CONNECTION STRUCTURE AND ARRANGEMENT

The connection structure with a movable conductor and biasing mechanism addresses contact pressure inconsistencies in battery pack connections, ensuring reliable electrical connectivity by adjusting to manufacturing tolerances and reducing fastening pressures.

DE102025100237A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-07-10YAZAKI CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102025100237
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-01-10
Filing Date
2025-01-07
Publication Date
2025-07-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing connection structures between battery packs and devices, such as high-voltage junction boxes, fail to ensure consistent contact pressure due to manufacturing tolerances and fastening errors, leading to potential electrical connectivity issues.

Method used

A connection structure featuring a movable third conductor and a biasing portion, such as a coil spring, that ensures contact pressure by allowing the conductor to adjust position and absorb manufacturing tolerances, using a first bolt and a fitting portion to facilitate secure electrical connection.

Benefits of technology

The solution effectively maintains consistent contact pressure between conductors, ensuring reliable electrical connectivity despite manufacturing variations, reducing the need for excessive fastening forces and component costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A connection structure according to an embodiment comprises: a first conductor having a first bus bar, the first bus bar having a first contacted surface and including a first bolt protruding from the first contacted surface; a second conductor provided at a position remote from the first conductor; a third conductor configured to be brought into contact with the first contacted surface and the first bolt, the third conductor being movable with respect to the first conductor and the second conductor in a moving direction intersecting the first contacted surface; and a biasing portion capable of biasing the third conductor toward the first contacted surface and capable of relaying conduction between the second conductor and the third conductor.
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Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the InventionEmbodiments of the present invention relate to a connection structure and an arrangement.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ARTIt is generally known that a battery pack as a power source is connected to a device. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2018-144524 discloses a battery module connected to a fuse-contactor unit of an electric vehicle.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn the arrangement disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2018-144524, a power supply side male terminal provided in a battery module is directly attached to and disconnected from each of a plurality of power reception side female terminals connected to a fuse-contactor unit. However, with such a connection structure with terminals, the contact pressure between conductors of both units cannot be ensured in some cases.An embodiment of the present invention provides a connection structure and an arrangement that easily ensure the contact pressure of a conductor.A connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first conductor having a first bus bar, the first bus bar having a first contacted surface and including a first bolt protruding from the first contacted surface; a second conductor provided at a position away from the first conductor; a third conductor configured to be contacted with the first contacted surface and the first bolt, the third conductor being movable with respect to the first conductor and the second conductor in a moving direction intersecting the first contacted surface; and a biasing portion capable of biasing the third conductor toward the first contacted surface and capable of relaying a line between the second conductor and the third conductor.According to the connection structure and the arrangement of one embodiment of the present invention, it is easy to ensure the contact pressure of a conductor.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIG. 1 is a front view of a pre-fastening assembly according to each embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion II in FIG. 1 of the view before fastening according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly before fastening according to the first embodiment, taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a third conductor and a housing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly after mounting according to the first embodiment, taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a current path in the arrangement after mounting according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly before fastening according to a modification of the first embodiment, taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a third conductor and a housing according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a pre-fastening assembly according to a second embodiment taken along line III-III of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly after mounting according to the second embodiment, taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a front view of a pre-fastening assembly according to a modification of each embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION< Embodiment>Hereinafter, a connection structure and an arrangement according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.