Fuse unit and conductive module

Abstract

The present application aims to provide a fuse unit and a conductive module capable of ensuring a proper connection state with respect to a first electric connection object and a second electric connection object. The fuse unit (20) includes: a chip fuse (30); a first terminal fitting (40) having a first electric connection portion (41) electrically connected to a first electrode (31) of the chip fuse (30) and electrically connected to a connection conductor (10) (first connection object); a second terminal fitting (50) having a second electric connection portion (51) electrically connected to a second electrode (32) of the chip fuse (30) and electrically connected to a battery monitoring unit (100) (second connection object); and a stretchable shape portion (90) provided to at least one of the first terminal fitting (40) and the second terminal fitting (50) and capable of stretching and contracting the at least one in a direction (X) of arrangement of the first terminal fitting (40) and the second terminal fitting (50).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In a battery module composed of multiple battery cells arranged in a series, a conductive module uses multiple connecting conductors to electrically connect the multiple battery cells. Furthermore, this conductive module uses wiring materials 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 connecting conductor and a conductor portion of wiring material is provided for each connecting conductor, and sometimes circuit protection components such as fuses are present between the connecting conductor and the conductor portion of wiring material in each combination. For example, Patent Document 2 below discloses a fuse unit (a fuse unit composed 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 technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in conventional fuse units, there is room for further improvement, for example, in ensuring a proper connection state between the conductor portion of the connecting conductor and the wiring material, i.e., the first electrical connection object and the second electrical connection object.

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a fuse unit and a conductive module capable of ensuring an appropriate connection state relative to a first electrically connected object and a second electrically connected object.

[0010] Technical means for solving problems

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the fuse unit of the present invention comprises: a blade fuse that melts its fusible portion when an overcurrent flows between a first electrically connected object and a second electrically connected object; a first terminal fitting having a first electrical connection portion electrically connected to a first electrode of the blade fuse and electrically connected to the first electrically connected object; a second terminal fitting having a second electrical connection portion electrically connected to a second electrode of the blade fuse and electrically connected to the second electrically connected object; and a retractable shape portion disposed in at least one of the first terminal fitting and the second terminal fitting, capable of extending or retracting along the arrangement direction of the first terminal fitting and the second terminal fitting.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] The fuse unit and conductive module of the present invention have the effect of ensuring an appropriate connection state relative to the first electrical connection object and the second electrical connection object. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is an exemplary perspective view of a conductive module that applies the fuse unit described in the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is an exemplary perspective view of the battery module and connecting conductors involved in the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an exemplary perspective view of the fuse unit involved in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is an exemplary exploded perspective view of the fuse unit involved in the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an exemplary exploded perspective view of the fuse unit involved in the embodiment, from the perspective of... Figure 4 Images viewed from different angles.

[0019] Figure 6 This is an exemplary perspective view of the fuse unit involved in the first variation.

[0020] Figure 7 This is an illustrative perspective view of the fuse unit involved in the first variation, which is derived from... Figure 6 Images viewed from different angles.

[0021] Figure 8 This is an exemplary perspective view of the fuse unit involved in the second variation.

[0022] Figure 9This is an illustrative exploded perspective view of the fuse unit involved in the second variation.

[0023] Figure 10 This is an illustrative exploded perspective view of the fuse unit involved in the second variation, which is derived from the... Figure 9 Images viewed from different angles.

[0024] Figure 11 This is an exemplary side view of the fuse unit involved in the second variation.

[0025] Figure 12 This is an exemplary side view of the fuse unit involved in the third variation. Detailed Implementation

[0026] 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 of 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.

[0027] Furthermore, the same constituent elements are included in the embodiments and variations disclosed below. Therefore, these same constituent elements will be given common symbols below, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. In addition, in this specification, ordinal numbers are used only to distinguish elements, parts, locations, positions, directions, etc., and do not indicate order or priority.

[0028] [Example]

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the conductive module 1 that uses the fuse unit 20 described in the embodiment. Figure 1 The conductive module 1 shown in this embodiment is, for example, assembled into a system with multiple battery cells BC arranged in a row (see reference). Figure 2 The conductive module 1 is a module that electrically connects the battery module BM to multiple battery cells BC within the battery module BM. Furthermore, the conductive module 1 electrically connects the battery module BM to a battery monitoring unit 100, thereby enabling the battery monitoring unit 100 to monitor the battery status of the battery cells BC. The conductive module 1 and the 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. Furthermore, in... Figure 1 For ease of explanation, the illustration of the battery monitoring unit 100's main body is omitted; only the wiring material 60 of the battery monitoring unit 100 is shown.

