Fuse unit and conductive module

Abstract

The present application provides a fuse unit and a conductive module capable of improving the joint strength of a resin member and a terminal fitting. The fuse unit (20) includes a chip fuse (30) having a first electrode (31), a second electrode (32), and a fusible portion that is fused by an overcurrent; a first terminal fitting (40) connected to the first electrode (31); a second terminal fitting (50) connected to the second electrode; and a resin member (70) that holds the first terminal fitting and the second terminal fitting (50) and maintains the interval of the first terminal fitting and the second terminal fitting, the first terminal fitting and the second terminal fitting having a first width direction extension (41b) and a second width direction extension (51b) extending in a width direction (Y) that intersects a connection direction (X) of a connection object, the resin member (70) being configured to have a first holding portion (71a) that surrounds the periphery of the first width direction extension (41b) and holds the first width direction extension, and a second holding portion (71b) that surrounds the periphery of the second width direction extension and holds the second width direction extension.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In a battery module containing multiple battery cells, a conductive module uses multiple connecting conductors to electrically connect the battery cells. Furthermore, the conductive module uses wiring components such as wires to electrically connect each connecting conductor to a battery monitoring unit that monitors the battery status of the battery cells. For example, such a conductive module is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. In such a conductive module, a combination of a pair of connecting conductors and the conductor portion of the wiring component is provided for each connecting conductor. Sometimes, circuit protection components such as fuses are present between the connecting conductors and the conductor portions of the wiring component in each combination. For example, Patent Document 2 below discloses a fuse unit (a fuse unit consisting of a chip fuse, a pair of terminal fittings, and a resin component) suitable for this conductive module.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-119651

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 7561318 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] Incidentally, existing fuse units connect a blade fuse to a pair of terminal fittings formed with an insert-molded resin component. However, there is room for improvement in the bonding strength between the resin component and the terminal fittings. For example, if the bonding strength between the resin component and the terminal fittings is low, the connection between the terminal fittings and the blade fuse may become unstable. Therefore, it is desirable to develop a technology that improves the bonding strength between the resin component and the terminal fittings.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a fuse unit and conductive module that can improve the bonding strength between resin components and terminal fittings.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] That is, the fuse unit according to the present invention comprises: a blade fuse having a first electrode and a second electrode, and a fusible portion that melts due to overcurrent; a first terminal fitting having a plate shape, connected to a connected object, and connected to the first electrode; a second terminal fitting having a plate shape, connected to the second electrode; and a resin component holding the first terminal fitting and the second terminal fitting, maintaining the spacing between the first terminal fitting and the second terminal fitting, the first terminal fitting and the second terminal fitting each having a width-direction extension extending in a width direction intersecting the connection direction of the connected object, the resin component having a retaining portion surrounding and retaining the width-direction extension.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the fuse unit and conductive module of the present invention, the bonding strength between the resin component and the terminal fitting can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the fuse unit and conductive module of an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the battery module and busbar together.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a fuse unit illustrating an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a fuse unit illustrating an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of a fuse unit illustrating an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the fuse unit in the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the fuse unit in the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the fuse unit in the embodiment.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0023] 1. Conductive module

[0024] 10. Connecting conductors (connecting objects)

[0025] 20 Fuse Units

[0026] 30-blade fuse

[0027] 31 First Electrode

[0028] 32 Second electrode

[0029] 40 First terminal accessories

[0030] 41b First width direction extension

[0031] 50 Second terminal accessories

[0032] 51b Second width direction extension

[0033] 60 Wiring components

[0034] 61 Conductor section

[0035] 70 Resin Components

[0036] 70a Containment Room

[0037] 70A First Containment Component

[0038] 70B Second Containment Component

[0039] 71a First Maintenance Section

[0040] 71b Second Holding Section

[0041] 76. Covered resin section

[0042] BC battery cell

[0043] BM battery module

[0044] X Connection Direction

[0045] Y-axis width direction Detailed Implementation

[0046] Hereinafter, 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 that can and are easily substituted by those skilled in the art, or substantially the same elements.

[0047] [Example]

[0048] This embodiment relates to a fuse unit and a conductive module. In the following description, the first direction among the intersecting first, second, and third directions is referred to as the "connection direction X," the second direction as the "width direction Y," and the third direction as the "height direction Z." Here, the connection direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, orthogonality here includes approximately orthogonality. The connection direction X corresponds to the direction in which the fuse unit is connected to the object being connected. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, all directions used in the following description refer to the directions in the assembled state of the components.

[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, conductive module 1 is assembled into battery module BM, which is composed of multiple battery cells BC arranged in a row, and the multiple battery cells BC in battery module BM are electrically connected. Furthermore, conductive module 1 connects battery module BM to a battery monitoring unit (not shown), thereby enabling the battery monitoring unit to monitor the battery status of the battery cells BC. Conductive module 1 and battery module BM together constitute a battery pack. The battery pack is used, for example, in vehicles equipped with a rotating mechanism as a drive source (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle, HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle, etc.) to supply power to the rotating mechanism.

