CONNECTION STRUCTURE AND ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

A connection structure is a connection structure that electrically connects a device and a battery pack. The connection structure includes a first conductor, a second conductor, and an elastic conductor. The first conductor is connected to one of the device and the battery pack. The second conductor is connected to the other of the device and the battery pack. The second conductor overlaps at least a portion of the first conductor when viewed in a first direction from the device toward the battery pack. The elastic conductor is disposed between the first conductor and the second conductor in the first direction. The elastic conductor electrically connects the first conductor and the second conductor while being compressed between the first conductor and the second conductor when the device and the battery pack are fixed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the invention

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a connection structure and an assembly. Description of the related technology

[0002] A structure in which a battery pack and a device are connected is known. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2018-144524 discloses a structure in which a battery module is connected to a fuse-contactor unit of an electric vehicle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In 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 attached to and detached from each of a plurality of power-receiving-side female terminals connected to a fuse-contactor unit. However, with such a terminal-connection structure, it may be difficult to ensure the contact pressure of a conductor.

[0004] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a connection structure and an assembly that easily ensure the contact pressure of a conductor.

[0005] A connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is a connection structure for electrically connecting a device and a battery pack. The connection structure includes a first conductor, a second conductor, and an elastic conductor. The first conductor is connected to one of the device and the battery pack. The second conductor is connected to the other of the device and the battery pack. The second conductor overlaps at least a part of the first conductor when viewed in a first direction from the device toward the battery pack. The elastic conductor is disposed between the first conductor and the second conductor in the first direction. The elastic conductor electrically connects the first conductor and the second conductor while being compressed between the first conductor and the second conductor when the device and the battery pack are fixed.

[0006] An assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a device, a battery pack, and a connecting structure. The connecting structure electrically connects the device and the battery pack. The connecting structure includes a first conductor, a second conductor, and an elastic conductor. The first conductor is connected to one of the device and the battery pack. The second conductor is connected to the other of the device and the battery pack. The second conductor overlaps at least a portion of the first conductor when viewed in a first direction from the device toward the battery pack. The elastic conductor is disposed between the first conductor and the second conductor in the first direction. The elastic conductor electrically connects the first conductor and the second conductor while being compressed between the first conductor and the second conductor when the device and the battery pack are fixed.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is easy to ensure the contact pressure of a conductor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a front view showing an arrangement of a first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows cross-sectional views along line F2-F2 of the Fig. 1 shown arrangement. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of an elastic conductive member of the first embodiment. Fig. 4 shows perspective views illustrating a connection structure of a first modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 5 shows perspective views illustrating a connection structure of a second modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 6 shows perspective views illustrating a connection structure of a third modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 7 shows perspective views illustrating a connection structure of a fourth modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 8 shows cross-sectional views illustrating an arrangement according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 9 shows cross-sectional views illustrating an arrangement of a second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of an elastic conductive member of the second embodiment. Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view, along line F11-F11, of the Fig. 9 shown arrangement. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an arrangement according to a modification of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, structures having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. Redundant descriptions of these structures may be omitted. In the present disclosure, the terms are defined as follows. "Connection" is not limited to a mechanical connection, and may include an electrical connection. That is, "connection" is not limited to a case where two members to be connected are directly connected, and may include a case where two members to be connected are connected with another member interposed between them.

[0009] In the present disclosure, the -Z direction, the +Z direction, the -X direction, the +X direction, the -Y direction, and the +Y direction are defined as follows. The -Z direction is a direction from a device 11, to be described later, toward a battery pack 21, to be described later (see Fig. 1). The +Z direction is a direction opposite to the -Z direction. If no distinction is made between the -Z direction and the +Z direction, the direction is simply referred to as the "Z direction." The -X direction and the +X direction are directions that intersect the Z direction (for example, orthogonal thereto). The -X direction is a direction in which a plurality of device busbars 12, to be described later, are arranged (see Fig. 1). The +X direction is a direction opposite to the -X direction. If no distinction is made between the -X direction and the +X direction, the direction is simply referred to as the "X direction." The -Y direction and the +Y direction are directions that intersect the Z direction and the X direction (for example, orthogonal thereto). The -Y direction is a direction in which the device busbar 12, to be described later, extends (see Fig. 2). The +Y direction is a direction opposite to the -Y direction. If no distinction is made between the -Y direction and the +Y direction, the direction is simply referred to as the "Y direction." In the embodiment described below, the -Z direction is an example of a "first direction." Each of the X direction and the Y direction is an example of a "second direction." (First embodiment)<A1. Aufbau der Anordnung>

[0010] First, the structure of an arrangement 1 of a first embodiment will be described.