[0030] Furthermore, in the following description, the first direction among the intersecting first, second, and third directions will be referred to as the "arrangement direction X", the second direction as the "width direction Y", and the third direction as the "height direction Z". Here, the arrangement direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z are approximately orthogonal to each other. The arrangement direction X typically corresponds to the short side direction of the conductive module 1, the long side direction of the fuse unit 20, and the first terminal fitting 40 of the fuse unit 20 (described later). Figure 3 The orientation of the second terminal fitting 50, etc. The width direction Y typically corresponds to the long side direction of the conductive module 1, the width direction of the fuse unit 20, etc. The height direction Z typically corresponds to the height direction (vertical direction) of the conductive module 1 and the fuse unit 20, etc. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, all directions used in the following description refer to the orientation of the fuse unit 20 when it is assembled with the conductive module 1.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the battery module BM and the connecting conductor 10. Each battery cell BC, for example, 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 (width direction Y). The battery module BM has another electrode terminal group BCc formed by arranging one electrode terminal BCb of each 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 each of the multiple battery cells BC along the arrangement direction.

[0032] A single battery cell BC is formed, for example, into a cuboid shape with a cell body BCa having six outer wall faces. Furthermore, in a plurality of battery cells BC, adjacent cell bodies BCa in the arrangement direction are arranged such that one outer wall face faces each other. For example, in a single battery cell BC, the positive and negative electrode terminals BCb are separately disposed on one or two of the six outer wall faces of the cell body BCa. In this example, each battery cell BC has its positive and negative electrode terminals BCb disposed on one of the six outer wall faces of the cell body BCa. Therefore, in the battery module BM, two electrode terminal groups BCc are disposed on a single plane.

[0033] The electrode terminal BCb can be formed into a flat plate shape, allowing the connecting conductor 10 (described later) to be directly electrically connected via 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 an internal threaded component into the external thread of the electrode terminal BCb.

[0034] The conductive module 1, for example, includes a connecting conductor 10 that is directly electrically connected to the electrode terminals BCb of the battery cell BC constituting the battery module BM. The connecting conductor 10 is formed from a conductive material such as metal. The 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.

[0035] In the conductive module 1, the connecting conductor 10 is configured, for example, to include: 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 as the overall negative electrode; and a connecting conductor that is directly electrically connected to the electrode terminal BCb of the battery module BM as the overall positive electrode.

[0036] Additionally, 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 100. The fuse unit 20, for example, indirectly electrically connects the connecting conductor 10 and the battery monitoring unit 100, and cuts off the power supply when an overcurrent flows through it. The fuse unit 20 is for each connecting conductor 10 (see reference 10). Figure 1 And set.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of fuse unit 20. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of fuse unit 20. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of fuse unit 20, from the perspective of... Figure 4 Images viewed from different angles. For example... Figures 3-5 As shown, the fuse unit 20 includes, for example, 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 the fusible part when an overcurrent flows between the aforementioned connecting conductor 10 and the battery monitoring unit 100. The blade fuse 30 is configured, for example, to include a first electrode 31, a second electrode 32, and a fusible part disposed between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32. The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are separately disposed at one end and the other end in the arrangement direction X of the blade fuse 30 and are arranged in a straight line.

[0038] 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 having a fusible portion 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 disposed at one end of the chip fuse 30 in the arrangement direction X, and a second electrode 32 is disposed at the other end of the chip fuse 30 in the arrangement direction X.

[0039] The first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 50 are directly electrically connected to the chip fuse 30. The first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 50 are formed from conductive materials such as metal. Here, the first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 50 are, for example, plate-shaped, formed by stamping from a metal plate.

[0040] The first terminal accessory 40, for example, has a first electrical connection portion 41 that is directly electrically connected to the first electrode 31 of the chip fuse 30. With one of the four circumferentially arranged outer wall surfaces of the first electrode 31 placed on the first electrical connection portion 41, 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 planar surface for placing the outer wall surface of the first electrode 31. For example, the first electrical connection portion 41 is formed as a narrow, flat portion with a transverse width in the width direction Y that is narrower than the conductor connection portion 42, and the outer wall surface of the first electrode 31 is placed on this narrow portion. This narrow portion of the first electrical connection portion 41 becomes a contact portion 41a with the first electrode 31, and this contact portion 41a is directly electrically connected to the first electrode 31.

[0041] The conductor connection portion 42 is electrically connected to the connecting conductor 10, for example, directly or indirectly. The conductor connection portion 42 is located at the end opposite to the first electrical connection portion 41 in the arrangement direction X. The conductor connection portion 42 is formed in a flat plate shape and is directly electrically connected to the connecting conductor 10 by laser welding, ultrasonic bonding, or the like, with its planes overlapping relative to the connecting conductor 10. The conductor connection portion 42 shown here is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape. The connecting conductor 10 is an example of a first electrical connection object connected to the first terminal fitting 40. The first terminal fitting 40 is, for example, formed as a flat plate shape such that the first electrical connection portion 41 and the conductor connection portion 42 are adjacent to each other.

