Connection structure and assembly

Abstract

A connection structure according to an embodiment includes: a first conductive portion including a first bus bar having a contacted surface; a second conductive portion provided at a position separated from the first conductive portion; a movable conduction part which is provided with a pressing part that can be brought into contact with the first bus bar, and which is movable relative to the first conduction part and the second conduction part in a movement direction that intersects the contacted surface; an urging part capable of urging the movable conductive part toward the contacted surface; and a relay conduction part that relays conduction between the second conduction part and the movable conduction part, the relay conduction part being slidable with respect to the second conduction part or the movable conduction part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to connection structures and assemblies. Background Art

[0002] As is well known, a battery pack as a power supply source is connected to a device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a fuse / contactor unit of an electric vehicle is connected to a battery module.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-144524 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the assembly disclosed in Patent Document 1, the power-supply-side terminals on the male side of the battery module are separately attached and detached from the power-receiving-side terminals connected to the multiple female sides of the fuse / contactor unit. However, this terminal connection structure sometimes fails to maintain sufficient contact pressure between the conductive portions of the two units.

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention provides a connection structure and an assembly that can easily ensure contact pressure of a conductive portion.

[0009] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0010] The connection structure of one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first conductive part, which has a first bus bar having a contacted surface; a second conductive part, which is arranged at a position separated from the first conductive part; a movable conductive part, which has a pressing part capable of contacting the first bus bar and can move relative to the first conductive part and the second conductive part in a moving direction intersecting the contacted surface; a force-applying part, which can apply force to the movable conductive part toward the contacted surface; and a relay conductive part, which relays the conduction between the second conductive part and the movable conductive part, and the relay conductive part can slide relative to the second conductive part or the movable conductive part.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the connection structure and the assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is easy to ensure the contact pressure of the conductive portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a front view of the assembly before connection in each embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2The assembly before connection of the first embodiment Figure 1 An enlarged view of Part II.

[0015] Figure 3 The assembly before connection of the first embodiment Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0016] Figure 4 The connected assembly of the first embodiment Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0017] Figure 5 The assembly before connection of the modification of the first embodiment Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0018] Figure 6 The assembly before connection of the modification of the first embodiment Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0019] Figure 7 The assembly before connection of the modification of the first embodiment Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0020] Figure 8 The assembly before connection of the second embodiment Figure 1 An enlarged view of Part II.

[0021] Figure 9 The assembly before connection of the second embodiment Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0022] Figure 10 The assembly before connection of the second embodiment Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of line XX.

[0023] Figure 11 The connected assembly of the second embodiment Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0024] Figure 12 The assembly before connection of the modified example of the second embodiment Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of line XX. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] <First embodiment>

[0026] Below, use Figures 1 to 7 A connection structure and an assembly according to one embodiment will be described.

[0027] (Assembly Structure)

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the assembly 9 of this embodiment includes a plurality of connection structures 1, a device 91, a battery pack 92, and a connector 93. The assembly 9 is unitized by connecting the device 91 and the battery pack 92 with the connector 93. For example, the assembly 9 can also be mounted on a mobile unit such as an electric vehicle.

[0029] (equipment)

[0030] Device 91 receives and transmits power to and from battery pack 92. For example, device 91 may be a high-voltage device such as a high-voltage junction box (JB), an on-board charger (OBC), or a DC-DC converter. Device 91 has a facing surface 94 on the side facing battery pack 92. Device 91 also has a first mounting surface 95 on the side opposite to the side facing battery pack 92.

[0031] Hereinafter, the direction toward which the opposing surface 94 faces is referred to as the Z direction. Hereinafter, the Z direction is also referred to as the "movement direction." In addition, directions intersecting each other within the plane facing the Z direction are referred to as the X direction and the Y direction. For example, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be mutually orthogonal directions. For example, the Z direction may also be the "up-down direction." For example, the opposing surface 94 may be a plane facing downward. For example, the first setting surface 95 may be a plane facing upward. For example, the opposing surface 94 and the first setting surface 95 may be planes parallel to each other.

[0032] The facing surface 94 and the first installation surface 95 are insulating surfaces made of insulating materials. For example, the facing surface 94 and the first installation surface 95 may be insulating frames, partially insulating covers, or the like.

[0033] The device 91 has flanges 96 extending to both sides in the X direction. The flanges 96 have a plurality of through holes 96h extending in the Z direction. The device 91 and the battery pack 92 are connected to each other by connectors 93 inserted into the through holes 96h.

[0034] (Battery Pack Configuration)

[0035] The battery pack 92 includes a plurality of battery cells. The battery pack 92 has a second installation surface 97 on the side facing the device 91. The second installation surface 97 is opposite to the opposite surface 94. For example, the second installation surface 97 can be a flat surface facing upward.

