Bus bar holder and method for manufacturing bus bar holder

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a bus bar holder and a method for manufacturing a bus bar holder capable of improving assemblability with respect to a bus bar. A bus bar holder (1) is provided with a base (10), a cover (20), and a lock member (30), and the base (10) includes: a groove (14) that supports the cover (20) so as to be slidable in the axial direction (X); and a pair of locking parts (15) provided at both ends in the width direction (Y), the cover (20) including a through-hole (24) penetrating the cover (20) in the lamination direction (Z), the locking member (30) including: a protruding part (34) protruding in the lamination direction (Z), inserted into the through-hole (24) of the cover (20), and sandwiching the bus bar (2) between the base (10) and the protruding part (34); and a pair of locked sections (35) provided at both ends in the width direction (Y) and locked with the pair of locking sections (15) of the base (10) in a state in which the protruding section (34) is inserted into the through-hole (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a busbar retainer and a method for manufacturing a busbar retainer. Background Technology

[0002] As a technology related to conventional busbar retainers, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a busbar retainer having: a base having an insertion space for inserting a busbar along an axial direction; and a cover assembled to the base along an axial direction and covering the insertion space from one end side in the stacking direction.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-1851 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the busbar retainer described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, there is room for further improvement, for example, in terms of improving the assemblability with respect to the busbar.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a busbar retainer and a method for manufacturing a busbar retainer that can improve the assemblability of the busbar.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the busbar retainer of the present invention comprises: a base having an insertion space for inserting a busbar along an axial direction; a cover assembled relative to the base along the axial direction and covering the insertion space from one end in a stacking direction intersecting the axial direction; and a locking member assembled to the base and the cover along the stacking direction, the base being configured to include: a groove supporting the cover for sliding along the axial direction; and a pair of locking portions disposed on... At both ends of the width direction intersecting the axial direction and the stacking direction, the cover is configured to include a through hole extending through the cover along the stacking direction. The locking member is configured to include: a protrusion that protrudes along the stacking direction and is inserted into the through hole of the cover, and clamps the busbar between the protrusion and the base; and a pair of locking portions that are disposed at both ends of the width direction, and when the protrusion is inserted into the through hole, the pair of locking portions locks with a pair of locking portions of the base.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the method for manufacturing a busbar retainer according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first step of assembling a busbar into an insertion space along an axial direction and placing it on a base having the insertion space; a second step of assembling a cover covering the insertion space from one end side of a stacking direction intersecting the axial direction relative to the base along the axial direction; and a third step of assembling and fixing a locking member along the stacking direction to the base and the cover, the locking member comprising: a protrusion that is inserted into a through hole of the cover and clamps the busbar between the protrusion and the base; and a pair of locking portions that are disposed at both ends in a width direction intersecting the axial direction and the stacking direction, the pair of locking portions locking with a pair of locking portions of the base when the protrusion is inserted into the through hole.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] In the busbar retainer and its manufacturing method according to the present invention, the locking member is configured to include: a protrusion that inserts into a through hole in the cover and clamps the busbar between the protrusion and the base; and a pair of locking portions disposed at both ends in the width direction, which lock with the pair of locking portions of the base when the protrusion is inserted into the through hole. According to this structure, the busbar retainer and its manufacturing method can, for example, assemble and fix the base, cover, and locking member at any position on a straight portion extending along the axial direction of the busbar using the protrusion and the pair of locking portions of the locking member. As a result, the busbar retainer and its manufacturing method improve assemblability with respect to the busbar. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is an exemplary perspective view of the busbar wiring structure of the busbar holder in an application embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is an exemplary exploded perspective view of the busbar retainer of the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an exemplary perspective view of the busbar retainer of the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is an exemplary perspective view of the busbar retainer in the embodiment, from the perspective of... Figure 3 Images viewed from different angles.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the fixing part of the busbar retainer in an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is an exemplary perspective view illustrating a method for manufacturing a busbar retainer according to an embodiment, and is a diagram showing the first step.

[0020] Figure 7 This is an exemplary perspective view illustrating a method for manufacturing a busbar retainer according to an embodiment, and is a diagram showing the second step.

[0021] Figure 8 This is an exemplary perspective view illustrating a method for manufacturing a busbar retainer according to an embodiment, and is a diagram showing the third step.

