Assembly

The assembly addresses the challenge of maintaining contact pressure in battery module connections by using a busbar configuration with elastic deformation, ensuring reliable electrical connections in electric vehicles.

JP2025074399AActive Publication Date: 2025-05-14YAZAKI CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023185171
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-10-30
Publication Date
2025-05-14
Estimated Expiration
2043-10-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing battery module connections to fuse contactor units in electric vehicles often struggle to maintain consistent contact pressure, leading to potential electrical issues.

Method used

The assembly includes a device busbar with a first extension and connection portion, a battery pack with a second extension and connection portion, and a gap between the installation surfaces, allowing for easy adjustment of contact pressure through elastic deformation.

Benefits of technology

This configuration ensures consistent contact pressure across multiple connection points, absorbing manufacturing tolerances and maintaining stable electrical connections, even in high-voltage applications.

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Abstract

To provide an assembly that easily ensures contact pressure at connecting parts.SOLUTION: The assembly includes a device unit and a battery unit. The device unit includes a device having a first installation surface and a device bus bar including a first extension portion extending in contact with the first installation surface and a first connecting portion extending continuously from the first extension portion. The battery unit includes a battery pack having a second installation surface opposing the first installation surface and a battery bus bar including a second extension portion extending in contact with the second installation surface and a second connecting portion extending continuously from the second extension portion and capable of being connected to the first connecting portion. A gap is provided in at least one of spaces between the first installation surface and the first connecting portion and between the second installation surface and the second connecting portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] It is widely known that a battery unit as a power supply source is connected to a device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a battery module is connected to a fuse contactor unit of an electric vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-144524 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the assembly disclosed in Patent Document 1, a male power supply terminal portion provided on a battery module is detachably attached to each of a plurality of female power receiving terminal portions connected to a fuse contactor unit. However, in a connection structure using such terminal portions, it is sometimes impossible to ensure contact pressure at the connection portions.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides an assembly that makes it easy to ensure contact pressure at a connection portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An assembly of one embodiment of the present invention comprises an equipment unit including an equipment having a first installation surface, and an equipment bus bar including a first extension portion extending in contact with the first installation surface and a first connection portion extending continuously from the first extension portion, and a battery unit including a battery pack having a second installation surface opposite the first installation surface, and a battery bus bar including a second extension portion extending in contact with the second installation surface and a second connection portion extending continuously from the second extension portion and connectable to the first connection portion, and has a gap at least one between the first installation surface and the first connection portion and between the second installation surface and the second connection portion. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the assembly of one embodiment of the present invention, the contact pressure of the connection portion can be easily ensured. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 13 is a front view of an assembly before fastening according to each embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly according to the first embodiment before fastening taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly after fastening according to the first embodiment taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1 of an assembly according to a modified example of the first embodiment before fastening. [Diagram 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly according to a second embodiment before fastening taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly according to the second embodiment after fastening taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1 before fastening according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an assembly before fastening according to modified examples of each embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] First Embodiment An assembly according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0010] (Assembly configuration) 1, an assembly 9 of this embodiment includes an equipment unit 1, a battery unit 2, and a fastening material 3. The assembly 9 is unitized by fastening the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 with the fastening material 3. For example, the assembly 9 may be mounted on a mobility unit such as an electric vehicle.

[0011] (Equipment unit configuration) The equipment unit 1 includes an equipment 11, a plurality of equipment bus bars 12, and a flange portion 13.

[0012] (device) The device 11 receives and transmits power to and from the battery unit 2. For example, the device 11 may be a high-voltage device such as a high-voltage J / B (junction box), an OBC (on-board charger), or a DC-DC converter. The device 11 has a first installation surface 111 on the side facing the battery unit 2.

[0013] Hereinafter, the direction parallel to the direction in which the first installation surface 111 faces is referred to as the Z direction. In addition, the directions intersecting each other within a plane facing the Z direction are referred to as the X direction and the Y direction. For example, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be directions perpendicular to each other. For example, the Z direction may be the "up-down direction." For example, the first installation surface 111 may be a plane facing downward.

[0014] The first mounting surface 111 is an insulating surface made of an insulating material. For example, the first mounting surface 111 may be an insulating housing, a partially insulating cover, or the like.

[0015] (Equipment bus bar) The multiple device bus bars 12 are connected to the device 11. Specifically, the device bus bars 12 are electrically connected to electrodes included in the device 11.

[0016] The multiple device bus bars 12 are arranged side by side in the X direction on the first installation surface 111. As shown in Fig. 2, each device bus bar 12 includes a first extension portion 121 and a first connection portion 122. The device bus bar 12 is formed of a conductive material such as a metal.

