Fuse unit and conductive module

Abstract

A fuse unit and a conductive module capable of reducing the influence of heat from the outside on a fuse are provided. A fuse unit (1) includes a fuse (5) having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a fusible portion between the first electrode and the second electrode; a first conductive member (6) connected to the first electrode; a second conductive member (7) connected to the second electrode; and a resin-made holding member (8) holding the first conductive member and the second conductive member, the holding member having a main body (80) holding the first conductive member and the second conductive member, and a leg portion (82) protruding from the main body and supporting the main body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to fuse units and conductive modules. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, fuse units exist. Patent document 1 discloses a fuse unit comprising: a first terminal electrically connected to a mating component; a second terminal directly or indirectly electrically connected to a wiring component; a resin portion covering a portion of the first terminal and a portion of the second terminal; and a chip fuse.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7561318 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] From the perspective of stabilizing the performance of the fuse, it is preferable to reduce the impact of external heat on the fuse.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fuse unit and a conductive module that can mitigate the effects of external heat on the fuse.

[0009] Technical means for solving problems

[0010] The fuse unit of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a fuse having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a fusible portion between the first electrode and the second electrode; a first conductive member connected to the first electrode; a second conductive member connected to the second electrode; and a resin retaining member holding the first conductive member and the second conductive member, the retaining member having: a body holding the first conductive member and the second conductive member; and a leg protruding from the body and supporting the body.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] In the fuse unit according to the present invention, the retaining member has: a body that holds a first conductive member and a second conductive member; and a leg that protrudes from the body and supports the body. The fuse unit according to the present invention has the effect of mitigating the impact of external heat on the fuse. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the conductive module involved in the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a plan view of the conductive module involved in the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the fuse unit involved in the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a plan view of the first conductive component, the second conductive component, and the fuse involved in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a plan view of the fuse unit involved in the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the fuse unit involved in the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a side view of the conductive module in the embodiment.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0021] 1: Fuse Unit

[0022] 2: Busbar, 3: Wiring material, 4: Housing, 5: Fuse

[0023] 6: First conductive component; 7: Second conductive component

[0024] 8: Retaining components

[0025] 30: Connector

[0026] 31: Voltage detection cable

[0027] 41: Holding part, 42: Wiring path, 43: Raised part, 43a: Support surface

[0028] 51: First electrode, 52: Second electrode, 53: Soluble portion

[0029] 61: First connecting part, 62: Second connecting part, 63: Middle part

[0030] 71: First connecting part, 72: Second connecting part, 73: Middle part

[0031] 80: Main body, 81: Side wall, 82: Legs

[0032] 83: Bottom wall, 83a: First surface, 83b: Second surface

[0033] 100: Conductive module

[0034] 200: Battery pack, 210: Individual battery cell, 220: Battery module

[0035] X: First direction Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, the fuse unit and conductive module according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the constituent elements in the following embodiments include elements readily conceived by those skilled in the art or substantially the same elements.

[0037] [Example]

[0038] Reference Figures 1 to 7 The following describes an embodiment. This embodiment relates to a fuse unit and a conductive module. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the conductive module involved in the embodiment. Figure 2 This is a plan view of the conductive module involved in the embodiment. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the fuse unit involved in the embodiment. Figure 4 This is a plan view of the first conductive component, the second conductive component, and the fuse involved in the embodiment. Figure 5 This is a plan view of the fuse unit involved in the embodiment. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the fuse unit involved in the embodiment. Figure 7 This is a side view of the conductive module involved in the embodiment.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the conductive module 100 in this embodiment is a busbar module having a fuse unit 1, a busbar 2, wiring material 3, a housing 4, and a connector 30. The conductive module 100 is, for example, as shown below. Figure 2 The battery pack 200 is shown as being configured as a power source in vehicles such as automobiles. The battery pack 200 has multiple battery cells 210. The battery cells 210 are arranged along a first direction X. The multiple battery cells 210 constitute a battery module 220. Figure 2 The conductive module 100 is assembled into the battery module 220.