[0011] Fig. Fig. 1 is a front view showing the assembly 1 of the first embodiment. Note that in Fig. 1, an illustration of some components has been omitted for convenience of description. The assembly 1 is a structure in which a plurality of modules (e.g., device 11 and battery pack 21) are integrated. The assembly 1 is mounted, for example, on a mobility unit such as an electric vehicle. The assembly 1 includes, for example, a device unit 10, a battery unit 20, and a fixing element 40. <A1.1 Vorrichtungseinheit>

[0012] First, the device unit 10 will be described. The device unit 10 includes, for example, the device 11, a plurality of busbars 12, and a flange 13. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the busbar 12 will be referred to as a "device busbar 12." (Device)

[0013] The device 11 has a function related to electrical power. The device 11 is, for example, a device with one or more functions of power relaying, distribution, disconnection (protection), conversion, charging, and the like. The device 11 is, for example, a high-voltage device such as a junction box, an on-board charger, or a DC-DC converter. However, it should be noted that the device 11 is not limited to the above example.

[0014] The device 11 has, for example, an installation surface 11s. The installation surface 11s is located at the Z-direction side end of the device 11. The installation surface 11s is a surface facing the Z-direction. The installation surface 11s is, for example, a plane along the X-direction and the Y-direction. The installation surface 11s is formed of an insulating material. (Device busbar)

[0015] The device bus bar 12 is a conductive member connected to the device 11. The device bus bar 12 is electrically connected to an electrode included in the device 11. In the present embodiment, a plurality of (e.g., three or more) device bus bars 12 are attached to the installation surface 11s of the device 11. The plurality of device bus bars 12 are arranged side by side in the X direction at intervals on the installation surface 11s. Each of the plurality of device bus bars 12 extends in the Y direction. The device bus bar 12 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. Note that details of the device bus bar 12 will be described later. (Flange)

[0016] The flange 13 is an overhanging portion provided in the jig 11. The flange 13 is, for example, integrally formed with the jig 11. The pair of flanges 13 protrude from the jig 11 on both sides in the X direction, for example. The flange 13 has a through hole 13h. The through hole 13h penetrates the flange 13 in the Z direction. The fixing member 30, which will be described later, is inserted into the through hole 13h from the +Z direction. Note that the flange 13 may be provided as a part of the jig 11. If another fixing structure is provided, the flange 13 may be omitted. <A1.2 Batterieeinheit>

[0017] Next, the battery unit 20 will be described. The battery unit 20 includes, for example, the battery pack 21 and a plurality of bus bars 22. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the bus bar 22 will be referred to as a "battery bus bar 22." (battery pack)

[0018] The battery pack 21 is a device with a plurality of battery cells 21b. The battery pack 21 includes, for example, a battery case 21a and the plurality of battery cells 21b. The battery case 21a is formed of an insulating material. The plurality of battery cells 21b are accommodated in the battery case 21a. The plurality of battery cells 21b are electrically connected in series, for example. The battery pack 21 has, for example, an installation surface 21s and an engagement hole 21h.

[0019] The installation surface 21s is located at the +Z direction side end of the battery pack 21. The installation surface 21s is a surface facing the +Z direction. The installation surface 21s is, for example, a plane along the X and Y directions. The installation surface 21s is formed of an insulating material.

[0020] The engagement hole 21h is provided at a position corresponding to the through hole 13h of the flange 13 of the fixture unit 10. The engagement hole 21h is open on the installation surface 21s. The engagement hole 21h extends from the installation surface 21s in the -Z direction. The engagement hole 21h has an internal thread. The fixing member 30, which has passed through the through hole 13h of the flange 13 of the fixture unit 10, is engaged with the engagement hole 21h. (battery busbar)

[0021] The battery bus bar 22 is a conductive member connected to the battery pack 21. The battery bus bars 22 are electrically connected to electrodes of the plurality of battery cells 21b included in the battery pack 21. In the present embodiment, a plurality of (e.g., three or more) battery bus bars 22 are attached to the installation surface 21s of the battery pack 21. The plurality of battery bus bars 22 are arranged side by side in the X direction at intervals on the installation surface 21s. Each of the plurality of battery bus bars 22 extends in the Y direction. The battery bus bar 22 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. Note that details of the battery bus bar 22 will be described later. <A1.3 Fixierelement>

[0022] The fixing member 30 is a member that fixes the device 11 and the battery pack 21. The fixing member 30 is, for example, a fastening member such as a bolt. In the present embodiment, the fixing member 30 is inserted from the +Z direction into the through-hole 13h of the flange 13 of the device unit 10 and is engaged with the engagement hole 21h of the battery pack 21. The fixing member 30, having passed through the through-hole 13h of the device unit 10, is engaged with the engagement hole 21h of the battery pack 21, thereby fixing (for example, fastening) the device 11 and the battery pack 21. In the present embodiment, the fixing member 30 having passed through the through hole 13h of the device unit 10 is engaged with the engagement hole 21h of the battery pack 21, thereby fixing the device unit 10 and the battery unit 20 to each other.The device unit 10 and the battery unit 20 are integrated by being fixed to each other in this way. <A2. Verbindungsstruktur>