[0017] For example, the first extension portion 121 and the first connection portion 122 are a flat, integral metal plate. For example, each instrument bus bar 12 may have a constant thickness from the first extension portion 121 to the first connection portion 122. For example, each instrument bus bar 12 may have a plate shape having a pair of plate surfaces facing the Z direction and extending in the Y direction from the first extension portion 121 to the first connection portion 122.

[0018] The first extending portion 121 extends in the Y direction in contact with the first installation surface 111. The first connecting portion 122 is continuous from the first extending portion 121 and further extends in the Y direction in contact with the first installation surface 111. The first connecting portion 122 has a first contact surface 122a on a side facing the battery unit 2. For example, the first contact surface 122a may be a flat surface.

[0019] (Flange part) The flange portion 13 is integrally molded with the equipment 11. The flange portion 13 protrudes from the equipment 11 to both outsides of the equipment 11. The flange portion 13 has a plurality of through holes 13h extending in the Z direction. The equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 are fastened together by fastening materials 3 inserted into each of the through holes 13h, thereby forming the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 into a unit.

[0020] (Battery unit configuration) The battery unit 2 includes a battery pack 21 and a plurality of battery bus bars 22. In this embodiment, a structure including a pair of each device bus bar 12 and an associated battery bus bar 22 is also referred to as a connection structure.

[0021] (Battery pack) The battery pack 21 includes a plurality of battery cells. The battery pack 21 has a second mounting surface 211 on the side facing the equipment unit 1. The second mounting surface 211 faces the first mounting surface 111. For example, the second mounting surface 211 may be a flat surface facing upward.

[0022] The battery pack 21 has a screw hole 21h in the second installation surface 211. The fastening material 3 inserted into the through hole 13h is screwed into the screw hole 21h.

[0023] The second mounting surface 211 is an insulating surface made of an insulating material. For example, the second mounting surface 211 may be an insulating housing, a partially insulating cover, or the like.

[0024] (Battery bus bar) The multiple battery bus bars 22 are electrically connected to the battery pack 21. Specifically, the multiple battery bus bars 22 are electrically connected to electrodes of multiple battery cells included in the battery pack 21.

[0025] The multiple battery bus bars 22 are arranged side by side in the X direction on the second installation surface 211. Each battery bus bar 22 is provided at a position facing an associated device bus bar 12. Each battery bus bar 22 includes a second extension portion 221 and a second connection portion 222. The battery bus bar 22 is formed of a conductive material such as a metal.

[0026] For example, the second extension portion 221 and the second connection portion 222 are an integral metal plate having a shape of a flat plate bent halfway. For example, each battery bus bar 22 may have a constant thickness from the second extension portion 221 to the second connection portion 222. For example, each battery bus bar 22 may have a plate shape having a pair of plate surfaces facing in a direction parallel to the YZ plane and extending while bending within the YZ plane from the second extension portion 221 to the second connection portion 222.

[0027] The second extending portion 221 extends in the Y direction in contact with the second installation surface 211. The second connecting portion 222 extends further in the Y direction continuously from the second extending portion 221. The second connecting portion 222 is connectable to the associated first connecting portion 122 by coming into contact with the associated first connecting portion 122. The second connecting portion 222 is provided at a position overlapping the associated first connecting portion 122 when viewed from the Z direction. A gap AA is provided between the second connecting portion 222 and the second installation surface 211.

[0028] The second connecting portion 222 has, in order from the tip toward the second extending portion 221, a second contact portion 2221 and a second deforming portion 2222. The second contact portion 2221 and the second deforming portion 2222 are continuous. In this embodiment, a gap AA extending from the tip of the second contact portion 2221 to the second deforming portion 2222 is provided between the second connecting portion 222 and the second installation surface 211, among between the second contact portion 2221 and the second installation surface 211.

[0029] The second contact part 2221 has a second contact surface 2221a facing the associated first contact surface 122a on the side facing the equipment unit 1. For example, the second contact surface 2221a may be a plane.

[0030] The second deformation portion 2222 connects between the second extension portion 221 and the second contact portion 2221. The second deformation portion 2222 is elastically deformable in response to a pressing force that the second contact surface 2221a receives from the first contact surface 122a.