[0040] The busbar 2 is formed of a conductive metal plate. The busbar 2 electrically connects two adjacent battery cells 210. More specifically, the busbar 2 is fixed to the electrode of one battery cell 210 and the electrode of another battery cell 210, electrically connecting the two electrodes. The conductive module 100 of this embodiment has a plurality of busbars 2 arranged in a first direction X and a plurality of fuse units 1 corresponding to the plurality of busbars 2.

[0041] The wiring material 3 has multiple detection lines 31 and is laid out along a first direction X. The example wiring material 3 is a flat wiring material. The example wiring material 3 is a flexible flat cable with multiple wires and a sheath covering the multiple wires. Each wire is connected to a corresponding busbar 2, functioning as a detection line 31. A connector 30 is disposed at the end of the wiring material 3. Each detection line 31 is connected to a terminal of the connector 30. The detection lines 31 are connected, for example, to a monitoring device for monitoring the battery pack 200. In this case, the monitoring device obtains the voltage of the individual battery cells 210 via the detection lines 31, monitoring the state of the battery module 220.

[0042] The housing 4 is a component that supports and houses the fuse unit 1, the busbar 2, and the wiring material 3, and is assembled into the battery pack 200. The housing 4 is, for example, molded from an insulating synthetic resin. The housing 4 has a holding portion 41 for holding the busbar 2 and a wiring path 42 for supporting the wiring material 3. In this embodiment, the housing 4 has a plurality of holding portions 41 arranged along a first direction X. The wiring path 42 is adjacent to the plurality of holding portions 41 and extends in the first direction X. The wiring material 3 is placed on the wiring path 42 in a manner extending along the first direction X.

[0043] Fuse unit 1 is positioned between detection line 31 and busbar 2. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the fuse unit 1 includes a fuse 5, a first conductive member 6, a second conductive member 7, and a resin retaining member 8. The fuse 5 is a circuit protection component that cuts off the circuit in the event of an overcurrent. In this embodiment, the fuse 5 is a chip fuse.

[0044] Figure 4 The diagram shows the components of fuse unit 1, excluding the retaining member 8, namely fuse 5, first conductive member 6, and second conductive member 7. (Example) Figure 4 As shown, the fuse 5 has a first electrode 51, a second electrode 52 and a fusible part 53.

[0045] The first electrode 51 is connected to one end of the fusible portion 53. The second electrode 52 is connected to the other end of the fusible portion 53. The fusible portion 53 is configured to break the connection between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 by melting when an overcurrent flows through it. The fusible portion 53 is, for example, a fuse element having a predetermined fusing characteristic.

[0046] The first conductive component 6 and the second conductive component 7 are conductive components, for example, formed of a metal plate. The first conductive component 6 is connected to the first electrode 51 of the fuse 5. The second conductive component 7 is connected to the second electrode 52 of the fuse 5. That is, the fuse 5 is a protective component located between the first conductive component 6 and the second conductive component 7.

[0047] The first conductive component 6 has a first connecting portion 61, a second connecting portion 62, and a middle portion 63. The example first conductive component 6 is a flat plate with a straight shape when viewed from above. The first connecting portion 61 is the end of one side of the first conductive component 6, and the second connecting portion 62 is the end of the other side. The first connecting portion 61 is formed to engage with the first electrode 51 of the fuse 5. The first connecting portion 61 has a rectangular flat plate shape and a width slightly wider than the first electrode 51. The first connecting portion 61 is engaged with the first electrode 51, for example, by means of solder.

[0048] The second connecting portion 62 is formed to engage with the busbar 2. The second connecting portion 62 has a rectangular flat plate shape and a width wider than the first connecting portion 61. The second connecting portion 62 is engaged with the busbar 2, for example, by brazing or fusion welding. The middle portion 63 is the portion between the first connecting portion 61 and the second connecting portion 62. The middle portion 63 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The width of the middle portion 63 is wider than the width of the first connecting portion 61 and narrower than the width of the second connecting portion 62. A through hole 63a is provided in the middle portion 63. An example through hole 63a is circular in shape.

[0049] The second conductive component 7 has a first connecting portion 71, a second connecting portion 72, and an intermediate portion 73. The example second conductive component 7 is a crimp terminal with a straight shape when viewed from above. The first connecting portion 71 is one end of the second conductive component 7, and the second connecting portion 72 is the other end. The first connecting portion 71 is formed to engage with the second electrode 52 of the fuse 5. The first connecting portion 71 has a rectangular flat plate shape and a width slightly wider than the second electrode 52.