[0042] The second terminal accessory 50, for example, has a second electrical connection portion 51 that is directly electrically connected to the second electrode 32 of the chip fuse 30. With one of the four circumferentially arranged outer wall surfaces of the second electrode 32 mounted on the second electrical connection portion 51, 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 planar surface on which the outer wall surface of the second electrode 32 is mounted. Alternatively, the second electrical connection portion 51 can be formed as a convex flat plate, with the outer wall surface of the second electrode 32 mounted in a narrow convex portion. This narrow portion of the second electrical connection portion 51 becomes a contact portion 51a with the second electrode 32, and this contact portion 51a is directly electrically connected to the second electrode 32.

[0043] Additionally, the second terminal accessory 50 has a connector 52 that is directly electrically connected to the wiring material 60 of the battery monitoring unit 100. The connector 52 is located at an end opposite to the second electrical connection portion 51 in the arrangement direction X. The battery monitoring unit 100 has a wiring material 60 between the second terminal accessory 50 and the unit body, through which the second terminal accessory 50 is indirectly electrically connected to the unit body of the battery monitoring unit 100.

[0044] The wiring material 60, for example, has 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 100. Furthermore, the conductor portion 61 of the wiring material 60 is covered by an electrically insulating insulating sheath 62. The wiring material 60 shown here refers to a linear conductor having a conductor portion 61 formed in a linear shape. Specifically, the wiring material 60 is an electrical wire in which the core wire, which serves as the conductor portion 61, is covered by an electrically insulating insulating sheath 62, and the joining portion 52 is joined to one end of the conductor portion 61 at the end of the wiring material 60.

[0045] The joining portion 52, for example, joins with the conductor portion 61 exposed from the insulation covering portion 62 at one end of the wiring material 60. In this case, the joining portion 52 is configured, for example, as a crimping portion that clamps and fixes one end of the conductor portion 61. Note that the joining portion 52 is not limited to this example, and, for example, the joining portion 52 can be joined to the conductor portion 61 of the wiring component 60 by laser welding, ultrasonic bonding, crimping, brazing, etc. Alternatively, for example, regarding the wiring material 60, wiring material with its end covered by the insulation covering portion 62 to one end of the conductor portion 61 can also be used. In this case, as the joining portion 52, it can also be configured as a pair of crimping blades that form a cut in the insulation covering portion 62 at the end of the wiring material 60 to clamp one end of the conductor portion 61 (the core wire at the end of the wire).

[0046] In this embodiment, the battery monitoring unit 100 is an example of a second electrical connection object connected to the second terminal accessory 50. The second terminal accessory 50 is arranged in a straight line with the first terminal accessory 40 spaced apart from each other along the arrangement direction X. In addition, the second terminal accessory 50, for example, has a second electrical connection portion 51 and a connecting portion 52 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction X. The connecting portion 52 leads out the wiring material 60 towards one end side in the arrangement direction X.

[0047] Furthermore, the wiring material 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, a conductor portion 61 corresponding to each of the second terminal fittings 50 in the plurality of fuse units 20 is formed in the wiring material 60, and one end of the conductor portion 61 is provided at the end of the branch portion that branches off from the main body corresponding to each second terminal fitting 50. This end of the conductor portion 61 is directly electrically connected to the joint portion 52, for example, by laser welding or brazing.

[0048] Here, in the fuse unit 20, the first electrical connection portion 41 of the first terminal accessory 40 and the second electrical connection portion 51 of the second terminal accessory 50 are arranged on the same plane at a predetermined interval along the arrangement direction X. This predetermined interval refers to the interval between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 in the chip fuse 30 (in other words, the inter-electrode spacing). Therefore, the first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 50 are arranged such that the interval between the first electrical connection portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 51 matches the inter-electrode spacing between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32. Furthermore, the chip fuse 30 is provided across the first electrical connection portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 51. Here, the first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 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 inter-electrode spacing between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32.

[0049] The resin component 70 protects the blade fuse 30, for example, by covering the area around it. The resin component 70 is made of an electrically insulating resin material, for example, and houses the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the blade fuse 30. Specifically, 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 blade fuse 30.

[0050] The resin component 70, for example, has multiple receiving components that are assembled and fixed together to form a receiving chamber 70a on the inside. Specifically, the resin component 70 has a first receiving component 70A and a second receiving component 70B as multiple receiving components, which sandwich the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the chip fuse 30 between each other and are housed in the receiving chamber 70a. The first receiving component 70A and the second receiving component 70B are molded, for example, from an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin. The first receiving component 70A and the second receiving component 70B are molded as separate components from the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the chip fuse 30, and are housed in the receiving chamber 70a by surrounding the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the chip fuse 30.

