Connection structure and method for producing a connection structure

The connection structure with adjustable angles and reduced thickness addresses the fixed-angle and thickness issues of busbars, improving insulation and packaging efficiency.

DE102025134264A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-03-05YAZAKI CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102025134264
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-08-27
Publication Date
2026-03-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing connection structures for busbars in electric vehicle batteries fix the connection angle between elements, leading to a fixed configuration and an increase in thickness, which can cause issues with insulation, bending, and packaging efficiency.

Method used

A connection structure with first and second connecting elements, each having thin sections at their ends with distinct connection surfaces, allowing for adjustable angles while maintaining a reduced thickness, and using various joining methods like welding.

Benefits of technology

Enables free adjustment of connection angles between busbars, reducing thickness and preventing bending, which enhances insulation, vibration resistance, and packaging efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A connecting structure (1) comprises a first connecting element (10) comprising a first conductor (11) and a second connecting element (20) comprising a second conductor (21), wherein the first conductor (11) comprises a first base section (12) and a first thin section (13), the second conductor (21) comprises a second base section (22) and a second thin section (23), the thickness of the first thin section (13) is less throughout in a width direction (Y) of the first conductor (11) than that of the first base section (12), the thickness of the second thin section (23) is less throughout in the width direction (Y) of the second conductor (21) than that of the second base section (22), and a first connecting surface (13a) and a second connecting surface (23a) are in contact with each other to connect the first connecting element (10) and the second connecting element (20).
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Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection structure and a method for producing a connection structure. BACKGROUND

[0002] When busbars used in electric vehicle batteries or similar devices are connected, conductor sections overlap, leading to an increase in the thickness of the connecting section between the busbars. Therefore, it is known from the prior art to form an engagement groove in the busbar.

[0003] JP2017-195109 A1 discloses a busbar comprising a first connecting element with an engagement groove recessed to define mating surfaces that face each other in a direction intersecting with an overlap direction, and a second connecting element with an engagement piece inserted into the engagement groove. The first connecting element and the second connecting element are joined to each other by ultrasound between the engagement groove and the engagement piece. In JP2017-195109 A1, the configuration described above suppresses an increase in the thickness of the connecting element in the busbar. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In the busbar described in JP2017-195109 A1, the engagement piece of the second connecting element is inserted into the engagement groove of the first connecting element, and an ultrasonic connection is established between them. Therefore, the connection direction of the first and second connecting elements is fixed, and the connection angle between them cannot be freely adjusted.

[0005] The present invention was made in consideration of such problems in the prior art. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a connection structure and a method for producing a connection structure that can freely adjust a connection angle between a first connecting element and a second connecting element, while suppressing an increase in the thickness of a connecting part between the first connecting element and the second connecting element.

[0006] A connecting structure according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first connecting element comprising a first conductor and a second connecting element comprising a second conductor. The first conductor is a busbar. The first conductor comprises a first base section and a first thin section, which is continuously connected to the first base section on the same plane and has a lesser thickness than that of the first base section. The second conductor comprises a second base section and a second thin section, which is continuously connected to the second base section on the same plane and has a lesser thickness than that of the second base section. The shape of the second thin section, viewed in a longitudinal direction of the second conductor, is rectangular.The first thin section is located at a distal end of the first conductor, and its thickness is less than that of the first base section in a lateral direction of the first conductor. The second thin section is located at a distal end of the second conductor, and its thickness is less than that of the second base section in a lateral direction of the second conductor. The first thin section includes a first connection surface that lies in a plane distinct from a surface of the first base section. The second thin section includes a second connection surface that lies in a plane distinct from a surface of the second base section. The first and second connection surfaces are in contact to connect the first and second connection elements.