[0050] The second connection portion 72 in the example is a crimp portion crimped onto the detection line 31. The second connection portion 72 has a core wire crimp portion 72a and a sheath crimp portion 72b. The core wire crimp portion 72a crimps onto the core wire of the detection line 31 and holds the core wire. The sheath crimp portion 72b crimps onto the insulating sheath of the detection line 31 and holds the sheath. The shape of the crimp portions 72a and 72b after crimping is, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0051] The middle portion 73 is the part between the first connecting portion 71 and the second connecting portion 72. Viewed from above, the middle portion 73 is rectangular. The width of the middle portion 73 is wider than the width of the first connecting portion 71. A through hole 73a is provided in the middle portion 73. In the example, the through hole 73a is circular.

[0052] In the example fuse unit 1, the first conductive component 6, the fuse 5, and the second conductive component 7 are arranged in a straight line. That is, the first conductive component 6 extends from the first electrode 51 along the length direction of the fuse 5 to one side, and the second conductive component 7 extends from the second electrode 52 along the same length direction to the other side.

[0053] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the retaining member 8 is integrally formed with the first conductive member 6 and the second conductive member 7, and retains the first conductive member 6 and the second conductive member 7. The retaining member 8 is, for example, formed from an insulating synthetic resin insert. In this case, the retaining member 8 is formed on the first conductive member 6 and the second conductive member 7, which are held in a predetermined relative position by a mold. The retaining member 8 is formed such that the two connecting portions 61, 62 of the first conductive member 6 and the two connecting portions 71, 72 of the second conductive member 7 are exposed. The fuse 5 can be connected to the conductive members 6, 7 after the retaining member 8 is formed, or it can be connected to the conductive members 6, 7 before the retaining member 8 is formed.

[0054] The retaining member 8 has a main body 80 and legs 82 supporting the main body 80. The main body 80 is the part that retains the first conductive member 6 and the second conductive member 7. The example main body 80 has a bottomed cylindrical shape, which can accommodate the fuse 5 inside.

[0055] The main body 80 of this embodiment has a bottom wall 83 and frame-shaped side walls 81. The bottom wall 83 in the example is a rectangular plate shape. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the bottom wall 83 has a first surface 83a and a second surface 83b. The first surface 83a faces the receiving space of the main body 80. The fuse 5 is disposed on the side of the first surface 83a relative to the bottom wall 83 and is received within the receiving space. A side wall 81 is erected from the first surface 83a and surrounds the fuse 5. The second surface 83b faces the side opposite to the first surface 83a and faces the external space of the main body 80. A leg 82 protrudes from the second surface 83b. The protruding direction of the leg 82 is orthogonal to the second surface 83b.

[0056] The leg 82 in the example is prism-shaped, for example, a cylindrical shape. Figure 6 As shown, the retaining member 8 of this embodiment has a plurality of legs 82. The plurality of legs 82 are arranged separately from each other. The retaining member 8 of this embodiment has four legs 82 disposed at each corner of the bottom wall 83.

[0057] The sidewall 81 has a rectangular frame shape. More specifically, the sidewall 81 has a pair of flat first wall portions 81a and a pair of flat second wall portions 81b. The pair of first wall portions 81a are opposite each other in the width direction of the conductive members 6 and 7. The pair of second wall portions 81b are opposite each other in the length direction of the conductive members 6 and 7. The second wall portions 81b extend from one first wall portion 81a to the other first wall portion 81a.

[0058] The main body 80 is configured such that two conductive components 6 and 7 pass through the sidewall 81. For example, the middle portion 63 of the first conductive component 6 passes through a second wall portion 81b. The first connecting portion 61 protrudes into the interior space of the main body 80, and the second connecting portion 62 protrudes outward from the main body 80. The through hole 63a of the middle portion 63 is located in the area surrounded by the sidewall 81. The resin forming the bottom wall 83 fills the through hole 63a, thereby securing the middle portion 63.

