Assembly

Abstract

An assembly according to one embodiment includes: a device unit including a device having a first setting surface, and a device bus bar including a first extension portion in contact with the first setting surface and extending, and a first connection portion continuously extending from the first extension portion; and a battery unit including: a battery pack having a second setting surface opposite to the first setting surface, and a battery bus bar including a second extending portion in contact with the second setting surface and extending, and a second connecting portion continuously extending from the second extending portion and connectable with the first connecting portion, a gap is provided between the first installation surface and the first connection portion and / or between the second installation surface and the second connection portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an assembly. Background Art

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

[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 terminal parts provided on the positive side of the battery module are detached from the power receiving side terminal parts connected to the multiple negative side of the fuse contactor unit. However, in such a connection structure based on the terminal parts, the contact pressure of the connection part may not be ensured.

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

[0009] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0010] An assembly of one embodiment of the present invention includes: an equipment unit, which includes an equipment and an equipment bus bar, the equipment has a first setting surface, the equipment bus bar includes a first extension portion that contacts and extends from the first setting surface, and a first connection portion that is continuous and extends from the first extension portion; and a battery unit, which includes: a battery pack and a battery bus bar, the battery pack has a second setting surface opposite to the first setting surface, the battery bus bar includes a second extension portion that contacts and extends from the second setting surface, and a second connection portion that is continuous and extends from the second extension portion and can be connected to the first connection portion; there is a gap between the first setting surface and the first connection portion, and between the second setting surface and the second connection portion.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

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

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

[0014] Figure 2 The assembly before connection of the first embodiment, Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at line II-II.

[0015] Figure 3 The connected assembly of the first embodiment, Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at line II-II.

[0016] Figure 4 An assembled body before connection according to a modification of the first embodiment, Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at line II-II.

[0017] Figure 5 The assembly before connection of the second embodiment, Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at line II-II.

[0018] Figure 6 The connected assembly of the second embodiment, Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at line II-II.

[0019] Figure 7 An assembly before connection according to a modification of the second embodiment, Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at line II-II.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of an assembled body before connection according to a modification of each embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] <First embodiment>

[0022] Hereinafter, for an assembly according to an embodiment, Figure 1 to Figure 4 Provide explanation.

[0023] (Assembly structure)

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the assembly 9 of this embodiment includes a device unit 1, a battery unit 2, and a connector 3. The assembly 9 is unitized by connecting the device unit 1 and the battery unit 2 with the connector 3. For example, the assembly 9 may be mounted on a mobile unit such as an electric vehicle.

[0025] (Equipment unit configuration)

[0026] The equipment unit 1 includes equipment 11 , a plurality of equipment bus bars 12 , and a flange portion 13 .

[0027] (equipment)

[0028] The device 11 receives power from the battery unit 2. For example, the device 11 may be a high-voltage device such as a high-voltage J / B (junction box), an OBC (on-board charger), or a DC-DC converter. The device 11 has a first installation surface 111 on the side facing the battery unit 2.

[0029] Hereinafter, the direction parallel to the direction toward which the first setting surface 111 is facing is referred to as the Z direction. In addition, the directions intersecting each other in 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 directions orthogonal to each other. For example, the Z direction may be the "up-down direction". For example, the first setting surface 111 may be a plane facing downward.

[0030] The first installation surface 111 is an insulating surface made of an insulating material. For example, the first installation surface 111 may be an insulating housing, a partially insulating cover, or the like.

[0031] (Equipment Bus)

[0032] A plurality of device bus bars 12 are connected to the device 11. Specifically, the device bus bars 12 are electrically connected to electrodes included in the device 11.

[0033] A plurality of device bus bars 12 are arranged side by side on the first installation surface 111 along the X direction. Figure 2 As shown, each device bus bar 12 includes a first extension portion 121 and a first connection portion 122. The device bus bar 12 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0034] For example, the first extension portion 121 and the first connection portion 122 are flat, integral metal plates. For example, each device bus bar 12 may have a constant thickness from the first extension portion 121 to the first connection portion 122. For example, each device bus bar 12 may have a plate shape including a pair of faces facing the Z direction, or a pair of faces of each device bus bar 12 may extend along the Y direction from the first extension portion 121 to the first connection portion 122.

[0035] The first extension portion 121 contacts the first setting surface 111 and extends along the Y direction. The first connection portion 122 is continuous from the first extension portion 121 and contacts the first setting surface 111, and further extends along the Y direction. The first connection portion 122 has a first contact surface 122a on the side facing the battery cell 2. For example, the first contact surface 122a may be a plane.

[0036] (Flange)

[0037] The flange portion 13 is integrally formed with the device 11. The flange portion 13 extends from the device 11 to both sides of the device 11. The flange portion 13 has a plurality of through holes 13h extending in the Z direction. The device unit 1 and the battery unit 2 are connected together by the connecting member 3 inserted into each through hole 13h, so that the device unit 1 and the battery unit 2 are unitized.