[0023] Next, a connection structure CS provided in the assembly 1 will be described. The connection structure CS is a connection structure that electrically connects the device 11 and the battery pack 21. The connection structure CS is, for example, a structure that electrically connects a plurality of (e.g., three or more) device busbars 12 and a plurality of (e.g., three or more) battery busbars 22. In the present embodiment, the connection structure CS electrically connects the plurality of device busbars 12 and the plurality of battery busbars 22 in a one-to-one relationship. In the connection structure CS, for example, the plurality of device busbars 12 and the plurality of battery busbars 22 can be connected by a collective operation.

[0024] As in Fig. 1, in the present embodiment, the connection structure CS includes a plurality of connectors CSa that are electrically independent of each other. Each connector CSa is a connection structure that electrically connects a device busbar 12 and a battery busbar 22. The plurality of connectors CSa are arranged side by side in the X direction at intervals. In the present embodiment, the plurality of connectors CSa have the same structure. Therefore, one connector CSa will be described below.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows cross-sectional views along line F2-F2 of the Fig. 1 shown arrangement 1. A section (a) of Fig. 2 shows a state before the assembly 1 is mounted (state before the device 11 and battery pack 21 are fixed). A section (b) of Fig. 2 illustrates a state in which the assembly 1 is assembled (a state in which the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed by the fixing member 30). The definitions of sections (a) and (b) in the drawings are the same in each drawing described below.

[0026] The connector CSa includes, for example, the device busbar 12, the battery busbar 22, and an elastic conductive member 50. Note that in the example described below, the elastic conductive member 50 is fixed to the battery busbar 22 and provided as a part of the battery unit 20. However, instead of the above example, the elastic conductive member 50 may be fixed to the device busbar 12 and provided as a part of the device unit 10. The content of this example will be described later as a modification. <A2.1 Vorrichtungssammelschiene>

[0027] As described above, the device bus bar 12 is a conductive member connected to the device 11. In the present embodiment, the device bus bar 12 is an example of a "first conductor."

[0028] The device busbar 12 is, for example, a flat, integrated metal plate. The device busbar 12 extends, for example, along the installation surface 11s of the device 11. One surface of the device busbar 12 has a receiving surface SR against which the elastic conductive element 50 abuts. The receiving surface SR is, for example, a plane along the X-direction and the Y-direction. <A2.2 Batteriesammelschiene>

[0029] As described above, the battery bus bar 22 is a conductive member connected to the battery pack 21. The battery bus bar 22 overlaps at least a portion of the device bus bar 12 when viewed in the Z direction. In the present embodiment, the battery bus bar 22 is an example of a "second conductor."

[0030] The battery busbar 22 is, for example, a flat, integrated metal plate. The battery busbar 22 extends, for example, along the installation surface 21s of the battery pack 21. One surface of the battery busbar 22 has a fixing surface SF to which the elastic conductive member 50 is fixed. The fixing surface SF is, for example, a plane along the X-direction and the Y-direction. <A2.3 Elastisches leitfähiges Element>

[0031] The elastic conductive member 50 is a member having conductivity and is elastically deformable. The elastic conductive member 50 is arranged between the device busbar 12 and the battery busbar 22 in the Z direction. When the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed (for example, fastened) by the fixing member 30, the elastic conductive member 50 electrically connects the device busbar 12 and the battery busbar 22 while being elastically deformed and compressed between the device busbar 12 and the battery busbar 22. The elastic conductive member 50 is an example of an "elastic conductor." Note that the "elastic conductor" in the present disclosure is not limited to a structure formed by one member (e.g., one elastic conductive member 50) and may be a structure formed by a plurality of members (e.g.,a plurality of elastic conductive elements 50) is formed.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the elastic conductive member 50. The elastic conductive member 50 is, for example, a metal spring member. In the present embodiment, the elastic conductive member 50 is a wave spring 60. The wave spring 60 includes a flat wire 61 bent (e.g., bent into a wave shape) in the -Z direction or the +Z direction. In the present embodiment, the flat wire 61 has a plurality of bends 61a bent in the -Z direction or the +Z direction. The flat wire 61 is elastically deformable in the Z direction.