[0036] The battery pack 92 has a screw hole 92h on the second installation surface 97. The connector 93 inserted into the through hole 96h is screwed into the screw hole 92h.

[0037] The second installation surface 97 is an insulating surface made of an insulating material. For example, the second installation surface 97 may be an insulating frame (casing), a partially insulating cover, or the like.

[0038] (Connection Structure)

[0039] The plurality of connection structures 1 are structures for electrically connecting the device 91 and the battery pack 92. The plurality of connection structures 1 are arranged in a row along the X direction. Each connection structure 1 is provided from the first installation surface 95 to the second installation surface 97.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, each connection structure 1 includes a device conductive portion 2 (second conductive portion), a battery conductive portion 3 (first conductive portion), a movable conductive portion 4, a biasing portion 5, and a relay conductive portion 6. Hereinafter, "conductive" means forming a path for current flow.

[0041] (Structure of Battery Conductive Section)

[0042] The battery conductive portion 3 is electrically connected to electrodes included in the battery pack 92. The battery conductive portion 3 includes a battery bus bar 31 (first bus bar).

[0043] (Battery Bus Bar)

[0044] The battery bus bar 31 has a contact surface 32. The contact surface 32 is a plane. The battery bus bar 31 contacts the second setting surface 97 and extends in the Y direction to directly below the movable conductive portion 4. The battery bus bar 31 may also have a certain thickness. For example, each battery bus bar 31 may also be an integral flat plate having a pair of plate surfaces facing the Z direction and extending in the Y direction. For example, the battery bus bar 31 may be covered with a covering material around the battery pack 92 to near the front end directly below the movable conductive portion 4. The battery bus bar 31 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0045] (Configuration of the device's conductive section)

[0046] The device conductive portion 2 is electrically connected to the device 91. The device conductive portion 2 includes a device bus bar 21 (second bus bar) and a conductive case 22. The device conductive portion 2 is provided at a position separated from the battery conductive portion 3.

[0047] (Equipment Bus)

[0048] The device bus bar 21 is electrically connected to the electrodes included in the device 91. The device bus bar 21 contacts the first mounting surface 95 and extends in the Y direction, with the extended front end contacting the upper surface of the conductive housing 22. For example, the device bus bar 21 may also have a certain thickness. For example, the device bus bar 21 may also be an integral flat plate having a pair of plate surfaces facing the Z direction and extending in the Y direction. The device bus bar 21 has an axial hole 21h extending therethrough in the Z direction. The device bus bar 21 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0049] (Conduction shell)

[0050] The conductive housing 22 supports one end of the device busbar 21 in the X direction. The conductive housing 22 is inserted into a through-hole 91h provided in the device 91. Furthermore, the through-hole 91h is a hole extending through the device 91 from the first mounting surface 95 to the opposing surface 94 on the lower surface of the device busbar 21 and having upper and lower openings. The conductive housing 22 contacts the device busbar 21 and the relay conductive portion 6 to relay electrical conduction between the device busbar 21 and the relay conductive portion 6. The conductive housing 22 includes a bottom plate 23 and a peripheral wall 24.

[0051] The bottom plate 23 has a bottom surface 23b extending in the XY plane and an opening 23w in the center of the bottom surface. The bottom surface 23b is coplanar with the opposing surface 94. For example, the bottom plate 23 can be formed of an insulating material or a conductive material such as metal. The opening 23w opens outward from the interior of the conductive housing 22.

[0052] The peripheral wall 24 rises from the bottom plate 23 and extends upward, surrounding the movable conductive portion 4. The upper surface of the peripheral wall 24 is in conductive contact with the lower surface of the device bus bar 21. The peripheral wall 24 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. For example, if the bottom plate 23 and the peripheral wall 24 are made of conductive materials, the conductive housing 22 may also be formed of a cylindrical conductive shell formed integrally with the bottom plate 23 and the peripheral wall 24.

[0053] (Configuration of the movable conductive portion)

[0054] The movable conductive portion 4 is movable in the Z direction relative to the device conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3. The movable conductive portion 4 includes a pressing portion 41 that can contact the battery bus bar 31 and a shaft 42.