[0038] (Battery unit structure)

[0039] The battery unit 2 includes a battery group 21 and a plurality of battery bus bars 22. In the present embodiment, a structure including a pair of each device bus bar 12 and an associated battery bus bar 22 is also referred to as a connection structure.

[0040] (Battery Pack)

[0041] The battery pack 21 includes a plurality of battery cells. The battery pack 21 has a second installation surface 211 on the side facing the device unit 1. The second installation surface 211 is opposite to the first installation surface 111. For example, the second installation surface 211 may be a plane facing upward.

[0042] The battery pack 21 has a threaded hole 21h on the second installation surface 211. The connector 3 inserted into the through hole 13h is screwed into the threaded hole 21h.

[0043] The second installation surface 211 is an insulating surface made of an insulating material. For example, the second installation surface 211 may be an insulating housing, a partially insulating cover, or the like.

[0044] (Battery Bus Bar)

[0045] The plurality of battery bus bars 22 are electrically connected to the battery pack 21 . Specifically, the plurality of battery bus bars 22 are electrically connected to electrodes of a plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 21 .

[0046] A plurality of battery bus bars 22 are arranged side by side along the X direction on the second installation surface 211. Each battery bus bar 22 is arranged at a position opposite to the associated device bus bar 12. Each battery bus bar 22 includes a second extension portion 221 and a second connection portion 222. The battery bus bar 22 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0047] For example, the second extension portion 221 and the second connection portion 222 are integral metal plates having a shape of a flat plate bent in the middle. For example, each battery bus bar 22 may have a fixed thickness from the second extension portion 221 to the second connection portion 222. For example, each battery bus bar 22 may have a plate shape having a pair of faces facing in a direction parallel to the YZ plane, in other words, a pair of faces of each battery bus bar 22 is orthogonal to the YZ plane; or a pair of faces of each battery bus bar 22 may be bent in a manner that maintains a state in which a pair of faces of each battery bus bar 22 faces in a direction parallel to the YZ plane, in other words, a pair of faces of each battery bus bar 22 is bent in a manner that maintains a state orthogonal to the YZ plane, while extending continuously from the second extension portion 221 to the second connection portion 222.

[0048] The second extension portion 221 contacts the second setting surface 211 and extends in the Y direction. The second connection portion 222 is continuous from the second extension portion 221 and further extends in the Y direction. The second connection portion 222 can be connected to the first connection portion 122 by contacting the associated first connection portion 122. When viewed from the Z direction, the second connection portion 222 is disposed at a position overlapping the associated first connection portion 122. A gap AA is provided between the second connection portion 222 and the second setting surface 211.

[0049] From the front end of the second connecting portion 222 toward the second extending portion 221, the second connecting portion 222 has a second contact portion 2221 and a second deforming portion 2222 in sequence. The second contact portion 2221 is continuous with the second deforming portion 2222. In the present embodiment, a gap AA is provided between the second connecting portion 222 and the second setting surface 211, and between the second contact portion 2221 and the second setting surface 211, and the gap AA extends from the front end of the second contact portion 2221 to the second deforming portion 2222.

[0050] The second contact portion 2221 has a second contact surface 2221a opposite to the associated first contact surface 122a on the side facing the device unit 1. For example, the second contact surface 2221a may be a plane.

[0051] The second deformation portion 2222 connects the second extension portion 221 and the second contact portion 2221. The second deformation portion 2222 is elastically deformable in response to the pressing force applied to the second contact surface 2221a from the first contact surface 122a.

[0052] Hereinafter, the “second deformation portion” refers to “a portion that is allowed to deform with respect to the pressing force that the second contact surface receives from the first contact surface”.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the second deformation portion 2222 is bent and extended from the second extension portion 221 to the second contact portion 2221. The second deformation portion 2222 is bent and extended in an oblique upward direction that forms an acute angle with respect to the direction (Y direction) in which the second extension portion 221 extends to the second contact portion 2221. In other words, the second deformation portion 2222 connects the second extension portion 221 and the second contact portion 2221 in a manner extending in a direction away from the second setting surface 211. In addition, the second deformation portion 2222 is bent and extended from the second extension portion 221 to the second contact portion 2221 in an oblique upward direction that forms an acute angle with respect to the second setting surface 211. According to this second deformation portion 2222, each battery bus bar 22 is configured such that the second connection portion 222 extends further toward the front portion from the front portion of the extension of the second extension portion 221.

[0054] (Connector)

[0055] The plurality of connectors 3 connect the device unit 1 and the battery unit 2. For example, each connector 3 may be a bolt that passes through the through hole 13h and is fastened to the threaded hole 21h.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, when assembling the assembly 9, for example, when the device unit 1 is connected to the battery unit 2 by the connecting member 3 in such a manner that the device unit 1 approaches the battery unit 2, the second contact surface 2221a contacts the first contact surface 122a. Furthermore, when the device unit 1 is connected, the second contact surface 2221a receives a downward pressing force from the first contact surface 122a.