[0022] Figure 9 This is an exemplary flowchart of a method for manufacturing a busbar retainer according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 This is an exemplary perspective view of the wiring structure of the busbar retainer using a modified example.

[0024] Figure 11 This is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a modified busbar retainer.

[0025] Figure 12 This is an exemplary perspective view of a modified busbar retainer.

[0026] Figure 13 This is an exemplary perspective view of a modified busbar retainer, which is derived from... Figure 12 Images viewed from different angles.

[0027] Figure 14 This is an exemplary perspective view illustrating a method for manufacturing a modified busbar retainer, showing the first step.

[0028] Figure 15 This is an exemplary perspective view illustrating a method for manufacturing a modified busbar retainer, and a diagram showing the second step.

[0029] Figure 16 This is an exemplary perspective view illustrating a method for manufacturing a modified busbar retainer, and a diagram showing the third step.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0031] 1.1C Busbar Retainer

[0032] 1A First Cage

[0033] 1B Second Cage

[0034] 2. Busbar

[0035] 2A First Busbar

[0036] 2a Busbar main body

[0037] 2B Second Busbar

[0038] 2b Insulation Covering

[0039] 3. Insert through the space section

[0040] 4 struts

[0041] 10 bases

[0042] 14. Groove

[0043] 15. Locking part

[0044] 16 Fixing Part

[0045] 16a Insertion Hole

[0046] 16b locking clip

[0047] 20 masks

[0048] 24 Through holes

[0049] 24a First Through Hole

[0050] 24b Second Through Hole

[0051] 30 Locking components

[0052] 34a protrusion

[0053] 34a First protrusion

[0054] 34b Second protrusion

[0055] 35. Stuck part

[0056] X-axis direction

[0057] Y-axis width direction

[0058] Z-layer direction Detailed Implementation

[0059] Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described below. Additionally, the constituent elements in the embodiments and modifications described below include elements that can be easily substituted by those skilled in the art, or elements that are substantially the same.

[0060] Furthermore, the same constituent elements are included in the embodiments and variations disclosed below. Therefore, these same constituent elements will be labeled with common reference numerals below, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. In addition, in this specification, ordinal numbers are used only to distinguish parts, components, locations, positions, directions, etc., and do not indicate order or priority.

[0061] [Example]

[0062] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the wiring structure of the busbar in the busbar holder 1 of the application embodiment. Figure 1 The busbar holder 1 shown in this embodiment is assembled to a power distribution busbar 2 of a battery mounted in a vehicle such as an automobile. Here, the busbar holder 1 includes, for example, a first holder 1A assembled to a first busbar 2A in the busbar 2 and a second holder 1B assembled to a second busbar 2B in the busbar 2. One of the first busbar 2A and the second busbar 2B is the positive electrode side busbar 2, and the other is the negative electrode side busbar 2.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first retainer 1A and the second retainer 1B of the busbar retainer 1 are composed of identical components. That is, the first retainer 1A has the same design as the second retainer 1B. The busbar 2 is configured, for example, to include a straight portion extending along the axial direction X and an intersecting portion intersecting the straight portion, and is integrally formed in a crank shape. The busbar retainer 1 is assembled to the straight portion of the busbar 2, for example, and fixed to a fixed part of the vehicle to support the busbar 2. Thus, the busbar 2 can be fixed and supported along the wiring path.

[0064] Furthermore, in the following description, the first direction among the intersecting first, second, and third directions will be referred to as "axial direction X", the second direction as "width direction Y", and the third direction as "stack direction Z". Here, axial direction X, width direction Y, and stack direction Z are approximately orthogonal to each other. Axial direction X typically extends along the straight portion of busbar 2, the insertion direction of busbar 2 relative to busbar holder 1, and the length direction (extension direction) of busbar holder 1, etc. Width direction Y typically extends along the width direction of busbar 2 and the width direction of busbar holder 1, etc. Stack direction Z typically extends along the thickness direction of busbar 2, the height direction of busbar holder 1, and the stacking direction of the base 10, cover 20, and locking member 30 of busbar holder 1, which will be described later, etc. In addition, unless otherwise specified, all directions used in the following description are described as directions in the state where busbar holder 1 is assembled with busbar 2.

