Connection structure and assembly

Abstract

The connection structure electrically connects the device and the battery pack. The connection structure is provided with a first conduction part, a second conduction part and a third conduction part. The first conduction portion is connected to one of the device and the battery pack. The second conduction part is connected with the other one of the equipment and the battery pack. The second conductive portion is disposed so as to be separated from the first conductive portion in a first direction. In a state where the device and the battery pack are fixed, the third conductive portion is inserted between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion from a second direction intersecting the first direction to electrically connect the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a connection structure and an assembly. Background Art

[0002] A structure for connecting a battery pack to a device is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a battery module is connected to a fuse and a contactor unit in an electric vehicle.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined 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, power receiving side terminal portions provided on a plurality of female sides provided in a fuse and a contactor unit are directly attached to and detached from power supply side terminal portions provided on the male side in a battery module. In such a connection structure in which the power receiving side terminal portion and the power supply side terminal portion are directly attached to and detached from each other, it is sometimes difficult to improve assemblability.

[0008] One object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a connection structure and an assembly in which improvement in assemblability can be easily achieved.

[0009] Technical Means for Solving the Problem

[0010] A connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is a connection structure that electrically connects a device and a battery pack. The connection structure has a first conduction portion, a second conduction portion, and a third conduction portion. The first conduction portion is connected to one of the device and the battery pack. The second conduction portion is connected to the other of the device and the battery pack. The second conduction portion is disposed so as to be separated from the first conduction portion in a first direction. In a state where the device and the battery pack are fixed, the third conduction portion is inserted between the first conduction portion and the second conduction portion from a second direction intersecting the first direction to electrically connect the first conduction portion and the second conduction portion.

[0011] An assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a device, a battery pack, and a connection structure. The connection structure electrically connects the device and the battery pack. The connection structure has a first conduction part, a second conduction part, and a third conduction part. The first conduction part is connected to one of the device and the battery pack. The second conduction part is connected to the other of the device and the battery pack. The second conduction part is disposed separately from the first conduction part in a first direction. In a state where the device and the battery pack are fixed, the third conduction part is inserted between the first conduction part and the second conduction part from a second direction intersecting the first direction to electrically connect the first conduction part and the second conduction part.

[0012] Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to easily improve the assemblability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a front view showing the assembly of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a perspective view for explaining the connection structure of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the connection unit of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing a partial decomposition of the connection unit of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a top view for explaining the connection unit of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the manufacturing method of the assembly of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the manufacturing method of the assembly of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the manufacturing method of the assembly of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 It is a perspective view showing the connection unit of the first modification of the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 It is a perspective view for explaining the connection structure of the second modification of the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11It is a perspective view of the connection structure for explaining the third modification of the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view of the connection structure for explaining the third modification of the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 13 It is a perspective view of the connection structure for explaining the fourth modification of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view of the connection structure for explaining the fifth modification of the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 15 It is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly of the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 16 It is a perspective view showing the assembly of the second embodiment.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals

[0031] 1 Assembly

[0032] 10 Equipment unit

[0033] 11 Equipment

[0034] 12 Equipment bus bar

[0035] 20 Battery unit

[0036] 21 Battery pack

[0037] 22 Battery bus bar

[0038] 40 Fixing part

[0039] 50 Connection unit

[0040] 51 Conductive connection part

[0041] 51a Curved surface

[0042] 51b Curved surface

[0043] 52 Insulating cover

[0044] 53 Holding part

[0045] 61 Connecting part

[0046] 62 External force receiving part

[0047] 70 Housing

[0048] CS Connection structure

[0049] CSa Connection part Detailed implementation manners

[0050] Hereinafter, the implementation manners will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to structures having the same or similar functions. Also, repeated descriptions of these structures may sometimes be omitted. In this application, the terms are defined as follows. "Connection" is not limited to mechanical connection and may include electrical connection. That is, "connection" is not limited to the case where two elements as connection objects are directly connected, and may also include the case where two elements as connection objects are connected with other elements interposed therebetween.

[0051] In this application, the -Z direction, +Z direction, -X direction, +X direction, -Y direction, and +Y direction are defined as follows. The -Z direction is the direction from a device 11 described later toward the battery pack 21 (see Figure 1 ). The +Z direction is the direction opposite to the -Z direction. When the -Z direction and +Z direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Z direction". The -X direction and +X direction are directions that intersect (e.g., are orthogonal to) the Z direction. The -X direction is one direction in which a plurality of device busbars 12 described later are arranged (see Figure 1 ). The +X direction is the direction opposite to the -X direction. When the -X direction and +X direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "X direction". The -Y direction and +Y direction are directions that intersect (e.g., are orthogonal to) the Z direction and X direction. The -Y direction is one direction in which the device busbar 12 described later extends (see Figure 2 ). The +Y direction is the direction opposite to the -Y direction. When the -Y direction and +Y direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Y direction". In the implementation manner described below, the -Z direction is an example of the "first direction". The Y direction is an example of the "second direction". The X direction is an example of the "third direction".

[0052] (First implementation manner)

[0053] <1. Structure of the assembly>

[0054] First, the structure of the assembly 1 of the first implementation manner will be described.