[0050] Each battery cell BC has a cell body BCa and positive and negative electrode terminals BCb. In the battery module BM, multiple battery cells BC are arranged in a row along the arrangement direction. The battery module BM has an electrode terminal group BCc formed by arranging one electrode terminal BCb of the multiple battery cells BC along the arrangement direction, and another electrode terminal group BCc formed by arranging the other electrode terminals BCb of the multiple battery cells BC along the arrangement direction.

[0051] The battery cell BC shown here is formed as a cuboid with six outer wall surfaces of a cell body BCa. Furthermore, in multiple battery cells BC, adjacent cell bodies BCa in the arrangement direction are arranged such that one outer wall surface faces each other. For example, in a battery cell BC, the positive and negative electrode terminals BCb are separately arranged on one or two of the six outer wall surfaces of the cell body BCa. In this example, each battery cell BC has positive and negative electrode terminals BCb on one of the six outer wall surfaces of the cell body BCa. Therefore, in the battery module BM, two electrode terminal groups BCc are provided on a single plane.

[0052] The electrode terminal BCb shown here is formed into a flat plate shape, and the connecting conductor 10 (described later) is directly electrically connected by laser welding or the like. However, the electrode terminal BCb can also be formed into a post shape with an external thread. In this case, the connecting conductor 10 is threadedly fixed to the electrode terminal BCb by screwing the internal threaded part into the external thread of the electrode terminal BCb.

[0053] The conductive module 1 has a connecting conductor 10 that is directly electrically connected to the electrode terminal BCb of the battery cell BC constituting the battery module BM.

[0054] The connecting conductor 10 is formed from a conductive material such as metal. This connecting conductor 10 is a plate-shaped conductive component made of metal, referred to as a busbar, and is formed, for example, by stamping from a metal plate. The connecting conductor 10 shown here is formed into a rectangular plate shape.

[0055] In the conductive module 1, the connecting conductor 10 includes, for example: a connecting conductor that is directly electrically connected to the adjacent electrode terminals BCb of a pair of battery cells BC in the battery module BM; a connecting conductor that is directly electrically connected to the electrode terminal BCb of the battery module BM that serves as the overall negative electrode; and a connecting conductor that is directly electrically connected to the electrode terminal BCb of the battery module BM that serves as the overall positive electrode.

[0056] The conductive module 1 includes a connecting conductor 10 and a fuse unit 20. The fuse unit 20 is connected between the connecting conductor 10 and the battery monitoring unit. The fuse unit 20 provides an indirect electrical connection between the connecting conductor 10 and the battery monitoring unit, and cuts off the power supply when an overcurrent flows through it. A fuse unit 20 is provided for each connecting conductor 10.

[0057] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the fuse unit 20 includes a blade fuse 30, a first terminal fitting 40, a second terminal fitting 50, and a resin component 70. The blade fuse 30 is a circuit protection component that melts its fusible part when an overcurrent flows between the connecting conductor 10 and the battery monitoring unit. The blade fuse 30 is constructed by arranging the fusible part between a first electrode 31 and a second electrode 32. The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are respectively arranged on a straight line at one end and the other end of the blade fuse 30.

[0058] The chip fuse 30 can be configured as a surface-mountable chip component with a fusible portion, or as a patterned fuse with a wiring pattern of a fusible portion formed on a printed circuit board (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board). The chip fuse 30 shown here is configured as a cuboid-shaped chip component. A first electrode 31 is provided on five outer wall surfaces at one end of the chip fuse 30. A second electrode 32 is provided on five outer wall surfaces at the other end of the chip fuse 30.

[0059] The fuse unit 20 has a first terminal fitting 40 and a second terminal fitting 50 that are directly electrically connected to the chip fuse 30. The first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 are formed from a conductive material such as metal. For example, the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 are plate-shaped, for example, formed by stamping from a metal plate.

[0060] The first terminal fitting 40 has a first electrical connection portion 41 that is directly electrically connected to the first electrode 31 of the chip fuse 30. One of the four circumferentially arranged outer wall surfaces of the first electrode 31 is mounted on this first electrical connection portion 41, and the first electrode 31 is directly electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion 41 by laser welding, brazing, or the like. Therefore, the first electrical connection portion 41 is formed as a flat plate with a plane for mounting the outer wall surface of the first electrode 31. The first electrical connection portion 41 shown here is formed as a convex flat plate, with the outer wall surface of the first electrode 31 mounted on a narrow convex portion. In this first electrical connection portion 41, the narrow portion becomes a contact portion 41a that contacts the first electrode 31, and this contact portion 41a is directly electrically connected to the first electrode 31.