[0065] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of busbar retainer 1. Figure 3This is a three-dimensional view of busbar retainer 1. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of busbar retainer 1, which is from the perspective of... Figure 3 Images viewed from different angles. For example... Figures 2-4 As shown, the busbar retainer 1 is configured, for example, to include a base 10, a cover 20, and a locking member 30. That is, the first retainer 1A and the second retainer 1B described above are each configured to include a base 10, a cover 20, and a locking member 30. In other words, the base 10 includes a first base assembled to the first busbar 2A and a second base assembled to the second busbar 2B, and the cover 20 includes a first cover assembled to the first base along the axial direction X and a second cover assembled to the second base along the axial direction X. Furthermore, the locking member 30 includes: a first locking member assembled to the first base and the first cover along the stacking direction Z; and a second locking member assembled to the second base and the second cover along the stacking direction Z.

[0066] The base 10 has an insertion space 3 for the busbar 2 to be inserted along the axial direction X. The insertion space 3 extends through the base 10 along the axial direction X, and one end of the insertion space 3 is open in the lamination direction Z. The base 10 is configured to include, for example, a base side wall 11, a pair of base side walls 12, a groove 14, a pair of locking portions 15, and a fixing portion 16 (described later). The base 10 is integrally formed, for example, from synthetic resin or the like, the base side wall 11, the pair of base side walls 12, the pair of locking portions 15, and the fixing portion 16. The base side wall 11 and the pair of base side walls 12 are structures used to divide the insertion space 3 of the base 10. The insertion space 3 is a space for the busbar 2 to be inserted and arranged. The base side wall 11 is formed as a flat plate extending laterally along the axial direction X. A pair of base-side sidewalls 12 protrude from both ends of the base-side bottom wall 11 in the width direction Y toward one end in the stacking direction Z and extend along the axial direction X.

[0067] Furthermore, a pair of protrusions 13 are provided on the pair of base-side sidewalls 12, protruding towards each other along the width direction Y. The pair of protrusions 13 extend along the axial direction X such that they cover the area between one end and the other end of the pair of base-side sidewalls 12. In this embodiment, a groove 14 is provided on the base end side of the pair of protrusions 13. The groove 14 is a groove that supports the cover 20 so that it can slide along the axial direction X. The groove 14 is surrounded by the pair of protrusions 13, the pair of base-side sidewalls 12, and the base-side bottom wall 11, and is configured as a recess that is recessed in the width direction Y from the end portions of the pair of protrusions 13.

[0068] A pair of locking portions 15 are portions that engage with the locking portions 35 of the locking member 30 described later. The pair of locking portions 15 are formed in a claw shape, for example, on the outer surface of a pair of base sidewalls 12. That is, a pair of locking portions 15 are provided at both ends of the base 10 in the width direction Y. In this embodiment, a pair of locking portions 15 are provided at one end in the axial direction X of the pair of base sidewalls 12. Each pair of locking portions 15 has a locking surface opposing the locking portion 35 along the stacking direction Z, which engages with the locking portion 35 along the stacking direction Z, thereby locking the locking member 30 relative to the base 10.

[0069] The cover 20 covers the insertion space 3 formed on the base 10 from one end in the stacking direction Z. The cover 20 is configured, for example, to include a cover-side bottom wall 21, a pair of cover-side side walls 22, and a through hole 24. The cover 20 has a cover-side bottom wall 21 and a pair of cover-side side walls 22 integrally formed, for example, from synthetic resin. The cover-side bottom wall 21 and the pair of cover-side side walls 22 are structures used to divide the insertion space 3 together with the base 10. The insertion space 3 is a space for the insertion and arrangement of the aforementioned busbar 2. The cover-side bottom wall 21 is formed into a flat plate that extends transversely along the axial direction X. The pair of cover-side side walls 22 protrude from both ends in the width direction Y of the cover-side bottom wall 21 toward the other end in the stacking direction Z, and extend along the axial direction X.

