Circuit protection unit and conductive module

Abstract

The present application aims to provide a circuit protection unit and a conductive module capable of appropriately protecting a circuit protection component and a connecting portion of a pair of terminal fittings. A circuit protection unit (20) for a conductive module (1) is characterized by including: a circuit protection component (30); a first terminal fitting (40) that electrically connects a first electrical connection portion (41) to the circuit protection component (30); a second terminal fitting (50) that electrically connects a second electrical connection portion (51) to the circuit protection component (30); and a housing component (70) that is insulating and internally houses the first electrical connection portion (41), the second electrical connection portion (51), and the circuit protection component (30), the housing component (70) being configured to include: a bottom wall portion (71); a plurality of side wall portions (72) that are formed so as to protrude from the bottom wall portion (71) and are disposed at positions that surround the first electrical connection portion (41), the second electrical connection portion (51), and the circuit protection component (30) when viewed in a plate thickness direction (height direction Z); and a side wall opening portion (76) that is open toward a direction that intersects the plate thickness direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In a battery module composed of multiple battery cells, a conductive module uses multiple connecting conductors to electrically connect the multiple battery cells. Furthermore, this conductive module uses wiring components such as wires to electrically connect each connecting conductor to a battery monitoring unit that monitors the battery state 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 circuit protection unit (composed of a chip fuse, a pair of terminal fittings, and a resin portion) 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 circuit protection units, a frame-shaped resin section surrounds the connection between the circuit protection component and the pair of terminal fittings. This can be costly or lead to heat buildup inside the resin section. Therefore, there is room for further improvement in the structure of the circuit protection unit that protects the connection between the circuit protection component and the pair of terminal fittings.

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a circuit protection unit and a conductive module capable of properly protecting the connection portion of the circuit protection component and a pair of terminal fittings.

[0010] Technical means for solving problems

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the circuit protection unit of the present invention comprises: a circuit protection member that melts a 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 circuit protection member 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 circuit protection member and electrically connected to the second electrically connected object; and a receiving member, wherein the receiving portion... The component is insulating and houses the first electrical connection portion, the second electrical connection portion, and the circuit protection component disposed across the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion inside. The housing component includes: a bottom wall portion for placing the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion; a plurality of side wall portions protruding from the bottom wall portion along the thickness direction of the bottom wall portion and disposed in a position surrounding the first electrical connection portion, the second electrical connection portion, and the circuit protection component when viewed from the thickness direction; and a side wall opening portion that opens in a direction intersecting the thickness direction.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the conductive module of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a connecting conductor electrically connected to the electrode terminals of a battery cell constituting a battery module; and a circuit protection unit electrically connecting the connecting conductor to a battery monitoring unit for monitoring the battery state of the battery cell, the circuit protection unit comprising: a circuit protection component that melts a fusible portion when an overcurrent flows between the connecting conductor and the battery monitoring unit; a first terminal fitting having a first electrical connection portion electrically connected to a first electrode of the circuit protection component and electrically connected to the connecting conductor; a second terminal fitting having a second electrical connection portion electrically connected to a second electrode of the circuit protection component and electrically connected to the battery monitoring unit; and a wiring component present in the second terminal fitting. The wiring component is configured to include a conductor portion, one end of which is electrically connected to the second terminal accessory and the other end of which is electrically connected to the battery monitoring unit. The housing component is configured to include: a bottom wall portion on which the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion are mounted; a plurality of side wall portions protruding from the bottom wall portion along the thickness direction of the bottom wall portion and positioned to surround the first electrical connection portion, the second electrical connection portion and the circuit protection component when viewed from the thickness direction; and a side wall opening portion opening in a direction intersecting the thickness direction.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] The circuit protection unit and conductive module involved in this invention can effectively protect the connection between the circuit protection component and a pair of terminal accessories. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the circuit protection unit and conductive module of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the general structure of a battery module and the connecting conductors that electrically connect the electrode terminals of the battery cells constituting the battery module to each other.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the circuit protection unit according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4This is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic structure of the circuit protection unit of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a plan view illustrating the resin-coated portion provided in the circuit protection unit of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic structure of the circuit protection unit in the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the circuit protection unit in the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] 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 of the following embodiments include elements that can be easily substituted by those skilled in the art, or elements that are substantially the same.

[0023] [First Implementation Method]

[0024] Figure 1 The conductive module 1 shown is assembled into a battery module BM composed of multiple battery cells BC arranged in a specific order (see reference). Figure 2 By electrically connecting the battery module BM to a battery monitoring unit (not shown), the battery monitoring unit monitors the battery status of the individual battery cells BC. Furthermore, a battery pack consisting of such a conductive module 1 and the battery module BM is, for example, mounted in a vehicle with a rotating mechanism as a drive source (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle, HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle, etc.) to supply power to the rotating mechanism. Additionally, a circuit protection unit 20 (see reference 1) is suitable for such a conductive module 1. Figure 1 , Figure 3 The circuit protection unit 20 is configured to include: a circuit protection component 30 such as a fuse; a pair of terminal fittings (a first terminal fitting 40 and a second terminal fitting 50) electrically connected to the circuit protection component 30; and a receiving component 70 that houses the connection between the circuit protection component 30 and the pair of terminal fittings. The receiving component 70 protects the connection between the circuit protection component 30 and the pair of terminal fittings. Furthermore, the circuit protection unit 20 and the conductive module 1 of this embodiment achieve a structure that can appropriately protect the connection between the circuit protection component 30 and the pair of terminal fittings by providing a sidewall opening 76 in the receiving component 70. Hereinafter, reference will be made to... Figures 1-5 The structure of the circuit protection unit 20 and the conductive module 1 is described in detail.