[0061] Furthermore, the first terminal fitting 40 has a conductor connection portion 42 that is directly or indirectly electrically connected to the connecting conductor 10. The conductor connection portion 42 is formed in a flat plate shape and is mounted with its planes overlapping each other relative to the connecting conductor 10. The conductor connection portion 42 is directly electrically connected to the connecting conductor 10 by means of laser welding or ultrasonic bonding. The conductor connection portion 42 shown here is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape. The connecting conductor 10 is the object to which the first terminal fitting 40 is connected.

[0062] The first terminal fitting 40 shown here is shaped as a flat plate so that the first electrical connection portion 41 is adjacent to the conductor connection portion 42.

[0063] The second terminal fitting 50 has a second electrical connection portion 51 that is directly electrically connected to the second electrode 32 of the chip fuse 30. One of the four circumferentially arranged outer wall surfaces of the second electrode 32 is mounted on this second electrical connection portion 51, and the second electrode 32 is directly electrically connected to the second electrical connection portion 51 by laser welding, brazing, or the like. Therefore, the second electrical connection portion 51 is formed as a flat plate with a plane for mounting the outer wall surface of the second electrode 32. The second electrical connection portion 51 shown here is formed as a convex flat plate, with the outer wall surface of the second electrode 32 mounted on a narrow convex portion. In this second electrical connection portion 51, the narrow portion becomes a contact portion 51a that contacts the second electrode 32, and this contact portion 51a is directly electrically connected to the second electrode 32.

[0064] Furthermore, the second terminal accessory 50 is indirectly electrically connected to the battery monitoring unit. The fuse unit 20 includes a wiring component 60 located between the second terminal accessory 50 and the battery monitoring unit, through which the second terminal accessory 50 is indirectly electrically connected to the battery monitoring unit. The second terminal accessory 50 has a wiring connection portion 52 that is directly electrically connected to the wiring component 60.

[0065] The wiring component 60 includes a conductor portion 61, one end of which is directly electrically connected to the second terminal fitting 50, and the other end is directly or indirectly electrically connected to the battery monitoring unit. Furthermore, the wiring component 60 includes an electrically insulating covering portion 62, which covers the portion of the conductor portion 61 at its end that is closer to the battery monitoring unit than at least one end of the conductor portion 61. The wiring component 60 shown here refers to a linear conductor having a conductor portion 61 formed in a linear shape. Specifically, the wiring component 60 is an electrical wire in which the core wire of the conductor portion 61 is covered by the electrically insulating covering portion 62, allowing the wiring connection portion 52 to be directly electrically connected to one end of the conductor portion 61 at the end of the wiring component 60.

[0066] For example, in the wiring component 60, the insulation covering 62 is stripped from its end, exposing one end of the conductor 61. In this case, as the wiring connection part 52, a fastening crimping structure formed to securely crimp to one end of the conductor 61 (i.e., the core wire at the end of the wire) is sufficient. Alternatively, for example, with respect to the wiring component 60, a component whose end is covered by the insulation covering 62 to one end of the conductor 61 can also be used. In this case, as the wiring connection part 52, a structure formed as a pair of crimping blades is sufficient, which form a cut in the insulation covering 62 at the end of the wiring component 60 to clamp one end of the conductor 61 (the core wire at the end of the wire). The wiring connection part 52 shown here is formed as a fastening crimping part.

[0067] The second terminal fitting 50 shown here places the second electrical connection portion 51 adjacent to the wiring connection portion 52. The wiring connection portion 52 leads the wiring component 60 out in the adjacent direction and along the direction of the second electrical connection portion 51.

[0068] Alternatively, the wiring component 60 may be a flat wiring material such as a flexible printed circuit board in which the conductor portion 61 is formed into a wiring pattern. In this case, the wiring component 60 has a conductor portion 61 for each of the second terminal fittings 50 in the plurality of fuse units 20, and one end of the conductor portion 61 is provided at the end of the branch portion that branches from the main body for each second terminal fitting 50. One end of the conductor portion 61 is directly electrically connected to the wiring connection portion 52, for example, by laser welding or brazing.

[0069] In this fuse unit 20, the first electrical connection portion 41 of the first terminal fitting 40 and the second electrical connection portion 51 of the second terminal fitting 50 are arranged on the same plane at a predetermined interval. This predetermined interval refers to the distance between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 in the chip fuse 30 (in other words, the electrode spacing). Therefore, the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 are arranged such that the interval between the first electrical connection portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 51 matches the electrode spacing between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32. The chip fuse 30 is provided across the first electrical connection portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 51. Here, the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 are arranged such that the interval between the contact portion 41a in the first electrical connection portion 41 and the contact portion 51a in the second electrical connection portion 51 matches the electrode spacing between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32. Therefore, the chip fuse 30 is provided across the contact portion 41a of the first electrical connection portion 41 and the contact portion 51a of the second electrical connection portion 51.