[0055] Figure 1 is a front view of the assembly 1 of the first implementation manner. In addition, in Figure 1 , for ease of explanation, the illustration of some components is omitted. The assembly 1 is a structure formed by integrating a plurality of modules (e.g., the device 11 and the battery pack 21). The assembly 1 is mounted on a mobile unit such as an electric vehicle, for example. The assembly 1 includes, for example, a device unit 10, a battery unit 20, a spacer 30, and a fixing member 40.

[0056] <1.1 Device unit>

[0057] First, the device unit 10 will be described. The device unit 10 has, for example, a device 11, a conduction part 12U, and a flange part 13.

[0058] (Device)

[0059] The device 11 is a device having a function related to electricity. The device 11 is, for example, a device having one or more functions such as relay, distribution, cutting (protection), conversion, or charging of electricity. The device 11 is, for example, a high-voltage device such as a junction box, an in-vehicle charger, or a DC-DC converter. However, the device 11 is not limited to the above examples.

[0060] The device 11 has, for example, a setting surface 11s. The setting surface 11s is located at the end of the device 11 on the -Z direction side. The setting surface 11s is a surface facing the -Z direction. The setting surface 11s is, for example, a plane along the X direction and the Y direction. The setting surface 11s is formed of an insulating material.

[0061] (Conduction part)

[0062] The conduction part 12U is a conduction part connected to the device 11. In the present embodiment, the conduction part 12U includes a plurality of (for example, three or more) bus bars 12. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of description, the conduction part 12U will be referred to as the "device conduction part 12U". In addition, the bus bar 12 will be referred to as the "device bus bar 12". In the present embodiment, the device conduction part 12U is an example of the "first conduction part". The device bus bar 12 is an example of the "first conductive component".

[0063] The device bus bar 12 is a conductive component connected to the device 11. The device bus bar 12 is electrically connected to the electrodes included in the device 11. In the present embodiment, a plurality of (for example, three or more) device bus bars 12 are mounted on the setting surface 11s of the device 11. The plurality of device bus bars 12 are arranged side by side in the X direction at intervals from each other on the setting surface 11s. The plurality of device bus bars 12 extend in the Y direction respectively. The device bus bar 12 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. Details of the device bus bar 12 will be described later.

[0064] (Flange part)

[0065] The flange part 13 is a protruding part provided on the device 11. The flange part 13 is, for example, integrally formed with the device 11. A pair of flange parts 13 protrude from the device 11 to both sides in the X direction, for example. The flange part 13 has a through hole 13h. The through hole 13h penetrates the flange part 13 in the Z direction. The fixing member 40 described later is inserted into the through hole 13h from the +Z direction. In addition, the flange part 13 may be provided as a part of the device 11. In addition, in the case where other fixing structures are provided, the flange part 13 may be omitted.

[0066] <1.2 Battery unit>

[0067] Next, the battery unit 20 will be described. The battery unit 20 has, for example, a battery pack 21 and a conduction part 22U.

[0068] (Battery pack)

[0069] The battery pack 21 is a device including a plurality of battery cells 21b. The battery pack 21 includes, for example, a battery case 21a and a plurality of battery cells 21b. The battery case 21a is formed of an insulating material. The plurality of battery cells 21b are housed inside the battery case 21a. The plurality of battery cells 21b are electrically connected in series, for example. The battery pack 21 has, for example, a setting surface 21s and a fitting hole 21h.

[0070] The setting surface 21s is located at the end of the battery pack 21 on the +Z direction side. The setting surface 21s is a surface facing the +Z direction. The setting surface 21s is, for example, a plane along the X direction and the Y direction. The setting surface 21s is formed of an insulating material.

[0071] The fitting hole 21h is provided at a position corresponding to the through hole 13h of the flange portion 13 of the device unit 10. The fitting hole 21h opens on the setting surface 21s. The fitting hole 21h extends from the setting surface 21s in the -Z direction. The fitting hole 21h has an internal thread. A fixing member 40 passing through the through hole 13h of the flange portion 13 of the device unit 10 is engaged with the fitting hole 21h.

[0072] (Conduction part)

[0073] The conduction part 22U is a conduction part connected to the battery pack 21. In the present embodiment, the conduction part 22U includes a plurality (for example, three or more) bus bars 22. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the conduction part 22U will be referred to as the "battery conduction part 22U". In addition, the bus bar 22 will be referred to as the "battery bus bar 22". In the present embodiment, the battery conduction part 22U is an example of the "second conduction part". The battery bus bar 22 is an example of the "second conductive member".

[0074] The battery bus bar 22 is a conductive member connected to the battery pack 21. The battery bus bar 22 is electrically connected to the electrodes of the plurality of battery cells 21b included in the battery pack 21. In the present embodiment, a plurality (for example, three or more) battery bus bars 22 are mounted on the setting surface 21s of the battery pack 21. The plurality of battery bus bars 22 are arranged side by side in the X direction at intervals from each other on the setting surface 21s. The plurality of battery bus bars 22 extend in the Y direction respectively. The battery bus bars 22 are arranged separately from the device bus bar 12 in the -Z direction. The battery bus bar 22 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. In addition, the details of the battery bus bar 22 will be described later.