[0070] Furthermore, a pair of protruding tabs 23 are provided on the pair of cover-side sidewalls 22, protruding in a stepped manner towards the side separated from each other in the width direction Y and in the stacking direction Z. The pair of protruding tabs 23 extend along the axial direction X, covering the area between one end and the other end of the pair of cover-side sidewalls 22 in the axial direction X. In this embodiment, the pair of protruding tabs 23 are inserted into and engaged with the aforementioned grooves 14 on the base 10 side. The thickness of the pair of protruding tabs 23 in the width direction Y is approximately the same as the depth of the pair of grooves 14 in the width direction Y. In addition, the lateral width of the pair of protruding tabs 23 in the stacking direction Z is approximately the same as the lateral width of the pair of grooves 14 in the stacking direction Z. In this embodiment, the movement (detachment) of the cover 20 relative to the base 10 towards one end in the stacking direction Z is suppressed by the abutment of the pair of protruding tabs 23 and the pair of protrusions 13.

[0071] The through hole 24 is the portion into which the protrusion 34 of the locking member 30 (described later) is inserted. The through hole 24 is provided on the bottom wall 21 of the cover side and extends through the bottom wall 21 along the stacking direction Z. In this embodiment, the through hole 24 is provided at one end of the bottom wall 21 in the axial direction X. Furthermore, the through hole 24 is configured, for example, to include a first through hole 24a into which a first protrusion 34a of the protrusion 34 is inserted and a second through hole 24b into which a second protrusion 34b of the protrusion 34 is inserted. The first through hole 24a and the second through hole 24b are, for example, formed as slits extending transversely along the width direction Y, and are located at positions separated from each other along the axial direction X. In this embodiment, by engaging the first through hole 24a and the second through hole 24b with the first protrusion 34a and the second protrusion 34b respectively, the movement of the cover 20 relative to the locking member 30, and further relative to the base 10 fixed via the locking portion 35, in the axial direction X is restricted.

[0072] The locking member 30 locks the cover 20 relative to the base 10 in a predetermined position. The locking member 30 is configured, for example, to include a bottom wall 31, a protrusion 34, and a pair of locking portions 35. The locking member 30 has a bottom wall 31, a protrusion 34, and a pair of locking portions 35 integrally formed, for example, from synthetic resin. The bottom wall 31 is formed as a flat plate extending transversely along the width direction Y. The transverse width of the bottom wall 31 along the width direction Y is approximately the same as the transverse width of the base-side bottom wall 11 along the width direction Y. The bottom wall 31 covers the open ends of a pair of base-side side walls 12 opposite to the base-side bottom wall 11. The locking member 30 is also referred to as a cover member, etc.

[0073] The protrusion 34 protrudes from the bottom wall 31 toward the other end side (base 10 side) in the stacking direction Z and extends along the width direction Y. The protrusion 34 is configured, for example, to include a first protrusion 34a into which the first through hole 24a of the cover 20 is inserted and a second protrusion 34b into which the second through hole 24b of the cover 20 is inserted. The first protrusion 34a and the second protrusion 34b extend laterally along the width direction Y and are located at positions separated from each other along the axial direction X. That is, in this embodiment, the first protrusion 34a and the second protrusion 34b are arranged parallel to each other. The first protrusion 34a and the second protrusion 34b function as portions that clamp the busbar 2 between themselves and the base-side bottom wall 11.

[0074] A pair of locking portions 35 are portions that engage with a pair of locking portions 15 of the base 10. The pair of locking portions 35 are provided, for example, at both ends of the bottom wall 31 in the width direction Y, and are formed into locking holes for insertion of the pair of locking portions 15. Each pair of locking portions 35 has a locking surface opposing the locking portion 15 along the stacking direction Z. When the first protrusion 34a and the second protrusion 34b are inserted into the first through hole 24a and the second through hole 24b of the cover 20, the locking surface engages with the locking surface of the locking portion 15 along the stacking direction Z, thereby locking the locking member 30 and the cover 20 relative to the base 10.

[0075] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the fixing part 16 of the busbar retainer 1. (See attached image.) Figure 5 As shown, the fixing part 16 is the part that fixes the support rod 4 on the vehicle side. The fixing part 16 is provided on the outer surface of the base side bottom wall 11 in the base 10 described above. The fixing part 16 is configured, for example, to include an insertion hole 16a for inserting the support rod 4 along the width direction Y and a locking piece 16b for locking the support rod 4 along the width direction Y. The insertion hole 16a is configured as a through hole that passes through the fixing part 16 along the width direction Y. In this embodiment, a tapered surface 16f is provided at the open end of the insertion hole 16a at one end in the width direction Y to improve the insertability of the support rod 4. The tapered surface 16f is inclined toward both sides of the stacking direction Z and both sides of the axial direction X as it faces one end in the width direction Y.

