules 2. Figure 2A Therefore, the conductive plate 4 has the function of electrically connecting the lower surface of the upper power storage module 2 and the upper surface of the lower power storage module 2 to each other, and the function of serving as a heat dissipator for dissipating heat generated by the upper and lower power storage modules 2 to the outside.

[0019] In each conductive module 3 located between the power storage modules 2 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction, the voltage detection unit 5 includes a voltage detection terminal 10 (see FIG. 1 ) in contact with the conductive plate 4. Figure 2A and 2B The voltage detection unit 5 has a wire 20 (see FIG. 1 ) connected to the voltage detection terminal 10. Figure 1 The function of outputting a signal indicating the voltage between the upper and lower power storage modules 2 (specifically, the potential of the upper surface (output surface) of the lower power storage module 2 relative to the reference zero potential) is to output a signal indicating the voltage between the upper and lower power storage modules 2 (specifically, the potential of the upper surface (output surface) of the lower power storage module 2 relative to the reference zero potential). Figures 1 to 3 The voltage detection unit 5 is provided on the right side of the conductive plate 4, but a voltage detection unit having the same function as the voltage detection unit 5 may be provided on the left side of the conductive plate 4. In this case, as the voltage detection unit having the same function as the voltage detection unit 5, a voltage detection unit obtained by flipping the entire configuration of the voltage detection unit 5 in the left-right direction (i.e., a symmetrical product of the voltage detection unit 5) is used.

[0020] In each conductive module 3 located between the vertically adjacent power storage modules 2 , any one of a voltage detection unit, a spacer unit, or a temperature detection unit is used as the opposing unit 6 according to the specification of the power storage device 1 .

[0021] When the opposing unit 6 is a voltage detection unit, a voltage detection unit obtained by flipping the entire structure of the voltage detection unit 5 in the left-right direction (i.e., a symmetrical product of the above-mentioned voltage detection unit 5) is used as the opposing unit 6. In this case, the voltage detection unit 5 is provided on the right side of the conductive plate 4, and the symmetrical product of the voltage detection unit 5 is provided on the left side of the conductive plate 4. The opposing unit 6 (the symmetrical product of the voltage detection unit 5) has the same function as the voltage detection unit 5.

[0022] When the opposing unit 6 is a partition unit, as Figure 3 As shown, a simple resin plate having a recessed portion 6a extending in the front-rear direction is used as the facing unit 6. In this case, the facing unit 6 has only a function of filling the gap between the upper and lower power storage modules 2.

[0023] When the opposing unit 6 is a temperature detection unit, as Figure 1 As shown, the opposing unit 6 has a structure in which a temperature sensor 7 (thermistor) is incorporated in a resin plate serving as a partition unit. In this case, the opposing unit 6 has a wiring 7a (see FIG. 1 ) connected to the temperature sensor 7. Figure 1 ) is a function of outputting a signal indicating the temperature of the upper and lower power storage modules 2.

[0024] The following will refer to Figures 4 to 8B The specific configuration of the voltage detection unit 5 according to the embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter is described. Figure 4 As shown, the voltage detection unit 5 includes a housing 40 , a voltage detection terminal 10 accommodated in the housing 40 , an electric wire 20 connected to the voltage detection terminal 10 and accommodated in the housing 40 , and a cover 30 attached to the housing 40 .

[0025] The voltage detection terminal 10 is accommodated in a terminal accommodation recess 42 (see FIG. Figure 4 ), the electric wire 20 is accommodated in the electric wire accommodation recess 46 (see Figure 4 ), and the cover 30 is attached to a cover attachment recess 41 (see FIG. 1 ) formed in the housing 40 and described later. Figure 4 ). The respective components forming the voltage detection unit 5 will be described in sequence below.

[0026] First, the voltage detection terminal 10 will be described. The voltage detection terminal 10 made of metal is formed by performing processing such as press working on a metal plate. The voltage detection terminal 10 is accommodated in the terminal accommodation recess 42 of the housing 40 from above. Figure 4As shown, the voltage detection terminal 10 includes: a first part 11 having a rectangular flat plate shape extending in the front-to-back direction and a second part 12 having a rectangular flat plate shape extending to the left from the front end of the first part 11, and the voltage detection terminal 10 has a flat plate shape that is generally L-shaped when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0027] One end portion of the electric wire 20 is fixed to the lower surface of the terminal portion 11a (ie, the end portion on the rear end side) of the first portion 11 to be electrically connected to the lower surface (see also Figure 6 ). The other end of the electric wire 20 is connected to a voltage measuring device (not shown) outside the power storage device 1. A portion of the flange portion 4a of the conductive plate 4 is fixed to the lower surface of the terminal portion 12a (i.e., the end portion on the left end side) of the second portion 12 by a technique such as ultrasonic bonding or welding (see Figure 2B ).

[0028] A protrusion 13 protruding forward is formed at the front end edge of the second portion 12. When the voltage detection terminal 10 is accommodated in the housing 40, the protrusion 13 is locked to a locking groove 45 (see FIG. Figure 4 ).