[0031] Hereinafter, the "second deformation portion" refers to a portion that allows deformation in response to a pressing force that the second contact surface receives from the first contact surface.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the second deformation portion 2222 is bent and extends from the second extension portion 221 toward the second contact portion 2221. The second deformation portion 2222 is bent and extends in an obliquely upward direction forming an acute angle with respect to the direction in which the second extension portion 221 extends toward the second contact portion 2221. Due to such second deformation portion 2222, each battery bus bar 22 is configured such that the second connection portion 222 extends further beyond the end to which the second extension portion 221 extends.

[0033] (Fastening material) The multiple fastening members 3 fasten the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2. For example, each fastening member 3 may be a bolt that is passed through the through hole 13h and fastened into the screw hole 21h.

[0034] 3, when assembling the assembly 9, for example, by fastening the device unit 1 to the battery unit 2 with the fastening material 3 so as to bring the device unit 1 closer to the battery unit 2, the second contact surface 2221a comes into contact with the first contact surface 122a. As the fastening is continued, the second contact surface 2221a receives a downward pressing force from the first contact surface 122a.

[0035] Due to the gap AA being provided between the second connecting portion 222 and the second installation surface 211, the second contact portion 2221 receiving this pressing force elastically deforms the second deforming portion 2222 while reducing the gap AA. On the other hand, the elastically deformed second deforming portion 2222 can apply a biasing force toward the first contact surface 122a to the second contact portion 2221. Due to this deformation and biasing force, in the assembled assembly 9 after assembly, the second connecting portion 222 can come into contact with the first connecting portion 122 while absorbing the pressing force from the first connecting portion 122 by the gap AA.

[0036] (Action and Effects) According to the assembly 9 of this embodiment, the second connection portion 222 can come into contact with the first connection portion 122 while absorbing the pressing force from the first connection portion 122 through the gap AA. This contact allows the assembly 9 to absorb manufacturing tolerances related to the connection between the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 222 that are likely to occur when assembling the device unit and the battery pack. Therefore, the assembly 9 of this embodiment makes it easy to ensure contact pressure between the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 222.

[0037] For example, the assembly 9 can absorb tolerances associated with dimensional errors between lots of various structures relating to contact between the first connecting portion 122 and the second connecting portion 222, fastening pressure errors, and the like, for a plurality of assemblies 9 from different lots. For example, the assembly 9 can absorb tolerances associated with dimensional errors between a plurality of device bus bars 12, dimensional errors between a plurality of battery bus bars 22, and the like, for one assembly 9. For example, the assembly 9 can absorb tolerances associated with variations in contact pressure that arise from uneven fastening pressure and that extend across a plurality of first connecting portions 122 and a plurality of second connecting portions 222, for one assembly 9.

[0038] As a comparative example, assume that the structure of the assembly is such that a connector is provided on the battery pack, and the vehicle body side connector and the battery side connector are connected when the battery pack is attached to the vehicle body, as in Patent Document 1. With such a comparative example structure, when there are multiple connection points, it is not possible to check the mating state of each connector, and there may be connectors that are only partially mated, or an extremely large insertion force may be required to connect them all at once, resulting in high component costs.

[0039] In contrast to this comparative example, in the present embodiment, the assembly 9 is structured such that the second connecting portion 222 is capable of contacting the first connecting portion 122 while absorbing the pressing force from the first connecting portion 122 through the gap AA. Due to this structure, even in cases where there are multiple connection points, it is easy to ensure the contact pressure between each first connecting portion 122 and the associated second connecting portion 222 while suppressing the fastening pressure and the number of parts.

[0040] In particular, when the equipment 11 is a high-voltage equipment, the electrical connection between the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 involves many busbar-to-busbar connections, so it is effective to ensure contact pressure using the first connection part 122 and the second connection part 222 as in this embodiment.

[0041] Moreover, according to one example of the assembly 9 of the present embodiment, the second connecting portion 222 has the second deforming portion 2222, and thus the second deforming portion 2222 is preferentially more likely to deform than the second contact portion 2221. With such a structure, the second contact portion 2221 itself is less likely to deform, while the second contact portion 2221 can apply a biasing force toward the first connecting portion 122. Therefore, the assembly 9 of the present embodiment can stabilize the contact between the first connecting portion 122 and the second connecting portion 222.

[0042] Moreover, according to one example of the assembly 9 of the present embodiment, each battery bus bar 22 is configured such that the second connection portion 222 extends further beyond the extension of the second extension portion 221. With such a configuration, the second connection portion 222 is easily processed, and the second contact portion 2221 itself is unlikely to deform, while the second contact portion 2221 can apply a biasing force toward the first connection portion 122.