[0076] The locking piece 16b is formed as a cantilever spring on the peripheral wall of the end side (opposite to the base-side bottom wall 11) of the insertion hole 16a in the stacking direction Z. Specifically, one end side (the conical surface 16f side) of the locking piece 16b in the width direction Y is connected to the peripheral wall of the fixing part 16, while the other end side in the width direction Y is configured as a free end capable of elastic deformation along the stacking direction Z. A pair of slits 16c extending in the width direction Y are provided on both sides of the locking piece 16b in the axial direction X (see reference). Figure 3 A pair of slits 16c extend from a midpoint on one end side of the peripheral wall of the fixing part 16 in the width direction Y toward the other end side in the width direction Y, and open at the other end side in the width direction Y.

[0077] Additionally, the locking tab 16b has a protrusion 16d that protrudes along the Z-direction of the stacking process (see reference). Figure 5The protrusion 16d is the portion that engages with the opening 4a provided at the end of the support rod 4. The support rod 4 is, for example, formed as a flat plate extending transversely along the width direction Y, and the opening 4a is configured as a through hole extending through the support rod 4 along the stacking direction Z. In this embodiment, an inclined surface 16e for guiding the end of the support rod 4 is provided at one end side in the width direction Y of the protrusion 16d. The inclined surface 16e is inclined in such a way that it is inclined from the top of the protrusion 16d toward one end side in the width direction Y and toward the other end side (the locking piece 16b side) in the stacking direction Z.

[0078] In this embodiment, the end portion of the support rod 4 is inserted from one end side (the side of the conical surface 16f) in the width direction Y relative to the insertion hole 16a of the fixing part 16 having the above-described structure. Furthermore, the end portion of the support rod 4 is guided along the inclined surface 16e of the protrusion 16d, thereby causing the free end of the other end side of the locking piece 16b in the width direction Y to elastically deform along the stacking direction Z. Then, the end portion of the support rod 4 passes over the protrusion 16d, causing the locking piece 16b to return to its free state, and the protrusion 16d is inserted into and engaged within the opening 4a of the support rod 4. In this state, the inner surface of the opening 4a and the locking surface of the protrusion 16d are engaged along the width direction Y, and the support rod 4 is locked (fixed) relative to the fixing part 16.

[0079] Next, an example of a manufacturing method (assembly method) for a busbar retainer 1 having the above structure will be described. Figure 6 This is a perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the busbar retainer 1, and it shows the first step S1. Figure 7 This is a perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the busbar retainer 1, and a diagram showing the second step S2. Figure 8 This is a perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the busbar retainer 1, and a diagram showing the third step S3. Additionally, Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the manufacturing method of the busbar retainer 1.

[0080] First, in the first step S1 process, as Figure 6 , Figure 9As shown, the busbar 2 is assembled onto the base 10 by inserting it through the insertion space 3 along the axial direction X. In this case, the busbar holder 1 is configured, for example, with a pair of base 10 insertion spaces 3 opening in opposite directions along the stacking direction Z, and the busbar 2 is inserted into each insertion space 3 along the stacking direction Z. That is, the first holder 1A in the busbar holder 1 is configured with the insertion space 3 of the base 10 open at one end facing the stacking direction Z, and the first busbar 2A in the busbar 2 is inserted into the insertion space 3 from the end facing the stacking direction Z. On the other hand, the second holder 1B in the busbar holder 1 is configured with the insertion space 3 of the base 10 open at the other end facing the stacking direction Z, and the second busbar 2B in the busbar 2 is inserted into the insertion space 3 from the other end facing the stacking direction Z.

[0081] In this embodiment, the busbar 2 is configured to include a conductive busbar body 2a and an insulating cover portion 2b that is insulating and covers the busbar body 2a. The busbar retainer 1 is assembled to the insulating cover portion 2b of the busbar 2. The insulating cover portion 2b is provided, for example, throughout the almost entire straight portion of the busbar 2 extending along the axial direction X. A pair of bases 10, a pair of covers 20, and a pair of locking members 30 of the busbar retainer 1 are assembled at predetermined positions on the insulating cover portion 2b.