[0025] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the battery cell BC in this embodiment is formed into a cuboid shape with six outer wall surfaces of the cell body BCa. Furthermore, the outer wall surfaces of the battery cell BC are arranged opposite each other, and the positive and negative electrode terminals BCb are disposed on one of the six outer wall surfaces of the cell body BCa. Therefore, in the battery module BM of this embodiment, along the arrangement direction of the battery cells BC, two electrode terminal groups BCc are disposed on a plane, and each electrode terminal group BCc is composed of multiple electrode terminals BCb arranged together.

[0026] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the electrode terminal BCb in this embodiment is formed in a flat plate shape. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the electrode terminal BCb is electrically connected to the connecting conductor 10 (described later) by joining it using laser welding or the like. Alternatively, the electrode terminal BCb can also be formed as a post shape with an external thread. In this case, the internal threaded component engages with the external thread of the electrode terminal BCb, threading the connecting conductor 10 to the electrode terminal BCb, thereby electrically connecting the electrode terminal BCb to the connecting conductor 10.

[0027] In addition, for ease of explanation, Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 The illustration of the resin-coated part 80 provided in the circuit protection unit 20 is omitted.

[0028] In the following description, the first direction among the intersecting first, second, and third directions is referred to as the "axial direction X", the second direction as the "width direction Y", and the third direction as the "height direction Z". Here, the axial direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z are orthogonal to each other. The axial direction X typically corresponds to the direction connecting 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, the extending direction of the bottom wall portion 71 of the housing member 70, etc. The width direction Y corresponds to the width direction of the first electrical connection portion 41, the width direction of the second electrical connection portion 51, the width direction of the bottom wall portion 71 of the housing member 70, etc. The height direction Z typically corresponds to the plate thickness direction of the first electrical connection portion 41, the plate thickness direction of the second electrical connection portion 51, the plate thickness direction of the bottom wall portion 71 of the housing member 70, etc.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the conductive module 1 includes: a connecting conductor 10 electrically connected to the electrode terminal BCb of the battery cell BC constituting the battery module BM; and a circuit protection unit 20 electrically connected to a battery monitoring unit (not shown) that monitors the battery state of the battery cell BC.

[0030] The connecting conductor 10 is a conductive component made of a conductive material such as metal. In this embodiment, the connecting conductor 10 is a plate-shaped conductive component made of metal, referred to as a busbar. For example, each part is integrally formed by stamping a metal plate into a shape corresponding to each part. Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the connecting conductor 10 is formed into a rectangular plate shape and is connected to the electrode terminals BCb of the adjacent battery cells BC, thereby electrically connecting the battery cells BC to each other.

[0031] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the circuit protection unit 20 includes: a circuit protection component 30 that melts a fusible portion when an overcurrent flows between a connecting conductor 10 (a first electrical connection object) and a battery monitoring unit (a second electrical connection object); a first terminal fitting 40 and a second terminal fitting 50 electrically connected to the circuit protection component 30; and a wiring component 60 located between the second terminal fitting 50 and the battery monitoring unit. Additionally, as... Figures 3-5 As shown, the circuit protection unit 20 further includes: a receiving member 70, which receives inside the first electrical connection portion 41 of the first terminal fitting 40, the second electrical connection portion 51 of the second terminal fitting 50, and the circuit protection member 30 disposed across the first electrical connection portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 51; and a resin coating portion 80, which fills inside the receiving member 70 and encapsulates the circuit protection member 30, the first electrical connection portion 41, and the second electrical connection portion 51.

[0032] The circuit protection component 30 is a component that breaks the circuit by melting itself when an overcurrent flows through it, thereby protecting the electrical equipment. In this embodiment, the circuit protection component 30 is a cuboid-shaped sheet fuse with a fusible portion, such as... Figures 3-5 As shown, the configuration includes: a first electrode 31, electrically connected to a first terminal accessory 40 disposed on the side of the connecting conductor 10; and a second electrode 32, electrically connected to a second terminal accessory 50 disposed on the side of the battery monitoring unit.

[0033] The first electrode 31 is an electrode disposed at one end of the circuit protection component 30 along the axial direction X, and the second electrode 32 is an electrode disposed at the other end of the circuit protection component 30 along the axial direction X, that is, the second electrode 32 is disposed on the opposite side of the first electrode 31 along the axial direction X. In the circuit protection component 30 of this embodiment, the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are arranged in a straight line along the axial direction X. The first electrode 31 is electrically connected to the first terminal accessory 40, and the second electrode 32 is electrically connected to the second terminal accessory 50, thereby enabling the first terminal accessory 40 and the second terminal accessory 50 to be connected in a straight line along the axial direction X.

[0034] Furthermore, as described above, the circuit protection component 30 can be configured as a chip fuse with a fusible portion, or as a patterned fuse formed by setting a wiring pattern with a fusible portion on a printed circuit board (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board).