[0007] A method for producing a connecting structure according to another aspect of the present invention comprises providing a first connecting element comprising a first conductor and a second connecting element comprising a second conductor, and connecting the first connecting element and the second connecting element together. The first conductor is a busbar. The first conductor comprises a first base section and a first thin section that is continuously connected to the first base section on the same plane and has a lesser thickness than that of the first base section. The second conductor comprises a second base section and a second thin section that is continuously connected to the second base section on the same plane and has a lesser thickness than that of the second base section.The shape of the second thin section, viewed along the length of the second conductor, is rectangular. The first thin section is located at a distal end of the first conductor, and its thickness is less than that of the first base section along the width of the first conductor. The second thin section is also located at a distal end of the second conductor, and its thickness is less than that of the second base section along the width of the second conductor. The first thin section includes a first connection surface that lies in a plane distinct from a surface of the first base section. The second thin section includes a second connection surface that lies in a plane distinct from a surface of the second base section.In the connection structure, the first connection surface and the second connection surface touch each other to connect the first connection element and the second connection element together.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connection structure and a method for producing a connection structure that can freely adjust a connection angle between a first connecting element and a second connecting element, while suppressing an increase in the thickness of a connecting part between the first connecting element and the second connecting element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a state before a first connector and a second connector are joined together. Fig. Figure 2 is a top view showing an example of the state before the first connecting element and the second connecting element are joined together. Fig. Figure 3 is a side view of the first connecting element or the second connecting element, seen in a longitudinal direction. Fig. Figure 4 represents an example of a state after the first connecting element and the second connecting element have been joined together. Fig. Figure 5 represents another example of the state after the first connecting element and the second connecting element have been joined together. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] With reference to the drawings, a connection structure and a method for manufacturing a connection structure according to the present embodiment are described in detail below. It should be noted that the dimensions in the drawings are exaggerated for explanatory purposes and may differ from the actual dimensions. [Connection structure]

[0010] First, a connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment is described with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a state before a first connecting element 10 and a second connecting element 20 are joined together. Fig. Figure 2 is a top view showing an example of the state before the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20 are joined together. Fig. Figure 3 is a side view of the first connecting element 10 or the second connecting element 20, seen in a longitudinal direction X. Fig. Figure 4 represents an example of a state after the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20 have been connected. It should be noted that in this description, the longitudinal direction, the width direction, and the thickness direction of the first connecting element 10, the first conductor 11, the second connecting element 20, or the second conductor 21 are designated as direction X, direction Y, and direction Z, respectively.

[0011] As in Fig. 1 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment comprises the first connection element 10 and the second connection element 20. In the present embodiment, the shape of the first connection element 10 and the shape of the second connection element 20 are the same, but may differ from each other. The first connection element 10 comprises the first conductor 11. The second connection element 20 comprises the second conductor 21. In the connection structure 1, the first connection element 10 and the second connection element 20 are mechanically and electrically connected to each other.

[0012] The first conductor 11 is a busbar. The busbar may have a flat conductor with a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The busbar may be coated with an insulating coating material containing an insulating element. For example, the first connecting element 10 may comprise the first conductor 11, which is a busbar, and an insulating coating material (omitted in the figure) that coats the first conductor 11.

[0013] The second conductor 21 can be a busbar or a bundle of element conductors comprising multiple element conductors. If the second conductor 21 is a busbar, it can be the same as or different from the first conductor 11. For example, the shape of the second conductor 21 can be the same as or different from the shape of the first conductor 11. Furthermore, the material of the second conductor 21 can be the same as or different from the material of the first conductor 11. The second connecting element 20 can comprise the second conductor 21, which is a busbar, and an insulating coating material (omitted in the figure) that coats the second conductor 21.

[0014] The second connecting element 20 can be an electrical conductor and can include the second conductor 21, which is a bundle of element conductors, and an insulating coating material (omitted in the figure) that coats the outer circumference of the second conductor 21. The bundle of element conductors comprises a plurality of element conductors and can be configured by bundling the plurality of element conductors. The end section of the bundle of element conductors can be formed in a plate-like shape by crimping the plurality of element conductors together at the end section of the bundle. The plurality of element conductors can form a compact strand, which is formed by bundling a plurality of element conductors. Alternatively, the bundle of element conductors can be formed from a single compact strand, or it can be a composite strand formed by bundling a plurality of compact strands.

[0015] With regard to material costs and heat generation during operation, each of the multiple element conductors preferably contains copper or aluminum. The material of the individual element conductors can be, for example, copper, aluminum, or an alloy containing these metals. With regard to weight reduction, the majority of element conductors are preferably made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0016] The insulating coating material used to coat the busbar may contain a resin. With regard to flexibility, insulation properties, dielectric strength properties, heat resistance, and suitability for use in motor vehicles, the insulating coating material used to coat the busbar preferably contains a resin that includes a polyamide such as polyamide 12 (PA12).

[0017] A thermoplastic resin that provides electrical insulation can be used as the insulating coating material for the majority of the element conductors. This insulating coating material can, for example, contain at least one olefin-based or polyvinyl chloride resin. The olefin-based resin can, for example, contain at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), ethylene copolymers, and propylene copolymers.