[0051] The first receiving member 70A is configured, for example, to include a mounting surface 71 on which a first electrical connection portion 41 and a second electrical connection portion 51 are placed. A chip fuse 30 is mounted on the first electrical connection portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 51 mounted on the mounting surface 71. Here, the first receiving member 70A is formed, for example, as a base member that holds 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.

[0052] The second receiving member 70B is, for example, formed as a cover member that covers the first electrical connection 41, the second electrical connection 51, and the chip fuse 30 in the assembled position relative to the first receiving member 70A, which serves as a base member. The second receiving member 70B has a cover portion 72, which is disposed opposite to the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving member 70A in the assembled position, sandwiching the first electrical connection 41, the second electrical connection 51, and the chip fuse 30 in between. The cover portion 72 shown here is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate and is disposed parallel to the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving member 70A in the assembled position.

[0053] Furthermore, the second receiving member 70B has a pair of first sidewall portions 73, which are provided vertically from the cover portion 72 in the height direction Z and are arranged at intervals from each other in the arrangement direction X opposite to the first electrical connection portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 51. The first sidewall portion 73 shown here is formed in the shape of a rectangular 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 notch 73a is formed at the edge of the end of one of the first sidewall portions 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 notch 73b is formed at the edge of the end of the other first sidewall portion 73, which allows the engagement portion 52 of the second electrical connection portion 51 to extend out of the receiving chamber 70a.

[0054] Furthermore, the second receiving member 70B has a pair of second sidewall portions 74, which are disposed vertically from the cover portion 72 along the height direction Z and are arranged opposite each other at intervals along the width direction Y. The second sidewall portions 74 shown here are formed in a rectangular flat plate shape, and in the assembled position, the edge of one end abuts against the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving member 70A. The second receiving member 70B has an internal space surrounded by the cover portion 72, the pair of first sidewall portions 73, and the pair of second sidewall portions 74. In the resin member 70, when the first receiving member 70A and the second receiving member 70B are in the assembled position, the opening of the internal space of the second receiving member 70B is closed by the first receiving member 70A, forming a receiving chamber 70a.

[0055] Furthermore, the resin component 70, for example, in the assembled position, fixes the edges of the ends of the pair of first sidewall portions 73 and the edges of the ends of the pair of second sidewall portions 74 to the mounting surface 71 of the first receiving component 70A by means of heat fusion or the like. Additionally, 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 a shape that eliminates gaps between them in the assembled position. Thus, the fuse unit 20 can prevent liquids, dust, etc., from entering the receiving chamber 70a, thereby suppressing quality degradation, durability reduction, etc., caused by the intrusion of such liquids, etc.

[0056] In this embodiment, at least one of the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 is provided with a retractable shape portion 90 that allows it to extend and retract along the arrangement direction X. Specifically, in this embodiment, the retractable shape portion 90 is provided on the side of the second terminal fitting 50, which has a joint portion 52 for engaging with the wiring material 60. The retractable shape portion 90 is configured, for example, to include a pair of slits 91, which are provided in the middle portion between the second electrical connection portion 51 and the joint portion 52 in the second terminal fitting 50. The pair of slits 91 are spaced apart from each other along the arrangement direction X, penetrate the second terminal fitting 50 along the height direction Z, and extend along the width direction Y. In this embodiment, one of the pair of slits 91 is provided at one end of the second terminal fitting 50 in the width direction Y, and extends from that end toward the other end in the width direction Y. The other of the pair of slits 91 is provided at the other end of the second terminal fitting 50 in the width direction Y, and extends from that other end toward the first end in the width direction Y. That is, a pair of slits 91 open in opposite directions along the width direction Y.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pair of slits 91 are provided in the second terminal fitting 50 at a position exposed to the outside of the resin component 70. That is, the pair of slits 91 are located at a position that does not overlap with the resin component 70 in the height direction Z but is offset in the arrangement direction X. The pair of slits 91 function, for example, as a deformable allowable part (expandable shape part 90) that allows the second terminal fitting 50 to deform and expand in the arrangement direction X. As a result, the tolerance in the arrangement direction X between the connecting conductor 10 connected to the first terminal fitting 40 and the wiring material 60 of the battery monitoring unit 100 connected to the second terminal fitting 50 can be absorbed. In addition, the pair of slits 91 are provided between the joint 52 and the chip fuse 30. As a result, when the joint 52 and the wiring material 60 are fixed by the aforementioned clamping, the pair of slits 91 can suppress the transmission of the impact generated during the clamping to the chip fuse 30 by allowing the second terminal fitting 50 to expand and contract in the arrangement direction X. Furthermore, when a pair of slits 91 are joined, for example, in the case where the joint 52 and the wiring material 60 are joined by the aforementioned laser welding, ultrasonic bonding, crimping, etc., the second terminal fitting 50 can be extended or retracted along the arrangement direction X, thereby also suppressing the heat transfer generated during the joint to the chip fuse 30.