[0035] The first terminal accessory 40 is a conductive component made of a conductive material such as metal. In this embodiment, the first terminal accessory 40 is a plate-shaped component made of metal, for example, formed integrally by stamping a metal plate into a shape corresponding to each part. Figures 3-5 As shown, the first terminal accessory 40 is configured to include a first electrical connection portion 41 electrically connected to the first electrode 31 of the circuit protection component 30 and a first electrical connection object connection portion electrically connected to the first electrical connection object. In this embodiment, the first electrical connection object connection portion is referred to as the conductor connection portion 42.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, the first electrical connection portion 41 is formed as a rectangular flat plate. Furthermore, the width (length in the width direction Y) of the first electrical connection portion 41 is set to a length that allows it to be inserted into the insertion hole 75 of the receiving member 70 (described later). In this embodiment, it is configured to be narrower than the width (length in the width direction Y) of the conductor connection portion 42, and equal to the width (length in the width direction Y) of the insertion hole 75. Therefore, the first electrical connection portion 41 can be positioned relative to the receiving member 70 by being inserted into the insertion hole 75 of the receiving member 70. Additionally, as... Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the first electrical connection part 41 is inserted into the insertion hole 75 of the receiving member 70. When the first electrode 31 of the circuit protection member 30 is placed on the surface while the receiving member 70 is being received, the first electrode 31 is joined by laser welding, brazing or the like, thereby electrically connecting the first electrical connection part 41 to the circuit protection member 30.

[0037] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the conductor connection portion 42 is formed as a rectangular flat plate. Therefore, the conductor connection portion 42 is placed on the connecting conductor 10 such that its planes overlap, and the connecting conductor 10 is joined by laser welding, ultrasonic bonding, or the like, thereby electrically connecting the conductor connection portion 42 to the connecting conductor 10, which is the first object of electrical connection. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, by providing the first electrical connection portion 41 and the conductor connection portion 42 adjacent to each other as described above, the first terminal accessory 40 is formed as a flat plate.

[0038] The second terminal accessory 50 is a conductive component made of a conductive material such as metal. In this embodiment, the second terminal accessory 50 is a component formed three-dimensionally from a sheet of metal, for example, by stamping a metal sheet into a shape corresponding to each part, thereby integrally forming each part. Figures 3-5 As shown, the second terminal accessory 50 is configured to include: a second electrical connection portion 51, which is electrically connected to the second electrode 32 of the circuit protection component 30; and a second electrical connection object connection portion, which is electrically connected to a second electrical connection object. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second electrical connection object connection portion will be referred to as the wiring connection portion 52.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the second electrical connection portion 51 is formed as a rectangular flat plate. Furthermore, the width (length in the width direction Y) of the second electrical connection portion 51 is set to a length that allows it to be inserted into the side wall opening 76 of the receiving member 70 (described later). In this embodiment, it is configured to be equal to the width (length in the width direction Y) of the side wall opening 76. Therefore, by inserting the second electrical connection portion 51 into the side wall opening 76 of the receiving member 70, it can be positioned relative to the receiving member 70. Additionally, as... Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, when the second electrical connection portion 51 is housed inside the housing member 70 and the second electrode 32 of the circuit protection member 30 is mounted on its surface, the second electrode 32 is joined by means of laser welding, brazing or the like, thereby electrically connecting the second electrical connection portion 51 to the circuit protection member 30.

[0040] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the wiring connection portion 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is electrically connected to the wiring component 60, which is a second electrical connection object, by crimping the conductor portion 61 of the wiring component 60 (described later). Additionally, as... Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, by arranging the second electrical connection portion 51 and the wiring connection portion 52 adjacent to each other, the second terminal accessory 50 can extend the wiring component 60 along the axial direction X, which is the direction in which the second electrical connection portion 51 and the wiring connection portion 52 extend, adjacent to each other. Furthermore, the shape of the wiring connection portion 52 can be as follows: Figure 3 It can be formed into a cylindrical shape as shown, or it can be composed of a pair of cylindrical plates.

[0041] like Figure 3As shown, the wiring component 60 is an insulated wire, comprising: a conductor portion 61 (core wire) that is conductive, one end of which is electrically connected to the second terminal accessory 50, and the other end of which is electrically connected to the battery monitoring unit; and an insulating sheath portion 62 that is insulating, the wiring component 60 using the insulating sheath portion 62 to cover the conductor portion 61. The conductor portion 61 referred to here consists of multiple conductive wires. Furthermore, the insulating sheath portion 62 is formed, for example, by extrusion molding of an insulating resin material (PP, PVC, cross-linked PE, etc., appropriately selected considering abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, heat resistance, etc.). Additionally, the conductor portion 61 may also be formed by twisting or bundling multiple wires 11a together.

[0042] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the wiring component 60 extends linearly along the axial direction X. The cross-sectional shape of the conductor portion 61 (the cross-sectional shape in the direction intersecting the extension direction of the wiring component 60, i.e., the axial direction X) is approximately circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the insulating sheath portion 62 is approximately annular. The wiring component 60 as a whole has an approximately circular cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, at at least one end of the wiring component 60, the insulating sheath portion 62 is stripped away, and the exposed conductor portion of the conductor portion 61 from the end of the insulating sheath portion 62 is pressed against the wiring connection portion 52 of the second terminal accessory 50, thereby electrically connecting the wiring connection portion 52 to one end of the conductor portion 61. 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.

[0043] The housing component 70 is formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin, and protects the connection portions between the circuit protection component 30 housed inside and a pair of terminal fittings (first terminal fitting 40 and second terminal fitting 50), specifically the portion where the first electrode 31 of the circuit protection component 30 connects to the first electrical connection portion 41 of the first terminal fitting 40, and the portion where the second electrode 32 of the circuit protection component 30 connects to the second electrical connection portion 51 of the second terminal fitting 50. Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the housing member 70 of this embodiment is configured to include: a bottom wall portion 71 and a plurality of side wall portions 72 that protrude from the bottom wall portion 71 in the height direction Z.