[0082] Next, in the second step S2, as... Figure 7 , Figure 9 As shown, the cover 20 is assembled by sliding relative to the base 10 along the axial direction X. In this case, the busbar retainer 1, for example, positions a pair of covers 20 in the busbar 2 at positions offset from a pair of bases 10 along the axial direction X (see reference). Figure 6 In this state, the pair of covers 20 are slid along the axial direction X toward the pair of bases 10 and inserted into the pair of bases 10.

[0083] Next, in the third step S3, as... Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the locking member 30 is assembled and fixed relative to the base 10 and the cover 20 along the stacking direction Z. In this case, in the busbar holder 1, for example, the protrusions 34 of each of the pair of locking members 30 are inserted into the through holes 24 of the pair of covers 20 from opposite directions along the stacking direction Z, and the locking portions 35 of each of the pair of locking members 30 are locked with the locking portions 15 of the pair of bases 10. Through such first steps S1 to third steps S3, the first holder 1A and the second holder 1B of the busbar holder 1 (a pair of bases 10, a pair of covers 20 and a pair of locking members 30) of the first busbar 2A and the second busbar 2B of the busbar 2 can be assembled, and the busbar holder 1 can be manufactured.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when disassembling the busbar 2 relative to the busbar holder 1, the first busbar 2A and the second busbar 2B of the busbar 2 can be disassembled in opposite directions (the side furthest from each other) along the stacking direction Z. This prevents the first busbar 2A and the second busbar 2B from approaching each other by a certain distance, and allows for the disassembly of one side of the busbar 2 first, thus providing the advantage of suppressing short circuits in the busbar 2.

[0085] As described above, in the busbar holder 1 and the manufacturing method of the busbar holder 1 in this embodiment, the locking member 30 is configured to include: a protrusion 34 that inserts into the through hole 24 of the cover 20 and clamps the busbar 2 between itself and the base 10; and a pair of locking portions 35 disposed at both ends in the width direction Y, which lock with the pair of locking portions 15 of the base 10 when the protrusion 34 is inserted into the through hole 24. According to this structure, the manufacturing method of the busbar holder 1 and the busbar holder 1 can, for example, assemble and fix the base 10, the cover 20, and the locking member 30 at any position of the straight portion extending along the axial direction X in the busbar 2 using the protrusion 34 and the pair of locking portions 35 of the locking member 30. As a result, the assemblability of the busbar holder 1 and the manufacturing method of the busbar holder 1 with respect to the busbar 2 is improved.

[0086] Furthermore, in the busbar retainer 1 of this embodiment, the protrusion 34 is configured to include a first protrusion 34a extending along the width direction Y and a second protrusion 34b extending parallel to the first protrusion 34a, and the through hole 24 is configured to include a first through hole 24a for insertion of the first protrusion 34a and a second through hole 24b for insertion of the second protrusion 34b. According to this structure, the busbar retainer 1 can, for example, clamp the busbar 2 by means of a plurality of first protrusions 34a and second protrusions 34b, thereby further suppressing the movement of the busbar 2 relative to the locking member 30 and the base 10 along the axial direction X, and by means of the engagement of the plurality of first protrusions 34a and second protrusions 34b with the first through hole 24a and the second through hole 24b, the movement of the cover 20 relative to the locking member 30 and the base 10 along the axial direction X can be further suppressed.

[0087] Furthermore, in the busbar retainer 1 of this embodiment, the base 10 also has a fixing part 16, which is configured to include an insertion hole 16a for inserting the vehicle-side support rod 4 along the width direction Y, and a cantilever spring-shaped locking piece 16b provided on the peripheral wall of the insertion hole 16a and for locking the support rod 4 along the width direction Y. According to this structure, the busbar retainer 1 can, for example, easily fix the base 10 to the vehicle-side support rod 4 (fixed object part) through the insertion hole 16a and the locking piece 16b of the fixing part 16.

[0088] Furthermore, in the busbar retainer 1 of this embodiment, the busbar 2 is configured to include a conductive busbar body 2a and an insulating cover portion 2b that covers the busbar body 2a. The base 10, cover 20, and locking member 30 are assembled to the insulating cover portion 2b of the busbar 2. According to this structure, the busbar retainer 1 can, for example, perform assembly operations relative to the busbar 2 more easily, smoothly, or appropriately.