[0075] <1.3 Spacer>

[0076] The spacer 30 is a component that forms a space S between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 for the insertion of the connection unit 50 described later. The spacer 30 is disposed, for example, between the device unit 10 and the battery unit 20 in the Z direction. By providing the spacer 30, the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 are disposed separately in the Z direction. In addition, the spacer 30 may be integrally provided with any one of the device 11, the flange portion 13, or the battery pack 21. Further, in the case where the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 are disposed separately in the Z direction by other structures, the spacer 30 may be omitted.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the spacer 30 has a through hole 30h. The through hole 30h is provided at a position corresponding to the through hole 13h of the flange portion 13 of the device unit 10. The through hole 30h penetrates the spacer 30 in the Z direction. A fixing member 40 passing through the through hole 13h of the flange portion 13 of the device unit 10 is inserted into the through hole 30h.

[0078] <1.4 Fixing Member>

[0079] The fixing member 40 is a component that fixes the device 11 and the battery pack 21. The fixing member 40 is, for example, a fastening member such as a bolt. In the present embodiment, the fixing member 40 is inserted into the through hole 13h of the flange portion 13 of the device unit 10 from the +Z direction, passes through the through hole 30h of the spacer 30, and engages with the engagement hole 21h of the battery pack 21. By engaging the fixing member 40 passing through the through hole 13h of the device unit 10 with the engagement hole 21h of the battery pack 21, the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed (e.g., fastened). In the present embodiment, by engaging the fixing member 40 passing through the through hole 13h of the device unit 10 with the engagement hole 21h of the battery pack 21, the device unit 10 and the battery unit 20 are fastened together. By this fastening together, the device unit 10 and the battery unit 20 are integrated.

[0080] In addition, in the present application, "the device and the battery pack are fixed" is not limited to the case where the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are directly fixed. "The device and the battery pack are fixed" may also correspond to the case where the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed via the spacer 30 as described above. Further, "the device and the battery pack are fixed" may also correspond to the case where the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are indirectly fixed via the above-described connection member by fixing the device 11 and the battery pack 21 to a common connection member, respectively.

[0081] <2. Connection Structure>

[0082] Next, the connection structure CS provided in the assembly 1 will be described. The connection structure CS is a connection structure that electrically connects the device 11 and the battery pack 21. The connection structure CS is, for example, a structure that electrically connects a plurality of (for example, three or more) device busbars 12 and a plurality of (for example, three or more) battery busbars 22. In the present embodiment, the connection structure CS electrically connects the plurality of device busbars 12 and the plurality of battery busbars 22 in a one-to-one relationship. The connection structure CS can, for example, connect the plurality of device busbars 12 and the plurality of battery busbars 22 by a single operation.

[0083] As Figure 1 shown, in the present embodiment, the connection structure CS has a plurality of connection portions CSa that are electrically independent of each other. Each connection portion CSa is a connection structure that electrically connects one device busbar 12 and one battery busbar 22. Each connection portion CSa includes, for example, one device busbar 12, one battery busbar 22, and one conductive connection member 51 (refer to Figure 3 ) described later. The plurality of connection portions CSa are arranged side by side in the X direction at intervals. In the present embodiment, the plurality of connection portions CSa have the same structure as each other.

[0084] Figure 2 is a perspective view for explaining the connection structure CS. In addition, in Figure 2 , for ease of explanation, the illustration of some components is omitted. The connection structure CS includes a device conduction portion 12U, a battery conduction portion 22U, and a connection unit 50 described later. In addition, hereinafter, an example in which the connection unit 50 is mounted on the device 11 will be described. However, instead of the above example, the connection unit 50 may also be mounted on the battery pack 21. This will be described as a modification example later.

[0085] <2.1 Device Conduction Portion>

[0086] As described above, the device conduction portion 12U is a conduction portion connected to the device 11. In the present embodiment, the device conduction portion 12U includes four device busbars 12. The four device busbars 12 are arranged side by side in the X direction at intervals. The device busbar 12 is, for example, a flat and integral metal plate. The device busbar 12 extends along the installation surface 11s of the device 11, for example. The surface of the device busbar 12 has a receiving surface SR1 (refer to Figure 6 ) for the conductive connection member 51 described later to abut. The receiving surface SR1 is, for example, a plane along the X direction and the Y direction.

[0087] <2.2 Battery Conduction Portion>

[0088] As described above, the battery conduction part 22U is a conduction part connected to the battery pack 21. In the present embodiment, the battery conduction part 22U includes four battery busbars 22. When viewed from the Z direction, each battery busbar 22 overlaps at least a part of the corresponding device busbar 12.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the battery busbar 22 includes, for example, a metal plate 25 and an insulating part 26. The metal plate 25 is a component that forms the conduction path of the battery busbar 22. The metal plate 25 has, for example, a flat plate part 25a and a leaf spring part 25b.

[0090] The flat plate part 25a is a flat and integral metal plate part. The flat plate part 25a extends along the Y direction. The flat plate part 25a is electrically connected to the electrode inside the battery pack 21. A part of the flat plate part 25a is covered by the insulating part 26.