(Structure of Arrangement)As illustrated in FIG. 1, an assembly 9 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of connection structures 1, a device 91, a battery pack 92, and a fixing device 93. the device 91 and the battery pack 92 are fixed by the fixing device 93, thereby unitizing the assembly 9. For example, the arrangement 9 may be mounted on a mobility unit such as an electric vehicle.(Apparatus)The device 91 receives and transmits power from and to the battery pack 92, for example, the device 91 may be a high-voltage device such as a high-voltage junction box (JIB)), an on-board charger (OBC)), or a DC-DC converter. The device 91 has a second installation surface 94 on a side facing the battery pack 92. The device 91 has a main surface 95 on the side opposite to the side facing the battery pack 92.Hereinafter, a direction parallel to the direction in which the second installation surface 94 faces will be referred to as a Z direction. Hereinafter, the Z direction is also referred to as a "moving direction". Further, directions intersecting each other in a plane facing the Z direction are referred to as an X direction and a Y direction. For example, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be directions orthogonal to each other. For example, the Z direction may be the "vertical direction.". For example, the second installation surface 94 may be a downward facing plane. For example, the main surface 95 may be an upward direction. For example, the second installation surface 94 and the main surface 95 may be planes parallel to each other.Each of the second installation surface 94 and the main surface 95 is an insulating surface made of an insulator material. For example, each of the second installation surface 94 and the main surface 95 may be an insulating housing, a partially insulating cover, or the like.The jig 91 has flanges 96 protruding on both sides in the X direction. The flange 96 has a plurality of through holes 96 hextending in the Z direction. The jig 91 and the battery pack 92 are fastened together by the fastening jig 93 inserted into each through hole 96 h.(Structure of Battery Pack)The battery pack 92 includes a plurality of battery cells. The battery pack 92 has a first installation surface 97 on a side facing the device 91. The first installation surface 97 faces the second installation surface 94. For example, the first installation surface 97 may be an upward facing plane.The battery pack 92 has a screw hole 92 hin the first installation surface 97. The fastening jig 93 inserted into the through hole 96 his tightened in the screw hole 92 h.The first installation surface 97 is an insulating surface made of an insulator material. For example, the first installation surface 97 may be an insulating housing, a partially insulating cover, or the like.(Structure of Connection Structure)The plurality of connection structures 1 are structures for electrically connecting the device 91 and the battery pack 92 The plurality of connection structures 1 are provided side by side in the X direction. Each connection structure 1 is provided between the second installation surface 94 and the first installation surface 97.As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, each connection structure 1 includes a device conductor 2 (second conductor), a battery conductor 3 (first conductor), a third conductor 4, a biasing portion 5, and a case 6.(Structure of Battery Conductor)The battery conductor 3 is electrically connected to an electrode included in the battery pack 92. The battery conductor 3 includes a battery bus bar 31 (first bus bar).(Structure of Battery Bus Bar)The battery bus bar 31 extends in the Y direction to immediately below the third conductor 4 while being in contact with the first installation surface 97.The battery bus bar 31 has a first contacted surface 32 on a side facing the third conductor 4. The first contacted surface 32 is a flat surface.The battery bus bar 31 includes a first bolt 33. the first bolt 33 protrudes in the Z direction from the first contacted surface 32 toward the third conductor 4. For example, the first bolt 33 may have a columnar shape.For example, the battery bus bar 31 may have a constant thickness. For example, each of the battery bus bars 31 may be an integral flat plate having a pair of plate surfaces facing the Z direction and extending in the Y direction. The battery bus bar 31 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.(Structure of Device Conductor)The device conductor 2 is electrically connected to the device 91. The device conductor 2 includes a device bus bar 21 (second bus bar). The device conductor 2 is provided at a position away from the battery conductor 3.(Structure of Device Bus Bar)The device bus bar 21 is electrically connected to an electrode included in the device 91. For example, the device bus bar 21 may extend in the Y direction while being in contact with the second installation surface 94, and may be in contact with an upper surface of the housing 6 at the extension end. For example, the device bus bar 21 may have a constant thickness. For example, the device bus bar 21 may be an integral flat plate having a pair of plate surfaces facing the Z direction and extending in the Y direction. The device bus bar 21 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.