[0029] Next, the cover 30 will be described. The cover 30 is a resin molded product, and is attached to the cover attachment recess 41 of the housing 40 from the right side. The cover 30 includes an opposing portion 31 and an extending portion 32 extending rearward from the opposing portion 31. The opposing portion 31 is mainly used to cover and protect the voltage detection terminal 10, and the extending portion 32 is mainly used to cover and protect the electric wire 20.

[0030] The opposing portion 31 includes: a pair of flat plate portions 33 having the same shape and facing each other at intervals in the up-down direction; and a connecting portion 34 connecting the right end edges extending in the front-back direction of the pair of flat plate portions 33 in the up-down direction over the entire area of ​​the right end edges extending in the front-back direction. The opposing portion 31 has a substantially U-shape that opens to the left when viewed in the front-back direction. Each flat plate portion 33 includes a substantially square flat plate-shaped base portion 33a connected to the connecting portion 34 and a rectangular flat plate-shaped extension portion 33b extending to the left from the front end portion of the base portion 33a, and has a substantially L-shape as a whole when viewed in the up-down direction. The extension portion 32 continuously extends backward from the rear end edge of the upper flat plate portion 33 (more specifically, the upper base portion 33a) of the pair of flat plate portions 33 forming the opposing portion 31 and is flush with the rear end edge, and has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape.

[0031] In the extension portion 32, a pair of wire holding pieces 35 extending in the left-right direction are integrally formed to be arranged spaced apart in the front-rear direction. Figure 6It can be understood that each wire holding piece 35 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the extension portion 32, extends in the left-right direction, and further extends to the left from the left end edge of the extension portion 32. The extension end 35a of each wire holding piece 35 has a rectangular shape (in other words, a rectangular shape) when viewed in the up-down direction. When the cover 30 is attached to the housing 40, the wire holding piece 35 is used to hold the wire 20 accommodated in the housing 40. "Rectangular shape" refers to a four-cornered shape, in which the corners of the extension end 35a are not intentionally chamfered except for the rounded corners of the extension end 35a that may be inevitably formed when molding the wire holding piece 35. In other words, the wire holding piece 35 does not have a tapered shape.

[0032] A locking portion 36 (see FIG. 1 ) protruding upward toward the upper flat plate portion 33 is formed at a predetermined position of the lower flat plate portion 33 (more specifically, the lower base portion 33a) of the pair of flat plate portions 33 forming the opposing portion 31. Figure 7B and 8B The locking portion 36 is used to cooperate with a temporary locked portion 55 and a final locked portion 56 which will be described later and are provided in the housing 40 to lock the cover 30 to the temporary locked position (see Figures 7A to 7C ) and the final locked position (see Fig. 8A and 8B ).

[0033] Next, the housing 40 will be described. The housing 40 is a resin molded product, and has a substantially rectangular thin plate shape extending in the front-rear direction, such as Figure 1 , 3 As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B . A recess 5a that is recessed rightward and extends in the front-rear direction is formed in the left end surface of the housing 40. The flange portion 4a of the conductive plate 4 is to be fitted into the recess 5a (see FIG. 4B ). Figure 2A , 2B wait).

[0034] The cover attachment recesses 41 are formed in the portions of the upper and lower surfaces of the housing 40 to which the cover 30 is to be attached, each of the cover attachment recesses 41 having a shape corresponding to the overall shape of the cover 30 and being concave (see FIG. Figure 4 ). The recessed depth (depth in the up-down direction) of the cover attachment recess 41 is equal to the plate thickness of the cover 30 (opposing portion 31+extending portion 32). Therefore, when the cover 30 is attached to the housing 40, the surface of the housing 40 and the surface of the cover 30 are flush with each other (see Figure 1 , 8A and 8B).

[0035] The terminal accommodating recess 42 is formed in a portion of the bottom surface 41a of the cover attachment recess 41 on the upper surface side of the housing 40 to accommodate the voltage detection terminal 10 (see FIG. Figure 4), the terminal accommodating recess 42 has a shape corresponding to the overall shape of the voltage detection terminal 10 and is further recessed from the bottom surface 41a of the cover attachment recess 41. The recessed depth (depth in the up-down direction) of the terminal accommodating recess 42 is equal to the plate thickness of the voltage detection terminal 10. Therefore, when the voltage detection terminal 10 is attached to the housing 40, the upper surface of the voltage detection terminal 10 and the bottom surface 41a of the cover attachment recess 41 are flush with each other (see Figure 7B and 8B ).

[0036] A notch 43 that is substantially rectangular and concave to the right when viewed in the up-down direction is formed at the left end edge of the housing 40 at a position in the front-to-back direction where the terminal portion 12a of the voltage detection terminal 10 is to be disposed. The recess 5a extending in the front-to-back direction on the left end surface of the housing 40 is divided by the notch 43. When the voltage detection terminal 10 is accommodated in the housing 40, the upper and lower surfaces of the terminal portion 12a of the voltage detection terminal 10 are exposed via the notch 43 (see FIG. 4 ). Figure 7B ).