[0043] (Variations in Gap Position) In this embodiment, a gap AA is provided between the second connection portion 222 and the second installation surface 211. However, the position of the gap AA is not limited to this, and the gap AA may be provided at any position as long as the pressing force between the second connection portion 222 and the first connection portion 122 can be absorbed. As a modified example, the gap AA may be provided between the first connection portion and the first installation surface. As a modified example, as shown in FIG. 4, each device bus bar 12 may include a first connection portion 123 instead of the first connection portion 122. On the other hand, each battery bus bar 22 may include a second connection portion 223 instead of the second connection portion 222.

[0044] That is, in this modified example, each battery bus bar 22 includes a second extension portion 221 and a second connection portion 223. The second connection portion 223 is continuous with the second extension portion 221 and further extends in the Y direction in contact with the second installation surface 211. The second connection portion 223 has a second contact surface 223a on the side facing the equipment unit 1. For example, the second contact surface 223a may be a flat surface.

[0045] Moreover, in this modification, each device bus bar 12 includes a first extension portion 121 and a first connection portion 123. The first connection portion 123 extends continuously from the first extension portion 121 in the Y direction. The first connection portion 123 can be connected to the associated second connection portion 223 by coming into contact with the associated second connection portion 223. The first connection portion 123 is provided at a position overlapping the associated second connection portion 223 when viewed from the Z direction. A gap AA is provided between the first connection portion 123 and the first installation surface 111.

[0046] The first connecting portion 123 has, in order from the tip toward the first extending portion 121, a first contact portion 1231 and a first deforming portion 1232. The first contact portion 1231 and the first deforming portion 1232 are continuous. In this modification, a gap AA extending from the tip of the first contact portion 1231 to the first deforming portion 1232 is provided between the first connecting portion 123 and the first installation surface 111, among between the first contact portion 1231 and the first installation surface 111.

[0047] The first contact portion 1231 has a first contact surface 1231a facing the associated second contact surface 223a on the side facing the battery unit 2. For example, the first contact surface 1231a may be a flat surface.

[0048] The first deformation portion 1232 connects between the first extension portion 121 and the first contact portion 1231. The first deformation portion 1232 is elastically deformable in response to a pressing force that the first contact surface 1231a receives from the second contact surface 223a.

[0049] Hereinafter, the "first deformation portion" refers to a portion that allows deformation in response to a pressing force that the first contact surface receives from the second contact surface.

[0050] In this modification, the first deformation portion 1232 is bent and extends from the first extension portion 121 toward the first contact portion 1231. The first deformation portion 1232 is bent and extends in an obliquely downward direction forming an acute angle with the direction in which the first extension portion 121 extends toward the first contact portion 1231. With such first deformation portion 1232, each device bus bar 12 is configured such that the first connection portion 123 extends further beyond the end to which the first extension portion 121 extends.

[0051] According to the assembly 9 of this modified example, the first connection portion 123 can come into contact with the second connection portion 223 while absorbing the pressing force from the second connection portion 223 through the gap AA. This contact allows the assembly 9 to absorb manufacturing tolerances related to the connection between the first connection portion 123 and the second connection portion 223 that are likely to occur when assembling the device unit and the battery pack. Therefore, the assembly 9 of this modified example easily ensures contact pressure between the first connection portion 123 and the second connection portion 223.

[0052] Moreover, according to one example of the assembly 9 of this modified example, the first connecting portion 123 has the first deformation portion 1232, and thus the first deformation portion 1232 is preferentially more likely to deform than the first contact portion 1231. With such a structure, the first contact portion 1231 itself is less likely to deform, while the first contact portion 1231 can apply a biasing force toward the second connecting portion 223. Therefore, the contact between the first connecting portion 123 and the second connecting portion 223 can be stabilized.

[0053] Moreover, according to one example of the assembly 9 of this modified example, each device bus bar 12 is configured so that the first connection portion 123 extends further beyond the extension end of the first extension portion 121. With such a configuration, the first connection portion 123 is easily processed, and the first contact portion 1231 itself is unlikely to deform, while the first contact portion 1231 can apply a biasing force toward the second connection portion 223.

[0054] Second Embodiment An assembly according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 5 to 7. The assembly according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the assembly according to the first embodiment, except for the points described below, is assembled in the same manner, and provides the same functions and effects.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, each battery bus bar 22 includes a second extension portion 221 and a second connection portion 224. For example, the second extension portion 221 and the second connection portion 224 are an integral metal plate having a shape in which a flat plate is bent halfway. For example, each battery bus bar 22 may have a constant thickness from the second extension portion 221 to the second connection portion 224. For example, each battery bus bar 22 may have a plate shape having a pair of plate surfaces facing in a direction parallel to the YZ plane and extending while bending within the YZ plane from the second extension portion 221 to the second connection portion 224.