[0018] The first conductor 11 comprises a first base section 12 and a first thin section 13. The first base section 12 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the first conductor 11 and extends in the longitudinal direction X of the first conductor 11. The first base section 12 may be coated with an insulating coating material.

[0019] The first thin section 13 is continuously connected to the first base section 12 in the same plane. The first thin section 13 is located at the distal end of the first conductor 11. Furthermore, the first thin section 13 has a smaller thickness than the first base section 12. In particular, the thickness of the first thin section 13 is consistently smaller in the lateral direction Y of the first conductor 11 than that of the first base section 12.

[0020] The thickness of the first thin section 13 can be 10% or more, 20% or more, 30% or more, 40% or more, or 50% or more of the thickness of the first base section 12. Furthermore, the thickness of the first thin section 13 can be 90% or less, 80% or less, 70% or less, 60% or less, or 50% or less of the thickness of the first base section 12. Increasing the thickness of the first thin section 13 can increase its stiffness. Furthermore, decreasing the thickness of the first thin section 13 can reduce the thickness of a connecting element 33 when connected to a second thin section 23. If the first connecting element 10 includes the insulating coating material, the insulating coating material is detached at the end section of the first connecting element 10 to expose the first thin section 13.

[0021] The first base section 12 comprises a first surface 12a and a second surface 12b, which is located on one of the sides opposite the first surface 12a in the thickness direction Z. The first thin section 13 comprises a first connecting surface 13a and a first non-connecting surface 13b, which is located on one of the sides opposite the first connecting surface 13a in the thickness direction Z. The first connecting surface 13a is located in a plane that differs from the first surface 12a of the first base section 12. The first non-connecting surface 13b is located in the same plane as the second surface 12b of the first base section 12. The first surface 12a and the first connecting surface 13a are oriented in the same direction. Furthermore, the second surface 12b and the first non-connecting surface 13b are oriented in the same direction.Furthermore, a step is provided between the first base section 12 and the first thin section 13.

[0022] The second conductor 21 comprises a second base section 22 and the second thin section 23. The second base section 22 extends in the longitudinal direction X of the second conductor 21. The second base section 22 may be coated with an insulating coating material. The second base section 22 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the second conductor 21 or a circular cross-sectional shape. The thickness of the second base section 22 may be 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more of the thickness of the first base section 12. The thickness of the second base section 22 may be 130% or less, 120% or less, or 110% or less of the thickness of the first base section 12.

[0023] The second thin section 23 is continuously connected to the second base section 22 at the same plane. The second thin section 23 is located at the distal end of the second conductor 21. The second thin section 23 has a smaller thickness than the second base section 22. In particular, the thickness of the second thin section 23 is consistently smaller in the lateral direction Y of the second conductor 21 than that of the second base section 22.

[0024] The thickness of the second thin section 23 can be 10% or more, 20% or more, 30% or more, 40% or more, or 50% or more of the thickness of the second base section 22. Furthermore, the thickness of the second thin section 23 can be 90% or less, 80% or less, 70% or less, 60% or less, or 50% or less of the thickness of the second base section 22. Increasing the thickness of the second thin section 23 can increase its stiffness. Furthermore, decreasing the thickness of the second thin section 23 can reduce the thickness of the connecting element 33 when it is connected to the first thin section 13. If the second connecting element 20 includes the insulating coating material, the insulating coating material is detached at the end section of the second connecting element 20 to expose the second thin section 23.

[0025] The second base section 22 comprises a first surface 22a and a second surface 22b, which is located on one of the sides opposite the first surface 22a in the thickness direction Z. The second thin section 23 comprises a second connecting surface 23a and a second non-connecting surface 23b, which is located on one of the sides opposite the second connecting surface 23a in the thickness direction Z. The second connecting surface 23a is located in a plane that differs from the second surface 22b of the second base section 22. The second non-connecting surface 23b is located in the same plane as the second surface 22b of the second base section 22. The second surface 22b and the second connecting surface 23a are oriented in the same direction. Furthermore, the second surface 22b and the second non-connecting surface 23b are oriented in the same direction.Furthermore, a step is provided between the second base section 22 and the second thin section 23.

[0026] In connection structure 1, the first connection surface 13a and the second connection surface 23a touch each other to connect the first connection element 10 and the second connection element 20. The thickness of the connection part 33, where the first thin section 13 and the second thin section 23 are connected, is less than the combined thickness of the first base section 12 and the second base section 22. The thickness of the connection part 33 can be 50% or more, 70% or more, or 90% or more of the thickness of the first base section 12 or the thickness of the second base section 22. The thickness of the connection part 33 can be 130% or less, 110% or less, or 100% or less of the thickness of the first base section 12 or the thickness of the second base section 22.