[0058] In addition, in this embodiment, the case in which the joint 52 and the wiring material 60 are joined by clamping or the like after the blade fuse 30 is installed on the second terminal accessory 50 and the first terminal accessory 40 is illustrated is illustrated, but it is not limited to this example. For example, the blade fuse 30 may be installed on the second terminal accessory 50 and the first terminal accessory 40 after the joint 52 and the wiring material 60 are joined by clamping or the like.

[0059] In the fuse unit 20 of this embodiment having the above-described structure, for example, a first electrical connection portion 41 and a second electrical connection portion 51 are provided on the mounting surface 71 of the first housing member 70A. Furthermore, the contact portion 41a of the first electrode 31 and the first electrical connection portion 41 is connected by laser welding, brazing, or the like, and the contact portion 51a of the second electrode 32 and the second electrical connection portion 51 is connected by laser welding, brazing, or the like.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first receiving member 70A becomes a base member in the fuse unit 20, 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, the fuse unit 20 allows a laser irradiator and a soldering iron to approach the contact portion 41a of the first electrode 31 and the first electrical connection portion 41 from multiple directions, and to approach the contact portion 51a of the second electrode 32 and the second electrical connection portion 51. Thus, 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 soldering can be performed between them using a soldering iron from all directions. Therefore, the fuse unit 20 increases the manufacturing freedom when the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the chip fuse 30 are directly electrically connected.

[0061] Next, in the fuse unit 20 of this embodiment, a second receiving member 70B is covered on the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the chip fuse 30. The first receiving member 70A and the second receiving member 70B are fixed in their assembled positions by heat sealing or the like. Thus, the chip fuse 30, the first terminal accessory 40, the second terminal accessory 50, the resin component 70, etc., can be assembled to manufacture the fuse unit 20.

[0062] In addition, Figure 1 In this embodiment, the conductive module 1 includes an electrically insulating module resin section 80 that houses the connecting conductor 10 and the fuse unit 20. The module resin section 80 is provided with a conductor housing chamber 80a for housing the connecting conductor 10 and a unit housing chamber 80b for housing the fuse unit 20. 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 centrally houses the fuse unit 20 of each of the aforementioned connecting conductors 10.

[0063] In the unit housing 80b, the wiring material 60 of each fuse unit 20 is wound and routed to the unit body side of the battery monitoring unit 100. The other end of the winding wire in each wiring material 60 to the unit body side of the battery monitoring unit 100 is connected to a connector 65. Furthermore, each wiring material 60 is indirectly electrically connected to the unit body of the battery monitoring unit 100 via the connector 65.

[0064] The modular resin section 80 includes a first module housing member 80A and a second module housing member (not shown) that are assembled and fixed together to form multiple conductor housing chambers 80a and unit housing chambers 80b inside. Both the first module housing member 80A and the second module housing member are molded from an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin. The first module housing member 80A has a space for forming the multiple conductor housing chambers 80a and unit housing chambers 80b. The second module housing member is molded as a cover member that covers the openings of each space.

[0065] As described above, the fuse unit 20 and conductive module 1 of this embodiment include a retractable shape portion 90, which is provided in at least one of the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50, allowing the at least one to extend and retract along the arrangement direction X of the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50. According to this structure, the fuse unit 20 and conductive module 1 can, for example, absorb the tolerance along the arrangement direction X between the wiring material 60 connecting the conductor 10 (the first connection object) and the battery monitoring unit 100 (the second connection object) through the extension and retraction of the retractable shape portion 90. As a result, the fuse unit 20 and conductive module 1 can ensure a proper connection state between the conductor 10 and the battery monitoring unit 100 relative to the wiring material 60.

[0066] Furthermore, in the fuse unit 20 of this embodiment, the second terminal fitting 50 has a joint portion 52 that engages with the wiring material 60 of the battery monitoring unit 100. A telescopic shape portion 90 is provided on the second terminal fitting 50 and is configured to include a slit 91 extending in the width direction Y, which intersects the arrangement direction X. With this structure, the fuse unit 20 can, for example, use the slit 91 to extend and retract the second terminal fitting 50 in the arrangement direction X, thereby suppressing the transmission of impacts, heat, etc., generated when the joint portion 52 engages with the wiring material 60 to the solder portion of the chip fuse 30.