[0057] Since a gap AA is provided between the second connection portion 222 and the second setting surface 211, the second contact portion 2221 subjected to the pressing force reduces the gap AA while elastically deforming the second deformation portion 2222. On the other hand, the elastically deformed second deformation portion 2222 can impart a force toward the first contact surface 122a to the second contact portion 2221. Due to the deformation and the force, in the assembled assembly 9, the second connection portion 222 can absorb the pressing force from the first connection portion 122 with the gap AA while contacting the first connection portion 122.

[0058] (Function and Effect)

[0059] According to the assembly 9 of the present embodiment, the second connection portion 222 can contact the first connection portion 122 while absorbing the pressing force from the first connection portion 122 with the gap AA. Through this contact, the assembly 9 can absorb the manufacturing tolerance related to the connection between the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 222 that is easily generated when the device unit and the battery pack are assembled. Therefore, the assembly 9 of the present embodiment can easily ensure the contact pressure between the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 222.

[0060] For example, the assembly 9 can absorb tolerances associated with dimensional errors and connection pressure errors between batches of various structures involved in the contact between the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 222 for multiple assembly bodies 9 of different batches. For example, the assembly 9 can absorb tolerances associated with dimensional errors between multiple device bus bars 12, dimensional errors between multiple battery bus bars 22, etc. for one assembly 9. For example, the assembly 9 can absorb tolerances associated with deviations in contact pressure caused by uneven connection pressure, that is, deviations in contact pressure across multiple first connection portions 122 and multiple second connection portions 222 for one assembly 9.

[0061] As a comparative example, the structure of the assembly is as follows: a connector is provided on the battery pack, and when the battery pack is mounted on the vehicle body, the vehicle body side connector and the battery side connector are connected. In the case of such a comparative example structure, when there are multiple connection points, the mating state of each connector cannot be confirmed, there are half-mated connectors, or a very large insertion force is required for unified connection, and the component cost may be increased.

[0062] Unlike the comparative example, in the present embodiment, the assembly 9 has a structure in which the second connection portion 222 can contact the first connection portion 122 while absorbing the pressing force from the first connection portion 122 with the gap AA. Due to this structure, even in the case where there are multiple connection points, the connection pressure and the number of parts are suppressed, and the contact pressure between each first connection portion 122 and the associated second connection portion 222 can be easily ensured.

[0063] Especially when the device 11 is a high-voltage device, the electrical connection between the device unit 1 and the battery unit 2 will have more busbars connected to each other, thereby effectively ensuring the contact pressure generated by the first connection part 122 and the second connection part 222 as in the present embodiment.

[0064] Furthermore, according to an example of the assembly 9 of the present embodiment, the second connection portion 222 has the second deformation portion 2222, and thus the assembly 9 has a structure in which the second deformation portion 2222 is easy to deform preferentially compared to the second contact portion 2221. According to this structure, the second contact portion 2221 itself has a structure that is difficult to deform, and the second contact portion 2221 can apply a force to the first connection portion 122. Therefore, the assembly 9 of the present embodiment can stabilize the contact between the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 222.

[0065] Furthermore, according to an example of the assembly 9 of the present embodiment, each battery bus bar 22 is configured such that the second connection portion 222 extends further forward from the front portion of the extension of the second extension portion 221. According to this configuration, the second connection portion 222 can be easily processed, the second contact portion 2221 itself has a structure that is difficult to deform, and the second contact portion 2221 can apply a force to the first connection portion 122.

[0066] (Modification of the gap position)

[0067] In this embodiment, a gap AA is provided between the second connection part 222 and the second setting surface 211. However, the gap AA is not limited to such a position, and the gap AA can be provided at any position as long as the pressing force between the second connection part 222 and the first connection part 122 can be absorbed. Alternatively, as a modified example, a gap AA is provided between the first connection part and the first setting surface. Alternatively, as this modified example, Figure 4 As shown, each device bus bar 12 includes a first connection portion 123 instead of the first connection portion 122. On the other hand, each battery bus bar 22 may include a second connection portion 223 instead of the second connection portion 222.

[0068] That is, in this variation, each battery bus bar 22 includes a second extension portion 221 and a second connection portion 223. The second connection portion 223 is continuous from the second extension portion 221 and contacts the second setting surface 211, and further extends along the Y direction. The second connection portion 223 has a second contact surface 223a on the side facing the device unit 1. For example, the second contact surface 223a may also be a plane.

[0069] In addition, in this modification, each device bus bar 12 includes a first extension portion 121 and a first connection portion 123. The first connection portion 123 is continuous from the first extension portion 121 and further extends along the Y direction. The first connection portion 123 can be connected to the second connection portion 223 by contacting the associated second connection portion 223. When viewed from the Z direction, the first connection portion 123 is disposed at a position overlapping the associated second connection portion 223. A gap AA is provided between the first connection portion 123 and the first setting surface 111.