[0044] like Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the bottom wall portion 71 extends along the axial direction X and the width direction Y, and is a plate-shaped wall portion with the thickness direction Z in the height direction. In this embodiment, the bottom wall portion 71 is formed into a rectangular plate shape, and is provided with a mounting surface 71a for mounting 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. Therefore, by mounting the circuit protection member 30 on 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 mounted on the mounting surface 71a, the housing member 70 can place the portion where the first electrode 31 of the circuit protection member 30 is connected to the first electrical connection portion 41 of the first terminal accessory 40 and the portion where the second electrode 32 of the circuit protection member 30 is connected to the second electrical connection portion 51 of the second terminal accessory 50 on the bottom wall portion 71.

[0045] Sidewall portion 72 is a plate-shaped wall portion with the thickness direction along either the axial direction X or the width direction Y. For example... Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the sidewall portion 72 of this embodiment is composed of a pair of first sidewall portions 72a that protrude from both ends in the width direction Y of the bottom wall portion 71 and a second sidewall portion 72b that protrudes from one end in the axial direction X of the bottom wall portion 71 and connects the first sidewall portions 72a to each other.

[0046] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the pair of first sidewall portions 72a are plate-shaped wall portions extending along the axial direction X and the height direction Z, with the width direction Y being the thickness direction. In this embodiment, the first sidewall portions 72a are formed as rectangular flat plates. Furthermore, the pair of first sidewall portions 72a are formed such that their lengths along the axial direction X and the height direction Z are equal. Additionally, the pair of first sidewall portions 72a are formed such that the bottom wall portion 71 protrudes from its lower end in the height direction Z along the width direction Y. Furthermore, the pair of first sidewall portions 72a extend from one end in the axial direction X of the bottom wall portion 71 to the other end. Therefore, in this embodiment, the pair of first sidewall portions 72a are provided at the edge portion of the rectangular bottom wall portion 71, that is, when viewed from the height direction Z, they are positioned to surround the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the circuit protection member 30 placed on the bottom wall portion 71.

[0047] like Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the second sidewall portion 72b extends along the width direction Y and the height direction Z, and is a plate-shaped wall portion with the axial direction X as the plate thickness direction. In this embodiment, the second sidewall portion 72b is formed as a rectangular plate. Furthermore, the length of the second sidewall portion 72b along the height direction Z is equal to the length of the first sidewall portion 72a along the height direction Z. In addition, the second sidewall portion 72b extends from one end in the width direction Y of the bottom wall portion 71 to the other end. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the second sidewall portion 72b is provided at one of the two ends of the bottom wall portion 71 in the axial direction X, on the side where the first terminal fitting 40 is located. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second sidewall portion 72b, like the first sidewall portion 72a described above, is provided at the edge portion of the rectangular bottom wall portion 71, that is, when viewed from the height direction Z, it is provided at a position that surrounds the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the circuit protection member 30 placed on the bottom wall portion 71. In addition, as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, by forming the pair of first sidewall portions 72a and second sidewall portions 72b described above into one piece, the shape of the sidewall portion 72 viewed from the height direction Z is formed into a U-shape. Therefore, the housing member 70 of this embodiment can use the pair of first sidewall portions 72a and second sidewall portions 72b to surround the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the circuit protection member 30 placed on the bottom wall portion 71 from three directions (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0048] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the receiving member 70 is configured to include: a receiving space portion 73 serving as an internal space, a top surface opening portion 74 opening in the height direction Z, and an insertion hole 75 opening in the axial direction X. The receiving space portion 73 is formed by a bottom wall portion 71 and a pair of side wall portions 72. The top surface opening portion 74, also formed by the pair of side wall portions 72, is a portion sandwiched in the height direction Z by an end located on the side opposite to the side where the bottom wall portion 71 is located. The insertion hole 75 is located at the lower end of the second side wall portion 72b in the height direction Z, and is a hole for inserting the first electrical connection portion 41 of the first terminal fitting 40 into the interior of the receiving member 70. The insertion hole 75 is rectangular in shape, conforming to the cross-sectional shape of the first electrical connection portion 41 (the cross-sectional shape of the first electrical connection portion 41 in the direction intersecting the extending direction, i.e., the axial direction X), and is sized to allow the first electrical connection portion 41 to be inserted.

[0049] In addition, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the receiving member 70 is configured to include a sidewall opening 76 that opens in the axial direction X. The sidewall opening 76 is a portion formed by a bottom wall portion 71 and a pair of sidewall portions 72, and is a portion surrounded on three sides by the ends of the bottom wall portion 71 in the axial direction X and the ends of the pair of sidewall portions 72 in the axial direction X. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the sidewall opening 76 is provided at one of the two ends of the bottom wall portion 71 in the axial direction X, on the side where the second terminal accessory 50 is located, thus being positioned opposite the second sidewall portion 72b in the axial direction X. Therefore, the sidewall opening 76 in this embodiment, like the sidewall portion 72 described above, is provided at the edge of the rectangular bottom wall portion 71, that is, at a position that surrounds the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the circuit protection member 30 placed on the bottom wall portion 71 when viewed from the height direction Z. Therefore, the circuit protection unit 20 of this embodiment protects the connection between the circuit protection member 30 housed inside the housing member 70 and a pair of terminal fittings (first terminal fitting 40 and second terminal fitting 50) by providing sidewall portions 72 on three of the four sides of the bottom wall portion 71 of the rectangular housing member 70. Furthermore, by providing a sidewall opening 76 on the remaining side where the sidewall portions 72 are not provided, which connects the inner and outer sides of the housing member 70, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of heat generated in the connection between the circuit protection member 30 and the pair of terminal fittings on the inner side of the housing member 70.