[0037] A through hole 44 extending in the front-to-rear direction and penetrating in the up-down direction is formed in a portion of the terminal accommodating recess 42 where the tip portion 11a of the voltage detection terminal 10 is to be disposed. When the voltage detection terminal 10 is accommodated in the housing 40, one end (contact point) of the electric wire 20 connected to the voltage detection terminal 10 enters the through hole 44 (see FIG. Figure 6 In other words, the through hole 44 serves as a relief portion that prevents the bottom surface 42 a of the terminal receiving recess 42 from interfering with the one end portion of the electric wire 20 .

[0038] A locking groove 45 that is recessed forward and communicates with the recess 5a to correspond to the protrusion 13 is formed on the inner wall surface of the terminal accommodating recess 42 at a position where the protrusion 13 of the voltage detection terminal 10 is to be placed (see FIG. Figure 4 ).

[0039] The wire accommodating recess 46 is formed in a portion of the upper surface of the housing 40 to accommodate the wires 20, and the wire accommodating recess 46 is concave and has a shape corresponding to the arrangement form of the wires 20 when accommodating the wires 20 (see FIG. Figure 4). The wire accommodating recess 46 is a series of grooves including: a pair of straight portions 47 extending in a straight line shape extending in the front-rear direction and arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction; and a curved portion 48 connecting the pair of straight portions 47 and extending while being curved to protrude to the right. The front end of the straight portion 47 on the front side of the pair of straight portions 47 is communicated with the terminal accommodating recess 42, and the rear end of the straight portion 47 on the rear side of the pair of straight portions 47 forms a wire lead-out opening 49 through which the wire 20 extends from the rear end edge of the housing 40. In this way, compared with the case where the wire accommodating recess 46 is formed only by the straight portion 47, since the wire accommodating recess 46 also includes the curved portion 48, even when an unexpected external force is applied to the wire 20 drawn out from the housing 40, the external force can be resisted by the friction between the curved portion 48 and the wire 20. Therefore, a large external force is less likely to be applied to the contact between the voltage detection terminal 10 and the wire 20.

[0040] The narrow width recesses 51 are respectively provided in the portion near the boundary between the pair of straight portions 47 and the curved portion 48, and are recesses whose respective widths (intervals in the left-right direction) are narrower than the width of the straight portion 47. The width of the narrow width recess 51 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the electric wire 20. Therefore, the narrow width recess 51 is used to hold the electric wire 20 while pressing the electric wire 20 in the left-right direction. Since the electric wire 20 is held by the pair of narrow width recesses 51, even when an unexpected external force is applied to the electric wire 20 drawn out from the housing 40, the external force can be resisted by the friction between the narrow width recess 51 and the electric wire 20. Therefore, a large external force is less likely to be applied to the contact point between the voltage detection terminal 10 and the electric wire 20. In addition, the electric wire 20 can be prevented from being detached from the curved portion 48 and being routed to skip the curved portion 48 (i.e., to shortcut the curved portion 48) in a more stable manner.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, a pair of wire holding piece recesses 52 extending in the left-right direction and corresponding to the pair of wire holding pieces 35 are formed in the bottom surface 41a of the cover attachment recess 41 on the upper surface side of the housing 40 at the position where the pair of wire holding pieces 35 of the cover 30 are to be set, so that the pair of wire holding piece recesses 52 are arranged in the front-to-back direction at intervals. The pair of wire holding piece recesses 52 are arranged so that the apex 48a (see Figure 4 ) is disposed between the pair of wire holding piece recesses 52 in the front-rear direction. The bottom surfaces of the pair of wire holding piece recesses 52 are located above the bottom surface of the wire accommodating recess 46.

[0042] Each wire holding piece recess 52 extends in the left-right direction on the upper surface of the housing 40 from the right end edge of the housing 40 across the wire accommodating recess 46 to the left end inner wall 41b of the cover attachment recess 41 (see FIG. Figure 4 ). The leftward recessed accommodation holes 53 are respectively formed in the portions of the left end inner wall 41b of the cover attachment recess 41 connected to the pair of wire holding piece recesses 52 (see Figure 4 ). When the cover 30 is attached to the housing 40, the extended end portions 35a of the pair of wire holding pieces 35 of the cover 30 are inserted and stored in the pair of receiving holes 53. The front side receiving hole 53 of the pair of receiving holes 53 is provided around (near) the connection point 48b connecting the front side straight line portion 47 and the curved portion 48 of the pair of straight line portions 47 to each other (see Figure 4 and 5A ).