(Structure of Housing)The housing 6 accommodates the biasing portion 5. The housing 6 has an inner peripheral surface 61 extending in the Z direction. For example, the housing 6 may have a cylindrical shape.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the housing 6 may include a plurality of grooves 62 recessed radially outward of the housing 6 from the inner circumferential surface 61. For example, the housing 6 may be formed of a conductive material such as metal, and may be electrically connected to a lower surface of the device bus bar 21 at the upper end of the housing 6. For example, the plurality of grooves 62 may be disposed at four positions on both sides in the X direction and both sides in the Y direction on the inner peripheral surface 61.(Structure of Third Conductor)The third conductor 4 may come into contact with the first contact surface 32 to be electrically connected to the first contact surface 32. The third conductor 4 may come into contact with the first bolt 33 to be electrically connected to the first bolt 33. The third conductor 4 is movable in the Z direction with respect to the device conductor 2 and the battery conductor 3. The third conductor 4 is movable along the inner circumferential surface 61. For example, the third conductor 4 may include a first fitting portion 41. For example, the third conductor 4 may include a columnar body 44 and a plurality of protrusions 45 protruding from an upper portion of the body 44 in the radial direction of the body 44.When the first bolt 33 is inserted into the first fitting portion 41, the first bolt 33 can fit therein. The first fitting portion 41 may come into contact with the first bolt 33 to be electrically connected to the first bolt 33. For example, the first fitting portion 41 may be a circular hole penetrating in the Z direction. Further, as such a circular hole, the first fitting portion 41 may include a circular hole having a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the columnar first bolt 33 to such an extent that the first bolt 33 can be press-fitted. The third conductor 4 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.A bottom surface of the body 44 may contact the first contacted surface 32 to be electrically connected to the first contacted surface 32. For example, the bottom surface of the body 44 may be a flat surface. For example, the outer diameter of the body 44 may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 61 to such an extent that the third conductor 4 can move along the inner circumferential surface 61. For example, the body 44 may be coaxial with the housing 6. For example, the first fitting portion 41 may be coaxial with and penetrate through the body 44.The plurality of protrusions 45 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the body 44. For example, the plurality of protrusions 45 may include a first protrusion 46, a second protrusion 47, a third protrusion 48, and a fourth protrusion 49. The first protrusion 46 protrudes from a side in the X direction of the body 44 to a side in the X direction. The second protrusion 47 protrudes from a side in the Y direction of the body 44 to a side in the Y direction. The third protrusion 48 protrudes from the other side in the X direction of the body 44 to the other side in the X direction. The fourth protrusion 49 protrudes from the other side in the Y direction of the body 44 to the other side in the Y direction. Note that the plurality of grooves 62 are provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of protrusions 45.(Structure of Biasing Portion)The biasing portion 5 may bias the third conductor 4 toward the first contacted surface 32. The biasing portion 5 may relay a conduction between the device conductor 2 and the third conductor 4.The biasing portion 5 is elastically deformable in the Z direction.As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the biasing portion 5 may include, for example, a coil spring 51. The coil spring 51 extends coaxially with the housing 6 in the Z direction. The coil spring 51 has a first end 52 on the device conductor 2 side and a second end 53 on the third conductor 4 side. For example, the coil spring 51 may be elastically connected to the device conductor 2 by fixing the first end 52 in contact with the lower surface of the device bus bar 21. For example, the coil spring 51 may be electrically connected to the third conductor 4 by fixing the second end 53 in contact with the upper surface of the third conductor 4. The coil spring 51 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.With such a configuration, the coil spring 51 can relay conduction between the device bus bar 21 and the third conductor 4. For example, the coil spring 51 may be connectable to the inner circumferential surface 61 of the housing 6 formed of a conductive material such as metal.