[0050] Furthermore, the above description illustrates the case where the second sidewall portion 72b and the insertion hole 75 located below the second sidewall portion 72b are situated at the end of the bottom wall portion 71 on the side where the first terminal fitting 40 is located, but they may also be situated at the end of the bottom wall portion 71 on the side opposite to the first terminal fitting 40. In this case, the sidewall opening 76 may also be situated at the end of the bottom wall portion 71 on the side where the first terminal fitting 40 is located.

[0051] The resin-coated portion 80 suppresses the electrical current flow between the first electrical connection 41 and the second electrical connection 51 by enclosing the circuit protection member 30, the first electrical connection 41, and the second electrical connection 51. Furthermore, by being fixed to the bottom wall portion 71 of the receiving member 70, the resin-coated portion 80 can also function as a fixing member that secures the first electrical connection 41, the second electrical connection 51, and the circuit protection member 30 to the inside of the receiving member 70. The resin-coated portion 80 is, for example, a cured product obtained by curing a liquid resin material (so-called potting material) dripped in a manner that encloses the circuit protection member 30, the first electrical connection 41, and the second electrical connection 51. It should be noted that, as the resin material forming the resin-coated portion 80, it is preferable to use a resin material with a viscosity that allows it to remain inside the receiving member 70 from the time it is filled until it cures.

[0052] It should be noted that the sidewall opening 76 described above is positioned opposite the insertion hole 75 in the axial direction X. Therefore, it can function as an insertion port for inserting the second electrical connection portion 51 of the second terminal accessory 50 into the interior of the housing member 70, or as a heat vent to suppress heat accumulation inside the housing member 70 at the connection between the circuit protection member 30 and the pair of terminal accessories (first terminal accessory 40 and second terminal accessory 50). In addition, it can also function as a supply hole for supplying liquid resin material into the interior of the housing member 70, and an exhaust port for releasing gas inside the housing member 70 to the outside of the housing member 70 when liquid resin material is supplied into the interior of the housing member 70. Therefore, by providing the sidewall opening 76 on the side of the housing member 70, the circuit protection unit 20 of this embodiment can improve manufacturing freedom compared to conventional circuit protection units, and can protect the connection between the circuit protection member 30 and the pair of terminal accessories in a more appropriate state.

[0053] In addition, the conductive module 1 described above, besides connecting the conductor 10 and the circuit protection unit 20, also includes an insulating housing component (hereinafter referred to as the "module housing component") 90 (see reference 1). Figure 1 ).like Figure 1As shown, the module housing component 90 is configured to include: a housing chamber (hereinafter referred to as the "conductor housing chamber") 90a for housing the connecting conductor 10 and a housing chamber (hereinafter referred to as the "unit housing chamber") 90b for housing the circuit protection unit 20. The conductor housing chamber 90a is provided for each connecting conductor 10 connected to a plurality of electrode terminals BCb constituting the electrode terminal group BCc. Furthermore, when the wiring component 60 of the circuit protection unit 20 is made of wire, the wires provided for each circuit protection unit 20 are wound and routed toward the battery monitoring unit side in the unit housing chamber 90b. The end of the wiring component 60 that is wound toward the battery monitoring unit side is connected to the connector CN. Therefore, the wiring component 60 is electrically connected to the battery monitoring unit via the connector CN. Additionally, when the wiring component 60 is a flat wiring material, the unit housing chamber 90b contains a flat wiring material having conductor portions (not shown) that are respectively connected to the second terminal fittings 50 of the plurality of circuit protection units 20.

[0054] Additionally, the module housing component 90 includes a first housing component (hereinafter referred to as the "first module housing component") 90A (see reference) that is assembled and fixed to each other and forms a plurality of conductor housing chambers 90a and unit housing chambers 90b on its inner side. Figure 1 The first module housing 90A and the second module housing (hereinafter referred to as the "second module housing") are respectively formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. Furthermore, the first module housing 90A is provided with a space portion for forming a plurality of conductor housing chambers 90a and unit housing chambers 90b at the assembly position with the second module housing. The second module housing is formed as a cover member that covers the openings of each space portion.

[0055] The conductive module 1 described above includes: a connecting conductor 10 electrically connected to the electrode terminal BCb of the battery cell BC constituting the battery module BM; and a circuit protection unit 20 electrically connected to a battery monitoring unit that monitors the battery state of the battery cell BC. Additionally, the circuit protection unit 20 includes: a circuit protection component 30 that melts a fusible portion when an overcurrent flows between the connecting conductor 10 and the battery monitoring unit; a first terminal fitting 40 having a first electrical connection portion 41 electrically connected to a first electrode 31 of the circuit protection component 30 and electrically connected to the connecting conductor; a second terminal fitting 50 having a second electrical connection portion 51 electrically connected to a second electrode 32 of the circuit protection component 30 and electrically connected to the battery monitoring unit; a wiring component 60 existing between the second terminal fitting 50 and the battery monitoring unit; and a receiving component 70 having insulation and internally receiving the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the circuit protection component 30 disposed across the first electrical connection portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 51. The wiring component 60 is configured to include a conductor portion 61, one end of which is electrically connected to the second terminal fitting 50 and the other end of which is electrically connected to the battery monitoring unit. In addition, the housing component 70 is configured to include: a bottom wall portion 71 on which the first electrical connection portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 51 are mounted; a plurality of side wall portions 72 which are formed by protruding from the bottom wall portion 71 along the thickness direction (height direction Z) of the bottom wall portion 71 and are positioned to surround the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51 and the circuit protection component 30 when viewed from the height direction Z; and a side wall opening portion 76 which opens in a direction intersecting the height direction Z.