[0027] For example, the thickness of the first base section 12 is manufactured to be equal to the thickness of the second base section 22. Furthermore, if the thickness of the first thin section 13 is set to half that of the first base section 12, and the thickness of the second thin section 23 is set to half that of the second base section 22, the thickness of the connecting part 33 is equal to either the thickness of the first base section 12 or the thickness of the second base section 22. In this way, an increase in the thickness of the connecting part 33 can be suppressed when the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20 overlap and are joined together.

[0028] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the shape of the second thin section 23, viewed in the longitudinal direction X of the second conductor 21, is rectangular. This shape simplifies the connection between the first thin section 13 of the first conductor 11, which is a busbar, and the second thin section 23.

[0029] The first thin section 13 comprises a first arc section 13c. The second thin section 23 comprises a second arc section 23c. In particular, the first thin section 13 and the second thin section 23 each have an arc shape. Because of the first arc section 13c and the second arc section 23c, the distal end of the first thin section 13 can be prevented from contacting the second base section 22, and the distal end of the second thin section 23 can be prevented from contacting the first base section 12, compared to a case where the distal end has a rectangular shape in the top view.For example, the connection angle between the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20 can be easily adjusted by slightly rotating the first connecting surface 13a of the first thin section 13 and the second connecting surface 23a of the second thin section 23 while holding them in contact.

[0030] As described above, the prior art method for joining the first and second connecting elements is limited to ultrasonic joining. However, according to a method for manufacturing the connecting structure 1 as described in the present embodiment, the joining method is not limited to this type, and the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20 can be joined by various methods. In particular, the first joining surface 13a and the second joining surface 23a can be joined by welding. Welding can be a pressure joining method such as ultrasonic welding and resistance welding, or a combination thereof.

[0031] The length L1 of the first thin section 13 can be equal to or greater than the width D1 of the first thin section 13, and the length L2 of the second thin section 23 can be equal to or greater than the width D2 of the second thin section 23. For example, if the length L1 of the first thin section 13 is equal to the width D1 of the first thin section 13 and the length L2 of the second thin section 23 is equal to the width D2 of the second thin section 23, the range of motion R of the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20 about an axis P1 can lie within -90 degrees ≤ R ≤ 90 degrees. Furthermore, if, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, if the length L1 of the first thin section 13 is greater than the width D1 of the first thin section 13 and the length L2 of the second thin section 23 is greater than the width D2 of the second thin section 23, the range of motion R can be extended further compared to a case where L = D is satisfied, as shown in Fig. 5 shown. [Method for producing the compound structure]

[0032] Next, the procedure for producing the connection structure 1 is described. The procedure for producing connection structure 1 comprises a provisioning step and a connection step.

[0033] As in Fig. 1 to Fig. As shown in Figure 3, in the provisioning step the first connecting element 10, which includes the first conductor 11, and the second connecting element 20, which has the second conductor 21, are provided.

[0034] In the joining step, the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20 are joined together. The in Fig. 4 or Fig. The connection structure 1 shown in Figure 5 can be produced by joining the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20. The method for joining the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20 is not specifically limited. As described above, the first connecting surface 13a and the second connecting surface 23a can be joined by welding. Welding can be a pressure connection such as ultrasonic welding and resistance welding, or a combination thereof.

[0035] As described above, the connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment comprises the first connecting element 10, which includes the first conductor 11, and the second connecting element 20, which includes the second conductor 21. The first conductor 11 is a busbar. The first conductor 11 comprises the first base section 12 and the first thin section 13, which is continuously connected to the first base section 12 on the same plane and has a lesser thickness than the first base section 12. The second conductor 21 comprises the second base section 22 and the second thin section 23, which is continuously connected to the second base section 22 on the same plane and has a lesser thickness than the second base section 22. The shape of the second thin section 23, viewed in the longitudinal direction X of the second conductor 21, is rectangular.The first thin section 13 is provided at the distal end of the first conductor 11, and the thickness of the first thin section 13 is consistently smaller in the lateral direction Y of the first conductor 11 than that of the first base section 12. The second thin section 23 is provided at the distal end of the second conductor 21, and the thickness of the second thin section 23 is consistently smaller in the lateral direction Y of the second conductor 21 than that of the second base section 22. The first thin section 13 includes the first connection surface 13a, which is arranged in a plane that differs from the first surface 12a of the first base section 12. The second thin section 23 includes the second connection surface 23a, which is arranged in a plane that differs from the first surface 22a of the second base section 22.The first connecting surface 13a and the second connecting surface 23a touch each other to connect the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20 together.