(Structure of Fixing Device)The plurality of fastening devices 93 fasten the device 91 and the battery pack 92.When the assembly 9 is assembled, for example, the jig 91 is tightened to be fastened to the battery pack 92 with the fastening jig 93, such that the jig 91 is brought close to the battery pack 92. With such fastening, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the third conductor 4 comes into contact with the first contacted surface 32 while the first bolt 33 is fitted into the first fitting portion 41. When further tightened, the third conductor 4 receives a pressing force upward from the first contacted surface 32.The third conductor 4 moves in the Z direction with respect to the device conductor 2 and the battery conductor 3, so that the third conductor 4 receiving the pressing force from the first contacted surface 32 elastically deforms the biasing portion 5. On the other hand, the elastically deformed biasing portion 5 exerts a biasing force directed toward the first contacted surface 32 on the third conductor 4. Due to the deformation and the biasing force, in the assembled structure 9, the third conductor 4 comes into contact with the first contacted surface 32 while the biasing portion 5 absorbs the pressing force from the first contacted surface 32. In addition, the third conductor 4 comes into contact with the first bolt 33 in the first fitting portion 41. Further, the biasing portion 5 relays conduction between the third conductor 4 in contact with the battery conductor 3 and the device conductor 2. As a result of the contact, for example, the connection structure 1 can electrically connect the device conductor 2 and the battery conductor 3 so that a current flows along a current path illustrated in FIG. 6.(Operation and Effect)In the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, with the configuration of the third conductor 4 and the biasing portion 5, the third conductor 4 can be brought into contact with the battery bus bar 31 while the third conductor 4 is biased in the moving direction. The third conductor 4 thus brought into contact can ensure the contact pressure with the battery bus bar 31 while changing the position in the moving direction. With such operation, the connection structure 1 can absorb a manufacturing tolerance related to an electrical connection between the device conductor 2 and the battery conductor 3, which is likely to occur at the time of assembling the device 91 and the battery pack 92. Therefore, the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment can easily ensure the contact pressure between the device conductor 2 and the battery conductor 3.For example, regarding a plurality of arrays 9 of different batches, the array 9 may absorb tolerances related to dimensional error between batches of different structures with respect to contact between the device conductor 2 and the battery conductor 3, fastening pressure error, and the like. For example, in the arrangement 9, a plurality of third conductors 4 can be displaced over a plurality of connection structures 1 independently of one another in the vertical direction. With such displacement, the assembly 9 can absorb a tolerance related to a dimensional error between the plurality of device bus bars 21, a dimensional error between the plurality of battery bus bars 31, and the like with respect to an assembly 9. For example, with respect to an assembly 9, the assembly 9 may absorb a tolerance related to a deviation in contact pressure generated due to non-uniformity of a fastening pressure that is a deviation in contact pressure across the plurality of device conductors 2 and the plurality of battery conductors 3.As a comparative example, assume that the structure of the arrangement is a structure in which a connector is provided in a battery pack and a vehicle body-side connector and a battery-side connector are connected when the battery pack is mounted on the vehicle body, as in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2018-144524. With such a structure of the comparative example, when there are a plurality of connection points, the fitting state of each connector cannot be checked and there may be a half-fitted connector, a very large insertion force may be required at the time of collective connection, or the component cost may be increased.In contrast to this comparative example, the present embodiment has a structure in which the third conductor 4 can come into contact with the first contacted surface 32 and the first bolt 33 while being biased toward the first contacted surface 32. With this structure, even if there are a plurality of connection points, it is easy to ensure the contact pressure between each device conductor 2 and the corresponding battery conductor 3 while suppressing the fastening pressure and the number of components.In particular, when the device 91 is a high voltage device, the electrical connection between the device 91 and the battery pack 92 is an electrical connection between bus bars in many parts, and thus it is effective to ensure the contact pressure between the device conductor 2 and the battery conductor 3 as in the present embodiment.According to an example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the third conductor 4 is movable along the inner circumferential surface 61 of the housing 6 accommodating the biasing portion 5. According to such a case 6, the inclination of the third conductor 4 with respect to the first contacted surface 32 is restricted. Therefore, in the example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, it is easy to ensure the contact pressure between the device conductor 2 and the battery