[0091] The leaf spring part 25b is provided at the end of the flat plate part 25a. For example, the leaf spring part 25b is provided at the end of the flat plate part 25a on the -Y direction side. The leaf spring part 25b is formed, for example, by bending a part of the metal plate 25. The leaf spring part 25b can elastically deform in the direction away from the device busbar 12, that is, the -Z direction. The leaf spring part 25b is an example of a "receiving part".

[0092] The leaf spring part 25b has a receiving surface SR2 (refer to Figure 6 ) against which a later-described conductive connection member 51 abuts. In the present embodiment, the receiving surface SR2 is inclined with respect to the Y direction so as to be on the -Z direction side as it advances in the +Y direction (refer to Figure 6 ). In addition, the receiving surface SR2 may also be a plane along the X direction and the Y direction. In the present embodiment, the receiving surface SR2 has a protruding part 29 protruding in the +Z direction. The protruding part 29 is formed in a flat shape. The protruding part 29 is a contact part (indentation part) that abuts against the conductive connection member 51.

[0093] <2.3 Connection unit>

[0094] Next, the connection unit 50 will be described.

[0095] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the connection unit 50. The connection unit 50 is a structure for electrically connecting the device conduction part 12U and the battery conduction part 22U.

[0096] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a partial decomposition of the connection unit 50. The connection unit 50 has, for example, a connection conduction part 51U, a plurality of insulating covers 52, and a holding part 53.

[0097] (Connection conduction part)

[0098] The connection and conduction part 51U is a conductive part that electrically connects the device conduction part 12U and the battery conduction part 22U. As will be described in detail later, in a state where the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed, the connection and conduction part 51U is inserted between the device conduction part 12U and the battery conduction part 22U from the Y direction to electrically connect the device conduction part 12U and the battery conduction part 22U. The connection and conduction part 51U is an example of the "third conduction part".

[0099] In the present embodiment, in a state where the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed, the connection and conduction part 51U is inserted between the leaf spring parts 25b of the device conduction part 12U and the battery conduction part 22U from the Y direction. Through this insertion, the connection and conduction part 51U electrically connects the device conduction part 12U and the battery conduction part 22U in a state where the leaf spring part 25b of the battery conduction part 22U is elastically deformed in the -Z direction.

[0100] In the present embodiment, the connection and conduction part 51U includes a plurality (for example, 3 or more) of conductive connection members 51. Each conductive connection member 51 is a conductive member that electrically connects one device bus bar 12 and one battery bus bar 22. Each conductive connection member 51 can slide and move in the Y direction through a moving mechanism 60 described later. Each conductive connection member 51 slides and moves in the Y direction through the moving mechanism 60 and is inserted between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 from the Y direction. The conductive connection member 51 is an example of the "third conductive member".

[0101] In the present embodiment, the connection unit 50 includes four conductive connection members 51. The 4 conductive connection members 51 are arranged side by side in the X direction at intervals. The 4 conductive connection members 51 are arranged between the 4 device bus bars 12 and the 4 battery bus bars 22. The 4 conductive connection members 51 electrically connect the 4 device bus bars 12 and the 4 battery bus bars 22 in a one-to-one relationship.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the 4 conductive connection members 51 are connected to each other through the moving mechanism 60 described later. The 4 conductive connection members 51 can move together in the Y direction through the moving mechanism 60. The 4 conductive connection members 51 are inserted between the 4 device bus bars 12 and the 4 battery bus bars 22 together from the Y direction through the moving mechanism 60.

[0103] In the present embodiment, the conductive connection member 51 has a cylindrical shape with an axis along the X direction. The maximum thickness H1 of the conductive connection member 51 in the Z direction is larger than the minimum distance H2 between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 (refer to Figure 7)。The minimum distance H2 is, for example, the distance between the bearing surface SR1 of the device bus bar 12 and the bearing surface SR2 of the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22. When the maximum thickness H1 is greater than the minimum distance H2, when the conductive connection member 51 is inserted between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 from the Y direction, the conductive connection member 51 abuts against the leaf spring portion 25b and elastically deforms the leaf spring portion 25b in the -Z direction. That is, the conductive connection member 51 elastically deforms the leaf spring portion 25b in the -Z direction to increase the minimum distance H2.

[0104] In the present embodiment, each conductive connection member 51 has a curved surface 51a that abuts against the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22 (refer to Figure 8 ). The curved surface 51a of the conductive connection member 51 is an arc-shaped curved surface that protrudes toward the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22 in a state where the conductive connection member 51 is inserted between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 from the Y direction. If the conductive connection member 51 has the curved surface 51a, the contact area between the conductive connection member 51 and the battery bus bar 22 is limited to a fixed value or less.

[0105] Similarly, each conductive connection member 51 has a curved surface 51b that abuts against the device bus bar 12 (refer to Figure 8 ). The curved surface 51b of the conductive connection member 51 is an arc-shaped curved surface that protrudes toward the device bus bar 12 in a state where the conductive connection member 51 is inserted between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 from the Y direction. If the conductive connection member 51 has the curved surface 51b, the contact area between the conductive connection member 51 and the device bus bar 12 is limited to a fixed value or less.