[0070] The first connection portion 123 has a first contact portion 1231 and a first deformation portion 1232 in sequence from the front end of the first connection portion 123 to the first extension portion 121. The first contact portion 1231 is continuous with the first deformation portion 1232. In this modified example, a gap AA is provided between the first connection portion 123 and the first setting surface 111, and between the first contact portion 1231 and the first setting surface 111. The gap AA extends from the front end of the first contact portion 1231 to the first deformation portion 1232.

[0071] The first contact portion 1231 has a first contact surface 1231a on the side facing the battery cell 2, and the first contact surface 1231a is opposite to the associated second contact surface 223a. For example, the first contact surface 1231a may be a plane.

[0072] The first deforming portion 1232 connects the first extending portion 121 and the first contact portion 1231. The first deforming portion 1232 can be elastically deformed by the pressing force applied to the first contact surface 1231a from the second contact surface 223a.

[0073] Hereinafter, the “first deformation portion” refers to “a portion that is allowed to deform due to the pressing force that the first contact surface receives from the second contact surface”.

[0074] In this variation, the first deformation portion 1232 is bent and extended from the first extension portion 121 to the first contact portion 1231. The first deformation portion 1232 is bent and extended in an oblique downward direction that forms an acute angle with respect to the direction (Y direction) in which the first extension portion 121 extends to the first contact portion 1231. In other words, the first deformation portion 1232 connects the first extension portion 121 and the first contact portion 1231 in a manner extending in a direction away from the first setting surface 111. In addition, the first deformation portion 1232 is bent and extended from the first extension portion 121 to the first contact portion 1231 in an oblique downward direction that forms an acute angle with respect to the first setting surface 111. Through this first deformation portion 1232, each device bus bar 12 is configured such that the first connection portion 123 extends further toward the front portion from the front portion of the extension of the first extension portion 121.

[0075] According to the assembly 9 of this modification, the first connection portion 123 can contact the second connection portion 223 while absorbing the pressing force from the second connection portion 223 with the gap AA. Through this contact, the assembly 9 can absorb the manufacturing tolerance related to the connection between the first connection portion 123 and the second connection portion 223 that is easily generated when the device unit and the battery pack are assembled. Therefore, the assembly 9 of this modification can easily ensure the contact pressure between the first connection portion 123 and the second connection portion 223.

[0076] Furthermore, according to an example of the assembly 9 of this modified example, the first connection portion 123 has the first deformation portion 1232, and thus the assembly 9 has a structure in which the first deformation portion 1232 is easily deformed preferentially compared to the first contact portion 1231. According to this structure, the first contact portion 1231 itself is a structure that is difficult to deform, and the first contact portion 1231 can apply a force to the second connection portion 223. Therefore, the contact between the first connection portion 123 and the second connection portion 223 can be stabilized.

[0077] Furthermore, according to an example of the assembly 9 of this variation, each device bus bar 12 is configured such that the first connection portion 123 extends further forward from the front portion of the extension of the first extension portion 121. According to this configuration, the first connection portion 123 can be easily processed, the first contact portion 1231 itself has a structure that is difficult to deform, and the first contact portion 1231 can apply a force to the second connection portion 223.

[0078] <Second embodiment>

[0079] Hereinafter, for an assembly according to an embodiment, Figure 5 to Figure 7 The assembly of the present embodiment has the same structure and is similarly composed as the assembly of the first embodiment, and has the same operation and effects except for the following points.

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown, in the present embodiment, each battery bus bar 22 includes a second extension portion 221 and a second connection portion 224. For example, the second extension portion 221 and the second connection portion 224 are integral metal plates having a shape in which a flat plate is bent in the middle. For example, each battery bus bar 22 may have a fixed thickness from the second extension portion 221 to the second connection portion 224. For example, each battery bus bar 22 may have a plate shape having a pair of faces facing in a direction parallel to the YZ plane. In other words, the pair of faces of each battery bus bar 22 is orthogonal to the YZ plane. Alternatively, the pair of faces of each battery bus bar 22 may be bent in a manner that maintains the pair of faces of each battery bus bar 22 facing in a direction parallel to the YZ plane. In other words, the pair of faces of each battery bus bar 22 may be bent in a manner that maintains the state of being orthogonal to the YZ plane while extending continuously from the second extension portion 221 to the second connection portion 224.

[0081] The second connection portion 224 can be connected to the first connection portion 122 by contacting the associated first connection portion 122. When viewed from the Z direction, the second connection portion 224 is disposed at a position overlapping the associated first connection portion 122. A gap AA is disposed between the second connection portion 224 and the second installation surface 211.

[0082] From the front end of the second connecting portion 224 toward the second extending portion 221, the second connecting portion 224 has a second contact portion 2241 and a second deforming portion 2242 in sequence. The second contact portion 2241 is continuous with the second deforming portion 2242. In the present embodiment, a gap AA is provided between the second connecting portion 224 and the second setting surface 211, and between the second contact portion 2241 and the second extending portion 221, and the gap AA extends from the front end of the second contact portion 2241 to the second deforming portion 2242.