[0067] Furthermore, the fuse unit 20 of this embodiment includes an insulating resin component 70 covering a blade fuse 30 disposed across the first electrical connection portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 51, and a retractable shape portion 90 is disposed on the outside of the resin component 70. With this structure, the fuse unit 20 can, for example, separate the retractable shape portion 90 from the blade fuse 30, thereby suppressing the reduction in rigidity and strength of the second electrical connection portion 51 and the portion near the blade fuse 30 in the second terminal accessory 50, which is at least one of the first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 50.

[0068] [First Variation]

[0069] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the fuse unit 20A involved in the first modified example. Figure 7This is a 3D view of fuse unit 20A, from the perspective of... Figure 6 Images viewed from different angles. Figure 6 , Figure 7 The fuse unit 20A shown has the same structure as the fuse unit 20 of the above embodiment. Therefore, the fuse unit 20A can achieve the same function and effect as the above embodiment based on the same structure.

[0070] However, in this variant example, as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the retractable shape portion 90 is configured to include a bent portion 92, which is provided on the second terminal fitting 50 and bends along the height direction Z, unlike the embodiment described above. The bent portion 92 is, for example, provided in the middle portion between the second electrical connection portion 51 and the engagement portion 52 in the second terminal fitting 50, and bends in a state protruding towards one end side (upper side) in the height direction Z. The bent portion 92 has, for example, a generally U-shaped cross-sectional shape that opens towards the other end side (lower side) in the height direction Z, and is provided between one end and the other end of the second terminal fitting 50 in the width direction Y. The bent portion 92 is also referred to, for example, as a folded-back bend that bends the middle portion of the second terminal fitting 50 in a folded-back manner along the height direction Z, or a corrugated shape portion that bends in a corrugated (wavy) shape. The bent portion 92 functions, for example, as a deformable permissible portion (retractable shape portion 90) that allows the second terminal fitting 50 to deform and extend along the arrangement direction X.

[0071] Furthermore, in this modified example, the resin component 70 without the cover plate fuse 30 (see reference) is not provided. Figure 3 This also differs from the embodiments described above. For example, the chip fuse 30 is mounted on the conductive module 1 within the fuse unit 20 (see...). Figure 1 In this state, it is protected by the second module receiving member (cover) of the module resin part 80. In addition, in this modified example, a bent portion 92 is provided on the second terminal fitting 50, but it is not limited to this example. For example, multiple bent portions 92 may be provided on the second terminal fitting 50 at intervals along the arrangement direction X.

[0072] As described above, in the fuse unit 20A of this modified example, the second terminal fitting 50 has a joint portion 52 that engages with the wiring material 60 of the battery monitoring unit 100. A telescopic shape portion 90 is provided on the second terminal fitting 50, configured to include a bent portion 92 that bends along the height direction Z, which intersects the arrangement direction X. According to this structure, the fuse unit 20A can, for example, extend and retract the second terminal fitting 50 along the arrangement direction X via the bent portion 92, thereby suppressing the transfer of impacts, heat, etc., generated when the joint portion 52 engages with the wiring material 60 to the solder portion of the chip fuse 30.

[0073] [Second variation]

[0074] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the fuse unit 20B involved in the second modification. Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of fuse unit 20B. Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of fuse unit 20B, showing its relationship with... Figure 9 Images viewed from different angles, Figure 11 This is a side view of fuse unit 20B. Figures 8-11 The fuse unit 20B shown has the same configuration as the fuse unit 20 of the above embodiment. Therefore, the fuse unit 20B can achieve the same function and effect as the above embodiment based on the same configuration.

[0075] However, in this variant example, as Figures 8-11 As shown, the retractable shape portion 90 is configured to include a pair of slits 93 respectively disposed on the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 and extending along the width direction Y, which differs from the embodiment described above. The pair of slits 93 are, for example, disposed near the first electrical connection portion 41 in the first terminal fitting 40 and near the second electrical connection portion 51 in the second terminal fitting 50. The pair of slits 93 are spaced apart from each other along the arrangement direction X, penetrate the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 along the height direction Z, and extend along the width direction Y.

[0076] In this modified example, one of the pair of slits 93 is located at one end of the second terminal fitting 50 in the width direction Y, extending from that end toward the other end in the width direction Y. The other of the pair of slits 93 is located at the other end of the first terminal fitting 40 in the width direction Y, extending from that other end toward the end in the width direction Y. That is, the pair of slits 93 open in opposite directions along the width direction Y. The pair of slits 93 function, for example, as deformable portions (extendable shape portions 90) that allow for deformation and expansion of the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 respectively in the arrangement direction X.