[0070] Furthermore, the first terminal fitting 40 shown here is configured such that the adjacent directions of the first electrical connection portion 41 and the conductor connection portion 42 are aligned with the opposing arrangement directions of the respective contacts 41a and 51a. Similarly, the second terminal fitting 50 shown here is configured such that the adjacent directions of the second electrical connection portion 51 and the wiring connection portion 52 are aligned with the opposing arrangement directions of the respective contacts 41a and 51a.

[0071] The fuse unit 20 has a resin component 70 that holds the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 and maintains the distance between the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50. The resin component 70 is made of electrically insulating resin and, for example, houses the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the chip fuse 30. That is, the resin component 70 is provided with a housing chamber 70a that houses the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the chip fuse 30.

[0072] The resin component 70 has multiple housing components that are assembled and fixed together to form a housing chamber 70a inside. These multiple housing components are molded from an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin. The multiple housing components are formed as separate components from the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the chip fuse 30, and surround the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the chip fuse 30 and house them in the housing chamber 70a.

[0073] Specifically, the resin component 70 shown here has a first receiving component 70A and a second receiving component 70B as its multiple receiving components, which clamp the first electrical connection 41, the second electrical connection 51 and the chip fuse 30 between each other and house them in the receiving chamber 70a.

[0074] The first receiving member 70A has a mounting surface 71 for placing the first electrical connection portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 51. The chip fuse 30 is mounted on the first electrical connection portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 51 mounted on this mounting surface 71. For example, the first receiving member 70A is formed as a base member that mounts the first electrical connection portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 51 on the mounting surface 71. The first receiving member 70A shown here is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape.

[0075] The second receiving component 70B is formed as a cover component covering the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the chip fuse 30 in the assembled position relative to the first receiving component 70A, which is the base component.

[0076] The second receiving component 70B has a cover 72, which, in the assembled position, positions the first electrical connection 41, the second electrical connection 51, and the chip fuse 30 in the middle and is positioned opposite the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving component 70A. The cover 72 shown here is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape and is arranged parallel to the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving component 70A in the assembled position.

[0077] Furthermore, the second receiving member 70B has a pair of first sidewall portions 73, which are vertically disposed from the cover portion 72 and are spaced apart from each other in the opposing configuration direction of the contact portion 41a in the first electrical connection portion 41 and the contact portion 51a in the second electrical connection portion 51. The first sidewall portion 73 shown here is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate, and in the assembled position, the edge of its end abuts against the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving member 70A. However, a first cut 73a is formed at the edge of the end of one first sidewall portion 73, which allows the conductor connection portion 42 of the first electrical connection portion 41 to extend out of the receiving chamber 70a. And a second cut 73b is formed at the edge of the end of the other first sidewall portion 73, which allows the wiring connection portion 52 of the second electrical connection portion 51 to extend out of the receiving chamber 70a.

[0078] Furthermore, the second receiving member 70B has a pair of second sidewall portions 74, which are vertically disposed from the cover portion 72 and are spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the opposing arrangement direction of the cover portion 72 and the first receiving member 70A, as well as the opposing arrangement direction of each contact portion 41a, 51a. The second sidewall portions 74 shown here are formed in the shape of rectangular flat plates, and in the assembled position, the edge of the end abuts against the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving member 70A.

[0079] The second receiving component 70B has an internal space surrounded by the cover 72, a pair of first sidewall portions 73, and a pair of second sidewall portions 74. In the resin component 70, when the first receiving component 70A and the second receiving component 70B are in the assembled position, the opening of the internal space of the second receiving component 70B is closed by the first receiving component 70A, and the internal space becomes the receiving chamber 70a.

[0080] For example, in this resin component 70, at the assembled position, the edges of the ends of a pair of first sidewall portions 73 and the edges of the ends of a pair of second sidewall portions 74 are fixed to the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving component 70A by means of heat fusion or the like.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, the first receiving component 70A and the second receiving component 70B are preferably formed in such a way that the receiving chamber 70a becomes a sealed space in the assembled position, and are fixed in such a shape that there are no gaps between them in the assembled position. As a result, the fuse unit 20 can suppress the intrusion of liquids, dust, etc. into the receiving chamber 70a, and thus can suppress the degradation of quality and durability that accompany the intrusion of such liquids, etc.

[0082] Here, a first positioning structure 75A is provided between the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving member 70A and the first electrical connection portion 41, responsible for positioning the first electrical connection portion 41 relative to the mounting surface 71. Furthermore, a second positioning structure 75B is provided between the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving member 70A and the second electrical connection portion 51, responsible for positioning the second electrical connection portion 51 relative to the mounting surface 71. The first positioning structure 75A and the second positioning structure 75B position the first electrical connection portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 51 so that the interval between the contact portions 41a in the first electrical connection portion 41 and the contact portions 51a in the second electrical connection portion 51 matches the electrode spacing between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32.