[0055] (Pressing part)

[0056] The pressing portion 41 is capable of contacting the contacted surface 32 of the battery bus bar 31. The pressing portion 41 has a hemispherical shape on the contacted surface 32 side, and the hemispherical shape has a hemispherical surface as a curved surface. The pressing portion 41 has a cylindrical shape on the opposite side of the contacted surface 32 side, extending toward the shaft body 42 coaxially with the shaft body 42. For example, the pressing portion 41 has a circumferential groove 41g in the shape of a ring centered on the central axis of the shaft body 42 on the outer periphery of the pressing portion 41. The circumferential groove 41g is recessed toward the central axis of the shaft body 42. The pressing portion 41 has an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 23w so that the hemispherical portion does not contact the bottom plate 23 when the movable conductive portion 4 moves downward. By having such an outer diameter, the pressing portion 41 is configured so that when the movable conductive portion 4 moves downward, the hemispherical portion protrudes from the opening 23w toward the contacted surface 32. The pressing portion 41 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0057] (Axis)

[0058] The shaft 42 has a front end 42t and a base end 42b. The front end 42t of the shaft 42 is fixed to the pressing portion 41. For example, the front end 42t of the shaft 42 can be screwed into and fixed to the pressing portion 41. The shaft 42 extends upward from the front end 42t in the cavity within the conductive housing 22, penetrating the device bus bar 21 and extending to the base end 42b. The outer circumference of the shaft 42 is enlarged at the base end 42b to prevent the shaft 42, which has passed through the axial hole 21h, from falling out toward the battery conductive portion 3. On the other hand, despite the enlarged outer circumference at the base end 42b of the shaft 42, the movable conductive portion 4 can still move upward, away from the battery conductive portion 3, relative to the device bus bar 21. For example, the base end 42b has an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the axial hole 21h. For example, the shaft 42 can also be a bolt. The shaft 42 can be formed of a conductive material such as metal or an insulating material.

[0059] (Composition of the force-applying portion)

[0060] The biasing portion 5 can bias the movable conductive portion 4 toward the contacted surface 32. The biasing portion 5 is elastically deformable in the Z direction. The biasing portion 5 extends coaxially with the shaft 42 in the Z direction. The upper end of the biasing portion 5 is fixed to the device bus bar 21, and the lower end is fixed to the pressing portion 41. For example, the biasing portion 5 may be a coil spring coaxial with the shaft 42.

[0061] (Configuration of Relay Conductor Section)

[0062] The relay conductive portion 6 relays the conduction between the device conductive portion 2 and the movable conductive portion 4. The relay conductive portion 6 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the pressing portion 41 and the inner circumferential surface of the conductive housing 22. For example, the relay conductive portion 6 contacts the circumferential groove 41g of the pressing portion 41 and the inner circumferential surface 24s of the peripheral wall 24. The relay conductive portion 6 is fixed to the movable conductive portion 4 in the Z direction and can slide relative to the device conductive portion 2. Specifically, the relay conductive portion 6 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the pressing portion 41 in the Z direction by being embedded in the circumferential groove 41g, and can slide relative to the inner circumferential surface 24s of the peripheral wall 24. The relay conductive portion 6 can elastically deform in the radial direction of the shaft 42 so as to contact the pressing portion 41 and the device conductive portion 2. The relay conductive portion 6 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. For example, the relay conductive portion 6 can also be a circular ring-shaped inclined coil spring embedded in the circumferential groove 41g.

[0063] (Connector Configuration)

[0064] The plurality of connectors 93 connect the device 91 and the battery pack 92. For example, each connector 93 may be a bolt that passes through the through hole 96h and is fastened to the threaded hole 92h.

[0065] When assembling the assembly 9, for example, if the device 91 is connected to the battery pack 92 by the connector 93 in such a manner that the device 91 is close to the battery pack 92, then Figure 4 As shown, the pressing portion 41 is in contact with the contacted surface 32. If the device 91 is further connected, the pressing portion 41 receives a pressing force upward from the contacted surface 32.

[0066] The movable conductive portion 4 is movable relative to the device conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3 in the Z direction, whereby the pressing portion 41 receiving the pressing force from the contacted surface 32 elastically deforms the force-applying portion 5. On the other hand, the elastically deformed force-applying portion 5 can apply a force toward the contacted surface 32 to the pressing portion 41. Due to this deformation and the force, in the assembled assembly 9, the pressing portion 41 can contact the contacted surface 32 while absorbing the pressing force from the contacted surface 32 with the force-applying portion 5. As a result of this contact, for example, the connection structure 1 can be electrically connected to the device conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3 so that the current flows along Figure 4 The current path shown is PC1.