[0036] In the connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the first conductor 11 comprises the first thin section 13, and the second conductor 21 comprises the second thin section 23. Furthermore, the first connection surface 13a of the first thin section 13 and the second connection surface 23a of the second thin section 23 contact each other to connect the first connection element 10 and the second connection element 20. This allows the thickness of the connection part 33 between the first connection element 10 and the second connection element 20 to be reduced.

[0037] Furthermore, in the connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the first thin section 13 is provided at the distal end of the first conductor 11, and the thickness of the first thin section 13 is consistently smaller in the lateral direction Y of the first conductor 11 than that of the first base section 12. Furthermore, the second thin section 23 is provided at the distal end of the second conductor 21, and the thickness of the second thin section 23 is consistently smaller in the lateral direction Y of the second conductor 21 than that of the second base section 22. With this configuration, the connection angle between the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20 is not regulated, and the connection direction of the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20 can be prevented from being fixed.

[0038] Therefore, according to the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the connection angle between the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20 can be freely adjusted, while an increase in the thickness of the connecting part 33 between the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20 is suppressed.

[0039] Furthermore, if the adhesive force is too low, bending the busbar can cause a crease or crack in the insulating coating material, and there is a risk that the insulating performance of the insulating coating material cannot be adequately ensured. Conversely, if the adhesive force is too high, the insulating coating material is difficult to remove from the conductor. However, in the connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the busbar does not need to be bent. Therefore, it is sufficient to ensure an adhesive force that allows the busbar and the insulating coating material to remain in contact and prevents separation, thereby reducing the risk of reduced insulating performance.Furthermore, if a flexible insulating coating material is used and the busbar is bent, the thickness of the insulating coating material is reduced at the bend, and there is a risk that the insulating performance and durability cannot be adequately maintained. However, in the connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the busbar does not need to be bent, and therefore a variety of insulating coating materials can be used, including a more flexible insulating coating material than those in the prior art.

[0040] Furthermore, if the busbar is bent, the cross-sectional area of ​​the bent part decreases, heat generation due to Joule heating can increase, and vibration resistance can be impaired. However, in the connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the first connecting element 10 or the second connecting element 20 does not need to be bent, so a reduction in vibration resistance can be suppressed.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the connection angle between the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20 can be freely adjusted. This allows a busbar with a straight shape to be manufactured, and the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20 can be connected to each other at a desired angle as needed. Compared to a bent busbar, the straight busbar can reduce the empty space in a shipping crate and thus the packaging size. Consequently, shipping costs can be reduced.

[0042] The second conductor 21 can be a busbar or a bundle of individual conductors. Even if the first conductor 11 is a busbar and the second conductor 21 is a busbar or a bundle of individual conductors, the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20 can be connected to each other.

[0043] The first thin section 13 can encompass the first arc section 13c, and the second thin section 23 can encompass the second arc section 23c. With this configuration, the distal end of the first thin section 13 can be prevented from contacting the second base section 22, and the distal end of the second thin section 23 can be prevented from contacting the first base section 12. Thus, the connection direction of the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20 can be easily adjusted.

[0044] The first joining surface 13a and the second joining surface 23a can be joined together by welding. In the joining structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the joining method is not limited to ultrasonic welding, and various methods can be used. However, the first joining element 10 and the second joining element 20 can be easily joined together by welding the first joining surface 13a and the second joining surface 23a together.

[0045] The length L1 of the first thin section 13 can be equal to or greater than the width D1 of the first thin section 13, and the length L2 of the second thin section 23 can be equal to or greater than the width D2 of the second thin section 23. This configuration allows the connection angle between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 to be increased. Thus, the connection angle between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be adjusted more freely.