[0056] With this structure, the circuit protection unit 20 and the conductive module 1, by providing sidewall openings 76 in the housing member 70 that open in a direction different from the thickness direction (height direction Z) of the bottom wall portion 71, can save material in the housing member compared to conventional circuit protection units where the housing member, formed as a frame, surrounds the connection portion of the circuit protection unit and the pair of terminal fittings from four directions. Furthermore, the circuit protection unit 20 and the conductive module 1 can dissipate heat generated at the connection portion between the circuit protection unit 30 and the pair of terminal fittings (first terminal fitting 40 and second terminal fitting 50) via the sidewall openings 76, thus suppressing heat accumulation inside the housing member 70. Therefore, the circuit protection unit 20 and the conductive module 1 of this embodiment can appropriately protect the connection portion of the circuit protection unit 30 and the pair of terminal fittings.

[0057] Furthermore, the sidewall opening 76 described above opens in the axial direction X connecting the first electrical connection 41 and the second electrical connection 51. With this structure, the circuit protection unit 20 and the conductive module 1 can function as insertion ports for inserting the ends of the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 into the housing member 70. Compared to conventional circuit protection units where the housing member is formed in a frame shape and surrounds the connection portion of the circuit protection unit and the pair of terminal fittings from four directions, the material of the housing member 70 can be further reduced. Additionally, the circuit protection unit 20 and the conductive module 1 can more efficiently dissipate heat generated at the connection portion between the circuit protection unit 30 and the pair of terminal fittings (first terminal fitting 40 and second terminal fitting 50) via the sidewall opening 76, thus further suppressing heat accumulation inside the housing member 70. Therefore, the circuit protection unit 20 and the conductive module 1 of this embodiment can appropriately protect the connection portion between the circuit protection unit 30 and the pair of terminal fittings.

[0058] Furthermore, the sidewall portion 72 described above is composed of a pair of first sidewall portions 72a protruding from both ends in the width direction Y of the bottom wall portion 71 and a second sidewall portion 72b protruding from one end in the axial direction X of the bottom wall portion 71 and connecting the first sidewall portions 72a to each other. The sidewall opening portion 76 is provided in the axial direction X at a position opposite to the second sidewall portion 72b. According to this structure, the circuit protection unit 20 and the conductive module 1 can make the sidewall opening portion 76 function as an insertion port for inserting the ends of the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 50 toward the interior of the receiving member 70. Furthermore, the circuit protection unit 20 and the conductive module 1 surround the connection portion of the circuit protection component 30 and the pair of terminal fittings (first terminal fitting 40 and second terminal fitting 50) from three directions using three walls: a pair of first sidewall portions 72a and a second sidewall portion 72b. This further reduces the material consumption of the housing component 70 compared to conventional circuit protection units where a frame-shaped housing component surrounds the connection portion of the circuit protection component and the pair of terminal fittings from four directions. Additionally, the circuit protection unit 20 and the conductive module 1 can more efficiently dissipate heat generated at the connection portion between the circuit protection component 30 and the pair of terminal fittings via the sidewall openings 76, thus further suppressing heat accumulation inside the housing component 70. Therefore, the circuit protection unit 20 and the conductive module 1 of this embodiment can adequately protect the connection portion between the circuit protection component 30 and the pair of terminal fittings.

[0059] Furthermore, the circuit protection unit 20 described above also includes a resin coating portion 80, which is insulating and fills the inside of the housing member 70, enclosing the circuit protection member 30, the first electrical connection portion 41, and the second electrical connection portion 51. With this structure, the circuit protection unit 20 and the conductive module 1 can use the resin coating portion 80 to suppress the current flow between the first electrical connection portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 51, or to fix the first electrical connection portion 41, the second electrical connection portion 51, and the circuit protection member 30 inside the housing member 70. Therefore, the circuit protection unit 20 and the conductive module 1 of this embodiment can appropriately protect the connection portion of the circuit protection member 30 and the pair of terminal fittings.

[0060] [Second Implementation]

[0061] Next, regarding Figure 6 The circuit protection unit 20A and conductive module 1A of the second embodiment shown will be described. The circuit protection unit 20A and conductive module 1A differ from the circuit protection unit 20 and conductive module 1 described above in that their structure is provided in the side wall opening 76 of the receiving member 70A. It should be noted that in the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the constituent elements equivalent to those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0062] Specifically, the circuit protection unit 20A applicable to the conductive module 1A differs from the circuit protection unit 20 in that the side wall portion 72 constituting the receiving member 70A is composed only of a pair of first side wall portions 72a protruding from both ends of the bottom wall portion 71 in the width direction Y, and a pair of side wall opening portions 76 are provided in the axial direction X.