[0056] The second connection portion 224 is connectable to the first connection portion 122 by coming into contact with the associated first connection portion 122. The second connection portion 224 is provided at a position overlapping the associated first connection portion 122 when viewed from the Z direction. A gap AA is provided between the second connection portion 224 and the second installation surface 211.

[0057] The second connecting portion 224 has, in order from the tip toward the second extending portion 221, a second contact portion 2241 and a second deforming portion 2242. The second contact portion 2241 and the second deforming portion 2242 are continuous. In this embodiment, a gap AA extending from the tip of the second contact portion 2241 to the second deforming portion 2242 is provided between the second connecting portion 224 and the second installation surface 211, between the second contact portion 2241 and the second extending portion 221.

[0058] The second contact part 2241 has a second contact surface 2241a facing the associated first contact surface 122a on the side facing the equipment unit 1. For example, the second contact surface 2241a may be a plane.

[0059] The second deformation portion 2242 connects between the second extending portion 221 and the second contact portion 2241. The second deformation portion 2242 is elastically deformable in response to a pressing force that the second contact surface 2241a receives from the first contact surface 122a.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the second deformation portion 2242 is bent and extends from the second extension portion 221 toward the second contact portion 2241. The second deformation portion 2242 is bent and extends in an obliquely upward direction forming an obtuse angle with respect to the direction in which the second extension portion 221 extends toward the second contact portion 2241. Due to such second deformation portion 2242, each battery bus bar 22 is configured such that the second connection portion 224 extends by folding back from the extension end of the second extension portion 221.

[0061] 6, when assembling the assembly 9, for example, by fastening the device unit 1 to the battery unit 2 with the fastening material 3 so as to bring the device unit 1 closer to the battery unit 2, the second contact surface 2241a comes into contact with the first contact surface 122a. As the fastening continues, the second contact surface 2241a receives a downward pressing force from the first contact surface 122a.

[0062] Due to the gap AA being provided between the second connecting portion 224 and the second extending portion 221, the second contact portion 2241 receiving this pressing force elastically deforms the second deforming portion 2242 while reducing the gap AA. On the other hand, the elastically deformed second deforming portion 2242 can apply a biasing force toward the first contact surface 122a to the second contact portion 2241. Due to this deformation and biasing force, in the assembled assembly 9 after assembly, the second connecting portion 224 can come into contact with the first connecting portion 122 while absorbing the pressing force from the first connecting portion 122 by the gap AA.

[0063] (Action and Effects) According to the assembly 9 of this embodiment, the second connection portion 224 can come into contact with the first connection portion 122 while absorbing the pressing force from the first connection portion 122 through the gap AA. This contact allows the assembly 9 to absorb manufacturing tolerances related to the connection between the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 224 that are likely to occur when assembling the device unit and the battery pack. Therefore, the assembly 9 of this embodiment makes it easy to ensure contact pressure between the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 224.

[0064] Moreover, according to one example of the assembly 9 of the present embodiment, the second connecting portion 224 has the second deforming portion 2242, and thus the second deforming portion 2242 is preferentially more likely to deform than the second contact portion 2241. With such a structure, the second contact portion 2241 itself is less likely to deform, while the second contact portion 2241 can apply a biasing force toward the first connecting portion 122. Therefore, the assembly 9 of the present embodiment can stabilize the contact between the first connecting portion 122 and the second connecting portion 224.

[0065] Moreover, according to one example of the assembly 9 of the present embodiment, each battery bus bar 22 is configured such that the second connection portion 224 extends by folding back from the extension end of the second extension portion 221. With such a structure, the second connection portion 224 is compactly accommodated in the second extension portion 221, and the second contact portion 2241 itself is unlikely to deform, while the second contact portion 2241 can apply a biasing force toward the first connection portion 122.

[0066] (Variations in Gap Position) In this embodiment, a gap AA is provided between the second connection portion 224 and the second extension portion 221. However, the position of the gap AA is not limited to this, and the gap AA may be provided at any position as long as the pressing force between the second connection portion 224 and the first connection portion 122 can be absorbed. As a modified example, the gap AA may be provided between the first connection portion and the first extension portion. As a modified example, as shown in FIG. 7, each device bus bar 12 may include a first connection portion 125 instead of the first connection portion 122. On the other hand, each battery bus bar 22 may include a second connection portion 225 instead of the second connection portion 224.