[0106] (Insulating cover)

[0107] The insulating cover 52 is an insulating member that electrically insulates the corresponding conductive connection member 51 from other conductive connection members 51. In the present embodiment, four insulating covers 52 are arranged corresponding to the four conductive connection members 51. Each insulating cover 52 has a first portion 52a, a second portion 52b, and a third portion 52c.

[0108] The first part 52a is arranged on the +Y direction side of the corresponding conductive connection part 51. The first part 52a is a plate part along the X direction and the Z direction. The second part 52b is arranged on the +X direction side of the corresponding conductive connection part 51. The second part 52b is a plate part along the Y direction and the Z direction. The second part 52b is connected to the end part on the +X direction side of the first part 52a. The third part 52c is arranged on the -X direction side of the corresponding conductive connection part 51. The third part 52c is a plate part along the Y direction and the Z direction. The third part 52c is connected to the end part on the -X direction side of the first part 52a. In the present embodiment, an insulating wall in a U shape that surrounds the conductive connection part 51 from three directions is formed by the first part 52a, the second part 52b, and the third part 52c.

[0109] (Retention part)

[0110] The retention part 53 is a part mounted on the device 11 or the battery pack 21. In the present embodiment, the retention part 53 is mounted on the device 11 by a fixing part (such as a bolt) not shown. The retention part 53 holds the connection conduction part 51U in a state of being mounted on the device 11 so as to be movable in the Y direction. The retention part 53 has, for example, a moving mechanism 60 and a housing 70.

[0111] (Moving mechanism)

[0112] First, the moving mechanism 60 will be described. The moving mechanism 60 is a mechanism that moves the connection conduction part 51U in the Y direction. In the present embodiment, the moving mechanism 60 is a mechanism that moves the four conductive connection parts 51 together in the Y direction. The moving mechanism 60 has, for example, a connecting part 61 and an external force receiving part 62.

[0113] (Connecting part)

[0114] Figure 5 It is a top view for explaining the connection unit 50.

[0115] The connecting part 61 is a part that connects the four conductive connection parts 51. The connecting part 61 has, for example, a plurality of shaft parts 61a, and the plurality of shaft parts 61a are respectively arranged between two adjacent conductive connection parts 51 in the X direction. The shaft part 61a connects two adjacent conductive connection parts 51 in the X direction. With such a structure, the four conductive connection parts 51 are connected by the connecting part 61. In addition, the connecting part 61 is not limited to the above example, and may also be a single shaft member that penetrates the four conductive connection parts 51 in the X direction or the like.

[0116] The connecting part 61 is formed of an insulating material. The connecting part 61 is formed of an insulating material so that the four conductive connection parts 51 are electrically insulated from each other. In the present embodiment, the above four insulating covers 52 are mounted on the connecting part 61.

[0117] (External force receiving part)

[0118] The external force receiving part 62 is a part that receives the external force for moving the connection conduction part 51U in the Y direction. The above-mentioned external force can be the manual force of the operator assembling the assembly 1, or the force of the device used when assembling the assembly 1. The external force receiving part 62 is provided, for example, at the +X direction end and the -X direction end of the connecting part 61. In the present embodiment, the external force receiving part 62 is a protruding part that protrudes from the end of the connecting part 61 in the +Z direction.

[0119] (Frame)

[0120] Next, return Figure 3 , and the frame 70 will be described. The frame 70 is a housing that houses most of each conductive connection part 51 and most of the moving mechanism 60. In the present embodiment, the holding part 53 is mounted on the device 11 by fixing the frame 70 to the device 11 using a fixing part (such as a bolt) not shown. The frame 70 includes, for example, a base 71 and a cover 72.

[0121] As Figure 4 shown, the base 71 is located on the -Z direction side with respect to the moving mechanism 60. The base 71 has, for example, a plurality of openings 75a and a plurality of recesses 76.

[0122] When viewed from the Z direction, each opening 75a is provided in a region overlapping the conductive connection part 51 and the insulating cover 52. Each opening 75a penetrates the base 71 in the Z direction. A part of the conductive connection part 51 and a part of the insulating cover 52 are housed in the opening 75a. In the present embodiment, the -Z direction end of the conductive connection part 51 protrudes from the opening 75a to the -Z direction side.

[0123] The length of the opening 75a in the Y direction is such that it allows the conductive connection part 51 to move between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in the Y direction. The first position P1 is the position where the conductive connection part 51 is disengaged from between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 (refer to Figure 7 ). The second position P2 is the position where the conductive connection part 51 is inserted between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 (refer to Figure 8 ).

[0124] When viewed from the Z direction, each recess 76 is provided in a region overlapping with the connecting portion 61. Each recess 76 houses a part of the connecting portion 61. Each recess 76 has a support surface 76a that supports the connecting portion 61 from the -Z direction side. The support surface 76a is, for example, a plane along the X direction and the Y direction. In the present embodiment, in a state where the connecting portion 61 is supported by the support surface 76a, the moving mechanism 60 can move in the Y direction between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0125] The cover 72 is located on the +Z direction side with respect to the moving mechanism 60. The cover 72 has, for example, a plurality of openings 75b and a plurality of through holes 77.