[0063] like Figure 6 As shown, the pair of first sidewall portions 72a are plate-shaped wall portions extending along the axial direction X and the height direction Z, with the width direction Y being the thickness direction. In this embodiment, the pair of first sidewall portions 72a are formed as rectangular flat plates. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, a pair of first sidewall portions 72a are provided at both ends of the bottom wall portion 71 in the width direction Y, and thus are provided on two of the four sides of the bottom wall portion 71 of the rectangular receiving member 70.

[0064] Furthermore, the side wall opening 76 is a portion formed by the bottom wall portion 71 and a pair of side wall portions 72, and is a portion surrounded in three directions by the end of the bottom wall portion 71 in the axial direction X and the end of the pair of side wall portions 72 in the axial direction X. Additionally, as... Figure 6As shown, the sidewall openings 76 are provided at both ends of the bottom wall portion 71 in the axial direction X, and are therefore provided on the remaining two sides of the bottom wall portion 71 of the rectangular housing member 70 where the first sidewall portion 72a is not provided. Therefore, according to this structure, the circuit protection unit 20A and the conductive module 1A, by providing a pair of sidewall openings 76 in the housing member 70A that open in the axial direction X intersecting the thickness direction (height direction Z) of the bottom wall portion 71, can further save material in the housing member compared to the conventional circuit protection unit, the circuit protection unit 20 described above, which is a frame-shaped housing member that surrounds the connection portion of the circuit protection unit and the pair of terminal fittings from four directions. Furthermore, the circuit protection unit 20A and the conductive module 1A can dissipate heat generated at the connection portion between the circuit protection unit 30 and the pair of terminal fittings (first terminal fitting 40 and second terminal fitting 50) via the pair of sidewall openings 76, thus further suppressing heat accumulation inside the housing member 70A. Therefore, the circuit protection unit 20A and conductive module 1A of this embodiment, like the circuit protection unit 20 and conductive module 1 described above, can appropriately protect the connection portion of the circuit protection component 30 and the pair of terminal fittings.

[0065] [Third Implementation Method]

[0066] Next, regarding Figure 7 The circuit protection unit 20B and conductive module 1B of the third embodiment shown will be described. The circuit protection unit 20B and conductive module 1B differ from the circuit protection units 20, 20A and conductive modules 1, 1A described above in terms of their structure provided in the side wall opening 76B of the receiving member 70B. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same constituent elements as in the first and second embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0067] Specifically, the circuit protection unit 20B applicable to the conductive module 1B differs from the circuit protection units 20 and 20A in that the side wall opening 76B is formed by cutting off a portion of one of the multiple side wall portions 72.

[0068] like Figure 7 As shown, the sidewall portion 72 is composed of a pair of first sidewall portions 72a that protrude from both ends in the width direction Y of the bottom wall portion 71 and a pair of second sidewall portions 72b that protrude from both ends in the axial direction X of the bottom wall portion 71 and connect the first sidewall portions 72a to each other.

[0069] like Figure 7As shown, the pair of first sidewall portions 72a are plate-shaped wall portions extending along the axial direction X and the height direction Z, with the width direction Y being the thickness direction. In this embodiment, the first sidewall portions 72a are formed into rectangular flat plates. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, a pair of first sidewall portions 72a are provided at both ends of the bottom wall portion 71 in the width direction Y, and thus are provided on two of the four sides of the bottom wall portion 71 of the rectangular receiving member 70.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, the pair of second sidewall portions 72b are plate-shaped wall portions extending along the width direction Y and the height direction Z, with the axial direction X as the plate thickness direction. In this embodiment, the second sidewall portions 72b are formed into rectangular flat plates. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, a pair of second sidewall portions 72b are provided at both ends of the bottom wall portion 71 in the axial direction X, and are therefore provided on two of the four sides of the bottom wall portion 71 of the rectangular receiving member 70.

[0071] Furthermore, the side wall opening 76B is formed by dividing the bottom wall portion 71 and the end face of the cut side wall portion 72. Additionally, as... Figure 7 As shown, the sidewall opening 76B is formed by cutting away a portion of the first sidewall portion 72a, thus opening towards the thickness direction (width direction Y) of the first sidewall portion 72a. Therefore, with this structure, the circuit protection unit 20B and the conductive module 1B, by providing the sidewall opening 76B in the housing member 70B that opens towards the width direction Y, intersecting the thickness direction (height direction Z) of the bottom wall portion 71, can save material in the housing member compared to conventional circuit protection units where a frame-shaped housing member surrounds the connection portion of the circuit protection unit and the pair of terminal fittings from four directions. Furthermore, the circuit protection unit 20B and the conductive module 1B can dissipate heat generated at the connection portion between the circuit protection unit 30 and the pair of terminal fittings (first terminal fitting 40 and second terminal fitting 50) via the sidewall opening 76B formed by the notch, thus further suppressing heat accumulation inside the housing member 70A. Therefore, the circuit protection unit 20B and conductive module 1B of this embodiment, like the circuit protection units 20, 20A and conductive modules 1, 1A described above, can appropriately protect the connection portion of the circuit protection component 30 and the pair of terminal fittings.

[0072] Furthermore, the circuit protection units 20, 20A, 20B and conductive modules 1, 1A, 1B of the embodiments of the present invention described above are not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

[0073] For example, the shape and position of the sidewall openings 76 and 76B are not particularly limited. Furthermore, the width (length in the axial direction X or width direction Y) and height (length in the height direction Z) of the sidewall openings 76 and 76B are not particularly limited. The sidewall openings can be provided at the ends in the width direction Y of the four sides of the rectangular bottom wall portion 71, or they can be formed by cutting away a portion of the second sidewall portion 72b. Additionally, the sidewall openings can be equal in height to the first sidewall portion 72a and the second sidewall portion 72b, or they can be lower than the heights of the first sidewall portion 72a and the second sidewall portion 72b. Furthermore, the sidewall openings can also be simple through holes provided in the sidewall portion 72.