[0067] (Function and Effect)

[0068] According to the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the relay conductive portion 6 can slide relative to the device conductive portion 2. On the other hand, the force-applying portion 5 can apply force to the movable conductive portion 4 toward the contacted surface 32. By means of such a relay conductive portion 6 and a force-applying portion 5, the movable conductive portion 4 can be in contact with the contacted surface 32 while being applied force toward the contacted surface 32 and absorbing the pressing force from the contacted surface 32 through the force-applying portion 5. By such contact, the connection structure 1 can absorb the manufacturing tolerance related to the electrical connection between the device conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3 that is easily generated when assembling the device 91 and the battery pack 92. Therefore, the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment can easily ensure the contact pressure between the device conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3.

[0069] For example, the assembly 9, with respect to multiple assemblies 9 from different batches, can absorb tolerances associated with dimensional errors, connection pressure errors, and the like between batches of various structures related to the contact between the device conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3. For example, in the assembly 9, multiple movable conductive portions 4 across multiple connection structures 1 can be displaced independently in the vertical direction. Through such displacement, the assembly 9, with respect to a single assembly 9, can absorb tolerances associated with dimensional errors between multiple device bus bars 21 and dimensional errors between multiple battery bus bars 31. For example, in the assembly 9, with respect to a single assembly 9, it can absorb tolerances associated with deviations in contact pressure, which are caused by uneven connection pressure and span multiple device conductive portions 2 and multiple battery conductive portions 3.

[0070] As a comparative example, Patent Document 1 discloses an assembly structure in which a connector is provided on the battery pack, and the vehicle-side connector is connected to the battery-side connector when the battery pack is mounted on the vehicle body. This comparative example structure, when there are multiple connection points, makes it difficult to confirm the mating state of each connector, sometimes resulting in partially mated connectors, requiring an extremely high insertion force for collective connection, and increasing component costs.

[0071] In contrast to this comparative example, in this embodiment, the structure of the assembly 9 is such that the movable conductive portion 4 can contact the contacted surface 32 while being forced toward the contacted surface 32. This structure makes it easy to reduce the connection pressure and the number of components, even when there are multiple connection points, and to easily ensure the contact pressure between each device conductive portion 2 and the associated battery conductive portion 3.

[0072] Especially when the device 91 is a high-voltage device, since the electrical connection between the device 91 and the battery pack 92 includes more busbars, the contact pressure between the device conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3 in this embodiment is effectively ensured.

[0073] Furthermore, according to one example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment, the relay conductive portion 6 can be elastically deformed to contact the pressing portion 41 and the conductive housing 22. This elastic deformation facilitates and stabilizes the electrical connection between the pressing portion 41 and the device conductive portion 2. Therefore, the connection structure 1 of this embodiment can stabilize the electrical connection between the device conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3.

[0074] Furthermore, according to one example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment, the relay conductive portion 6 can slide while in contact with the pressing portion 41 and the conductive housing 22. This contact allows the connection structure 1 to stabilize the electrical connection between the device conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3, regardless of the structure of the device bus bar 21.

[0075] In addition, according to an example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment, since the movable conductive part 4 has the shaft 42, it is not restricted by the structure and positional relationship between the device bus bar 21 and the battery bus bar 31, and the connection structure 1 can be constructed to make it easy for the pressing part 41 to contact the contacted surface 32.

[0076] Furthermore, according to one example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment, the annular, obliquely wound coil spring serving as the relay conductive portion 6 is held slidably and deformably between the pressing portion 41 and the conductive housing 22. This holding allows the movable conductive portion 4 to tilt relative to the central axis of the conductive housing 22, and even if the device bus bar 21 or the battery bus bar 31 tilts, the lower obliquely wound coil spring can maintain perpendicular contact with the battery bus bar 31.

[0077] (Variation)

[0078] In this embodiment, the pressing portion 41 has a curved surface on the contacted surface 32 side. The contacted surface 32 has a flat surface. However, as long as the pressing portion 41 and the contacted surface 32 can be in contact, the pressing portion 41 and the contacted surface 32 may be configured in any manner.

[0079] As a modified example, Figure 5 As shown, the pressing portion 41 may also include multiple protrusions 43 that protrude from the convex curved surface toward the contacted surface 32. Alternatively, the contacted surface 32 may also include multiple protrusions 33 that protrude toward the convex curved surface. Each of the multiple protrusions 33 is positioned in the in-plane direction of the contacted surface 32 so as to contact a corresponding protrusion 43. This modified example increases the contact area between the pressing portion 41 and the contacted surface 32, thereby ensuring reliable contact.

[0080] As another modification, Figure 6As shown, the contacted surface 32 may include a concave portion 34 that can fit into the convex surface of the pressing portion 41. According to this modification, the contact area between the pressing portion 41 and the contacted surface 32 is increased, thereby ensuring contact reliability.