[0083] The first positioning structure 75A comprises a first retaining portion 71a and a first width-direction extension portion 41b. The first retaining portion 71a is formed in the first receiving member 70A of the resin member 70. For example, a recess corresponding to the shape of the first terminal accessory 40 is formed on the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving member 70A, and a portion of this recess becomes the first retaining portion 71a. That is, the first retaining portion 71a is formed by recessing the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving member 70A, and is shaped to fit into the first width-direction extension portion 41b. The first width-direction extension portion 41b is formed in the first electrical connection portion 41 of the first terminal accessory 40, and is formed by protruding from the end of the first receiving member 70A in the width direction Y. In the first positioning structure 75A shown here, the first width-direction extension portion 41b is formed in a rectangular shape, and correspondingly, the first retaining portion 71a is also a rectangular recess. Therefore, the first retaining portion 71a surrounds the first width-direction extension portion 41b and fits into the first width-direction extension portion 41b. Thus, the first retaining portion 71a retains the first width-direction extension 41b, restricting the relative movement of the first receiving member 70A and the first terminal fitting 40 with respect to the connection direction X and the width direction Y. Therefore, the fuse unit 20 can improve the bonding strength between the resin member 70 and the first terminal fitting 40.

[0084] Multiple first holding portions 71a and multiple first width-direction extension portions 41b are formed. The multiple first holding portions 71a and multiple first width-direction extension portions 41b are respectively fitted into each other. For example, two first width-direction extension portions 41b are formed, protruding from both ends of the width-direction Y of the first receiving member 70A in the width-direction Y direction. Two first holding portions 71a are formed, respectively fitted into the first width-direction extension portions 41b.

[0085] The resin component 70 and the first terminal fitting 40 are securely joined by respectively engaging a plurality of first retaining portions 71a with a plurality of first width-direction extension portions 41b. For example, compared to the case where one first retaining portion 71a and one first width-direction extension portion 41b are engaged, the resin component 70 and the first terminal fitting 40 can improve the bonding strength.

[0086] In addition, the resin component 70 and the first terminal accessory 40 are respectively fitted together by a plurality of first holding portions 71a and a plurality of first width direction extension portions 41b, thereby suppressing the relative rotation of the resin component 70 and the first terminal accessory 40 around the fitting position of the first holding portion 71a and the first width direction extension portion 41b, and stabilizing the bonding state of the resin component 70 and the first terminal accessory 40.

[0087] The second positioning structure 75B comprises a second retaining portion 71b and a second width-direction extension portion 51b. The second retaining portion 71b is formed in the first receiving member 70A of the resin member 70. For example, a recess corresponding to the shape of the second terminal accessory 50 is formed on the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving member 70A, and a portion of this recess becomes the second retaining portion 71b. That is, the second retaining portion 71b is formed by recessing the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving member 70A, and is shaped to fit into the second width-direction extension portion 51b. The second width-direction extension portion 51b is formed in the second electrical connection portion 51 of the second terminal accessory 50, and is formed by protruding from the end of the first receiving member 70A in the width direction Y. In the second positioning structure 75B shown here, the second width-direction extension portion 51b is formed in a rectangular shape, and correspondingly, the second retaining portion 71b is also a rectangular recess. Therefore, the second retaining portion 71b surrounds the second width-direction extension portion 51b and fits into the second width-direction extension portion 51b. Therefore, the second retaining portion 71b retains the second width-direction extension 51b, restricting the relative movement of the first receiving member 70A and the second terminal fitting 50 with respect to the connection direction X and the width direction Y. Thus, the fuse unit 20 can improve the bonding strength between the resin member 70 and the second terminal fitting 50.

[0088] The first receiving member 70A is a plate extending along the connection direction X, and is formed to include a region from a first forming position where the first width direction extension 41b of the first terminal accessory 40 is formed to a second forming position where the second width direction extension 51b of the second terminal accessory 50 is formed. The first receiving member 70A retains the first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 50 by engaging the first holding portion 71a with the first width direction extension 41b and engaging the second holding portion 71b with the second width direction extension 51b, thereby maintaining the spacing between the first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 50.

[0089] Multiple second retaining portions 71b and multiple second width-direction extension portions 51b are formed. The multiple second retaining portions 71b and the multiple second width-direction extension portions 51b are respectively fitted into each other. For example, two second width-direction extension portions 51b are formed, protruding from both ends of the first receiving member 70A in the width-direction Y direction. Two second retaining portions 71b are formed, respectively fitted into the second width-direction extension portions 51b.

[0090] The resin component 70 and the second terminal fitting 50 are securely joined by a plurality of second retaining portions 71b and a plurality of second width-direction extension portions 51b respectively fitting together. For example, compared with the case where one second retaining portion 71b and one second width-direction extension portion 51b are fitted together, the resin component 70 and the second terminal fitting 50 can improve the bonding strength.