[0067] That is, in this modification, each battery bus bar 22 includes a second extension portion 221 and a second connection portion 225. For example, the second extension portion 221 and the second connection portion 225 are a flat, integral metal plate. For example, each battery bus bar 22 may have a constant thickness from the second extension portion 221 to the second connection portion 225. For example, each battery bus bar 22 may have a plate shape having a pair of plate surfaces facing the Z direction and extending in the Y direction from the second extension portion 221 to the second connection portion 225.

[0068] The second connecting portion 225 continues from the second extending portion 221 and further extends in the Y direction in contact with the second installation surface 211. The second connecting portion 225 has a second contact surface 225a on the side facing the equipment unit 1. For example, the second contact surface 225a may be a flat surface.

[0069] In this modification, each instrument bus bar 12 includes a first extension portion 121 and a first connection portion 125. For example, the first extension portion 121 and the first connection portion 125 are an integral metal plate having a shape of a flat plate bent halfway. For example, each instrument bus bar 12 may have a constant thickness from the first extension portion 121 to the first connection portion 125. For example, each instrument bus bar 12 may have a plate shape having a pair of plate surfaces facing in a direction parallel to the YZ plane and extending while bending within the YZ plane from the first extension portion 121 to the first connection portion 125.

[0070] The first connecting portion 125 extends continuously from the first extending portion 121. The first connecting portion 125 can be connected to the associated second connecting portion 225 by coming into contact with the associated second connecting portion 225. The first connecting portion 125 is provided at a position overlapping the associated second connecting portion 225 when viewed from the Z direction. A gap AA is provided between the first connecting portion 125 and the first installation surface 111.

[0071] The first connecting portion 125 has, in order from the tip toward the first extending portion 121, a first contact portion 1251 and a first deforming portion 1252. The first contact portion 1251 and the first deforming portion 1252 are continuous. In this modification, a gap AA extending from the tip of the first contact portion 1251 to the first deforming portion 1252 is provided between the first connecting portion 125 and the first installation surface 111, between the first contact portion 1251 and the first extending portion 121.

[0072] The first contact portion 1251 has a first contact surface 1251a facing the associated second contact surface 225a on the side facing the battery unit 2. For example, the first contact surface 1251a may be a flat surface.

[0073] The first deformation portion 1252 connects between the first extension portion 121 and the first contact portion 1251. The first deformation portion 1252 is elastically deformable in response to a pressing force that the first contact surface 1251a receives from the second contact surface 225a.

[0074] In this modification, the first deformation portion 1252 is bent and extends from the first extension portion 121 toward the first contact portion 1251. The first deformation portion 1252 is bent and extends in an obliquely downward direction forming an obtuse angle with respect to the direction in which the first extension portion 121 extends toward the first contact portion 1251. With such first deformation portion 1252, each device bus bar 12 is configured such that the first connection portion 125 extends by folding back from the end where the first extension portion 121 extends.

[0075] According to the assembly 9 of this modified example, the first connection part 125 can come into contact with the second connection part 225 while absorbing the pressing force from the second connection part 225 through the gap AA. This contact allows the assembly 9 to absorb manufacturing tolerances related to the connection between the first connection part 125 and the second connection part 225 that are likely to occur when assembling the device unit and the battery pack. Therefore, the assembly 9 of this modified example easily ensures contact pressure between the first connection part 125 and the second connection part 225.

[0076] Moreover, according to one example of the assembly 9 of this modified example, the first connecting portion 125 has the first deforming portion 1252, and thus the first deforming portion 1252 is preferentially more likely to deform than the first contact portion 1251. With such a structure, the first contact portion 1251 itself is less likely to deform, while the first contact portion 1251 can apply a biasing force toward the second connecting portion 225. Therefore, the contact between the first connecting portion 125 and the second connecting portion 225 can be stabilized.

[0077] Moreover, according to one example of assembly 9 of this modified example, each device bus bar 12 is configured so that first connection portion 125 extends by folding back from the extension end of first extension portion 121. According to such a structure, first connection portion 125 is compactly accommodated in first extension portion 121, and first contact portion 1251 itself is unlikely to deform, while first contact portion 1251 can apply a biasing force toward second connection portion 225.