[0126] When viewed from the Z direction, each opening 75b is provided in a region overlapping with the conductive connection member 51 and the insulating cover 52. Each opening 75b penetrates the cover 72 in the Z direction. A part of the conductive connection member 51 and a part of the insulating cover 52 are housed in the opening 75b. In the present embodiment, the +Z direction side end portion of the conductive connection member 51 protrudes from the opening 75b toward the +Z direction side. The length of the opening 75b in the Y direction is a size that allows the conductive connection member 51 to move between the first position P1 and the second position P2. In the present embodiment, the opening 75 of the frame 70 is formed by the opening 75a of the base 71 and the opening 75b of the cover 72.

[0127] When viewed from the Z direction, each through hole 77 is provided in a region overlapping with the external force receiving portion 62. The external force receiving portion 62 passes through the through hole 77 and protrudes to the outside of the frame 70 to be exposed. The length of the through hole 77 in the Y direction is a size that allows the conductive connection member 51 to move between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in the Y direction.

[0128] <3. Manufacturing method of the assembly>

[0129] Next, a manufacturing method of the assembly 1 will be described.

[0130] Figures 6 to 8 It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the manufacturing method of the assembly 1. In the present embodiment, the device bus bar 12 is installed on the device 11 to form the device unit 10. In addition, the battery bus bar 22 is installed on the battery pack 21 to form the battery unit 20. After that, before fixing the device unit 10 and the battery unit 20 using the fixing member 40, the connection unit 50 is installed on the device 11 using a fixing member (not shown) or the like. At this time, a plurality of conductive connection members 51 are arranged at the first position P1.

[0131] Next, as Figure 6 shown, the device unit 10 and the battery unit 20 are combined. At this time, a plurality of conductive connection members 51 are still arranged at the first position P1.

[0132] Next, as Figure 7 shown, the device unit 10 and the battery unit 20 are fixed using the fixing member 40. At this time, the plurality of conductive connection members 51 are still arranged at the first position P1.

[0133] Next, as Figure 8 shown, by applying an external force to the external force receiving portion 62, the plurality of conductive connection members 51 are caused to move together in the -Y direction by the moving mechanism 60. At this time, each conductive connection member 51 abuts against the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22. Further, each conductive connection member 51 elastically deforms the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22 in the -Z direction while being inserted between the device bus bar 12 and the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22. By this insertion, the -Z direction end portion of each conductive connection member 51 abuts against the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22, and the +Z direction end portion of each conductive connection member 51 abuts against the device bus bar 12. As a result, the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 are electrically connected via the conductive connection member 51.

[0134] <4. Advantages>

[0135] In the present embodiment, the connection structure CS has a device conduction portion 12U, a battery conduction portion 22U, and a connection conduction portion 51U. The device conduction portion 12U is connected to the device 11. The battery conduction portion 22U is connected to the battery pack 21. The battery conduction portion 22U is separated from the device conduction portion 12U in the -Z direction. In a state where the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed, the connection conduction portion 51U is inserted between the device conduction portion 12U and the battery conduction portion 22U from the Y direction to electrically connect the device conduction portion 12U and the battery conduction portion 22U. According to such a structure, the device 11 and the battery pack 21 can be fixed first, and in a state where the positional relationship between the device 11 and the battery pack 21 is stable, the device 11 and the battery pack 21 can be electrically connected by a simple operation from the Y direction using the connection conduction portion 51U. Therefore, for example, compared with a structure in which the terminal portions of the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are directly loaded and unloaded, a phenomenon such as semi-engagement of the terminal portions is less likely to occur, and the burden of confirming such a phenomenon can be reduced. If such a burden can be reduced, it is easy to improve the assemblability.

[0136] In the present embodiment, the battery conduction portion 22U has a leaf spring portion 25b that can be elastically deformed in the -Z direction. The connection conduction portion 51U is inserted between the device conduction portion 12U and the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery conduction portion 22U from the Y direction in a state where the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed. Further, the connection conduction portion 51U electrically connects the device conduction portion 12U and the leaf spring portion 25b in a state where the leaf spring portion 25b is elastically deformed. If there is such a leaf spring portion 25b that can be elastically deformed, it is easy to absorb component tolerances and appropriately ensure the contact pressure of the conduction portion.

[0137] In the present embodiment, the connection structure CS further includes a holding portion 53. The holding portion 53 is installed on the device 11 and holds the connection conduction portion 51U so as to be movable in the Y direction. When such a holding portion 53 is provided, the connection conduction portion 51U can move in the Y direction in a state of being supported by the holding portion 53 on the device 11. Therefore, during the movement in the Y direction, the position of the connection conduction portion 51U is likely to be stabilized. If the position of the connection conduction portion 51U is likely to be stabilized, it is easier to improve the assemblability.

[0138] In the present embodiment, the connection conduction portion 51U includes a plurality of conductive connection members 51 that are arranged side by side in the X direction and electrically connect a plurality of device busbars 12 and a plurality of battery busbars 22. The holding portion 53 has a moving mechanism 60 that moves the plurality of conductive connection members 51 together in the Y direction. If such a moving mechanism 60 is provided, the plurality of device busbars 12 and the plurality of battery busbars 22 can be connected together. If such a combined connection can be made, it is easier to improve the assemblability.