[0091] In addition, the resin component 70 and the second terminal accessory 50 are respectively fitted together by a plurality of second retaining portions 71b and a plurality of second width direction extension portions 51b, thereby suppressing the relative rotation of the resin component 70 and the second terminal accessory 50 around the fitting position of the second retaining portion 71b and the second width direction extension portion 51b, and stabilizing the bonding state of the resin component 70 and the second terminal accessory 50.

[0092] For example, in this fuse unit 20, a first electrical connection portion 41 and a second electrical connection portion 51 are provided on the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving member 70A. The first electrical connection portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 51 are positioned such that the spacing between their respective contact portions 41a and 51a is aligned with the electrode spacing between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 via a first positioning structure 75A and a second positioning structure 75B. Therefore, in the fuse unit 20, by providing the chip fuse 30 on the contact portions 41a of the first electrical connection portion 41 and 51a of the second electrical connection portion 51, the first electrode 31 of the chip fuse 30 can be placed on the contact portion 41a of the first electrical connection portion 41, and the second electrode 32 of the chip fuse 30 can be placed on the contact portion 51a of the second electrical connection portion 51. In this fuse unit 20, the first electrode 31 is directly electrically connected to the contact portion 41a of the first electrical connection portion 41 by laser welding, brazing or the like, and the second electrode 32 is directly electrically connected to the contact portion 51a of the second electrical connection portion 51 by laser welding, brazing or the like.

[0093] In this fuse unit 20, the first receiving member 70A serves as a base member, and there is no wall covering the periphery of the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the chip fuse 30 provided on the mounting surface 71. Therefore, in this fuse unit 20, a laser irradiator and a soldering iron can approach the contact portion 41a between the first electrode 31 and the first electrical connection portion 41, and the contact portion 51a between the second electrode 32 and the second electrical connection portion 51, from multiple directions. Lasers can be irradiated between the first electrode 31 and the contact portion 41a, and between the second electrode 32 and the contact portion 51a, from all directions, or soldered between them using a soldering iron from all directions. Therefore, in the fuse unit 20, the manufacturing freedom when directly electrically connecting the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the chip fuse 30 can be increased.

[0094] Next, in the fuse unit 20, a second receiving member 70B is covered on the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the blade fuse 30, and the first receiving member 70A and the second receiving member 70B are fixed in position by heat sealing or the like. Furthermore, a wiring member 60 is pre-connected to the wiring connection portion 52 of the second terminal fitting 50.

[0095] In fuse unit 20, the first electrical connection 41, the second electrical connection 51, and the blade fuse 30 are exposed in the housing 70a. Therefore, as Figure 6 As shown, the fuse unit 20 may include an electrically insulating covering resin portion 76 that encloses the blade fuse 30, the first electrical connection portion 41, and the second electrical connection portion 51 within the housing chamber 70a. This covering resin portion 76 encloses the blade fuse 30, the first electrical connection portion 41, and the second electrical connection portion 51, thereby suppressing energization between the first electrical connection portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 51. For example, even if condensation occurs in the housing chamber 70a, the covering resin portion 76 can suppress short circuits in the housing chamber 70a caused by the condensation. Furthermore, the covering resin portion 76, by being fixed to the mounting surface 71 of the first housing member 70A, can also function as a fixing member for fixing the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the blade fuse 30 within the housing chamber 70a to the first housing member 70A.

[0096] For example, the covering resin portion 76 is a cured liquid resin material (so-called potting material) supplied by dripping or other means, used to wrap the chip fuse 30, the first electrical connection portion 41, and the second electrical connection portion 51. In this case, firstly, liquid potting material is supplied to the chip fuse 30, the first electrical connection portion 41, and the second electrical connection portion 51 provided on the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving member 70A. Then, depending on the properties of the potting material, the potting material is irradiated with ultraviolet light or heated to form the covering resin portion 76, which is formed by curing the potting material. Since the covering resin portion 76 undergoes such a manufacturing process, it is preferable to use a liquid potting material with a viscosity that can be fixedly placed on the mounting surface 71 before curing, so that the liquid potting material does not flow out from the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving member 70A, which is a base member, before curing.

[0097] In the case of UV-curable potting materials, it is necessary to bring the UV irradiator close to the liquid potting material. In this fuse unit 20, the first receiving member 70A is a base member, and there are no walls or other structures covering the periphery of the supplied liquid potting material. Therefore, in this fuse unit 20, the UV irradiator can be brought close to the liquid potting material from multiple directions on the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving member 70A, and UV light can be irradiated onto the liquid potting material from all directions. Therefore, this fuse unit 20 increases the manufacturing freedom when forming the resin-covered portion 76.