[0074] Furthermore, there is no particular limitation on the number of side wall openings. Multiple side wall openings may also be provided in the side wall portion 72.

[0075] Alternatively, the housing components 70, 70A, and 70B can also be integrally formed with the first module housing component 90A.

[0076] In addition, the housing components 70, 70A, and 70B can be assembled into a pair of terminal accessories (first terminal accessory 40 and second terminal accessory 50), or can be molded into inserts relative to a pair of terminal accessories, etc.

[0077] Alternatively, the resin-coated part 80 may not be provided on the inner side of the housing parts 70, 70A, and 70B.

[0078] In addition, circuit protection units 20, 20A, and 20B can also be applied to electrical connection boxes, for example. Circuit protection units 20, 20A, and 20B can be installed at any location on the circuit.

[0079] In addition, the circuit protection units 20, 20A, 20B and the conductive modules 1, 1A, 1B of this embodiment can also be configured by appropriately combining the constituent elements of the embodiments described above.

[0080] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0081] 1. Conductive modules 1A and 1B

[0082] 10 Connecting conductors

[0083] 20, 20A, 20B Circuit Protection Units

[0084] 30 Circuit protection components

[0085] 40 First terminal accessories

[0086] 41 First Electrical Connection

[0087] 50 Second terminal accessories

[0088] 51 Second Electrical Connection Part

[0089] 60 Wiring components

[0090] 61 Conductor section

[0091] 70, 70A, 70B containment components

[0092] 71 bottom wall

[0093] 72 Side wall portion

[0094] 72a First sidewall portion

[0095] 72b Second sidewall portion

[0096] 76, 76B Side wall openings

[0097] 80 Coated Resin Section

[0098] BC battery cell

[0099] BCb electrode terminals

[0100] BM battery module

[0101] X-axis direction

[0102] Y-axis width direction

[0103] Z-axis (thickness direction)

Claims

1. A circuit protection unit, characterized in that, have: A circuit protection component that causes the fusible part to melt 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 circuit protection component and is electrically connected to the first electrical connection object. The second terminal accessory has a second electrical connection portion that is electrically connected to the second electrode of the circuit protection component and electrically connected to the second electrical connection object; and A receiving component, the receiving component being insulating, and housing the first electrical connection portion, the second electrical connection portion, and the circuit protection component disposed across the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion inside. The housing component includes: The bottom wall portion, wherein the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion are mounted on the bottom wall portion; Multiple sidewall portions, which protrude from the bottom wall portion along the thickness direction of the bottom wall portion, are positioned to surround the first electrical connection portion, the second electrical connection portion, and the circuit protection component when viewed from the thickness direction; and The side wall opening faces a direction that intersects with the thickness direction of the plate.

2. The circuit protection unit according to claim 1, wherein, The side wall opening faces the axis that connects the first electrical connection and the second electrical connection.

3. The circuit protection unit according to claim 2, wherein, The sidewall portion is composed of a second sidewall portion and a pair of first sidewall portions. A pair of first sidewall portions protrude from both ends of the bottom wall portion in the width direction intersecting the axial direction. The second sidewall portion protrudes from one end of the bottom wall portion along the axial direction and connects the first sidewall portions to each other. The side wall opening is located at a position opposite to the second side wall portion in the axial direction.

4. The circuit protection unit according to claim 2, wherein, The sidewall portion is composed of a pair of first sidewall portions, which protrude from both ends of the bottom wall portion in the width direction intersecting the axial direction. The sidewall openings are provided in a pair along the axial direction.

5. The circuit protection unit according to claim 1, wherein, The sidewall opening is formed by cutting away a portion of one of the plurality of sidewall portions.

6. The circuit protection unit according to claim 1, wherein, The circuit protection unit also includes a resin-coated portion. The resin coating is insulating and fills the inside of the housing component, enclosing the circuit protection component, the first electrical connection portion, and the second electrical connection portion.

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 circuit protection unit electrically connects the connecting conductor to a battery monitoring unit that monitors the battery status of the individual battery cells. The circuit protection unit includes: A circuit protection component that melts a fusible part when an overcurrent flows between the connecting conductor and the battery monitoring unit; The first terminal accessory has a first electrical connection portion that is electrically connected to the first electrode of the circuit protection component and is electrically connected to the connecting conductor; The second terminal accessory has a second electrical connection portion that is electrically connected to the second electrode of the circuit protection component and is electrically connected to the battery monitoring unit; Wiring components, wherein the wiring components are located between the second terminal fitting and the battery monitoring unit; and A housing component, which is insulating and houses the first electrical connection portion, the second electrical connection portion, and the circuit protection component disposed across the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion inside. The wiring component is configured to include a conductor portion, one end of which is electrically connected to the second terminal accessory, and the other end of which is electrically connected to the battery monitoring unit. The housing component is configured to include: The bottom wall portion, wherein the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion are mounted on the bottom wall portion; Multiple sidewall portions, each protruding from the bottom wall portion along the thickness direction of the bottom wall portion, are positioned to surround the first electrical connection portion, the second electrical connection portion, and the circuit protection component when viewed from the thickness direction; and The side wall opening faces a direction that intersects with the thickness direction of the plate.

Images