[0083] The second contact portion 2241 has a second contact surface 2241a opposite to the associated first contact surface 122a on the side facing the device unit 1. For example, the second contact surface 2241a may be a plane.

[0084] The second deformation portion 2242 connects the second extension portion 221 and the second contact portion 2241. The second deformation portion 2242 is elastically deformable in response to the pressing force applied to the second contact surface 2241a from the first contact surface 122a.

[0085] In the present embodiment, the second deformation portion 2242 is bent and extended from the second extension portion 221 to the second contact portion 2241. The second deformation portion 2242 is bent and extended in an oblique upward direction that forms an obtuse angle with respect to the direction (Y direction) in which the second extension portion 221 extends to the second contact portion 2241. In other words, the second deformation portion 2242 connects the second extension portion 221 and the second contact portion 2241 in a manner extending in a direction away from the second setting surface 211. In addition, the second deformation portion 2242 is bent and extended from the second extension portion 221 to the second contact portion 2241 in an obtuse upward direction with respect to the second setting surface 211. Through this second deformation portion 2242, each battery bus bar 22 is configured such that the second connection portion 224 is folded back and extended from the front portion of the extension of the second extension portion 221.

[0086] like Figure 6 As shown, when assembling the assembly 9, for example, when the device unit 1 is connected to the battery unit 2 by the connecting member 3 in such a manner that the device unit 1 approaches the battery unit 2, the second contact surface 2241a contacts the first contact surface 122a. Furthermore, when the device unit 1 is connected, the second contact surface 2241a receives a downward pressing force from the first contact surface 122a.

[0087] Since a gap AA is provided between the second connection portion 224 and the second extension portion 221, the second contact portion 2241 subjected to the pressing force reduces the gap AA while elastically deforming the second deformation portion 2242. On the other hand, the elastically deformed second deformation portion 2242 can impart a force toward the first contact surface 122a to the second contact portion 2241. Due to the deformation and the force, in the assembled assembly 9, the second connection portion 224 can absorb the pressing force from the first connection portion 122 through the gap AA while contacting the first connection portion 122.

[0088] (Function and Effect)

[0089] According to the assembly 9 of the present embodiment, the second connection portion 224 can contact the first connection portion 122 while absorbing the pressing force from the first connection portion 122 with the gap AA. Through this contact, the assembly 9 can absorb the manufacturing tolerance involved in the connection between the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 224 that is easily generated when the device unit and the battery pack are assembled. Therefore, the assembly 9 of the present embodiment can easily ensure the contact pressure between the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 224.

[0090] Furthermore, according to an example of the assembly 9 of the present embodiment, the second connection portion 224 has the second deformation portion 2242, and thus the assembly 9 has a structure in which the second deformation portion 2242 is easily deformed preferentially compared to the second contact portion 2241. According to this structure, the second contact portion 2241 itself is a structure that is difficult to deform, and the second contact portion 2241 can apply a force to the first connection portion 122. Therefore, the assembly 9 of the present embodiment can stabilize the contact between the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 224.

[0091] Furthermore, according to an example of the assembly 9 of the present embodiment, each battery bus bar 22 is configured such that the second connection portion 224 is folded back and extended from the front portion of the extension of the second extension portion 221. According to this structure, the second connection portion 224 is compactly converged relative to the second extension portion 221, the second contact portion 2241 itself is a structure that is difficult to deform, and the second contact portion 2241 can apply a force to the first connection portion 122.

[0092] (Modification of the gap position)

[0093] In this embodiment, a gap AA is provided between the second connection portion 224 and the second extension portion 221. However, the gap AA is not limited to such a position, and the gap AA may be provided at any position as long as the pressing force between the second connection portion 224 and the first connection portion 122 can be absorbed. Alternatively, as a modified example, a gap AA is provided between the first connection portion and the first extension portion. Alternatively, as a modified example, Figure 7 As shown, each device bus bar 12 includes a first connection portion 125 instead of the first connection portion 122. On the other hand, each battery bus bar 22 may include a second connection portion 225 instead of the second connection portion 224.

[0094] That is, in this variation, each battery bus bar 22 includes a second extension portion 221 and a second connection portion 225. For example, the second extension portion 221 and the second connection portion 225 are flat, integral metal plates. For example, each battery bus bar 22 may have a certain thickness from the second extension portion 221 to the second connection portion 225. For example, each battery bus bar 22 may have a plate shape having a pair of faces facing the Z direction, or a pair of faces of each battery bus bar 22 may extend continuously from the second extension portion 221 to the second connection portion 225 along the Y direction.

[0095] The second connection portion 225 contacts the second installation surface 211 continuously from the second extension portion 221 and further extends along the Y direction. The second connection portion 225 has a second contact surface 225a on the side facing the device unit 1. For example, the second contact surface 225a may be a plane.