[0089] Furthermore, in the busbar retainer 1 of this embodiment, the busbar 2 is configured to include a pair of first busbars 2A and second busbars 2B. The busbar retainer 1 includes: a first retainer 1A, which is assembled to the first busbar 2A and has a base 10, a cover 20, and a locking member 30; and a second retainer 1B, which is assembled to the second busbar 2B and is formed separately from the first retainer 1A, and has a base 10, a cover 20, and a locking member 30. According to this structure, the busbar retainer 1 can, for example, allow the first retainer 1A and the second retainer 1B to be individually assembled to the pair of first busbars 2A and second busbars 2B of the busbar 2, thereby further improving the assemblability with respect to the busbar 2.

[0090] [Variation Example]

[0091] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the wiring structure of the busbar in the busbar holder 1C, which is a modified example. Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of the busbar retainer 1C. Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional view of the busbar retainer 1C. Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional view of busbar retainer 1C, which is from the perspective of... Figure 12 Images viewed from different angles. Figures 10-13 The busbar retainer 1C shown has the same structure as the busbar retainer 1 of the above embodiment. Therefore, the busbar retainer 1C can achieve the same function and effect as the above embodiment based on the same structure.

[0092] However, in this variant example, as Figures 10-13As shown, the locking member 30 is assembled at approximately the center of the base 10 in the axial direction X, which differs from the embodiment described above. Specifically, in this modified example, a pair of locking portions 15 of the base 10 are provided at approximately the center of a pair of base sidewalls 12 in the axial direction X, and the through hole 24 of the cover 20 is provided at approximately the center of the cover sidewall 21 in the axial direction X. Furthermore, in this modified example, the first through hole 24a of the through hole 24 is formed as a slit extending laterally along the width direction Y, and the second through hole 24b of the through hole 24 is formed as a slit extending laterally along the axial direction X. The first through hole 24a and the second through hole 24b are provided separately from each other and are formed in a generally L-shape when viewed from the stacking direction Z.

[0093] On the other hand, the first protrusion 34a of the protrusion 34 in the locking member 30 extends laterally along the width direction Y, and the second protrusion 34b extends laterally along the axial direction X. The first protrusion 34a and the second protrusion 34b are provided separately from each other and are formed in a generally L-shape when viewed from the stacking direction Z. That is, in this modified example, the first protrusion 34a and the second protrusion 34b are provided intersectingly (orthogonally). In this modified example, the first through hole 24a and the second through hole 24b engage with the first protrusion 34a and the second protrusion 34b respectively, thereby restricting the movement of the cover 20 relative to the locking member 30 and, moreover, relative to the base 10 fixed by the locking part 35, along the axial direction X.

[0094] Next, an example of a manufacturing method (assembly method) for a busbar retainer 1C having the above structure will be described. Figure 14 This is a perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the busbar retainer 1C, and it shows the first step S1. Figure 15 This is a perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the busbar retainer 1C, and a diagram showing the second step S2. Figure 16 This is a perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the busbar retainer 1C, and a diagram showing the third step S3.

[0095] First, in the first step S1 process, as Figure 14 As shown, the busbar 2 is inserted into the insertion space 3 along the axial direction X and assembled onto the base 10. In this case, the busbar holder 1C is arranged, for example, similarly to the embodiment described above, with the insertion spaces 3 of a pair of bases 10 opening in opposite directions along the stacking direction Z, and the first busbar 2A and the second busbar 2B of the busbar 2 are inserted into the respective insertion spaces 3 along the stacking direction Z.

[0096] Next, in the second step S2, as... Figure 15As shown, the cover 20 is assembled by sliding relative to the base 10 along the axial direction X. In this case, the busbar retainer 1C, for example, positions a pair of covers 20 in the first busbar 2A and the second busbar 2B at positions offset from the pair of bases 10 along the axial direction X (see reference). Figure 14 In this state, the pair of covers 20 are slid along the axial direction X toward the pair of bases 10 and inserted into the pair of bases 10.

[0097] Next, in the third step S3, as... Figure 16 As shown, the locking member 30 is assembled and fixed to the base 10 and the cover 20 along the stacking direction Z. In this case, in the busbar holder 1C, for example, the protrusions 34 of each of the pair of locking members 30 are inserted into the through holes 24 of the pair of covers 20 from opposite directions along the stacking direction Z, and their respective locking portions 35 are locked with the locking portions 15 of the pair of bases 10. Through such first steps S1 to third steps S3, the first holder 1A and the second holder 1B of the busbar holder 1C (a pair of bases 10, a pair of covers 20 and a pair of locking members 30) of the first busbar 2A and the second busbar 2B of the busbar 2 can be assembled, and the busbar holder 1C is manufactured.