[0043] like Figure 6 As shown, on the bottom surface 41a of the cover attachment recess 41 on the lower surface side of the housing 40, a contact portion 54, a temporarily locked portion 55, and a finally locked portion 56, which are recesses recessed upward, are sequentially formed so as to be arranged spaced apart from right to left in the front-rear direction with the locking portion 36 of the cover 30 (see FIG. Figure 7B etc.) are set at the same position. Figures 6 to 8B As shown (see especially Figure 6 ), the contact portion 54 is a recessed portion continuous with the right end edge of the housing 40.

[0044] like Figure 4 , 5A As shown in FIG. 5B , the front side wire holding piece recess 52 of the pair of front and rear wire holding piece recesses 52 extends in the left-right direction to cross the connection point 48 b. Therefore, the rear side inner wall surface that defines the front side wire holding piece recess 52 and extends in the left-right direction is divided by the wire accommodating recess 46 near the connection point 48 b (see FIG. Figure 5A Hereinafter, in particular, the portion of the rear inner wall surface which defines the front wire holding piece recess 52 and extends in the left-right direction, that is, the portion between the wire accommodating recess 46 located near the connection point 48b and the left end inner wall 41b of the cover attachment recess 41, is referred to as the "guide surface 58" (see Figure 5B and 7C ).

[0045] The guide surface 58 is a flat surface continuous with the rear inner wall surface 53a extending in the left-right direction of the front accommodation hole 53 of the pair of front and rear accommodation holes 53 (see Figure 7C), and extends rightward along the left-right direction. Hereinafter, among the inner wall surfaces on the inner peripheral side defining the curved portion 48, a portion having a predetermined length and extending from a portion connected to the guide surface 58 toward the vertex 48a is particularly referred to as an "inclined surface 59" (see Figure 5B and 7C ). In the direction in which the inclined surface 59 is inclined rearward toward the right side, the inclined surface 59 is inclined relative to the left-right direction. In other words, the inclined surface 59 is inclined relative to the attachment direction so that the inclined surface 59 approaches the accommodating hole 53 as the inclined surface 59 extends from the rear side toward the front side in the attachment direction of the cover 30 to the housing 40. The inclined surface 59 is a portion of the inner wall surface (inner wall) of the curved portion 48 on the inner peripheral side between the vertex 48a and the connection point 48b. In addition, the inner wall of the groove having the guide surface 58 and the inclined surface 59 is referred to as a "guide portion 57" (see Figure 5B and 7C ). The effects achieved by providing the guide portion 57 (the guide surface 58+the inclined surface 59) will be described later. The components forming the voltage detection unit 5 are described above.

[0046] Next, the steps when the voltage detection terminal 10 and the cover 30 are attached to the housing 40 will be described. First, the voltage detection terminal 10 is accommodated in the terminal accommodation recess 42 of the housing 40, and the electric wire 20 is connected to the voltage detection terminal 10 in advance by a technique such as ultrasonic bonding or welding. Therefore, the voltage detection terminal 10 is fitted into the terminal accommodation recess 42 of the housing 40 from above, so that the protrusion 13 enters the locking groove 45, and one end (contact) of the electric wire 20 enters the through hole 44. In the state where the accommodation of the voltage detection terminal 10 in the housing 40 is completed, the upper and lower surfaces of the terminal portion 12a of the voltage detection terminal 10 are exposed through the cutout 43 (see Figure 7B ).

[0047] Next, the electric wire 20 extending from the voltage detection terminal 10 accommodated in the housing 40 is accommodated in the electric wire accommodation recess 46 of the housing 40. Therefore, the electric wire 20 is fitted from above along the electric wire accommodation recess 46 formed by the pair of straight portions 47 and the curved portion 48. At this time, a pair of portions of the electric wire 20 located above the pair of narrow width recesses 51 are pushed downward so that the pair of portions of the electric wire 20 are accommodated in the pair of narrow width recesses 51. In a state where the accommodation of the electric wire 20 in the housing 40 is completed, the electric wire 20 extends backward from the electric wire lead-out opening 49 to the outside of the housing 40.

[0048] Next, the cover 30 is attached to the housing 40. Therefore, the cover 30 is attached to the cover attachment recess 41 of the housing 40 from the right side so that the opposing portion 31 of the cover 30 sandwiches the cover attachment recess 41 on the upper and lower surfaces of the housing 40 up and down, the extension portion 32 of the cover 30 covers the cover attachment recess 41 on the upper surface side of the housing 40, and the pair of wire holding pieces 35 of the cover 30 covers the pair of wire holding piece recesses 52 of the housing 40.

[0049] When the cover 30 is attached to the cover attachment recess 41 of the housing 40, even if the pair of front and rear wire holding pieces 35 of the cover 30 are offset to the rear side relative to the pair of front and rear receiving holes 53 of the housing 40 (i.e., even when the axial offset to the rear side occurs), the inclined surface 59 of the guide portion 57 of the housing 40 contacts the extended end portion 35a of the wire holding piece 35 on the front side, so that the extended end portion 35a is guided by being pushed toward the front side, thereby reducing the axial offset. In addition, the wire holding piece 35 on the front side is guided to the receiving hole 53 on the front side by the guide surface 58 of the guide portion 57. As a result, the wire holding piece 35 on the rear side is also guided to the receiving hole 53 on the rear side. Therefore, the operability of the operation of attaching the cover 30 to the housing 40 is improved.