[0096] In addition, in this variant, each device bus bar 12 includes a first extension portion 121 and a first connection portion 125. For example, the first extension portion 121 and the first connection portion 125 are integral metal plates having a shape in which a flat plate is bent in the middle. For example, each device bus bar 12 may have a certain thickness from the first extension portion 121 to the first connection portion 125. For example, each device bus bar 12 may have a plate shape having a pair of faces facing in a direction parallel to the YZ plane, in other words, a pair of faces of each device bus bar 12 is orthogonal to the YZ plane; or a pair of faces of each device bus bar 12 may be bent in a manner to maintain a state in which a pair of faces of each device bus bar 12 faces in a direction parallel to the YZ plane, in other words, a pair of faces of each device bus bar 12 may be bent in a manner to maintain a state orthogonal to the YZ plane, while continuously extending from the first extension portion 121 to the first connection portion 125.

[0097] The first connection portion 125 extends continuously from the first extension portion 121. The first connection portion 125 can be connected to the second connection portion 225 by contacting the associated second connection portion 225. When viewed from the Z direction, the first connection portion 125 is disposed at a position overlapping the associated second connection portion 225. A gap AA is disposed between the first connection portion 125 and the first installation surface 111.

[0098] The first connection portion 125 has a first contact portion 1251 and a first deformation portion 1252 in order from the front end of the first connection portion 125 to the first extension portion 121. The first contact portion 1251 is continuous with the first deformation portion 1252. In this modification, a gap AA is provided between the first connection portion 125 and the first installation surface 111, and between the first contact portion 1251 and the first extension portion 121, and the gap AA extends from the front end of the first contact portion 1251 to the first deformation portion 1252.

[0099] The first contact portion 1251 has a first contact surface 1251a on the side facing the battery cell 2, and the first contact surface 1251a is opposite to the associated second contact surface 225a. For example, the first contact surface 1251a may be a plane.

[0100] The first deforming portion 1252 connects the first extending portion 121 and the first contact portion 1251. The first deforming portion 1252 is elastically deformable in response to the pressing force that the first contact surface 1251a receives from the second contact surface 225a.

[0101] In this variation, the first deformation portion 1252 is bent and extended from the first extension portion 121 to the first contact portion 1251. The first deformation portion 1252 is bent and extended in a downward oblique direction that forms an obtuse angle with respect to the direction (Y direction) in which the first extension portion 121 extends to the first contact portion 1251. In other words, the first deformation portion 1252 connects the first extension portion 121 and the first contact portion 1251 in a manner extending in a direction away from the first setting surface 111. In addition, the first deformation portion 1252 is bent and extended from the first extension portion 121 to the first contact portion 1251 in a downward obtuse angle with respect to the first setting surface 111. Through this first deformation portion 1252, each device bus bar 12 is configured such that the first connection portion 125 is folded back and extended from the front portion of the extension of the first extension portion 121.

[0102] According to the assembly 9 of this variation, the first connection portion 125 can contact the second connection portion 225 while absorbing the pressing force from the second connection portion 225 with the gap AA. Through this contact, the assembly 9 can absorb the manufacturing tolerance involved in the connection between the first connection portion 125 and the second connection portion 225 that is easily generated when the device unit and the battery pack are assembled. Therefore, the assembly 9 of this variation can easily ensure the contact pressure between the first connection portion 125 and the second connection portion 225.

[0103] Furthermore, according to an example of the assembly 9 of this modified example, the first connection portion 125 has the first deformation portion 1252, and thus the assembly 9 has a structure in which the first deformation portion 1252 is easily deformed preferentially compared to the first contact portion 1251. According to this structure, the first contact portion 1251 itself is a structure that is difficult to deform, and the first contact portion 1251 can apply a force to the second connection portion 225. Therefore, the contact between the first connection portion 125 and the second connection portion 225 can be stabilized.

[0104] Furthermore, according to an example of the assembly 9 of this variation, each device bus bar 12 is configured such that the first connection portion 125 is bent back and extended from the front portion of the extension of the first extension portion 121. According to this structure, the first connection portion 125 is compactly converged relative to the first extension portion 121, the first contact portion 1251 itself is a structure that is difficult to deform, and the first contact portion 1251 can apply a force to the second connection portion 225.

[0105] <Other Modifications>

[0106] In the first embodiment described above, the first connection portion 122 can be connected to the second connection portion 222 by contacting the associated second connection portion 222. However, as long as the first connection portion 122 can be connected to the second connection portion 222, the assembly 9 may be configured in any manner. Figure 8 As shown, the assembly 9 includes a conductive member 4 (relay conductor). The conductive member 4 is distributed over a plurality of pairs of the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 222, and extends in the X direction. The conductive member 4 is distributed over a plurality of pairs of the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 222, and is uniformly inserted between the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 222. The conductive member 4 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. According to this conductive member 4, a plurality of first connection portions 122 and a plurality of second connection portions 222 are connected via the conductive member 4, whereby the conductive member 4 can uniformly connect a plurality of first connection portions 122 and a second connection portion 222. Alternatively, the assembly 9 may also include the same conductive member 4 between the first connection portion 123 and the second connection portion 223 in the modified example of the first embodiment. Alternatively, the assembly 9 may also include the same conductive member 4 between the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 224 in the second embodiment. The assembly 9 may also include the similar conductive member 4 between the first connection portion 125 and the second connection portion 225 in the modification of the second embodiment.