[0059] The middle portion 73 of the second conductive component 7 penetrates through another second wall portion 81b. The first connecting portion 71 protrudes into the interior space of the main body 80, and the second connecting portion 72 protrudes outward from the main body 80. The through hole 73a of the middle portion 73 is located in the area surrounded by the side wall 81. The resin forming the bottom wall 83 fills the through hole 73a and holds the middle portion 73 in place.

[0060] like Figure 7 As shown, the legs 82 of the fuse unit 1 are supported by a support surface 43a. The support surface 43a is, for example, a surface of the housing 4 of the conductive module 100. The support surface 43a is, for example, a surface that supports the retaining member 8 from below. The support surface 43a is typically a plane. The retaining member 8 is configured such that multiple legs 82 can contact a support surface 43a. In this case, it is preferable that the end faces of the multiple legs 82 are arranged on the same plane.

[0061] like Figure 7 As shown, the leg 82 is configured to form a gap Gp between the support surface 43a and the second surface 83b of the bottom wall 83. In other words, the leg 82 is configured to allow the second surface 83b of the bottom wall 83 to separate from the support surface 43a. The retaining member 8 with the leg 82 can reduce the impact of heat on the fuse 5. For example, the gap Gp formed by the leg 82 makes it difficult for heat from the battery cell 210 and the busbar 2 to be transferred to the fuse 5. By supporting the bottom wall 83 with the leg 82, heat is less likely to be transferred from the support surface 43a to the bottom wall 83 compared to the case where the second surface 83b of the retaining member 8 is entirely in contact with the support surface 43a.

[0062] In addition, the gap Gp facilitates heat dissipation from the bottom wall 83, which can suppress the temperature rise of the fuse 5. Since the multiple legs 82 are separated from each other, heat can easily be dissipated to the outside through the gap Gp.

[0063] Furthermore, the support surface 43a can also be provided on the raised portion 43 formed by raising a part of the housing 4. That is, multiple legs 82 can be mounted on the raised portion 43 of the housing 4. In this case, the distance from the battery cell 210 to the fuse 5 can be increased. In addition, since the raised portion 43 with the support surface 43a is thick, it is easier to suppress the temperature rise of the support surface 43a.

[0064] Leg 82 may not be fixed relative to support surface 43a. For example, leg 82 may be supported by support surface 43a in a manner that allows it to move relative to support surface 43a. In this case, the load on each part is suppressed when the first conductive member 6 engages with busbar 2. When the first conductive member 6 engages with busbar 2, vibration and heat are applied to the first conductive member 6. At this time, since retaining member 8 is movable, excessive stress is less likely to act on fuse 5 and the joint between fuse 5 and conductive members 6 and 7.

[0065] Alternatively, a potting compound for protecting the fuse 5 can be filled into the main body 80 of the retaining component 8. The potting compound fills the receiving space formed by the bottom wall 83 and the side wall 81, and covers the fuse 5 and the two first connecting parts 61 and 71.

[0066] As described above, the fuse unit 1 of this embodiment includes a fuse 5, a first conductive member 6, a second conductive member 7, and a retaining member 8. The fuse 5 has a first electrode 51, a second electrode 52, and a fusible portion 53 between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52. The first conductive member 6 is connected to the first electrode 51. The second conductive member 7 is connected to the second electrode 52. The retaining member 8 is made of resin, holds the first conductive member 6 and the second conductive member 7, and houses the fuse 5.

[0067] The retaining member 8 has a body 80 and a leg 82. The body 80 retains the first conductive member 6 and the second conductive member 7. The leg 82 protrudes from the body 80 and supports the body 80. In this embodiment, the fuse unit 1, due to having the leg 82 supporting the body 80, is able to reduce the impact of external heat on the fuse 5.

[0068] The main body 80 of this embodiment includes a bottom wall 83 having a first surface 83a and a second surface 83b facing opposite sides. The fuse 5 is disposed relative to the bottom wall 83 on the first surface 83a side. A leg 82 protrudes from the second surface 83b and is configured to form a gap Gp between a support surface 43a and the second surface 83b. The support surface 43a is the surface that supports the end of the leg 82. By forming the gap Gp between the support surface 43a and the second surface 83b, the effect of external heat on the fuse 5 can be reduced.