[0050] In the process of attaching the cover 30 to the housing 40, the locking portion 36 of the cover 30 first contacts the side surface of the contact portion 54 of the housing 40, passes over the contact portion 54 while sliding on the side surface, and then enters the interior of the temporarily locked portion 55, so that the locking portion 36 is engaged with the temporarily locked portion 55 and presses the side surface on the left side of the temporarily locked portion 55 (see FIG. Figure 7B As a result, the cover 30 is locked to the housing 40 at the temporary locking position, and the attachment of the cover 30 to the housing 40 is completed (see Figures 7A to 7C ), and obtain the voltage detection unit 5 (see Figure 3 As will be described later, the voltage detection unit 5 obtained after the cover 30 is attached to the housing 40 (in a state where the cover 30 is locked in the temporary locking position) is used to assemble the conductive module 3 (see Figure 1 ).

[0051] In a state where the cover 30 is locked in the temporary locking position, as shown in FIG. Fig. 7A As shown, the opposing portion 31 of the cover 30 (more specifically, a pair of upper and lower extensions 33b) does not cover the terminal end 12a of the voltage detection terminal 10. Therefore, the upper and lower surfaces of the terminal end 12a of the voltage detection terminal 10 are still exposed through the cutout 43 (see Figure 7B ).

[0052] In addition, a pair of wire holding pieces 35 of the cover 30 are provided on a part of the openings of the straight portion 47 and the curved portion 48 of the wire accommodating recess 46. As a result, the wires 20 are prevented from coming out of the wire accommodating recess 46. In particular, the front wire holding piece 35 is provided on the opening of the connection point 48b of the wire accommodating recess 46. As a result, the connection point 48b, which is a position where the wires 20 are particularly likely to come out due to the bending of the wires 20 along the wire accommodating recess 46, is covered by the wire holding piece 35 of the cover 30. As a result, the wires 20 can be prevented from coming out of the wire accommodating recess 46 in a more stable manner.

[0053] In addition, the extended end portions 35a of the pair of wire holding pieces 35 are inserted into the pair of accommodating holes 53, and the extended end portions 35a of the wire holding pieces 35 enter the accommodating holes 53 with a dimension H (>0) in the left-right direction (see Figure 7C ). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the positional deviation of the pair of wire holding pieces 35 and unexpected deformation such as the pair of wire holding pieces 35 being separated from the wire accommodating recess 46. In addition, the guide portion 57 is provided at a position where the front wire holding piece 35 is provided between the guide portion 57 and the locking portion 36 of the cover 30, and the extended end portion 35a of the front wire holding piece 35 is in contact with the inner wall surface 53a of the accommodating hole 53 and the guide portion 57 (guide surface 58) (see Figure 7C ), thus preventing the cover 30 from shifting (i.e., rotational deviation) in the direction in which the cover 30 rotates relative to the housing 40 about the locking portion 36. As a result, the possibility of the problem that the wire holding piece 35 escapes from the accommodating hole 53 due to such rotational deviation can be reduced.

[0054] In addition, the extended end portions 35a of the wire holding piece 35 of the cover 30 each have a non-chamfered rectangular shape. Therefore, compared with the case where the extended end portions 35a of the wire holding piece 35 each have a chamfered (i.e., tapered) shape, the contact area (so-called engagement margin) where the inner wall surface 53a of the accommodating hole 53 and the wire holding piece 35 contact each other can be increased. As a result, the possibility of the problem that the wire holding piece 35 comes out of the accommodating hole 53 due to the above-mentioned rotational deviation can be further reduced.

[0055] Furthermore, the extension portion 32 of the cover 30 is placed above the opening of the apex 48a of the curved portion 48 of the wire accommodating recess 46. Therefore, the wires 20 can be prevented from coming out of the wire accommodating recess 46 and being routed to skip the curved portion 48 (i.e., skip the curved portion 48) in a more stable manner. In this way, the possibility of a particular problem occurring due to the wires 20 coming out of the curved portion 48 of the wire accommodating recess 46 can be reduced.

[0056] When the cover 30 is further pushed leftward relative to the housing 40 in a state where the cover 30 is locked in the temporary locking position, the extended ends of the pair of wire holding pieces 35 of the cover 30 further enter and are stored in the pair of accommodating holes 53, and the locking portion 36 of the cover 30 passes over the temporary locked portion 55 and then enters the interior of the final locked portion 56 to engage with the final locked portion 56 (see FIG. Fig. 8A and 8B ). As a result, the cover 30 is locked to the housing 40 in the final locking position.