[0081] As another alternative, the pressing portion 41 may have a flat surface on the contacted surface 32 side. However, if the pressing portion 41 is flat, the surface may have fine irregularities in the actual product, making it difficult to manage the contact area and contact points. Therefore, if the pressing portion 41 has a somewhat curved surface on the contacted surface 32 side, it is easier to manage the area and contact points.

[0082] In one example of this embodiment, the front end 42t of the shaft body 42 is screwed into and fixed to the pressing portion 41. However, the front end 42t of the shaft body 42 may be configured in any manner as long as it is fixed to the pressing portion 41. As a modified example, the shaft body 42 and the pressing portion 41 may be integrally formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0083] In this embodiment, the relay conductive portion 6 is fixed to the movable conductive portion 4 and can slide relative to the device conductive portion 2. However, the relay conductive portion 6 can be constructed in any manner as long as it can relay the conduction between the device conductive portion 2 and the movable conductive portion 4. As a modified example, Figure 7 As shown, the relay conductive part can also be fixed to the device conductive part and can slide relative to the movable conductive part. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the connection structure 1 includes a relay conductive portion 6A, a peripheral wall 24A, and a pressing portion 41A instead of the relay conductive portion 6, the peripheral wall 24, and the pressing portion 41. The relay conductive portion 6A is embedded in the circumferential groove 24Ag provided in the peripheral wall 24A. The pressing portion 41A has the same shape as the pressing portion 41, except that it does not have the circumferential groove 41g. With this configuration of the relay conductive portion 6A, the peripheral wall 24A, and the pressing portion 41A, the relay conductive portion 6A is fixed to the device conductive portion 2 and can slide relative to the movable conductive portion 4.

[0084] In this embodiment, the device conductive portion 2 includes a device bus bar 21. However, the device conductive portion 2 may be configured in any manner as long as it is electrically connected to the device 91. As a variation, the device conductive portion 2 may include a high-voltage wire in place of the device bus bar 21. In such a case, one end of the high-voltage wire is electrically connected to the device 91, and the other end of the high-voltage wire may be electrically connected to the conductive housing 22 by welding or other means.

[0085] In this embodiment, the upper surface of the peripheral wall 24 of the conductive housing 22 is in contact with the lower surface of the device bus bar 21 in a manner that provides electrical continuity. However, the conductive housing 22 may be configured in any manner as long as it can relay electrical continuity between the device conductive portion 2 and the relay conductive portion 6. As a modified example, the conductive housing 22 including the peripheral wall 24 and the device bus bar 21 may be integrally formed from a conductive material such as metal.

[0086] <Second embodiment>

[0087] Below, use Figures 8 to 12 The assembly of one embodiment will be described. The assembly of this embodiment has the same configuration as the assembly of the first embodiment except for the following points, is assembled in the same manner, and exhibits the same functions and effects.

[0088] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, each connection structure 1 includes a device conductive portion 102 (second conductive portion), a battery conductive portion 3 (first conductive portion), a movable conductive portion 104 , a biasing portion 105 , and a relay conductive portion 106 .

[0089] (Configuration of the device's conductive section)

[0090] The device conductive portion 102 is electrically connected to the device 91. It includes a device bus bar 21 (second bus bar). The device conductive portion 102 is located at a position separate from the battery conductive portion 3. For example, the device conductive portion 102 may further include a cylindrical housing 122. Housing 122 fits within the through-hole 91h. Housing 122 can be made of either a conductive material such as metal or an insulating material.

[0091] (Configuration of the movable conductive portion)

[0092] The movable conductive portion 104 is movable in the Z direction relative to the device conductive portion 102 and the battery conductive portion 3 . The movable conductive portion 104 includes a pressing portion 141 that can contact the battery bus bar 31 and a shaft 142 .

[0093] (Pressing part)

[0094] The pressing portion 141 can contact the contacted surface 32 of the battery bus bar 31. The pressing portion 141 has a circular ring shape. The pressing portion 141 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. For example, the pressing portion 141 can also be a circular ring-shaped inclined coil spring.

[0095] (Axis)

[0096] The shaft 142 extends through and is disposed in the through-hole 91h of the device 91. For example, the shaft 142 may be disposed in a cavity within the housing 122. The shaft 142 has a base end 142b and a front end 142t. The shaft 142 extends from the base end 142b to the front end 142t about a central axis Ac extending in the Z direction. The shaft 142 includes a disk portion 145, a conducting shaft 146, and a nut 147.