conductor 3.According to the example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the coil spring 51 can relay conduction between the device conductor 2 and the third conductor 4. Therefore, since the coil spring 51 can ensure conduction between the device conductor 2 and the third conductor 4 and can bias the third conductor 4, the structure of the biasing portion 5 can be simplified. An example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment is easy to manufacture.According to an example of the joint structure 1 of the present embodiment, the first bolt 33 is inserted into the first fitting portion 41. According to such a configuration, since the inclination of the third conductor 4 with respect to the first contacted surface 32 is restricted by the insertion into the first fitting portion 41, the third conductor 4 and the first contacted surface 32 easily come into contact with each other. On the other hand, insertion into the first fitting portion 41 enables surface contact between the third conductor 4 and the first bolt 33. Therefore, in the example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, it is easy to ensure electrical connectivity between the device conductor 2 and the battery conductor 3.According to an example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the third conductor 4 includes the plurality of protrusions 45. With such an operation, it is possible to reduce sliding friction of the third conductor 4 with respect to the inner circumferential surface 61. Therefore, in the example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, it is easy to ensure the contact pressure between the device conductor 2 and the battery conductor 3.(Modification)In an example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the first fitting portion 41 is configured such that the first bolt 33 can be inserted thereinto. Note, however, that the third conductor 4 may be configured in any manner as long as the third conductor 4 can come into contact with the first bolt 33. As a modification, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, a third conductor 4 may include an elastic conductor 42 instead of the first fitting portion 41. The elastic conductor 42 can come into contact with a first bolt 33. The elastic conductor 42 is fitted into a recess 43 provided on a lower surface of a body 44. The elastic conductor 42 is in contact with the body 44 in the recess 43. The first bolt 33 can be fitted to the elastic conductor 42. For example, the elastic conductor 42 may have an annular shape into which the first bolt 33 can be fitted. For example, the elastic conductor 42 may be an annular diagonally wound coil spring. According to a connection structure 1 of this modification, the elastic conductor 42 ensures conduction between the third conductor 4 and the first bolt 33. According to the elastic conductor 42 of this modification, the electrical connectivity between the third conductor 4 and the first bolt 33 can be improved. Moreover, according to the elastic conductor 42 of this modification, the insertion force is reduced compared to the case where the first bolt 33 is press-fitted into the first fitting portion 41 as in the above-described embodiment.In an example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the first end 52 is electrically connected to the device conductor 2 by being fixed in contact with the lower surface of the device bus bar 21. Note, however, that this configuration may be configured in any manner as long as electrical connection can be ensured. As a modification, the first end 52 may be integrally molded with the device bus bar 21.In an example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the second end 53 is electrically connected to the third conductor 4 by being fixed in contact with the upper surface of the third conductor 4. Note, however, that this configuration may be configured in any manner as long as electrical connection can be ensured. As a modification, the second end 53 may be integrally molded with the third conductor 4.In an example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the housing 6 is formed of a conductive material such as metal, and is electrically connected to the lower surface of the device bus bar 21 at the upper end of the housing 6. Note, however, that the housing 6 may be configured in any manner as long as the inclination of the third conductor 4 with respect to the first contacted surface 32 is restricted. As a modification, the housing 6 may be formed of an insulating material such as resin. As another modification, the housing 6 may not be electrically connected to the lower surface of the device bus bar 21 at the upper end of the housing 6. Note that, on the other hand, unlike these modifications, if the housing 6 is configured as in the example of the connection structure 1 of the above-described embodiment, the contact between the coil spring 51 and the housing 6 may form a current path continuous through the housing 6 in addition to the current path PC. When such a current path can be formed, the electric resistance between the device 91 and the battery pack 92 can be reduced.