[0057] When the cover 30 is locked in the final locking position, Fig. 8A and 8B As shown, the entire area of ​​the cover attachment recess 41 is covered by the cover 30, so that the entire wire accommodating recess 46 is covered by the extension portion 32 of the cover 30. As a result, the wires 20 are prevented from being detached from the wire accommodating recess 46. Fig. 8A As shown, the opposing portion 31 of the cover 30 (more specifically, a pair of upper and lower extension portions 33b) covers the upper and lower surfaces of the tip portion 12a of the voltage detection terminal 10. As a result, the entire voltage detection terminal 10 is covered by the opposing portion 31 of the cover 30, so that the voltage detection terminal 10 can be reliably protected.

[0058] As described above, the voltage detection unit 5 obtained after the attachment of the cover 30 to the housing 40 is completed (in a state where the cover 30 is locked in the temporary locking position) is used to assemble the conductive module 3 (see Figure 1 ). Specifically, first Figure 3 As shown, the flange portion 4 a of the conductive plate 4 and the recessed portion 5 a of the voltage detecting unit 5 are fitted to each other so that the voltage detecting unit 5 is connected to the right side of the conductive plate 4 .

[0059] In this state, if Figure 3 and 7B It can be understood that a portion of the flange portion 4a of the conductive plate 4 is arranged to overlap with the lower side of the terminal portion 12a of the voltage detection terminal 10 (see also Figure 2B ), and due to the presence of the cutout 43 of the housing 40, the upper surface of the tip portion 12a of the voltage detection terminal 10 is exposed upward, and a portion of the lower surface of the flange portion 4a of the conductive plate 4 is exposed downward.

[0060] Next, the terminal portion 12a of the voltage detection terminal 10 and a portion of the flange portion 4a of the conductive plate 4 are fixed to each other by a technique such as ultrasonic bonding or welding, using the upper surface of the terminal portion 12a of the voltage detection terminal 10 exposed upward and the lower surface of the flange portion 4a of the conductive plate 4 exposed downward. Thereafter, the cover 30 is moved from the temporary locking position to the final locking position, and the assembly of the voltage detection unit 5 and the conductive plate 4 is completed.

[0061] Next, the flange portion 4b of the conductive plate 4 and the recessed portion 6a of the opposing unit 6 are fitted to each other so that the opposing unit 6 is connected to the left side of the conductive plate 4 to which the voltage detection unit 5 has been attached (see FIG. Figure 2A Thus, the assembly of the conductive module 3 is completed.

[0062] The conductive module 3 obtained in this way is Figure 1 Assembly of the power storage device 1 shown. Specifically, the power storage device 1 is obtained by alternately stacking the power storage modules 2 and the conductive modules 3 in the up-down direction and fixing these stacked modules by predetermined hardware or the like.

[0063] As described above, according to the voltage detection unit 5 of the present embodiment, the voltage detection terminal 10 to which the electric wire 20 is connected can be accommodated in the terminal accommodation recess 42 of the plate-shaped housing 40, and the voltage detection terminal 10 can be covered by the cover 30. As a result, the voltage detection terminal 10 can be stored inside the voltage detection unit 5 while reducing the thickness of the voltage detection unit 5 (that is, forming the voltage detection side unit 5 into a plate-shaped outer shape). In addition, when the voltage detection unit 5 is electrically connected to the conductive plate 4 to be used in the power storage device 1, for example, as long as the position of the cover 30 is appropriately adjusted so that the voltage detection terminal 10 is exposed after the voltage detection unit 5 is attached to the conductive plate 4, the exposed voltage detection terminal 10 can be fixed to the conductive plate 4 by using a technique such as ultrasonic bonding or welding. As a result, compared with typical bolt fastening or the like, the need for other members for connection can be eliminated, and compared with the connection method in the above-mentioned prior art, the position alignment of the voltage detection terminal 10 with the conductive plate 4 and the reduction of the contact resistance at the contact point can be facilitated. Furthermore, when the cover 30 is attached, a pair of wire holding pieces 35 extending from the extension portion 32 of the cover 30 are disposed on the opening of the wire accommodating recess 46, thereby preventing the wires 20 from coming out of the wire accommodating recess 46. As a result, the state in which the wires 20 are properly accommodated in the wire accommodating recess 46 is maintained, thereby being able to reduce the possibility of occurrence of such problems as difficulty in attaching the cover 30 due to the wires 20 coming out of the wire accommodating recess 46. Therefore, the voltage detection unit 5 according to the present embodiment is excellent in operability of conductive connection with a detection target.

[0064] Furthermore, when the cover 30 is attached to the housing 40, even if the wire holding piece 35 of the cover 30 deviates from the receiving hole 53 of the housing 40 in the direction intersecting the attachment direction (front-rear direction) (i.e., even if an axial deviation occurs), the axial deviation is reduced by the inclined surface 59 of the housing 40. Furthermore, the front wire holding piece 35 is guided to the front receiving hole 53 by the guide surface 58 of the housing 40. Therefore, the operability of the operation of attaching the cover 30 to the housing 40 is improved. Furthermore, by using a part of the groove inner wall of the wire receiving recess 46 as the inclined surface 59, it is also possible to contribute to miniaturization of the housing 40.