[0097] The shaft body 142 has a disc portion 145 at the front end 142t. The disc portion 145 has a disc shape centered on the central axis Ac. Figure 10 As shown, the disc portion 145 has an annular groove 145g on its lower surface. The annular groove 145g is annular in shape, centered on the central axis Ac, and is recessed upward. The pressing portion 141 is fixed to the disc portion 145 by fitting into the annular groove 145g. The disc portion 145 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0098] The conducting shaft 146 extends from the disc portion 145 to the base end 142b along the Z direction with the central axis Ac as the center. The conducting shaft 146 is fixed to the disc portion 145. The conducting shaft 146 is electrically connected to the disc portion 145. For example, the conducting shaft 146 has a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis Ac. For example, the conducting shaft 146 is located in the axial hole 21h of the device bus bar 21 and has a circumferential groove 146g in the shape of a circular ring on the outer periphery. The circumferential groove 146g is recessed toward the central axis Ac. The conducting shaft 146 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. For example, the disc portion 145 and the conducting shaft 146 may also be an integrally formed object formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0099] The shaft body 142 also has a nut 147 at the base end 142b. The nut 147 is mounted on the conductive shaft 146. The nut 147 has an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the shaft hole 21h. Specifically, the nut 147 has an internal thread on the inner circumference. The nut 147 is screwed into the outer thread of the conductive shaft 146 from the upper side of the device bus bar 21 and fixed to the outer thread of the conductive shaft 146. The conductive shaft 146 passes through the shaft hole 21h and protrudes above the device bus bar 21. Due to the fixation of the nut 147, the shaft body 142 has a structure in which the outer circumference is expanded at the base end 142b, so that the shaft body 142 that passes through the shaft hole 21h will not fall out toward the battery conductive part 3. On the other hand, even though the nut 147 is fixed, the movable conductive part 104 can move upward away from the battery conductive part 3 relative to the device bus bar 21. The nut 147 can be formed of a conductive material such as metal, or it can be formed of an insulating material.

[0100] (Composition of the force-applying portion)

[0101] The force-applying portion 105 can apply force to the movable conductive portion 104 toward the contacted surface 32. The force-applying portion 105 is elastically deformable in the Z direction. The force-applying portion 105 extends in the Z direction coaxially with the central axis of the shaft 142. One end of the force-applying portion 105 is fixed to the device bus bar 21, and the other end is fixed to the disc portion 145. For example, the force-applying portion 105 may be a coil spring centered about the central axis Ac.

[0102] (Configuration of Relay Conductor Section)

[0103] The relay conductive portion 106 relays the electrical conduction between the device conductive portion 102 and the movable conductive portion 104. The relay conductive portion 106 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the conductive shaft 146 and the inner circumferential surface of the axial hole 21h of the device busbar 21. For example, the relay conductive portion 106 contacts the circumferential groove 146g of the conductive shaft 146 and the inner circumferential surface of the axial hole 21h of the device busbar 21. By fitting into the circumferential groove 146g, the relay conductive portion 106 is fixed to the movable conductive portion 104 in the Z direction and is slidable relative to the device conductive portion 102. Specifically, the relay conductive portion 106 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the conductive shaft 146 in the Z direction and is slidable relative to the inner circumferential surface of the device busbar 21. The relay conductive portion 106 is elastically deformable in the radial direction of the shaft body 142, thereby contacting the conductive shaft 146 and the device conductive portion 102. The relay conductive portion 106 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. For example, the relay conductive portion 106 may be a ring-shaped obliquely wound coil spring fitted into the circumferential groove 146g.

[0104] (Connector Configuration)

[0105] A plurality of connectors 93 connect the device 91 and the battery pack 92. When assembling the assembly 9, for example, if the device 91 is connected to the battery pack 92 by the connector 93 in such a manner that the device 91 is close to the battery pack 92, then Figure 11 As shown, the pressing portion 141 is in contact with the contacted surface 32. If the device 91 is further connected, the pressing portion 141 receives a pressing force upward from the contacted surface 32.

[0106] The movable conductive portion 104 can move relative to the device conductive portion 102 and the battery conductive portion 3 in the Z direction, so that the pressing portion 141 subjected to the pressing force causes the force-applying portion 105 to elastically deform. On the other hand, the elastically deformed force-applying portion 105 can apply a force toward the contacted surface 32 to the pressing portion 141. Due to this deformation and force, in the assembled assembly 9, the pressing portion 141 can absorb the pressing force from the contacted surface 32 through the force-applying portion 105 while contacting the contacted surface 32. As a result of this contact, for example, the connection structure 1 can be electrically connected to the device conductive portion 102 and the battery conductive portion 3 so that the current flows along Figure 11The current path shown is PC2.