[0139] The connection conduction portion 51U has a curved surface 51a that abuts against the battery conduction portion 22U in a state of being inserted between the device conduction portion 12U and the battery conduction portion 22U from the Y direction. If such a curved surface 51a is provided, the contact area between the conductive connection member 51 and the battery busbar 22 is limited to a fixed value or less. If the above contact area becomes smaller, the resistance when moving the conductive connection member 51 in the Y direction can be reduced. If this resistance can be reduced, the pluggability can be improved, and it is easier to improve the assemblability. In addition, if the conductive connection member 51 has a curved surface 51a, compared with the case where the conductive connection member has an acute angle, the situation where the conductive connection member 51 is cut or deformed can be suppressed.

[0140] <5. Variation example>

[0141] Next, several variation examples of the first embodiment will be described. In addition, in each variation example, the structure is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment except for the structures described below.

[0142] <5.1 First variation example>

[0143] Figure 9 It is a perspective view showing the connection unit 50 of the first variation example. In this variation example, the conductive connection member 51 is formed in a spherical shape. In the conductive connection member 51 having such a shape, it is also possible to have a curved surface 51a and a curved surface 51b in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0144] <5.2 Second variation example>

[0145] Figure 10This is a perspective view for explaining the connection structure CS of the second modification example. In this modification example, the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22 has a plurality of small protrusions 29A instead of the protrusion 29. By providing such a plurality of protrusions 29A, even when the conductive connection member 51 is inclined with respect to the leaf spring portion 25b due to component tolerances or the like, it is easy to stably ensure the electrical connection between the leaf spring portion 25b and the conductive connection member 51.

[0146] <5.3 Third Modification Example>

[0147] Figure 11 This is a perspective view for explaining the connection structure CS of the third modification example. In this modification example, the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22 has a pair of protrusions 29B instead of the protrusion 29. The pair of protrusions 29B are arranged separately from each other in the Y direction. The pair of protrusions 29B protrude in the +Z direction respectively.

[0148] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view for explaining the connection structure CS of the third variation example. In this modification example, the conductive connection member 51 moved to the above-mentioned second position P2 is inserted between the pair of protrusions 29B. By providing such protrusions 29B, it is easy to more stably ensure the electrical connection between the leaf spring portion 25b and the conductive connection member 51. In addition, by providing such protrusions 29B, by confirming that the conductive connection member 51 has passed over one of the protrusions 29B, it can be regarded as ensuring conduction. Thus, it is easier to achieve an improvement in assemblability.

[0149] <5.4 Fourth Modification Example>

[0150] Figure 13 This is a perspective view for explaining the connection structure CS of the fourth modification example. In this modification example, the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22 has one or more cut grooves 81. The leaf spring portion 25b is divided into a plurality of parts in the X direction by the cut grooves 81. By providing such cut grooves 81, when the leaf spring portion 25b abuts against the conductive connection member 51, it is easy to elastically deform in the -Z direction. If the leaf spring portion 25b is easy to elastically deform in the -Z direction, the force (insertion force) required for the conductive connection member 51 to move in the Y direction can be reduced.

[0151] <5.5 Fifth Modification Example>

[0152] Figure 14It is a cross-sectional view of the connection structure CS for explaining the fifth modification example. In this modification example, the connection unit 50 is installed on the battery pack 21 instead of being installed on the device 11. The device bus bar 12 has a leaf spring portion 25b that can elastically deform in the +Z direction. In such a structure, by moving the connection conduction portion 51U in the Y direction, the connection conduction portion 51U can also be inserted between the device conduction portion 12U and the battery conduction portion 22U. In this modification example, the battery bus bar 22 is an example of the "first conduction portion". The device bus bar 12 is an example of the "second conduction portion". In addition, the structure of this modification example can also be combined and applied with the above first to fourth modification examples.

[0153] (Second Embodiment)

[0154] Next, the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a conductive connection member 50A is provided instead of the connection unit 50. In addition, the structure of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the structure described below.

[0155] Figure 15 It is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly 1 of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the device bus bar 12 has a flat plate portion 101 and a leaf spring portion 102. The flat plate portion 101 extends in the Y direction along the installation surface 11s of the device 11. The leaf spring portion 102 has a first portion 102a and a second portion 102b. The first portion 102a extends obliquely from the flat plate portion 101 in the -Z direction. The second portion 102b extends obliquely from the first portion 102a in the +Z direction. The leaf spring portion 102 can elastically deform in the +Z direction.

[0156] Similarly, the battery bus bar 22 has a flat plate portion 111 and a leaf spring portion 112. The flat plate portion 111 extends in the Y direction along the installation surface 21s of the battery pack 21. The leaf spring portion 112 has a first portion 112a and a second portion 112b. The first portion 112a extends obliquely from the flat plate portion 111 in the +Z direction. The second portion 112b extends obliquely from the first portion 112a in the -Z direction. The leaf spring portion 112 can elastically deform in the -Z direction.