[0098] Alternatively, for example, the resin covering 76 could be a cured material that fills the receiving chamber 70a and encloses the chip fuse 30, the first electrical connection 41, and the second electrical connection 51. In this case, for example, a supply hole (not shown) is provided in either the first receiving member 70A or the second receiving member 70B for supplying liquid resin material to the interior (receiving chamber 70a) of the first receiving member 70A and the second receiving member 70B in the assembled position. Here, if there is no gap between the first receiving member 70A and the second receiving member 70B in the assembled position (in other words, if the airtightness of the receiving chamber 70a is high), an exhaust hole (not shown) is provided in either the first receiving member 70A or the second receiving member 70B to release gas from the receiving chamber 70a to the outside during the supply of liquid resin material. In this case, liquid resin material is supplied and filled into the interior (receiving chamber 70a) of the first receiving member 70A and the second receiving member 70B in the assembled position through the supply hole, and the resin material is cured to form the resin covering 76. In cases where there is a gap between the first receiving component 70A and the second receiving component 70B at the assembled position (in other words, the airtightness of the receiving chamber 70a is low), or where it is necessary to place the supply hole or vent hole, for example, vertically below, or where there is concern that the liquid resin material may flow out of the receiving chamber 70a, it is preferable to use a liquid resin material with a viscosity that can be fixed in the receiving chamber 70a before curing to form the resin covering part 76.

[0099] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, the conductive module 1 includes a module resin section 80 that connects to the conductor 10 and houses the fuse unit 20, providing electrical insulation. The module resin section 80 is provided with a housing chamber (hereinafter referred to as "conductor housing chamber") 80a for housing the conductor 10 and a housing chamber (hereinafter referred to as "unit housing chamber") 80b for housing the fuse unit 20.

[0100] For example, the module resin section 80 has a conductor housing chamber 80a provided for each connecting conductor 10 connected to each electrode terminal BCb of the electrode terminal group BCc. On the other hand, the module resin section 80 has a unit housing chamber 80b that houses the fuse unit 20 of each connecting conductor 10.

[0101] In the unit housing 80b, the wiring components 60 (wires) of each fuse unit 20 are routed towards the battery monitoring unit side. In each wiring component 60 (wire), the other end of the wire in the direction towards the battery monitoring unit side is connected to a connector 65. Figure 1 Each wiring component 60 (wire) is indirectly electrically connected to the battery monitoring unit via the connector 65.

[0102] In addition, when the wiring component 60 is made of flat wiring material, the wiring component 60 (flat wiring material) (not shown) is housed in the unit housing chamber 80b. The wiring component 60 has a conductor portion 61 that is connected to the second terminal fitting 50 of each fuse unit 20.

[0103] The module resin part 80 includes a first receiving component (hereinafter referred to as "first module receiving component") 80A and a second receiving component (hereinafter referred to as "second module receiving component", omitted from the figure) that are assembled and fixed to each other to form a plurality of conductor receiving chambers 80a and unit receiving chambers 80b inside. The first module receiving component 80A and the second module receiving component are molded from an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin.

[0104] The first module housing member 80A has a space for forming a plurality of conductor housing chambers 80a and unit housing chambers 80b at the assembly completion position with the second module housing member. Furthermore, the second module housing member is shaped as a cover member that covers the openings of each of these spaces.

[0105] As described above, in this embodiment, the fuse unit 20 and the conductive module 1 use the first holding portion 71a of the resin component 70 to hold the first width direction extension portion 41b of the first terminal accessory 40, and use the second holding portion 71b of the resin component 70 to hold the second width direction extension portion 51b of the second terminal accessory 50, thereby improving the bonding strength between the first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 50 and the resin component 70.

[0106] In addition, the fuse unit 20 and conductive module 1 of this embodiment can improve the bonding strength between the first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 50 and the resin component 70 with a simple structure by having the first width direction extension 41b and the second width direction extension 51b protrude outward from the ends of the first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 50 in the width direction Y.

[0107] Furthermore, the fuse unit 20 and conductive module 1 involved in this embodiment have a first receiving member 70A, which is formed to include a region from a first forming position of the first width direction extension 41b of the first terminal accessory 40 to a second forming position of the second width direction extension 51b of the second terminal accessory 50. Therefore, by fitting the first holding portion 71a into the first width direction extension 41b and the second holding portion 71b into the second width direction extension 51b, the fuse unit 20 and conductive module 1 involved in this embodiment can use the first receiving member 70A to hold the first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 50, and maintain the spacing between the first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 50.

[0108] In addition, in the fuse unit 20 and conductive module 1 involved in this embodiment, the resin component 70 has a covering resin portion 76 provided in such a way as to cover the sheet fuse 30 and contact the first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 50, thereby enabling the sheet fuse 30 to be properly protected by the covering resin portion 76.

[0109] Furthermore, the fuse unit and conductive module involved in this invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. The fuse unit 20 and conductive module 1 of this embodiment can also be configured by appropriately combining the constituent elements of the various embodiments and modifications described above.