[0098] As described above, in the busbar retainer 1C of this modified example, the protrusion 34 is configured to include a first protrusion 34a extending along the width direction Y and a second protrusion 34b extending along the axial direction X intersecting the first protrusion 34a. The through hole 24 is configured to include a first through hole 24a for insertion of the first protrusion 34a and a second through hole 24b for insertion of the second protrusion 34b. According to this structure, the busbar retainer 1C, for example, through the intersecting first and second protrusions 34a and the first and second through holes 24a and 24b, can further suppress the movement of the busbar 2 relative to the locking member 30 and the base 10 along the axial direction X, and can further suppress the movement of the cover 20 relative to the locking member 30 and the base 10 along the axial direction X.

[0099] In addition, in the above embodiments and variations, the busbar retainers 1 and 1C are illustrated as including a first retainer 1A and a second retainer 1B, namely a pair of bases 10, a pair of covers 20 and a pair of locking members 30, but are not limited to this example. For example, the busbar retainers 1 and 1C may also be configured to include one or more bases 10, one or more covers 20 and one or more locking members 30.

[0100] The above embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been illustrated, but these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the specifications of various structures, shapes, etc. (construction, type, orientation, form, size, length, width, thickness, height, quantity, configuration, position, material, etc.) can be appropriately modified for implementation.

Claims

1. A busbar retainer, characterized in that, have: The base has an insertion space for the busbar to be inserted along the axial direction; A cover, which is assembled relative to the base along the axial direction and covers the insertion space from one end side of the stacking direction intersecting the axial direction; as well as A locking component, which is assembled to the base and the cover along the stacking direction. The base is configured to include: a groove that supports the cover and allows it to slide along the axial direction; and a pair of locking portions disposed at both ends in a width direction intersecting the axial direction and the stacking direction. The cover is configured to include a through hole extending through the cover along the stacking direction. The locking component comprises: a protrusion that protrudes along the stacking direction and is inserted into the through hole of the cover, and clamps the busbar between the protrusion and the base; and a pair of locking portions that are disposed at both ends in the width direction, and when the protrusion is inserted into the through hole, the pair of locking portions locks with a pair of locking portions of the base.

2. The busbar retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion is configured to include: a first protrusion extending along the width direction; and a second protrusion extending along the axis direction parallel to or intersecting the first protrusion. The through hole is configured to include a first through hole for insertion of the first protrusion and a second through hole for insertion of the second protrusion.

3. The busbar retainer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The base also has a fixing part, which is configured to include: an insertion hole for inserting a vehicle-side strut along the width direction; and a cantilever spring-shaped locking piece disposed on the peripheral wall of the insertion hole and for locking the strut along the width direction.

4. The busbar retainer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The busbar is configured to include a conductive busbar body and an insulating covering portion that covers the busbar body. The base, the cover, and the locking component are assembled to the insulating covering portion of the busbar.

5. The busbar retainer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The busbar is configured to include a first busbar and a second busbar as a pair of busbars. The busbar retainer has: A first retainer, assembled to the first busbar, having the base, the cover, and the locking component; as well as The second retainer is assembled to the second busbar and is formed separately from the first retainer. The second retainer has the base, the cover, and the locking member.

6. A method for manufacturing a busbar retainer, characterized in that, have: The first step is to insert the busbar along the axial direction into the insertion space and assemble it onto the base where the insertion space is provided; The second step involves assembling the cover that covers the insertion space relative to the base by sliding it along the axial direction from one end of the stacking direction that intersects the axial direction. as well as The third step is to assemble and fix the locking component to the base and the cover along the stacking direction. The locking component is configured to include: a protrusion that is inserted into a through hole in the cover and clamps the busbar between the protrusion and the base. And a pair of locking portions, the pair of locking portions being disposed at both ends in a width direction intersecting the axial direction and the stacking direction, wherein the pair of locking portions locks with a pair of locking portions of the base when the protrusion is inserted into the through hole.

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