< Embodiment>Hereinafter, a connection structure of an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. A connection structure 101 of the present embodiment has a structure in which the structure between the device bus bar 21 and the coil spring 51 of the connection structure 1 is replaced with a structure similar to that between the battery bus bar 31 and the coil spring 51. Each structure of the connection structure 101 has a structure that is similarly connected and has a similar operation and effect, except for the following points similar to those of the connection structure 1 of the first embodiment.(Structure of Connection Structure)As illustrated in FIG. 9, the connection structure 101 includes a device conductor 2 (second conductor), a battery conductor 3 (first conductor), a third conductor 4, a biasing portion 5, a housing 6, and a fourth conductor 7.(Structure of Device Conductor)The device conductor 2 includes a device bus bar 21 (second bus bar). The device bus bar 21 has a second contacted surface 22 on a side facing the fourth conductor 7. The second contacted surface 22 is a flat surface. The device bus bar 21 includes a second bolt 23. the second bolt 23 protrudes in the Z direction from the second contacted surface 22 toward the fourth conductor 7. For example, the second bolt 23 may have a columnar shape.(Structure of Fourth Conductor)The fourth conductor 7 may come into contact with the second contact surface 22 to be electrically connected to the second contact surface 22. The fourth conductor 7 may come into contact with the second bolt 23 to be electrically connected to the second bolt 23. The fourth conductor 7 is movable in the Z direction with respect to the device conductor 2 and the battery conductor 3. The fourth conductor 7 is movable along an inner circumferential surface 61. For example, the fourth conductor 7 may include a second fitting portion 71. For example, the fourth conductor 7 may include a columnar body 74 and a plurality of protrusions 75 protruding from a lower portion of the body 74 in the radial direction of the body 74.The second bolt 23 can be fitted into the second fitting portion 71. The second bolt 23 is press-fitted into the second fitting portion 71. The second fitting portion 71 may come into contact with the second bolt 23 to be electrically connected to the second bolt 23. For example, the second fitting portion 71 may be a circular hole penetrating in the Z direction. Further, as such a circular hole, the second fitting portion 71 may include a circular hole having a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the columnar second bolt 23 to such an extent that the second bolt 23 can be press-fitted. The fourth conductor 7 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.An upper surface of the body 74 may contact the second contacted surface 22 to be electrically connected to the second contacted surface 22. For example, the outer diameter of the body 74 may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 61. For example, the top surface of the body 74 may be a flat surface. For example, the outer diameter of the body 74 may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 61 to such an extent that the fourth conductor 7 can move along the inner circumferential surface 61. For example, the body 74 may be coaxial with the housing 6. For example, the second fitting portion 71 may be coaxial with and penetrate the body 74.(Structure of Biasing Portion)The biasing portion 5 may bias the fourth conductor 7 toward the second contacted surface 22. The biasing portion 5 may forward a conduction between the third conductor 4 and the fourth conductor 7. The biasing portion 5 includes a coil spring 81.The coil spring 81 has a first end 82 on the side of the fourth conductor 7 and a second end 83 on the side of the third conductor 4. The first end 82 is electrically connected to the fourth conductor 7 by being fixed in contact with the lower surface of the fourth conductor 7. The second end 83 is electrically connected to the third conductor 4 by being fixed in contact with the upper surface of the third conductor 4. The coil spring 81 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. With such a configuration, the coil spring 81 can relay conduction between the third conductor 4 and the fourth conductor 7. That is, the coil spring 81 can relay a conduction between the device conductor 2 and the third conductor 4 via the fourth conductor 7.When the assembly 9 is assembled, for example, the jig 91 is tightened to be fastened to the battery pack 92 with the fastening jig 93, such that the jig 91 is brought close to the battery pack 92. With such fastening, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the third conductor 4 comes into contact with the first contacted surface 32 while the first bolt 33 is fitted into the first fitting portion 41. At the same time, the fourth conductor 7 comes into contact with the second contacted surface 22 while the second bolt 23 is fitted into the second fitting portion 71. When further tightened, the third conductor 4 receives upward pressing force from the first contacted surface 32, and the fourth conductor 7 receives downward pressing force from the second contacted surface 22.The third conductor 4 moves in the Z direction with respect to the device conductor 2 and the battery conductor 3, so that the third conductor 4 receiving the pressing force from the first contacted surface 32 elastically deforms the biasing portion 5. On the other hand, the elastically deformed biasing portion 5 exerts a biasing