[0107] In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the first extension portion extends in the Y direction. However, the first extension portion is not limited to such a direction, and the first extension portion may extend in any direction as long as the first extension portion contacts the first setting surface and extends continuously with the first connecting portion. Alternatively, as a modified example, the first extension portion may extend in the X direction.

[0108] In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the second extension portion extends in the Y direction. However, the second extension portion is not limited to such a direction, and the second extension portion may extend in any direction as long as the second extension portion contacts the second setting surface and extends continuously with the second connecting portion. Alternatively, as a modified example, the second extension portion may extend in the X direction.

[0109] In the assembly 9 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the device unit 1 and the battery unit 2 are sometimes exposed, but sometimes have a cover. Alternatively, as a modification, when the device unit 1 and the battery unit 2 have covers respectively, a flange is provided on the cover on the device unit 1 side, and the flange has a hole for connecting the device unit 1 to the battery unit 2. Furthermore, a gasket may be installed on the flange, and the gasket and the cover on the high-voltage device side may be used to ensure the waterproofness of the connection structure. Alternatively, as another modification, when the device unit 1 and the battery unit 2 do not have covers respectively, after the device unit 1 and the battery unit 2 are combined, the entire device unit 1 and the battery unit 2 are covered with a cover.

[0110] In the assembly 9 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the positioning of the device unit 1 relative to the battery unit 2 (or the battery unit 2 relative to the device unit 1) in the XY plane is performed by a plurality of connectors 3, but it may also be performed by other positioning mechanisms. Alternatively, as a modification, a positioning through hole is provided in the flange portion 13, and on the other hand, a positioning protrusion is provided at a corresponding position of the second setting surface 211 of the battery unit 2. Since the positioning through hole and the positioning protrusion are used for positioning, the assembly property is improved. On the contrary, it is also possible to provide a positioning protrusion in the flange portion 13, and to provide a positioning through hole in a corresponding position of the second setting surface 211 of the battery unit 2. Alternatively, as another modification, a positioning convex portion is provided on one of the first contact surface of the device bus bar 12 and the second contact surface of the battery bus bar 22, and a positioning concave portion is provided on one of the first contact surface of the device bus bar 12 and the second contact surface of the battery bus bar 22.

[0111] In the assembly 9 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the first deformation portion is bent and extended from the first extension portion to the first contact portion. However, the first deformation portion can be elastically deformed relative to the pressing force received by the first contact surface from the second contact surface, and the first deformation portion is not a structure that deforms the entire device bus bar. As long as it is a structure that can determine the deformation location, it can be constructed in any way. Alternatively, as a modification example, the first deformation portion partially has a convex shape. Alternatively, as another modification example, the first deformation portion is a stacked bus bar with thin bus bars stacked compared to the first extension portion and the first contact portion. Alternatively, as another modification example, the first deformation portion is a portion having a material that is easily deformed or a portion that is thinned relative to the first extension portion and the first connection portion. For example, in the case where the material of the first extension portion and the first connection portion is aluminum, the material of the first deformation portion as an easily deformable material may also be copper.

[0112] In the assembly 9 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the second deformation portion is bent and extended from the second extension portion to the second contact portion. However, the second deformation portion can be elastically deformed due to the pressing force applied to the second contact surface from the first contact surface, and the second deformation portion is not an overall deformation of the battery bus bar. As long as it is a structure that can determine the deformation location, any structure is acceptable. Alternatively, as a modification example, the second deformation portion has a locally undulating shape. Alternatively, as another modification example, the second deformation portion is a structure that has a stacked bus bar with thin bus bars stacked compared to the second extension portion and the second contact portion. Alternatively, as another modification example, the second deformation portion is a portion having a material that is easily deformed or a portion that is thinned relative to the second extension portion and the second connection portion. For example, in the case where the material of the first extension portion and the first connection portion is aluminum, the material of the first deformation portion as an easily deformable material may also be copper.

[0113] In the assembly 9 of each embodiment described above, the first contact surface is in contact with the second contact surface, but one of them may be larger than the other. When one is larger than the other, it is easy to ensure the contact area required for conduction even if there is positional deviation during assembly.

[0114] In one example of the assembly 9 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the device unit 1 and the battery unit 2 are connected by the fastener 3 which is a bolt. However, the assembly 9 may be configured in any manner as long as the device unit 1 and the battery unit 2 can be fixed to each other. As a modified example, the metal housings of the two units may be welded or the resin housings of the two units may be fused while the device unit 1 side is pressed against the battery unit 2.