[0107] (Function and Effect)

[0108] According to the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the relay conductive portion 106 can slide relative to the device conductive portion 102. On the other hand, the force-applying portion 105 can apply force to the movable conductive portion 104 toward the contacted surface 32. By means of such a relay conductive portion 106 and a force-applying portion 105, the movable conductive portion 104 can be in contact with the contacted surface 32 while being applied force toward the contacted surface 32 and absorbing the pressing force from the contacted surface 32 with the force-applying portion 105. By such contact, the connection structure 1 can absorb manufacturing tolerances related to the electrical connection between the device conductive portion 102 and the battery conductive portion 3 that are easily generated when assembling the device 91 and the battery pack 92. Therefore, the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment can easily ensure the contact pressure between the device conductive portion 102 and the battery conductive portion 3.

[0109] Furthermore, according to one example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment, the relay conductive portion 106 can elastically deform to contact the conductive shaft 146 and the device conductive portion 102. This elastic deformation facilitates a stable electrical connection between the conductive shaft 146 and the device conductive portion 102. Therefore, the connection structure 1 of this embodiment can stabilize the electrical connection between the device conductive portion 102 and the battery conductive portion 3.

[0110] Furthermore, according to one example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment, the relay conductive portion 106 can slide while in contact with the shaft 142 and the device bus bar 21. This contact stabilizes the electrical connection between the device conductive portion 102 and the battery conductive portion 3 regardless of the structure of the device bus bar 21.

[0111] In addition, according to an example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment, since the movable conductive part 104 has the shaft 142, it is not restricted by the structure and positional relationship between the device bus bar 21 and the battery bus bar 31, and the connection structure 1 can be constructed to make it easy for the pressing part 141 to contact the contacted surface 32.

[0112] In one example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment, the pressing portion 141 is a circular, tilted coil spring. In the case of the tilted coil spring, contact with the battery bus bar 31 causes the coiled portion of the tilted coil spring to flex, thereby connecting the tilted coil spring to the battery bus bar 31. This connection ensures a stable connection even if the device bus bar 21 or the battery bus bar 31 tilts in the longitudinal direction due to manufacturing or assembly tolerances. The flexure of the lower tilted coil spring ensures a stable connection.

[0113] Furthermore, according to one example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment, since the relay conductive portion 106 is an obliquely wound coil spring, the obliquely wound coil spring is held deformably between the device conductive portion 102 and the movable conductive portion 104. This holding allows the movable conductive portion 104 to tilt relative to the central axis Ac, and even if the device bus bar 21 or the battery bus bar 31 tilts, the lower obliquely wound coil spring can be kept in perpendicular contact with the battery bus bar 31.

[0114] (Variation)

[0115] In this embodiment, the relay conductive portion 106 is fixed to the movable conductive portion 104 and can slide relative to the device conductive portion 102. However, the relay conductive portion 106 can be constructed in any manner as long as it can relay the conduction between the device conductive portion 102 and the movable conductive portion 104. As a modified example, Figure 12 As shown, the relay conductive part can also be fixed to the device conductive part and can slide relative to the movable conductive part. Figure 12 In the embodiment, connection structure 1 includes a relay conductive portion 106A, a device bus bar 21A (second bus bar), and a conductive shaft 146A, instead of relay conductive portion 106, device bus bar 21, and conductive shaft 146. Relay conductive portion 106A fits into circumferential groove 21Ag provided in device bus bar 21A. Conductive shaft 146A has the same shape as conductive shaft 146, except that it lacks circumferential groove 146g. This configuration of relay conductive portion 106A, device bus bar 21A, and conductive shaft 146A allows relay conductive portion 106A to be fixed to device conductive portion 102 and slidable relative to movable conductive portion 104.

[0116] In one example of this embodiment, the pressing portion 141 is a circular, obliquely wound coil spring. However, the pressing portion 141 may be configured in any manner as long as it can contact the contacted surface 32 of the battery bus bar 31. As a variation, the pressing portion 141 may be a conductive plate or block made of metal or the like with a flat or curved surface on the contacted surface 32 side, rather than a circular, obliquely wound coil spring.

[0117] <Other Modifications>

[0118] In each of the above embodiments, the second conductive portion is connected to the device 91, and the first conductive portion is connected to the battery pack 92. However, as a variation, in the connection structure 1, the device conductive portions 2 and 102 and the battery conductive portion 3 may be configured in reverse. That is, in a variation, the connection structure 1 may be configured such that the first conductive portion is connected to the device 91, and the second conductive portion is connected to the battery pack 92.