force directed toward the first contacted surface 32 on the third conductor 4. Due to the deformation and the biasing force, in the assembled structure 9, the third conductor 4 comes into contact with the first contacted surface 32 while the biasing portion 5 absorbs the pressing force from the first contacted surface 32. In addition, the third conductor 4 comes into contact with the first bolt 33 in the first fitting portion 41. Further, the biasing portion 5 relays conduction between the third conductor 4 in contact with the battery conductor 3 and the device conductor 2.In addition, the fourth conductor 7 moves in the Z direction with respect to the device conductor 2 and the battery conductor 3, so that the fourth conductor 7 receiving the pressing force from the second contacted surface 22 elastically deforms the biasing portion 5. On the other hand, the elastically deformed biasing portion 5 exerts a biasing force directed toward the second contacted surface 22 on the fourth conductor 7. Due to the deformation and the biasing force, in the assembled structure 9, the fourth conductor 7 comes into contact with the second contacted surface 22, while the biasing portion 5 absorbs the pressing force from the second contacted surface 22. In addition, the fourth conductor 7 comes into contact with the second bolt 23 in the second fitting portion 71. Further, the biasing portion 5 relays conduction between the fourth conductor 7 and the third conductor 4 in contact with the device conductor 2.As a result of these contacts, the connection structure 1 can electrically connect the device conductor 2 and the battery conductor 3.(Operation and Effect)In the connection structure 101 of the present embodiment, with the configuration of the fourth conductor 7 and the biasing portion 5, the fourth conductor 7 can be brought into contact with the device bus bar 21 while biasing the fourth conductor 7 in the moving direction. The fourth conductor 7 brought into contact in this manner can ensure the contact pressure with the device bus bar 21 while changing the position in the moving direction. With such operation, the connection structure 101 can absorb a manufacturing tolerance related to an electrical connection between the device conductor 2 and the battery conductor 3, which is likely to occur at the time of assembling the device 91 and the battery pack 92. Therefore, the connection structure 101 of the present embodiment can easily ensure the contact pressure between the device conductor 2 and the battery conductor 3.Moreover, according to the present embodiment, the connection structure 101 has effects similar to those of the connection structure 1 of the first embodiment.(Modification)In an example of the connection structure 101 of the present embodiment, the second fitting portion 71 is configured such that the second bolt 23 can be inserted thereinto. Note, however, that the fourth conductor 7 may be configured in any manner as long as the fourth conductor 7 can come into contact with the second bolt 23. As a modification, similar to the modification of the third conductor 4, the fourth conductor 7 may include an elastic conductor to be fitted into a recess provided on the upper surface of the body 74, instead of the second fitting portion 71. Moreover, according to such an elastic conductor, the insertion force is reduced as compared with the case where the second bolt 23 is press-fitted into the second fitting portion 71.In an example of the connection structure 101 of the present embodiment, the first end 82 is electrically connected to the fourth conductor 7 by being fixed in contact with the lower surface of the fourth conductor 7. Note, however, that this configuration may be configured in any manner as long as electrical connection can be ensured. As a modification, the first end 82 may be integrally molded with the fourth conductor 7.In an example of the connection structure 101 of the present embodiment, the second end 83 is electrically connected to the third conductor 4 by being fixed in contact with the upper surface of the third conductor 4. Note, however, that this configuration may be configured in any manner as long as electrical connection can be ensured. As a modification, the second end 83 may be integrally molded with the third conductor 4.< Modifications>In an example of each of the above-described embodiments, the connection structures 1 and 101 are provided between the second installation surface 94 and the first installation surface 97. The device bus bar 21 is in contact with the second installation surface 94 of the device 91. Note, however, that the connection structures 1 and 101 may be applied to any device bus bar 21 as long as the device 91 and the battery pack 92 can be electrically connected. As a modification, as with a connection structure 102 illustrated in FIG. 11, a device bus bar 21 may come into contact with a main surface 95 of a device 91. In the structure of such a modification, the connection structure 102 is provided between the main surface 95 and a first installation surface 97. In such a configuration, for example, a housing 6 may be provided to penetrate the device 91 from the main surface 95 toward the first installation surface 97.In the example of each of the above-described embodiments, the second conductor 2 including the second bus bar 21 is connected to the