[0157] In this embodiment, the conductive connection member 50A is a flat plate made of metal. The thickness H1 of the conductive connection member 50A in the Z direction is larger than the minimum distance H2 between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22. The minimum distance H2 is, for example, the minimum distance between the leaf spring portion 102 of the device bus bar 12 and the leaf spring portion 112 of the battery bus bar 22.

[0158] When the conductive connection member 50A is inserted between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 from the Y direction, the conductive connection member 50A abuts against the leaf spring portion 102 of the device bus bar 12 and the leaf spring portion 112 of the battery bus bar 22. And, in a state where the leaf spring portion 102 of the device bus bar 12 is elastically deformed in the +Z direction and the leaf spring portion 112 of the battery bus bar 22 is elastically deformed in the -Z direction, the conductive connection member 50A is sandwiched between the leaf spring portion 102 of the device bus bar 12 and the leaf spring portion 112 of the battery bus bar 22. The conductive connection member 50A is sandwiched between the leaf spring portion 102 of the device bus bar 12 and the leaf spring portion 112 of the battery bus bar 22, thereby electrically connecting the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22. The conductive connection member 50A is an example of the "third conduction portion".

[0159] Figure 16 FIG. is a perspective view of the assembly 1 showing the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, the conductive connection member 50A has a rectangular shape extending in the X direction. The conductive connection member 50A is sandwiched between a plurality of device bus bars 12 and a plurality of battery bus bars 22, and electrically connects the plurality of device bus bars 12 and the plurality of battery bus bars 22 together.

[0160] In addition, instead of the above example, the conductive connection member 50A may also be a member that connects one device bus bar 12 and one battery bus bar 22. Additionally, the conductive connection member 50A may also be a member that connects one or more of a first number of device bus bars 12 and a second number of battery bus bars 22 that is more than the first number. Additionally, the conductive connection member 50A may also be a member that connects one or more of a first number of battery bus bars 22 and a second number of device bus bars 12 that is more than the first number.

[0161] Above, several embodiments and modification examples have been described. However, the embodiments and modification examples are not limited to the above examples. For example, the structures of the above-described assembly 1 and the connection structure CS can also be applied to combinations other than the device 11 and the battery pack 21 (combinations of any first module and second module). The device 11 is an example of the "first module". The battery pack 21 is an example of the "second module". However, both the "first module" and the "second module" can be devices of the same type. Or, the "first module" and the "second module" can also be devices of different types. Or, both the "first module" and the "second module" can also be battery packs.

[0162] In the above-described embodiment, the first direction is the direction from the device 11 toward the battery pack 21. The second direction is a direction intersecting the direction from the device 11 toward the battery pack 21. It should be noted that the first direction and the second direction are not limited to the above examples. For example, the device bus bar 12 may extend and bend from the device 11, and the battery bus bar 22 may extend and bend from the battery pack 21. In this case, the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 may face each other in a direction different from the direction from the device 11 toward the battery pack 21. That is, the first direction from the device bus bar 12 toward the battery bus bar 22 may also be inconsistent with the direction from the device 11 toward the battery pack 21.

[0163] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated above, but these are examples of the present invention and are not limited thereto. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0164] Industrial Applicability

[0165] According to the present application, it is easy to achieve an improvement in assemblability.

Claims

1. A connection structure, characterized in that the connection structure electrically connects a device and a battery pack and includes: a first conduction part, which is connected to one of the device and the battery pack; a second conduction part, which is connected to the other of the device and the battery pack and is arranged separately from the first conduction part in a first direction; and a third conduction part. In a state where the device and the battery pack are fixed, the third conduction part is inserted between the first conduction part and the second conduction part from a second direction intersecting the first direction to electrically connect the first conduction part and the second conduction part.

2. The connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the second conduction part has a bearing part that can be elastically deformed in the first direction, in a state where the device and the battery pack are fixed, the third conduction part is inserted between the first conduction part and the bearing part of the second conduction part from the second direction, and electrically connects the first conduction part and the bearing part in a state where the bearing part is elastically deformed.

3. The connection structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection structure further includes a holding part, which is installed on the device or the battery pack and holds the third conduction part so that it can move in the second direction.

4. The connection structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection structure further includes a moving mechanism for moving the third conduction part, the first conduction part includes a plurality of first conductive components arranged side by side in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the second conduction part includes a plurality of second conductive components arranged side by side in the third direction, the third conduction part includes a plurality of third conductive components arranged side by side in the third direction and electrically connecting the plurality of first conductive components and the plurality of second conductive components, and the moving mechanism moves the plurality of third conductive components together in the second direction.

5. The connection structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third conduction part has a curved surface that abuts against the second conduction part in a state of being inserted between the first conduction part and the second conduction part from the second direction.

6. An assembly, characterized in that, It includes: a device; a battery pack; and a connection structure that electrically connects the device and the battery pack, the connection structure has: a first conduction part, which is connected to one of the device and the battery pack; a second conduction part, which is connected to the other of the device and the battery pack and is arranged separately from the first conduction part in a first direction; and a third conduction part. In a state where the device and the battery pack are fixed, the third conduction part is inserted between the first conduction part and the second conduction part from a second direction intersecting the first direction to electrically connect the first conduction part and the second conduction part.

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