[0065] Furthermore, the wire accommodating recess 46 of the housing 40 includes a straight portion 47 and a bent portion 48. Therefore, compared with a case where the wire accommodating recess 46 is formed only by the straight portion 47, when an unexpected external force is applied to the wire 20 drawn out from the housing 40, the external force is resisted by the friction between the bent portion 48 and the wire 20, so that the external force is less likely to be directly applied to the contact point between the voltage detection terminal 10 and the wire 20. Therefore, the reliability of the electrical connection between the voltage detection terminal 10 and the wire 20 can be improved. Furthermore, by using a part of the groove inner wall of the bent portion 48 as an inclined surface 59 inclined with respect to the attachment direction of the cover 30, the above-mentioned bent portion 48 for protecting the contact point from the external force can also be used as a guide portion of the wire holding piece 35 on the front side. In this way, it is possible to contribute to further miniaturization of the housing 40.

[0066] Furthermore, when the cover 30 is attached, the wire holding piece 35 on the front side of the cover 30 is disposed on the opening of the connection point 48b between the straight portion 47 and the curved portion 48 of the wire accommodating recess 46. As a result, this connection point 48b, which is a position where the wire 20 is particularly likely to come out due to the bending of the wire 20 along the wire accommodating recess 46, is covered by the wire holding piece 35 on the front side of the cover 30. As a result, the wire 20 can be prevented from coming out of the wire accommodating recess 46 in a more stable manner. Therefore, the possibility of a particular problem occurring due to the straight portion 47 and the curved portion 48 being disposed in the wire accommodating recess 46 can be reduced.

[0067] Although the subject matter of the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, the scope of the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the subject matter of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0068] In the above-described embodiment, the cover 30 is provided with a pair of wire holding pieces 35. However, the cover 30 may be provided with one wire holding piece 35, or three or more wire holding pieces.

[0069] Furthermore, the extended end portions 35a of the wire holding pieces 35 of the cover 30 each have a non-chamfered rectangular shape. However, the extended end portions 35a of the wire holding pieces 35 each may have a chamfered (ie, tapered) shape.

[0070] According to aspects of the above-mentioned embodiment, a voltage detection unit (5) includes: a voltage detection terminal (10) configured to be conductively connected to a detection target (4); an electric wire (20) configured to be conductively connected to the voltage detection terminal (10); a housing (40) having a plate shape and including a terminal accommodating recess (42) and a wire accommodating recess (46), wherein the terminal accommodating recess (42) is configured to accommodate the voltage detection terminal (10), and the wire accommodating recess (46) is configured to accommodate the wire (20) and guide the wire (20) so that the wire (20) is led out of the housing (40); and a cover (30) configured to be attached to the housing (40) and cover the voltage detection terminal (10) accommodated in the terminal accommodating recess (42). The cover (30) includes an extension piece (35) extending in a first direction in which the cover (30) is attached to the housing (40), and the extension piece (35) is configured to be placed on an opening of the wire accommodating recess (46) when the cover (30) is attached to the housing (40). The housing (40) includes an accommodating hole (53) configured to start accommodating the extension piece (35) when the cover (30) is moved in the first direction in order to attach the cover (30) to the housing (40). The wire accommodating recess (46) includes an inclined surface (59) and a guide surface (58) as a part of an inner wall of the wire accommodating recess (46). The inclined surface (59) has a first end in the first direction and a second end opposite to the first end, and is inclined relative to the first direction so that the first end is arranged closer to the receiving hole (53) than the second end in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to a plane in which the housing (40) having a plate shape extends. The guide surface (58) is continuous with the inclined surface (59) and continuous with an inner wall surface (53a) of the receiving hole (53).

[0071] According to the voltage detection unit having the above-mentioned structure, the voltage detection terminal to which the wire is connected can be accommodated in the terminal accommodating recess of the plate-shaped housing, and the voltage detection terminal can be covered by the cover. As a result, the voltage detection terminal can be stored inside the voltage detection unit while reducing the thickness of the voltage detection unit (i.e., forming the voltage detection side unit into a plate-shaped outer shape). In addition, when the voltage detection unit is electrically connected to the detection target (e.g., a conductive plate used in a stacked power storage device), for example, as long as the position of the cover is appropriately adjusted so that the voltage detection terminal is exposed after the voltage detection unit is attached to the detection target, the exposed voltage detection terminal can be fixed to the detection target by using a technique such as ultrasonic bonding or welding. As a result, compared with typical bolt fastening, the need for other components for connection can be eliminated, and compared with the connection method in the above-mentioned prior art, the position of the voltage detection terminal and the conductive plate can be aligned and the contact resistance at the contact point can be reduced. In addition, when the cover is attached, the extension piece extending from the main body of the cover is arranged on the opening of the wire accommodating recess, thereby preventing the wire from coming out of the wire accommodating recess. Therefore, the state in which the wire is properly accommodated in the wire accommodating recess is maintained. Therefore, the voltage detection unit of the present configuration is excellent in operability of conductive connection with the detection target.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the voltage detection unit having the above-described configuration, when the cover is attached to the housing, even if the extension piece of the cover deviates from the receiving hole of the housing in a direction intersecting the attachment direction (i.e., even if an axial offset occurs), when the extension piece comes into contact with the inclined surface of the housing, the axial offset decreases as the extension piece approaches the receiving hole. Furthermore, the extension piece can be appropriately guided to the receiving hole by a guide surface continuous with the inclined surface. Therefore, the operability of the operation of attaching the cover to the housing is improved. Furthermore, by using a portion of the inner wall of the groove of the wire receiving recess as the inclined surface, it is also possible to contribute to miniaturization of the housing.