device 91, and the first conductor 3 including the first bus bar 31 is connected to the battery pack 92. However, in the connection structure 1, the device conductor 2 and the battery conductor 3 may be configured in reverse. As a modification, the connection structure 1 may be configured such that the first conductor 3 including the first bus bar 31 is connected to the device 91, and the second conductor 2 including the second bus bar 21 is connected to the battery pack 92.In the example of each embodiment described above, the biasing portion 5 includes the coil springs 51 and 81, however, it should be noted that the biasing portion 5 may have any structure instead of the coil springs 51 and 81 as long as the biasing portion 5 can bias and conduct conduction. As a modification, the biasing portion 5 may include a leaf spring, a disk spring, or the like formed of a conductive material such as metal, in place of the coil springs 51 and 81, or in addition to the coil springs 51 and 81. Note that, when the distance to be relayed in the Z direction is long compared to these modifications, since the example of the above-described embodiment uses the coil springs 51 and 81 having a shape extending in one direction, the biasing portion 5 can be configured with a simpler structure.While the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the embodiments are shown as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. This embodiment may be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, omissions, and changes may be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.Industrial applicabilityAccording to the connection structure and the arrangement of the present disclosure, it is easy to ensure the contact pressure of a conductor.Brief Description of the Reference Numerals1 Connection structure 2 Device conductor (second conductor) 3 Battery conductor (first conductor) 4 Third conductor 5 Biasing portion 6 Housing 7 Fourth conductor 9 Assembly 21 Device bus bar (second bus bar) 22 Second contacted surface 23 Second bolt 31 Battery bus bar (first bus bar) 32 First contacted surface 33 First bolt 41 First fitting portion 42 Elastic conductor 43 Recess 44 Body 45 Protrusion 46 First protrusion 47 Second protrusion 48 Third protrusion 49 Fourth protrusion 51 Coil spring 52 First end 53 Second end 61 Inner circumferential surface 62 Groove 71 Second fitting portion 74 Body 75 Protrusion 81 Coil spring 82 First end 83 Second end 91 Device 92 Battery pack 92 hScrew hole 93 Fixing device 94 Second installation surface 95 Main surface 96 Flange 96 hThrough hole 97 First installation surface 101 Connection structure 102 Connection structure PC Current path

Claims

A connection structure (1, 101) comprising: a first conductor (3) having a first bus bar (31), the first bus bar (31) having a first contacted surface (32) and comprising a first pin (33) protruding from the first contacted surface (32); a second conductor (2) provided at a position away from the first conductor (3); a third conductor (4) configured to be contacted with the first contacted surface (32) and the first pin (33), the third conductor (4) being movable with respect to the first conductor (3) and the second conductor (2) in a moving direction intersecting the first contacted surface (32); and a biasing portion (5) capable of biasing the third conductor (4) toward the first contacted surface (32) and capable of relaying a conduction between the second conductor (2) and the third conductor (4).The connecting structure (1, 101) according to claim 1, further comprising a housing (6) having an inner peripheral surface (61) and accommodating the biasing portion (5), wherein the third conductor (4) is movable along the inner peripheral surface (61).The connection structure (1, 101) according to claim 1, wherein the biasing portion (5) comprises a coil spring (51) having a first end (52) electrically connected to the first conductor (3) and a second end (53) electrically connected to the third conductor (4).The connecting structure (1, 101) according to claim 1, further comprising a first fitting portion (41) into which the first bolt (33) is inserted.The connection structure (1, 101) according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic conductor (42) configured to come into contact with the first bolt (33).The connection structure (1, 101) according to claim 1, wherein the second conductor (2) comprises a second bus bar (21), the second bus bar (21) having a second contacted surface (22) and comprising a second pin (23) protruding from the second contacted surface (22); the connection structure (1, 101) further comprises a fourth conductor (7) configured to be contacted with the second contacted surface (22) and the second pin (23) and movable with respect to the first conductor (3) and the second conductor (2) in the moving direction; and the biasing portion (5) is capable of biasing the fourth conductor (7) toward the second contacted surface (22) and is capable of relaying a line between the third conductor (4) and the fourth conductor (7).An assembly (9) comprising: the connection structure (1, 101) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a battery pack (92) connected to one of the first conductor (3) and the second conductor (2); and a device (91) connected to the other of the first conductor (3) and the second conductor (2).