[0077] Furthermore, in this modified example, a pair of slits 93 are provided at positions in the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 that overlap with the inner side of the resin component 70. That is, the pair of slits 93 are located at positions that overlap with the resin component 70 along the height direction Z. Moreover, in this modified example, for example, an electrically insulating coated resin portion 76 is provided inside the resin component 70, which encloses the chip fuse 30, the first electrical connection portion 41, and the second electrical connection portion 51 (see reference). Figure 11 ).

[0078] The resin-coated portion 76, for example, suppresses the energization between the first electrical connection 41 and the second electrical connection 51 by enclosing the chip fuse 30, the first electrical connection 41, and the second electrical connection 51. The resin-coated portion 76, for example, can suppress short circuits in the receiving chamber 70a caused by condensation, even if condensation occurs in the receiving chamber 70a of the resin component 70. Furthermore, the resin-coated portion 76 functions, for example, as a fixing component that secures the first electrical connection 41, the second electrical connection 51, and the chip fuse 30 relative to the first receiving member 70A and the second receiving member 70B within the receiving chamber 70a.

[0079] The resin-coated portion 76 is, for example, a cured material that fills the receiving chamber 70a and encapsulates the chip fuse 30, the first electrical connection portion 41, and the second electrical connection portion 51. In this case, for example, a supply hole (not shown) for supplying liquid resin material to the inside (receiving chamber 70a) of the first receiving member 70A and the second receiving member 70B in the assembled position is provided in either the first receiving member 70A or the second receiving member 70B. Here, if there is no gap between the first receiving member 70A and the second receiving member 70B in the assembled position, that is, 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 in the receiving chamber 70a to the outside when liquid resin material is supplied.

[0080] Then, liquid resin material is supplied and filled into the inner side (reception chamber 70a) of the first receiving member 70A and the second receiving member 70B at the assembled position through the supply hole, and the resin material is cured to form a resin-coated portion 76. At this time, a portion of the resin material is supplied to a pair of slits 93, which are filled with resin material. Furthermore, in cases where there is a gap between the first receiving member 70A and the second receiving member 70B at the assembled position (the airtightness of the reception chamber 70a is low) or where there is a concern that the liquid resin material may flow out of the reception chamber 70a, such as when the supply hole or vent hole must be provided, for example, at the other end side (lower side) in the height direction Z, it is preferable to use a liquid resin material with a viscosity that can be fixedly placed in the reception chamber 70a until it cures to form the resin-coated portion 76.

[0081] As described above, in the fuse unit 20B of this modified example, the telescopic shape portion 90 is configured to include a pair of slits 93, which are respectively provided on the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50, and extend along the width direction Y. According to this structure, the fuse unit 20B, for example, allows the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 to extend and retract along the arrangement direction X via the pair of slits 93. Furthermore, for example, the slits 93 provided on the second terminal fitting 50 side can suppress the transmission of impacts, heat, etc., generated when the joint 52 is joined with the wiring material 60 to the solder portion of the chip fuse 30.

[0082] Furthermore, in the fuse unit 20B of this modified example, the expandable portion 90 is provided inside the resin component 70. According to this structure, the fuse unit 20B can, for example, absorb the displacement of the inter-terminal distance between the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 caused by thermal deformation of the resin component 70 (deformation caused by the difference in linear expansion rates). Additionally, for example, by filling the pair of slits 93 of the expandable portion 90 with the resin-coating portion 76 of the resin component 70, the displacement of the inter-terminal distance between the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 can be further absorbed.

[0083] Figure 12 This is a side view of the fuse unit 20C involved in the third variation. Figure 12 The fuse unit 20C shown has the same structure as the fuse unit 20 of the above embodiment. Therefore, the fuse unit 20C can achieve the same function and effect as the above embodiment based on the same structure.

[0084] However, in this variant example, as Figure 12 As shown, the resin component 70 is composed only of a resin-coated portion 76, which differs from the above embodiment. That is, in this modified example, the resin component 70 does not have a shell-shaped first receiving component 70A and a second receiving component 70B, but instead covers the area around the chip fuse 30, the first electrical connection portion 41, and the second electrical connection portion 51 by the resin-coated portion 76.

[0085] The resin coating portion 76 is, for example, a cured liquid resin material (so-called potting material) supplied by dripping or other means to encapsulate the chip fuse 30, the first electrical connection portion 41, and the second electrical connection portion 51. In this case, firstly, the liquid potting material is supplied to the chip fuse 30, the first electrical connection portion 41, and the second electrical connection portion 51. Then, depending on the properties of the potting material, the potting material is irradiated with ultraviolet light or heated to form the resin coating portion 76, which is formed by curing the potting material. Since the resin coating portion 76 undergoes such a manufacturing process, in order to prevent the liquid potting material from flowing out of the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 before curing, it is preferable to use a liquid potting material with a viscosity that allows it to stand on the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 until it cures.