[0073] The wire accommodating recess (46) may include: a straight portion (47) configured to guide the wire (20) along the second direction; and a curved portion (48) connected to the straight portion (47) and configured to guide the wire (20) while bending the wire (20) in a convex shape relative to the second direction. The inclined surface (59) may be a portion of the inner wall of the wire accommodating recess (46) between a vertex (48a) of the curved portion (48) and a connection point (48b) at which the curved portion (48) and the straight portion (47) are connected to each other.

[0074] With this configuration, the wire accommodating recess of the housing includes a straight portion and a curved portion. Therefore, compared to a case where the wire accommodating recess is formed only by a straight portion, when an unexpected external force is applied to the wire led out of the housing, the external force is resisted by the friction between the curved portion and the wire, making it less likely that the external force is directly applied to the contact between the voltage detection terminal and the wire. Therefore, the reliability of the electrical connection between the voltage detection terminal and the wire can be improved. In addition, by using a portion of the inner wall of the groove of the curved portion as an inclined surface inclined relative to the attachment direction of the cover, the curved portion for protecting the contact from external force can also be used as a guide portion of the extension piece. In this way, it can help to further miniaturize the housing.

[0075] The extension piece (35) may be configured to be disposed on an opening of the connection point (48b) of the wire accommodating recess (46) when the cover (30) is attached to the housing (40).

[0076] The receiving hole (53) may be provided near the connection point (48b) to receive the extension piece (35).

[0077] With this configuration, when the cover is attached, the extension piece of the cover is placed on the opening of the connection point between the straight portion and the curved portion of the wire accommodating recess. As a result, the connection point, which is a position where the wire is particularly likely to come out due to the bending of the wire along the wire accommodating recess, is covered by the extension piece of the cover, so that the wire can be strongly prevented from coming out of the wire accommodating recess. In addition, since the accommodating hole is located near the connection point, the extension piece can be quickly stored in the accommodating hole when the cover is attached, and deformation of the extension piece itself, etc. can be prevented. Therefore, the possibility of a specific problem due to the straight portion and the curved portion being provided in the wire accommodating recess can be reduced.

Claims

1. A voltage detection unit, comprising: a voltage detection terminal configured to be conductively connected to a detection target; an electric wire configured to be conductively connected to the voltage detection terminal; a housing having a plate-like shape and including a terminal accommodating recess configured to accommodate the voltage detection terminal and a wire accommodating recess configured to accommodate the wire and guide the wire so that the wire is led out of the housing; as well as a cover configured to be attached to the housing and to cover the voltage detection terminal accommodated in the terminal accommodating recess, wherein the cover includes an extension piece extending in a first direction in which the cover is attached to the housing and configured so that when the cover is attached to the housing, the extension piece is placed on the opening of the wire accommodating recess, wherein the housing includes a receiving hole configured to begin receiving the extension piece as the cover is moved in the first direction in order to attach the cover to the housing, wherein the wire accommodating recess includes an inclined surface and a guide surface as a part of an inner wall of the wire accommodating recess, wherein the inclined surface has a first end in the first direction and a second end opposite to the first end, and the inclined surface is inclined relative to the first direction so that in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to a plane in which the housing having a plate-like shape extends, the first end is disposed closer to the receiving hole than the second end, and Wherein, the guide surface is continuous with the inclined surface and continuous with the inner wall surface of the accommodating hole.

2. The voltage detection unit according to claim 1, in, The electric wire accommodating recess includes: a straight portion configured to guide the electric wire along the second direction; and a curved portion connected to the straight portion and configured to guide the electric wire while bending the electric wire in a convex shape with respect to the second direction, and The inclined surface is a portion of the inner wall of the wire accommodating recess between an apex of the curved portion and a connection point where the curved portion and the straight portion are connected to each other.

3. The voltage detection unit according to claim 2, in, The extending piece is configured so that, when the cover is attached to the housing, the extending piece is disposed on an opening of the connection point of the electric wire accommodating recess.

4. The voltage detection unit according to claim 3, in, The receiving hole is disposed near the connection point to receive the extension piece.

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