[0078] <Other Modifications> In the first embodiment described above, the first connection portion 122 can be connected to the second connection portion 222 by contacting the associated second connection portion 222. However, as long as the first connection portion 122 can be connected to the second connection portion 222, the assembly 9 may be configured in any manner. As a modified example, as shown in FIG. 8, the assembly 9 may include a conductive member 4 (relay conductor). The conductive member 4 extends in the X direction across multiple pairs of the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion. The conductive member 4 is inserted between the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 222 across multiple pairs of the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 222 all at once. The conductive member 4 is formed of a conductive material such as a metal. With such a conductive member 4, the multiple first connection portions 122 and the multiple second connection portions 222 are connected via the conductive member 4, so that the conductive member 4 can connect the multiple first connection portions 122 and the second connection portions 222 all at once. Between the first connecting portion 123 and the second connecting portion 223 in the modification of the first embodiment, the assembly 9 may also include a similar conductive member 4. Between the first connecting portion 122 and the second connecting portion 224 in the second embodiment, the assembly 9 may also include a similar conductive member 4. Between the first connecting portion 125 and the second connecting portion 225 in the modification of the second embodiment, the assembly 9 may also include a similar conductive member 4.

[0079] In each of the above-described embodiments, the first extension portion extends in the Y direction. However, the first extension portion is not limited to this direction, and may extend in any direction as long as the first extension portion is in contact with the first installation surface and extends continuously with the first connection portion. As a modified example, the first extension portion may extend in the X direction.

[0080] In each of the above-described embodiments, the second extension portion extends in the Y direction. However, the second extension portion is not limited to this direction, and may extend in any direction as long as it is in contact with the second installation surface and extends continuously with the second connection portion. As a modified example, the second extension portion may extend in the X direction.

[0081] In the assembly 9 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 may be exposed or may have a cover. As a modified example, when the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 each have a cover, the cover on the equipment unit 1 side may be provided with a flange having a hole for fastening the equipment unit 1 to the battery unit 2. Furthermore, a packing may be attached to the flange, and the waterproofing of the connection structure may be ensured by this packing and the cover on the high-voltage equipment side. As another modified example, when the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 each do not have a cover, the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 may be entirely covered with a cover after the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 are combined.

[0082] In the assembly 9 of each of the above-described embodiments, the positioning of the equipment unit 1 relative to the battery unit 2 (or the battery unit 2 relative to the equipment unit 1) in the XY plane is performed by a plurality of fastening members 3, but may be performed by other positioning mechanisms. As a modified example, a positioning through hole may be provided in the flange portion 13, and a positioning protrusion may be provided at a corresponding position on the second installation surface 211 of the battery unit 2. The positioning through hole and the positioning protrusion are used for positioning, thereby improving the ease of assembly. Conversely, a positioning protrusion may be provided in the flange portion 13, and a positioning through hole may be provided at a corresponding position on the second installation surface 211 of the battery unit 2. As another modified example, a positioning convex portion may be provided on one of the first contact surface of the equipment bus bar 12 and the second contact surface of the battery bus bar 22, and a positioning concave portion may be provided on one of the first contact surface of the equipment bus bar 12 and the second contact surface of the battery bus bar 22.

[0083] In the assembly 9 of each of the above-described embodiments, the first deformation portion bends and extends from the first extension portion toward the first contact portion. However, the first deformation portion may be configured in any manner as long as it is elastically deformable in response to a pressing force that the first contact surface receives from the second contact surface, and the deformation portion can be identified without deforming the entire device bus bar. As a modified example, the first deformation portion may have a locally convex shape. As another modified example, the first deformation portion may be a laminated bus bar in which bus bars thinner than the first extension portion and the first contact portion are laminated. As yet another modified example, the first deformation portion may be a portion having a material that is easily deformed or a portion having a thinner thickness than the first extension portion and the first connection portion. For example, when the material of the first extension portion and the first connection portion is aluminum, the material of the first deformation portion may be copper as an easily deformable material.

[0084] In the assembly 9 of each of the above-described embodiments, the second deformation portion bends and extends from the second extension portion toward the second contact portion. However, the second deformation portion may be configured in any manner as long as it is elastically deformable in response to a pressing force that the second contact surface receives from the first contact surface, and the entire battery bus bar is not deformed, but the deformation portion can be identified. As a modified example, the second deformation portion may have a locally undulating shape. As another modified example, the second deformation portion may have a structure having a stacked bus bar in which bus bars that are thinner than the second extension portion and the second contact portion are stacked. As yet another modified example, the second deformation portion may be a portion having a material that is easily deformed or a portion having a thinner thickness than the second extension portion and the second connection portion. For example, when the material of the first extension portion and the first connection portion is aluminum, the material of the first deformation portion may be copper as an easily deformable material.

[0085] In the assembly 9 of each of the above-described embodiments, the first contact surface and the second contact surface are in contact with each other, but one of them may be larger than the other. If one is larger than the other, it is easy to ensure the contact area required for electrical continuity even if there is a misalignment during assembly.