[0110] For example, in the fuse unit 20 and conductive module 1 described in the above embodiments, all or part of the resin component 70 can also be formed by resin molding. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, the resin-covering portion 76 covering the chip fuse 30 can be formed by resin molding. Specifically, the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 can be assembled into the first receiving member 70A, and the component connecting the chip fuse 30 between the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 can be inserted and molded as an insert to form the resin-covering portion 76. Alternatively, the component connecting the chip fuse 30 between the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 can be inserted and molded as an insert to form the portion covering the resin-covering portion 76 and the first receiving member 70A. In this case, the resin-molded portion of the resin component 70 is formed between the first width direction extension portion 41b and the second width direction extension portion 51b, and has a first holding portion 71a and a second holding portion 71b. Therefore, even with such a fuse unit and conductive module, the bonding strength between the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 and the resin component 70 can be improved, similar to the fuse unit 20 and conductive module 1 described above.

[0111] Furthermore, in the fuse unit 20 and conductive module 1 described in the above embodiments, the first width-direction extension 41b and the second width-direction extension 51b protrude outward from the ends of the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 in the width direction Y. However, the first width-direction extension 41b and the second width-direction extension 51b may also be formed inside the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50. For example, as... Figure 8As shown, alternatively, the first terminal fitting 40 may have a first cutout recessed from its end in the connection direction X along the connection direction X, and a first width direction extension 41b extending in the width direction Y relative to the first cutout. The second terminal fitting 50 may have a second cutout recessed from its end in the connection direction X along the connection direction X, and a second width direction extension 51b extending in the width direction Y relative to the second cutout. For example, the first width direction extension 41b may be formed as a hook-shaped portion bending from its end in the width direction Y of the first terminal fitting 40 toward the center. Two first width direction extensions 41b may be formed, each disposed at one of the two ends of the first terminal fitting 40. The second width direction extension 51b may also be formed as a hook-shaped portion bending from its end in the width direction Y of the second terminal fitting 50 toward the center. Two second width direction extensions 51b may be formed, each disposed at one of the two ends of the second terminal fitting 50. The first receiving member 70A forms a first retaining portion 71a in a manner that fits into the first width-direction extension 41b, and a second retaining portion 71b forms in a manner that fits into the second width-direction extension 51b. Even with such a fuse unit and conductive module, the bonding strength between the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 and the resin member 70 can be improved in the same way as the fuse unit 20 and conductive module 1 described above.

Claims

1. A fuse unit, characterized in that, have: A chip fuse, the chip fuse having a first electrode and a second electrode, and a fusible part capable of melting due to overcurrent; The first terminal accessory is plate-shaped, connected to the object to be connected, and connected to the first electrode; The second terminal accessory is plate-shaped and connected to the second electrode; as well as A resin component that holds the first terminal accessory and the second terminal accessory together, maintaining the spacing between the first terminal accessory and the second terminal accessory. The first terminal accessory and the second terminal accessory each have a width-direction extension, which extends in a width direction intersecting the connection direction of the connected object. The resin component has a retaining portion that surrounds and retains the width-direction extension.

2. The fuse unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width-direction extension protrudes outward from the width-direction ends of the first terminal fitting and the second terminal fitting.

3. The fuse unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first terminal fitting forms a first cutout, which is recessed along the connection direction from the end connected to the first electrode. The second terminal fitting forms a second cutout, which is recessed along the connection direction from the end connected to the second electrode. The width-direction extension is formed to extend in the width direction relative to the first cutout and the second cutout in the first terminal fitting and the second terminal fitting.

4. The fuse unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The resin component includes a first receiving component, which is formed as a plate or block disposed along the connection direction. The first receiving member is formed to include a region from a first forming position in the first terminal fitting where the width-direction extension is formed to a second forming position in the second terminal fitting where the width-direction extension is formed, and is formed with a holding portion for holding the width-direction extension.

5. The fuse unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The resin component includes a covering resin portion that covers the chip fuse and is configured to contact the first terminal fitting and the second terminal fitting, and the covering resin portion is formed by curing a liquid or fluid.

6. A conductive module, characterized in that, have: A connecting conductor, said connecting conductor being electrically connected to the electrode terminals of the battery cells constituting the battery module; and A fuse unit that electrically connects the connecting conductor to a battery monitoring unit that monitors the battery status of the individual battery cells. The fuse unit includes: A chip fuse, the chip fuse having a first electrode and a second electrode, and a fusible part capable of melting due to overcurrent; The first terminal accessory is plate-shaped and is connected to the object to be connected and to the first electrode. The second terminal accessory is plate-shaped and connected to the second electrode; as well as A resin component that holds the first terminal accessory and the second terminal accessory together, maintaining the spacing between the first terminal accessory and the second terminal accessory. The first terminal accessory and the second terminal accessory each have a width-direction extension, which extends in a width direction intersecting the connection direction of the connected object. The resin component has a retaining portion that surrounds and retains the width-direction extension.

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