[0069] In this embodiment, the retaining member 8 has a frame-shaped sidewall 81 that rises from the first surface 83a of the bottom wall 83. The sidewall 81 surrounds the fuse 5 and can protect the fuse 5 from the effects of heat.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first conductive member 6 and the second conductive member 7 penetrate the sidewall 81 and are connected to the fuse 5 within the space surrounded by the sidewall 81. The retaining member 8 with the leg 82 separates the two conductive members 6 and 7 from the support surface 43a, thereby suppressing heat transfer to the fuse 5 via the conductive members 6 and 7.

[0071] The retaining member 8 in this embodiment has a plurality of legs 82 arranged separately from each other, and is configured to allow the plurality of legs 82 to contact the support surface 43a. This structure facilitates the flow of air between the gap Gp and the external space.

[0072] The conductive module 100 of this embodiment includes a fuse unit 1, a busbar 2 connected to a first conductive component 6, a detection line 31, and a housing 4. The detection line 31 is a voltage detection line connected to a second conductive component 7. The housing 4 is a support component that supports the busbar 2 and the fuse unit 1. The leg 82 is supported by the housing 4 in such a way that a gap Gp is ​​formed between the housing 4 and the main body 80. The conductive module 100 of this embodiment can reduce the impact of external heat on the fuse 5.

[0073] The shape and number of legs 82 in component 8 are not limited to the examples. For example, the shape of the legs 82 can be cylindrical or other shapes. The ends of the legs 82 can be flat or curved. When the ends of the legs 82 are curved, the contact area between the support surface 43a and the legs 82 can be reduced.

[0074] Figure 6 The legs 82 shown are disposed at each corner of the bottom wall 83. Alternatively, the legs 82 may also be elongated ribs extending from one corner of the bottom wall 83 to the other corners. In this case, the legs 82 may extend along the width direction of the conductive members 6 and 7, or along the length direction of the conductive members 6 and 7. The main body 80 of the retaining member 8 may also be supported by two elongated ribs. For example, the main body 80 may be supported by two ribs disposed at both ends in the length direction of the bottom wall 83, or by two ribs disposed at both ends in the width direction of the bottom wall 83.

[0075] The application of fuse unit 1 is not limited to battery module 220. Fuse unit 1 can also be used as a protection circuit in other devices. The object connected to the first conductive component 6 is not limited to busbar 2. The second connection portion 62 of the first conductive component 6 can be connected to wiring materials such as wires, or to other conductive components. The object connected to the second conductive component 7 is not limited to wires. The second connection portion 72 of the second conductive component 7 can be connected to circuits on a flexible printed circuit board, or to other conductive components.

[0076] The contents disclosed in the above embodiments can be appropriately combined to perform the tasks.

Claims

1. A fuse unit, characterized in that, have: A fuse having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a fusible portion between the first electrode and the second electrode; A first conductive component, which is connected to the first electrode; A second conductive component, the second conductive component being connected to the second electrode; and A resin retaining member holds the first conductive member and the second conductive member, and houses the fuse. The retaining member has: a body that holds the first conductive member and the second conductive member; and a leg that protrudes from the body and supports the body.

2. The fuse unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body includes a bottom wall having a first surface and a second surface facing opposite sides. The fuse is disposed on the first side relative to the bottom wall. The leg protrudes from the second surface and is configured to form a gap between the support surface that supports the end of the leg and the second surface.

3. The fuse unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The retaining member has a frame-shaped sidewall that extends from the first surface of the bottom wall and surrounds the fuse.

4. The fuse unit as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first conductive component and the second conductive component pass through the sidewall and are connected to the fuse in the space surrounded by the sidewall.

5. The fuse unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The retaining member has a plurality of legs arranged separately from each other and configured to allow the plurality of legs to contact the support surface.

6. A conductive module, characterized in that, have: The fuse unit as claimed in claim 1; A busbar, wherein the busbar is connected to the first conductive component; A voltage detection line, wherein the voltage detection line is connected to the second conductive component; as well as Support component, which supports the busbar and the fuse unit. The leg is supported by the support member in such a way that a gap is formed between the support member and the body.

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