[0119] In one example of each of the above embodiments, the force-applying member is a coil spring. However, the force-applying member may be configured in any manner as long as it can apply force to the movable conductive member toward the contacted surface 32. As a modified example, the force-applying member may also be a cylindrical elastic member (such as a rubber bushing), a conductive housing filled with oil, or a hydraulic damper structure in the housing. In the case of a hydraulic damper structure, the force-applying member may also include a sealing structure.

[0120] In one of the aforementioned embodiments, the relay conductive portion is a circular, obliquely wound coil spring. However, the relay conductive portion may be of any configuration as long as it can relay conduction between the device conductive portion and the movable conductive portion. The relay conductive portion may also be a spring contact, for example, in which a plate-shaped member is fixed to one side of the movable conductive portion and the device conductive portion, with the contact facing the other side. However, since spring contacts and other devices have a small contact area, a circular, obliquely wound coil spring is preferably used as the relay conductive portion when sufficient contact area is required to flow high current.

[0121] The above describes the embodiments of the present disclosure. These embodiments are shown as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above description, but is only limited by the attached protection scope.

[0122] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the connection structure and assembly disclosed herein, it is easy to ensure the contact pressure of the conductive portion.

[0123] Description of Reference Numerals

[0124] 1Connection structure

[0125] 2Device conduction part (second conduction part)

[0126] 3. Battery conduction part (first conduction part)

[0127] 4 Movable conductive part

[0128] 5. Force-applying part

[0129] 6 Relay conduction unit

[0130] 6A relay conduction unit

[0131] 9 Assembly

[0132] 21 Equipment bus (second bus)

[0133] 21A equipment bus (second bus)

[0134] 21Ag circumferential groove

[0135] 21h shaft hole

[0136] 22 Conductive shell

[0137] 23 bottom plate

[0138] 23b bottom

[0139] 23w opening

[0140] 24 surrounding walls

[0141] 24A surrounding wall

[0142] 24Ag circumferential groove

[0143] 24s inner surface

[0144] 31 battery bus bar (first bus bar)

[0145] 32 contact surface

[0146] 33 protrusion

[0147] 34 recess

[0148] 41 Pressing part

[0149] 41A pressing part

[0150] 41g circumferential groove

[0151] 42 axis

[0152] 42b base end

[0153] 42t front end

[0154] 43 protrusion

[0155] 91 devices

[0156] 91h through hole

[0157] 92 battery pack

[0158] 92h hole

[0159] 93 Connectors

[0160] 94 Opposite Side

[0161] 95 First setting surface

[0162] 96 flange

[0163] 96h through hole

[0164] 97 Second setting surface

[0165] 102 device conduction part (second conduction part)

[0166] 104 movable conductive part

[0167] 105 force application part

[0168] 106 Relay Conductivity Department

[0169] 106A relay conduction unit

[0170] 122 housing

[0171] 141 Pressing part

[0172] 142 axis

[0173] 142b base end

[0174] 142t front end

[0175] 145 disc

[0176] 145g ring groove

[0177] 146 guide shaft

[0178] 146A guide shaft

[0179] 146g Circumferential Groove

[0180] 147 Nut

[0181] Ac central axis

[0182] PC1 current path

[0183] PC2 current path

Claims

1. A connection structure having: A first conductive portion including a first bus bar having a contacted surface; a second conducting portion, which is disposed at a position separated from the first conducting portion; a movable conductive portion including a pressing portion capable of contacting the first bus bar and capable of moving relative to the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion in a moving direction intersecting the contacted surface; a force applying portion capable of applying force to the movable conductive portion toward the contacted surface; and a relay conductive portion that relays conduction between the second conductive portion and the movable conductive portion, The relay conductive portion is slidable relative to the second conductive portion or the movable conductive portion.

2. The connection structure according to claim 1, The relay conductive portion is elastically deformable so as to come into contact with the pressing portion and the second conductive portion.

3. The connection structure according to claim 1, The second conductive portion includes a second bus bar and a conductive housing supporting one end of the second bus bar. The relay conductive portion is slidable so as to contact the pressing portion and the conductive housing.

4. The connection structure according to claim 1, The movable conductive part further includes a conductive axis extending along the moving direction. The relay conductive portion is elastically deformable so as to come into contact with the conductive shaft and the second conductive portion.

5. The connection structure according to claim 4, The second conductive portion includes a second bus bar, The relay conduction portion is slidable so as to contact the conduction shaft and the second bus bar.

6. The connection structure according to claim 1, The second conductive portion includes a second bus bar, The movable conductive portion includes a shaft having a front end fixed to the pressing portion and extending from the front end through the second bus bar and in the moving direction.

7. An assembly comprising: The connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a battery pack connected to the first conducting portion; and A device connected to the second conductive portion.

Images