[0033] Here, an axial direction Da, a radial direction Dr, and a circumferential direction Dc of the wave spring 60 are defined. The axial direction Da is a direction along an axis C extending through the center of the wave spring 60 in the Z direction. The radial direction Dr is a direction radially separating from the axis C, which is the center of the wave spring 60. The circumferential direction Dc is a direction rotating around the axis C while maintaining a certain distance from the axis C of the wave spring 60. A thickness T of the flat wire 61 in the axial direction Da is smaller than a width W of the flat wire 61 in the radial direction Dr. The flat wire 61 includes a plate surface 61s facing the Z direction.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the elastic conductive member 50 is a multi-layered wave spring. In the multi-layered wave spring, the above-described flat wire 61 is spirally wound over a plurality of layers. Note that the elastic conductive member 50 may be, for example, a single-layered wave spring. In the single-layered wave spring, the above-described flat wire 61 is formed into an annular shape within a range of one layer or less.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the elastic conductive element 50 has a first end 50e1 and a second end 50e2. The first end 50e1 is fixed to the fixing surface SF of the battery busbar 22. The first end 50e1 is fixed to the fixing surface SF of the battery busbar 22 by joining it to the fixing surface SF of the battery busbar 22, for example, by welding or the like.

[0036] In the present embodiment, a portion of the flat wire 61 of the wave spring 60 included in the first end 50e1 does not have the bend 61a and has the plate surface 61s along the X direction and the Y direction (see Fig. 3). When the first end 50e1 does not have the bend 61a, a contact area (conduction area) between the elastic conductive member 50 and the battery busbar 22 becomes larger. Note that the portion of the flat wire 61 of the wave spring 60 included in the first end 50e1 may have one or more (for example, a plurality of) bends 61a projecting toward the battery busbar 22. Even when the first end 50e1 has the bend 61a, a contact area (conduction area) between the wave spring 60 and the battery busbar 22 at the time of compression is larger than that in a case where a coil spring is used.

[0037] The second end 50e2 abuts the receiving surface SR of the device busbar 12. When the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed, the second end 50e2 abuts the receiving surface SR of the device busbar 12 in a state where the elastic conductive member 50 is elastically deformed and compressed between the device busbar 12 and the battery busbar 22.

[0038] In the present embodiment, a portion of the flat wire 61 of the wave spring 60 included in the second end 50e2 does not have the bend 61a and has the plate surface 61s along the X direction and the Y direction (see Fig. 3). When the second end 50e2 does not have the bend 61a, a contact area (conduction area) between the elastic conductive member 50 and the device busbar 12 becomes larger. Note that the portion of the flat wire 61 of the wave spring 60 included in the second end 50e2 may have one or more (for example, a plurality of) bends 61a projecting toward the device busbar 12. Even when the second end 50e2 has the bend 61a, a contact area (conduction area) between the wave spring 60 and the device busbar 12 at the time of compression is larger than that in a case where a coil spring is used. <A3. Verfahren zur Herstellung der Anordnung>

[0039] Next, a method for manufacturing the assembly 1 will be described.

[0040] In the present embodiment, before the device unit 10 and the battery unit 20 are fixed, the elastic conductive member 50 is fixed to the battery bus bar 22 as part of the battery unit 20. Next, the device unit 10 and the battery unit 20 are aligned such that the plurality of device bus bars 12 and the plurality of elastic conductive members 50 overlap each other when viewed in the Z direction. With this alignment, the elastic conductive member 50 is interposed between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22.

[0041] Next, the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed by the fixing member 30. At this time, the elastic conductive member 50 is sandwiched between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 as a gap between the device 11 and the battery pack 21 is narrowed, for example, by fixing the fixing member 30. Then, as the fixing progresses, for example, by the fixing member 30, and the gap between the device 11 and the battery pack 21 narrows, the elastic conductive member 50 is elastically deformed and compressed in the Z direction between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22. The elastic conductive member 50 electrically connects the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 while being elastically deformed and compressed in the Z direction. <A4. Funktionsweise>

[0042] When the elastic conductive member 50 is compressed in the Z direction, the first end 50e1 of the elastic conductive member 50 is biased toward the battery busbar 22. When the first end 50e1 of the elastic conductive member 50 is biased toward the battery busbar 22, the contact pressure between the elastic conductive member 50 and the battery busbar 22 is easily ensured. Similarly, when the elastic conductive member 50 is compressed in the Z direction, the second end 50e2 of the elastic conductive member 50 is biased toward the device busbar 12. When the second end 50e2 of the elastic conductive member 50 is biased toward the device busbar 12, the contact pressure between the elastic conductive member 50 and the battery busbar 22 is easily ensured.

[0043] Furthermore, when the elastic conductive member 50, which is the wave spring 60, is used, the elastic conductive member 50 is compressed in the Z direction, so that each bend 61a of the wave spring 60 is crushed in the Z direction while in contact with another bend 61a adjacent in the Z direction. Such deformation increases the contact area (conduction area) between the bends 61a. As the contact area between the bends 61a increases, the conductivity of the elastic conductive member 50 in the Z direction increases. <A5. Vorteil>

[0044] In the present embodiment, the connection structure CS includes the elastic conductive member 50. When the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed, the elastic conductive member 50 electrically connects the device busbar 12 and the battery busbar 22 while being compressed between the device busbar 12 and the battery busbar 22. When the elastic conductive member 50 is compressed, the elastic conductive member 50 is biased toward at least one of the device busbar 12 and the battery busbar 22. When the elastic conductive member 50 is biased, it becomes easy to ensure the contact pressure between the device busbar 12 and the elastic conductive member 50 and / or between the battery busbar 22 and the elastic conductive member 50.Therefore, a stable electrical connection can be achieved between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22.