[0115] In the assembly 9 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, a gap AA is provided because the first deformation portion of each device bus bar 12 or the second deformation portion of each battery bus bar 22 is bent. However, as long as the gap AA is provided, the assembly 9 can be constructed in any manner. Alternatively, as a modification, the gap AA is provided by warping in a manner away from the first setting surface 111 relative to each device bus bar 12, or by being recessed in a manner away from it. As another modification, the gap AA is provided by warping in a manner away from the second setting surface 211 relative to each battery bus bar 22, or by being recessed in a manner away from it. Furthermore, as long as each device bus bar 12 can absorb the pressing force with the entire portion provided with such a gap AA, each device bus bar 12 may not have a first deformation portion. Similarly, as long as each battery bus bar 22 can absorb the pressing force with the entire portion provided with such a gap AA, each battery bus bar 22 may not have a second deformation portion.

[0116] The assembly 9 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments has a gap AA between at least one of the first installation surface and the first connection part and between the second installation surface and the second connection part, but the gap AA may also be provided between both the first installation surface and the first connection part and between the second installation surface and the second connection part.

[0117] The assembly 9 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments has a gap AA between the first installation surface and the first connection portion, and between the second installation surface and the second connection portion. However, in the assembly 9, an elastic member having insulating properties may be inserted into the gap AA in at least a portion of the gap AA. By inserting the elastic member, the assembly 9 can ensure appropriate contact pressure.

[0118] The embodiments of the present disclosure are described above, but the embodiments are shown only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and can be omitted, replaced, and changed in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by the aforementioned description, but only by the protection scope of the appendix.

[0119] Industrial Availability

[0120] According to the assembly of the present disclosure, it is easy to ensure the contact pressure of the connection portion.

[0121] Description of Reference Numerals

[0122] 1 Equipment Unit

[0123] 2 Battery Cells

[0124] 3 Connectors

[0125] 4. Conductive member (relay conductor)

[0126] 9 Assembly

[0127] 11 Equipment

[0128] 12 Equipment Bus

[0129] 13 Flange

[0130] 13h Through hole

[0131] 21 Battery Pack

[0132] 21h threaded hole

[0133] 22 Battery Bus Bar

[0134] 111 First setting surface

[0135] 121 First extension

[0136] 122 First connection

[0137] 122a First contact surface

[0138] 123 First connection

[0139] 125 First connection

[0140] 211 Second setting surface

[0141] 221 Second extension

[0142] 222 Second connection

[0143] 223 Second connection

[0144] 223a Second contact surface

[0145] 224 Second connection

[0146] 225 Second connection

[0147] 225a Second contact surface

[0148] 1231 First contact

[0149] 1231a First contact surface

[0150] 1232 First Transformation Section

[0151] 1251 First contact

[0152] 1251a First contact surface

[0153] 1252 First Transformation Section

[0154] 2221 Second contact part

[0155] 2221a Second contact surface

[0156] 2222 Second deformation part

[0157] 2241 Second contact part

[0158] 2241a Second contact surface

[0159] 2242 Second Transformation

[0160] AA Gap

Claims

1. An assembly comprising: An equipment unit, comprising an equipment having a first installation surface, and an equipment bus bar comprising a first extension portion extending from and in contact with the first installation surface, and a first connection portion extending from the first extension portion; and A battery unit comprising a battery pack and a battery bus bar, wherein the battery pack has a second setting surface opposite to the first setting surface, and the battery bus bar includes a second extension portion that contacts and extends from the second setting surface, and a second connection portion that is continuous and extends from the second extension portion and can be connected to the first connection portion, There is a gap between at least one of the first installation surface and the first connection portion and between the second installation surface and the second connection portion.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: There is a gap between the second installation surface and the second connecting portion, The second connection portion includes a second contact portion and a second deformation portion, and the second deformation portion connects the second extension portion and the second contact portion.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The second deformable portion connects the second contact portion and the second extending portion such that the second connecting portion extends further forward from the extended front portion of the second extending portion and the gap is provided between the second installation surface and the second connecting portion.

4. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The second deformable portion connects the second contact portion and the second extending portion in a manner that the second connecting portion is bent back and extended from the front portion of the second extending portion and the gap is provided between the second extending portion and the second connecting portion.

5. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: There is a gap between the first installation surface and the first connecting portion, The first connection portion includes a first contact portion and a first deformation portion, and the first deformation portion connects the first extension portion and the first contact portion.

6. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The first deformable portion connects the first contact portion and the first extending portion in a manner that the first connecting portion extends further forward from the front portion of the first extending portion and the gap is provided between the first installation surface and the first connecting portion.

7. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The first deformable portion connects the first contact portion and the first extending portion in a manner that the first connecting portion is bent back and extended from a front portion of the first extending portion and the gap is provided between the first extending portion and the first connecting portion.

8. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The assembly includes a plurality of pairs of the first connecting parts and the second connecting parts. The assembly further includes a relay conductor that extends over the plurality of pairs and is uniformly inserted between the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

Images