[0086] In one example of the assembly 9 in each of the above-described embodiments, the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 are fastened with a fastening material 3 that is a bolt. However, the assembly 9 may be configured in any manner as long as the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 can be fixed to each other. As a modified example, the metal cases of both units may be welded together, or the resin cases of both units may be welded together, with the equipment unit 1 pressed against the battery unit 2.

[0087] In the assembly 9 of each of the above-described embodiments, the gap AA is provided by bending the first deformation portion of each of the instrument bus bars 12 or the second deformation portion of each of the battery bus bars 22. However, as long as the gap AA is provided, the assembly 9 may be configured in any manner. As a modified example, the gap AA may be provided by warping or recessing the first installation surface 111 of each of the instrument bus bars 12 so as to separate. As another modified example, the gap AA may be provided by warping or recessing the second installation surface 211 of each of the battery bus bars 22 so as to separate. Furthermore, if each of the instrument bus bars 12 can absorb the pressing force in the entire portion where such a gap AA is provided, each of the instrument bus bars 12 does not need to have the first deformation portion. Similarly, if each of the battery bus bars 22 can absorb the pressing force in the entire portion where such a gap AA is provided, each of the battery bus bars 22 does not need to have the second deformation portion.

[0088] The assembly 9 in each of the above-described embodiments has a gap AA at least between the first installation surface and the first connection portion and between the second installation surface and the second connection portion, but may have a gap AA both between the first installation surface and the first connection portion and between the second installation surface and the second connection portion.

[0089] The assembly 9 in each of the above-described embodiments has a gap AA at least either between the first installation surface and the first connection portion or between the second installation surface and the second connection portion. However, in the assembly 9, an elastic member having insulating properties may be inserted into at least a portion of the gap AA. By inserting the elastic member, the assembly 9 can ensure an appropriate contact pressure.

[0090] Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, this embodiment is shown as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1 Equipment Unit 2 Battery Unit 3 Fastening materials 4 Conductive material (relay conductor) 9 Assembly 11 Equipment 12 Equipment busbar 13 Flange 13h Through hole 21 Battery pack 21h Screw hole 22 Battery bus bar 111 First installation surface 121 First extension section 122 First connection part 122a First contact surface 123 First Connection 125 First Connection 211 Second installation surface 221 Second extension section 222 Second connection part 223 Second Connection 223a Second contact surface 224 Second Connection 225 Second Connection 225a Second contact surface 1231 First contact part 1231a First contact surface 1232 First transformation section 1251 First contact part 1251a First contact surface 1252 First transformation part 2221 Second contact part 2221a Second contact surface 2222 Second deformation part 2241 Second contact part 2241a Second contact surface 2242 Second transformation section AA Gap

Claims

1. an equipment unit including: an equipment having a first installation surface; and an equipment bus bar including a first extension portion extending in contact with the first installation surface and a first connection portion extending continuously from the first extension portion; a battery unit including: a battery pack having a second installation surface opposing the first installation surface; a battery bus bar including a second extension portion extending in contact with the second installation surface; and a second connection portion extending continuously from the second extension portion and connectable to the first connection portion; Equipped with A gap is provided between the first installation surface and the first connection portion and / or between the second installation surface and the second connection portion. assembly.

2. A gap is provided between the second installation surface and the second connection portion, The second connection portion has a second contact portion and a second deformation portion connecting between the second extension portion and the second contact portion. The assembly of claim 1 .

3. The second deformation portion connects between the second contact portion and the second extension portion such that the second connection portion extends further from the extension end of the second extension portion and the gap is provided between the second installation surface and the second connection portion.

3. The assembly of claim 2.

4. The second deforming portion connects between the second contact portion and the second extension portion such that the second connection portion extends by folding back from the extension end of the second extension portion and the gap is provided between the second extension portion and the second connection portion.

3. The assembly of claim 2.

5. a gap is provided between the first installation surface and the first connection portion; The first connection portion has a first contact portion and a first deformation portion connecting the first extension portion and the first contact portion. The assembly of claim 1 .

6. The first deformation portion connects between the first contact portion and the first extension portion such that the first connection portion extends further from the extension end of the first extension portion and the gap is provided between the first installation surface and the first connection portion.

6. The assembly of claim 5.

7. The first deformation portion connects between the first contact portion and the first extension portion such that the first connection portion extends by folding back from the extension end of the first extension portion and the gap is provided between the first extension portion and the first connection portion.

6. The assembly of claim 5.

8. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are provided in a plurality of pairs, a relay conductor is further provided which is inserted between the first connection portion and the second connection portion across the plurality of pairs at once, 8. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Citation Information

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