[0045] Furthermore, in the structure where the plurality of device busbars 12 and the plurality of battery busbars 22 are collectively connected, if the elastic conductive member 50 is deformable by compression, it is possible to reduce the force required for the collective connection process compared to a case of using a rigid connector. Consequently, processability can be improved.

[0046] Furthermore, in the structure where the plurality of device busbars 12 and the plurality of battery busbars 22 are collectively connected, different tolerances exist depending on the individual device busbars 12 or battery busbars 22. However, if the elastic conductive member 50 is deformable by compression, it is possible to connect the plurality of device busbars 12 and the plurality of battery busbars 22 while absorbing the tolerance of each component. That is, if the elastic conductive member 50 is deformable by compression, it is easy to absorb the tolerance and ensure appropriate contact pressure for both the plurality of device busbars 12 and the plurality of battery busbars 22.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the elastic conductive member 50 has the second end 50e2 abutting a surface of the device busbar 12. According to such a structure, the elastic conductive member 50 can be directly connected to the device busbar 12. If the elastic conductive member 50 can be directly connected to the device busbar 12, the structure of the connection structure CS can be simplified. If the structure of the connection structure CS can be simplified, the size of the assembly 1 can be reduced.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the elastic conductive member 50 is a wave spring 60. When the elastic conductive member 50 is the wave spring 60, there are the following advantages compared with a case where a normal coil spring is used. That is, when the wave spring 60 is compressed between the device busbar 12 and the battery busbar 22, the second end 50e2 of the wave spring 60 tends to be parallel to the device busbar 12. When the second end 50e2 of the wave spring 60 tends to be parallel to the device busbar 12, it is easy to ensure the contact area between the wave spring 60 and the device busbar 12. When the contact area (conduction area) between the wave spring 60 and the device busbar 12 is easily ensured, a more stable electrical connection between the wave spring 60 and the device busbar 12 is easily achieved.

[0049] Similarly, when the wave spring 60 is compressed between the device busbar 12 and the battery busbar 22, the first end 50e1 of the wave spring 60 tends to be parallel to the battery busbar 22. When the first end 50e1 of the wave spring 60 tends to be parallel to the battery busbar 22, the contact area (conduction area) between the wave spring 60 and the battery busbar 22 can be easily ensured. When the contact area between the wave spring 60 and the battery busbar 22 is easily ensured, a more stable electrical connection between the wave spring 60 and the battery busbar 22 is easily achieved. <A6. Modifikation>

[0050] Next, some modifications of the first embodiment will be described. Note that the structure is the same as the structure of the first embodiment described above, except for the following. <A6.1 Erste Modifikation>

[0051] Fig. 4 shows perspective views illustrating a connection structure CS of a first modification. In the present modification, a device busbar 12 includes an end surface 71, a receiving surface SR, a first inclined surface 72a, and a second inclined surface 72b.

[0052] The end surface 71 is a surface on the -Z direction side of the device busbar 12. The end surface 71 includes a first portion 71a and a second portion 71b. The first portion 71a and the second portion 71b are arranged separately on both sides of the receiving surface SR in the Y direction. The receiving surface SR is arranged at a position recessed toward the +Z direction side with respect to the end surface 71.

[0053] The first inclined surface 72a is disposed between the first portion 71a of the end surface 71 and the receiving surface SR. The first inclined surface 72a connects the first portion 71a of the end surface 71 and the receiving surface SR. The first inclined surface 72a is inclined with respect to the end surface 71 so as to be positioned on the +Z direction side as it advances from the first position 71a of the end surface 71 toward the receiving surface SR. The first inclined surface 72a faces the elastic conductive member 50 from the -Y direction. The first inclined surface 72a inhibits tilting of the elastic conductive member 50 and restricts positional deviation of the elastic conductive member 50 in the Y direction. The first inclined surface 72a is an example of a "position limiter."

[0054] The second inclined surface 72b is disposed between the second portion 71b of the end surface 71 and the receiving surface SR. The second inclined surface 72b connects the second portion 71b of the end surface 71 and the receiving surface SR. The second inclined surface 72b is inclined with respect to the end surface 71 so as to be positioned on the +Z direction side as it advances from the second position 71b of the end surface 71 toward the receiving surface SR. The second inclined surface 72b faces the elastic conductive member 50 from the +Y direction. The second inclined surface 72b inhibits tilting of the elastic conductive member 50 and restricts positional deviation of the elastic conductive member 50 in the Y direction. The second inclined surface 72b is an example of the "position limiter."