[0046] As described above, the method for manufacturing the connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment comprises a step of providing the first connection element 10, which contains the first conductor 11, and the second connection element 20, which contains the second conductor 21, and a step of connecting the first connection element 10 and the second connection element 20 together. The first conductor 11 is a busbar. The first conductor 11 comprises the first base section 12 and the first thin section 13, which is continuously connected to the first base section 12 on the same plane and has a lesser thickness than that of the first base section 12. The second conductor 21 comprises the second base section 22 and the second thin section 23, which is continuously connected to the second base section 22 on the same plane and has a lesser thickness than that of the second base section 22.The shape of the second thin section 23, viewed in the longitudinal direction X of the second conductor 21, is rectangular. The first thin section 13 is located at the distal end of the first conductor 11, and its thickness is consistently less than that of the first base section 12 in the lateral direction Y of the first conductor 11. The second thin section 23 is located at the distal end of the second conductor 21, and its thickness is consistently less than that of the second base section 22 in the lateral direction Y of the second conductor 21. The first thin section 13 includes the first connection surface 13a, which lies in a plane distinct from the first surface 12a of the first base section 12. The second thin section 23 includes the second connection surface 23a, which lies in a plane distinct from the first surface 22a of the second base section 22.In connection structure 1, the first connection surface 13a and the second connection surface 23a touch each other to connect the first connection element 10 and the second connection element 20.

[0047] Therefore, it is possible to manufacture the connection structure 1 which can freely adjust the connection angle between the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20, while suppressing an increase in the thickness of the connecting part 33 between the first connecting element 10 and the second connecting element 20.

[0048] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the configuration of the parts can be replaced by any configuration with a similar function, as long as it is within the scope of the claims. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2017-195109 A1 [0003, 0004]

Claims

[1] Connection structure (1) comprising: a first connecting element (10) comprising a first conductor (11); and a second connecting element (20) having a second conductor (21), wherein the first conductor (11) is a busbar, the first conductor (11) comprises a first base section (12) and a first thin section (13) which is continuously connected to the first base section (12) on the same plane and has a lesser thickness than the first base section (12), the second conductor (21) comprises a second base section (22) and a second thin section (23) which is continuously connected to the second base section (22) on the same plane and has a lesser thickness than the second base section (22), a shape of the second thin section (23), seen in a longitudinal direction (X) of the second conductor (21), is a rectangular shape, and the first thin section (13) is provided at a distal end of the first conductor (11), and the thickness of the first thin section (13) is continuously less than that of the first base section (12) in a lateral direction (Y) of the first conductor (11), the second thin section (23) is provided at a distal end of the second conductor (21), and the thickness of the second thin section (23) is continuously less than that of the second base section (22) in a lateral direction (Y) of the second conductor (21). the first thin section (13) comprises a first connecting surface (13a) which is arranged in a plane that is different from a surface of the first base section (12), the second thin section (23) comprises a second connecting surface (23a) which is arranged in a plane that is different from a surface of the second base section (22), and the first connecting surface (13a) and the second connecting surface (23a) touch each other to connect the first connecting element (10) and the second connecting element (20). [2] Connection structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second conductor (21) is a busbar or an element conductor bundle comprising a plurality of element conductors. [3] Connection structure (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first thin section (13) has a first arc section (13c) and the second thin section (23) has a second arc section (23c). [4] Connection structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first connection surface (13a) and the second connection surface (23a) are connected to each other by welding. [5] Connection structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a length (L1) of the first thin section (13) is equal to or greater than a width (D1) of the first thin section (13), and a length (L2) of the second thin section (23) is equal to or greater than a width (D2) of the second thin section (23). [6] Method for producing a compound structure (1), wherein the method comprises: Providing a first connecting element (10) having a first conductor (11) and a second connecting element (20) having a second conductor (21); and Connecting the first connecting element (10) and the second connecting element (20) together, wherein the first conductor (11) is a busbar, the first conductor (11) comprises a first base section (12) and a first thin section (13) which is continuously connected to the first base section (12) on the same plane and has a lesser thickness than the first base section (12), the second conductor (21) comprises a second base section (22) and a second thin section (23) which is continuously connected to the second base section (22) on the same plane and has a lesser thickness than the second base section (22), a shape of the second thin section (23), seen in a longitudinal direction (X), of the second conductor (21), is a rectangular shape, and the first thin section (13) is provided at a distal end of the first conductor (11), and the thickness of the first thin section (13) is continuously less than that of the first base section (12) in a lateral direction (Y) of the first conductor (11), the second thin section (23) is provided at a distal end of the second conductor (21) and the thickness of the second thin section (23) is continuously less than that of the second base section (22) over a width direction (Y) of the second conductor (21), the first thin section (13) comprises a first connecting surface (13a) which is arranged in a plane that is different from a surface of the first base section (12), the second thin section (23) comprises a second connecting surface (23a) which is arranged in a plane that is different from a surface of the second base section (22), and in the connection structure (1) the first connection surface (13a) and the second connection surface (23a) touch each other to connect the first connection element (10) and the second connection element (20).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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