[0086] In the case of UV-curable potting materials, it is necessary to bring the UV irradiator close to the liquid potting material. In this modified example, the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 become base components, and there are no walls or other parts that cover the periphery of the supplied liquid potting material. Therefore, in the fuse unit 20C, the UV irradiator can be brought close to the liquid potting material from multiple directions on the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50, and UV light can be irradiated onto the liquid potting material from all directions. Therefore, the fuse unit 20C can improve the manufacturing freedom when forming the resin-coated portion 76.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and variations, examples illustrate cases where the retractable shape portion 90 is provided on the side of the second terminal accessory 50 or separately on the second terminal accessory 50 and the first terminal accessory 40. However, this is not a limitation; for example, the retractable shape portion 90 may only be provided on the side of the first terminal accessory 40. Additionally, the resin-coated portion 76 covering the sheet fuse 30 can be formed using resin molding. Specifically, the first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 50 may be assembled into the first receiving member 70A, with the sheet fuse 30 connected between the first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 50. This assembly may be used as an insert and molded to form the resin-coated portion 76. Alternatively, an assembly formed by connecting the sheet fuse 30 between the first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 50 may be used as an insert and molded to form the portion of the resin-coated portion 76 and the first receiving member 70A.

[0088] 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.

[0089] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0090] 1. Conductive module

[0091] 10 Connecting conductor (first electrical connection object)

[0092] 20, 20A~20C Fuse Units

[0093] 30-blade fuse

[0094] 31 First Electrode

[0095] 32 Second electrode

[0096] 40 First terminal accessories

[0097] 41 First Electrical Connection

[0098] 50 Second terminal accessories

[0099] 51 Second Electrical Connection Part

[0100] 52 Joint

[0101] 60. Cabling materials

[0102] 70 Resin Components

[0103] 90 Stretchable Shape Part

[0104] 91 Slit

[0105] 92. Bend

[0106] 93 Slit

[0107] 100 Battery monitoring unit (second electrical connection object)

[0108] BM battery module

[0109] BC battery cell

[0110] BCb electrode terminals

[0111] X Alignment Direction

[0112] Y-width direction

[0113] Z-axis

Claims

1. A fuse unit, characterized in that, have: A chip fuse that melts its fusible portion when an overcurrent flows between a first electrically connected object and a second electrically connected object. The first terminal accessory has a first electrical connection portion that is electrically connected to the first electrode of the chip fuse, and is electrically connected to the object to which the first electrical connection is made. The second terminal accessory has a second electrical connection portion that is electrically connected to the second electrode of the chip fuse, and is electrically connected to the object to be electrically connected. as well as A retractable shape portion is disposed in at least one of the first terminal accessory and the second terminal accessory, and the at least one of them is capable of extending and retracting along the arrangement direction of the first terminal accessory and the second terminal accessory.

2. The fuse unit according to claim 1, wherein, The second terminal accessory has a joint that engages with the wiring material of the second electrical connection object. The retractable shape portion is disposed on the second terminal accessory and is configured to include a slit extending in a width direction intersecting the arrangement direction.

3. The fuse unit according to claim 1, wherein, The second terminal accessory has a joint that engages with the wiring material of the second electrical connection object. The retractable shape portion is disposed on the second terminal accessory and is configured to include a curved portion that bends along a height direction that intersects the arrangement direction.

4. The fuse unit according to claim 1, wherein, The retractable shape portion is configured to include a pair of slits, which are respectively disposed on the first terminal accessory and the second terminal accessory, and extend along a width direction intersecting the arrangement direction.

5. The fuse unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fuse unit has an insulating resin component that covers the chip fuse disposed across the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion. The stretchable shape portion is disposed on the outside of the resin component.

6. The fuse unit according to claim 1 or 4, wherein, The fuse unit has an insulating resin component that covers the chip fuse disposed across the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion. The stretchable shape portion is disposed on the inner side of the resin component.

7. A conductive module, characterized in that, have: A connecting conductor, wherein the connecting conductor is 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 that melts its fusible portion when an overcurrent flows between the connecting conductor and the battery monitoring unit; The first terminal fitting has a first electrical connection portion that is electrically connected to the first electrode of the chip fuse and is electrically connected to the connecting conductor; The second terminal fitting has a second electrical connection portion that is electrically connected to the second electrode of the chip fuse and electrically connected to the battery monitoring unit; and A retractable shape portion is disposed in at least one of the first terminal accessory and the second terminal accessory, and the at least one of them is capable of extending and retracting along the arrangement direction of the first terminal accessory and the second terminal accessory.

Images