[0055] When the device busbar 12 has the first inclined surface 72a and the second inclined surface 72b, a positional deviation of the elastic conductive member 50 in the Y direction is restricted. When the positional deviation of the elastic conductive member 50 is restricted, the electrical connection between the device 11 and the battery pack 21 is further stabilized. In addition, when the device busbar 12 has the inclined surfaces 72a and 72b, the elastic conductive member 50 is guided by the first inclined surface 72a or the second inclined surface 72b and arranged in an appropriate position even if an alignment error occurs between the device 11 and the battery pack 21 at the time of manufacturing. From this point of view, too, the electrical connection between the device 11 and the battery pack 21 is more stable.Furthermore, the processability of the arrangement can be improved. <A6.2 Zweite Modifikation>

[0056] Fig. 5 shows perspective views illustrating a connection structure CS of a second modification. In the present modification, a device busbar 12 includes an end surface 71, a receiving surface SR, and an inclined surface 72.

[0057] The end surface 71 is a surface on the -Z direction side of the device busbar 12. The receiving surface SR is arranged at a position recessed toward the +Z direction side with respect to the end surface 71. The receiving surface SR is a circular shape with the same diameter as an elastic conductive element 50 or slightly larger than the elastic conductive element 50.

[0058] The inclined surface 72 is disposed between the end surface 71 and the receiving surface SR. The inclined surface 72 has an annular shape surrounding the receiving surface SR. The inclined surface 72 connects the end surface 71 and the receiving surface SR. The inclined surface 72 is inclined with respect to the end surface 71 so as to be positioned on the +Z direction side as it advances from the end surface 71 toward the receiving surface SR. The inclined surface 72 faces the elastic conductive member 50 from the X direction and the Y direction. The inclined surface 72 inhibits tilting of the elastic conductive member 50 and restricts positional deviation of the elastic conductive member 50 in the X direction and the Y direction. The inclined surface 72 is an example of the "position limiter."

[0059] When the device busbar 12 has the inclined surface 72, a positional deviation of the elastic conductive member 50 in the X direction and the Y direction is restricted. When the positional deviation of the elastic conductive member 50 is restricted, the electrical connection between the device 11 and the battery pack 21 is further stabilized. In addition, when the device busbar 12 has the inclined surface 72, the elastic conductive member 50 is guided by the inclined surface 72 and arranged at an appropriate position even if an alignment error occurs between the device 11 and the battery pack 21 at the time of manufacturing an assembly 1. From this point of view, too, the electrical connection between the device 11 and the battery pack 21 is more stable. Furthermore, processability of the assembly can be improved. <A6.3 Dritte Modifikation>

[0060] Fig. 6 shows perspective views illustrating a connection structure CS of a third modification.

[0061] In the present modification, a device busbar 12 includes a receiving surface SR and a protrusion 81. The protrusion 81 protrudes in the -Z direction from the central portion of the receiving surface SR. The protrusion 81 is inserted into a hollow elastic conductive member 50. The protrusion 81 faces the elastic conductive member 50 from the X direction and the Y direction. The protrusion 81 inhibits tilting of the elastic conductive member 50 and restricts positional deviation of the elastic conductive member 50 in the X direction and the Y direction. The protrusion 81 is an example of the "position limiter." When the positional deviation of the elastic conductive member 50 is restricted by the protrusion 81, the electrical connection between a device 11 and a battery pack 21 is further stabilized. <A6.4 Vierte Modifikation>

[0062] Fig. 7 shows perspective views illustrating a connection structure CS of a fourth modification. In the present modification, a device bus bar 12 includes a receiving surface SR and an annular protrusion 85. The annular protrusion 85 has a box shape or a cylindrical shape slightly larger than the diameter of an elastic conductive member 50. The annular protrusion 85 protrudes in the -Z direction from the periphery of the receiving surface SR. The annular protrusion 85 faces the outer periphery of the elastic conductive member 50. The annular protrusion 85 faces the elastic conductive member 50 from the X direction and the Y direction. The annular protrusion 85 inhibits tilting of the elastic conductive member 50 and restricts positional deviation of the elastic conductive member 50 in the X direction and the Y direction.The annular protrusion 85 is an example of a "position limiter." When the positional deviation of the elastic conductive element 50 is limited by the annular protrusion 85, the electrical connection between a device 11 and a battery pack 21 is further stabilized. <A6.5 Fünfte Modifikation>

[0063] Fig. 8 shows cross-sectional views illustrating an assembly 1 of a fifth modification. In the present modification, an elastic conductive member 50 is provided as a part of a device unit 10 and is attached to a device busbar 12. A first end 50e1 of the elastic conductive member 50 is fixed (for example, joined) to a fixing surface SF of the device busbar 12. A second end 50e2 of the elastic conductive member 50 abuts against a receiving surface SR of a battery busbar 22. Even with such a structure, when the elastic conductive member 50 is prestressed, the contact pressure can be easily ensured. In the present modification, a battery busbar 22 is an example of the "first conductor." A device busbar 12 is an example of the "second conductor."Note that the structure of the present modification can be applied in combination with the first to fourth modifications described above. (Second embodiment)

[0064] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an elastic conductive member 50, which is a canted coil spring 90, is provided. Note that the structure is the same as the structure of the first embodiment described above, except for the following. <B1. Aufbau der Anordnung>

[0065] Fig. 9 shows cross-sectional views illustrating an assembly 1 of the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, each connector CSa includes a device bus bar 12, a battery bus bar 22, and the elastic conductive member 50.

[0066] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the elastic conductive member 50 of the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, the elastic conductive member 50 is the canted coil spring 90. The canted coil spring 90 is a spring element formed by obliquely winding a wire 91. Each of the canted coil springs 90 has a plurality of windings 90w in which the wire 91 is obliquely wound.

[0067] Here, an axial direction Da, a radial direction Dr, and a circumferential direction Dc of the canted coil spring 90 are defined. The axial direction Da is a direction along an axis C that extends through the center of the canted coil spring 90 in the Z direction. The radial direction Dr is a direction that radially separates from the axis C, which is the center of the canted coil spring 90. The circumferential direction Dc is a direction that rotates around the axis C while maintaining a certain distance from the axis C of the canted coil spring 90.

[0068] The wire 91 of the canted coil spring 90 extends spirally in the circumferential direction Dc while being inclined with respect to the circumferential direction Dc. The canted coil spring 90 collapses so that the inclination increases for each turn of the wire 91 when compressed in the axial direction Da. The canted coil spring 90 is compressed in the Z direction without changing the contact area (conduction area) with the device busbar 12 and the battery busbar 22 when it is elastically deformed and compressed between the device busbar 12 and the battery busbar 22.

[0069] Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view, along line F11-F11, of the Fig. 9. The outer diameter of the canted coil spring 90 is, for example, smaller than the width of the device busbar 12 in the X direction. In the present embodiment, the entire canted coil spring 90 faces the device busbar 12. Similarly, the entire canted coil spring 90 faces the battery busbar 22.

[0070] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the elastic conductive member 50 has a first end 50e1 and a second end 50e2. In the present embodiment, the first end 50e1 is fixed to a fixing surface SF of the device busbar 12. The first end 50e1 is fixed to the fixing surface SF of the device busbar 12 by joining it to the fixing surface SF of the device busbar 12, for example, by welding or the like. In the present embodiment, a portion of each winding 90w included in the first end 50e1 is fixed to the fixing surface SF of the device busbar 12.

[0071] On the other hand, the second end 50e2 abuts against a receiving surface SR of the battery bus bar 22. When a device 11 and a battery pack 21 are fixed, the second end 50e2 abuts against the receiving surface SR of the battery bus bar 22 in a state where the elastic conductive member 50 is elastically deformed and compressed between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22. In the present embodiment, a portion of each winding 90w included in the second end 50e2 abuts against the receiving surface SR of the battery bus bar 22. <B2. Verfahren zur Herstellung der Anordnung>

[0072] In the present embodiment, before a device unit 10 and a battery unit 20 are fixed, the elastic conductive member 50 is fixed to the device bus bar 12 as a part of the device unit 10. Next, the device unit 10 and the battery unit 20 are aligned so that the plurality of battery bus bars 22 and the plurality of elastic conductive members 50 overlap each other when viewed in the Z direction. Next, the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed by the fixing member 30. At this time, the elastic conductive member 50 is sandwiched between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22, and is elastically deformed and compressed between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22. <B3. Vorteil>

[0073] In the present embodiment, the elastic conductive member 50 is the canted coil spring 90. According to such a structure, compared with a case where the helical compression spring is used, it is easy to ensure a large contact area (conduction area) between the elastic conductive member 50 and the device busbar 12 and / or between the elastic conductive member 50 and the battery busbar 22. In addition, when the elastic conductive member 50 is the canted coil spring 90, since the plurality of windings 90w are in contact with the device busbar 12 and the battery busbar 22, high conductivity between the device busbar 12 and the battery busbar 22 is easily ensured.

[0074] Note that the elastic conductive member 50, which is the canted coil spring 90, may be fixed to the battery bus bar 22 instead of being fixed to the device bus bar 12. The same applies to a modification of the second embodiment, which will be described later. <B4. Modifikation>

[0075] Next, a modification of the second embodiment will be described. Note that, except for the following, the structure of the present modification is the same as the structure of the second embodiment described above.

[0076] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an assembly 1 according to the modification of the second embodiment. In the present modification, each connector CSa includes an elastic conductor 50A instead of the elastic conductive member 50 of the second embodiment. When a device 11 and a battery pack 21 are fixed, the elastic conductor 50A electrically connects a device busbar 12 and a battery busbar 22 while being elastically deformed and compressed between the device busbar 12 and the battery busbar 22.

[0077] In the present modification, the elastic conductor 50A includes a first canted coil spring 90A and a second canted coil spring 90B. Each of the first canted coil spring 90A and the second canted coil spring 90B has a structure similar to the canted coil spring 90 described above. The first canted coil spring 90A is formed in an annular shape. The second canted coil spring 90B is formed in an annular shape larger than the first canted coil spring 90A. The second canted coil spring 90B is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the first canted coil spring 90A.

[0078] In the present modification, two canted coil springs 90A and 90B are arranged. According to such a structure, even if a positional deviation in the X direction or the Y direction occurs between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22, a stable electrical connection can be easily ensured by the two canted coil springs 90A and 90B.

[0079] Several embodiments and modifications have been described above. However, it should be noted that the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the examples described above. For example, the elastic conductive element 50 may be another type of spring element, such as a coil spring or a disc spring.

[0080] The structure of the assembly 1 and the connection structure CS described above can be applied to a combination other than the device 11 and the battery pack 21 (a combination of any first module and any second module). The device 11 is an example of a "first module." The battery pack 21 is an example of a "second module." However, both the "first module" and the "second module" may be the same type of device. Alternatively, the "first module" and the "second module" may be different types of devices. Alternatively, both the "first module" and the "second module" may be a battery pack.

[0081] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary of the invention and are not to be considered limiting. The above-described embodiments may be implemented in various other forms, and various additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered limited by the foregoing description and is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. Industrial applicability

[0082] According to the present disclosure, it is easy to ensure the contact pressure of a conductor. Brief description of the reference symbols 1 arrangement 10 Fixture unit 11 Device 12 Device busbar (first conductor, second conductor) 20 battery unit 21 Battery pack 22 Battery busbar (first conductor, second conductor) 30 Fixing element 50 Elastic conductive element (elastic conductor) 60 wave spring 72, 72a, 72b Inclined surface (position limiter) 81 projection (position limiter) 85 Annular projection (position limiter) 90 canted coil spring 90A First Canted Coil Spring 90B Second canted coil spring CS connection structure CSa connector

Claims

[1] Connection structure (CS) for electrically connecting a device (11) and a battery pack (21), the connection structure (CS) comprising: a first conductor (12, 22) connected to one of the device (11) and the battery pack (21); a second conductor (12, 22) connected to the other of the device (11) and the battery pack (21) and overlapping at least a portion of the first conductor (12, 22) when viewed in a first direction from the device (11) toward the battery pack (21); and an elastic conductor (50, 50A) disposed between the first conductor (12, 22) and the second conductor (12, 22) in the first direction and electrically connecting the first conductor (12, 22) and the second conductor (12, 22) while being compressed between the first conductor (12, 22) and the second conductor (12, 22) when the device (11) and the battery pack (21) are fixed. [2] The connection structure (CS) according to claim 1, wherein the first conductor (12, 22) is a bus bar, and the elastic conductor (50, 50A) is a spring member (60, 90, 90A, 90B) having one end abutting a surface of the bus bar. [3] Connecting structure (CS) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic conductor (50) is a corrugated spring (60). [4] The connection structure (CS) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic conductor (50) is fixed to the second conductor (12, 22), and the first conductor (12, 22) has a position limiter (72, 72a, 72b, 81, 85) facing the elastic conductor (50) in a second direction intersecting the first direction and limiting a positional deviation of the elastic conductor (50) in the second direction. [5] Connecting structure (CS) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic conductor (50) is a canted coil spring (90). [6] The connection structure (CS) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic conductor (50A) comprises a first canted coil spring (90A) formed in an annular shape and a second canted coil spring (90B) formed in a larger annular shape than the first canted coil spring (90A) and arranged on an outer peripheral side of the first canted coil spring (90A). [7] Arrangement (1), with: a device (11); a battery pack (21); and a connecting structure (CS) which electrically connects the device (11) and the battery pack (21), where the connection structure (CS) comprises a first conductor (12, 22) connected to one of the device (11) and the battery pack (21), a second conductor (12, 22) connected to the other of the device (11) and the battery pack (21) and overlapping at least a portion of the first conductor (12, 22) when viewed in a first direction from the device (11) toward the battery pack (21), and an elastic conductor (50, 50A) disposed between the first conductor (12, 22) and the second conductor (12, 22) in the first direction and electrically connecting the first conductor (12, 22) and the second conductor (12, 22) while being compressed between the first conductor (12, 22) and the second conductor (12, 22) when the device (11) and the battery pack are fixed.

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