Current-carrying component

Abstract

To provide a junction box, a bus bar module, and a battery module provided with a current-carrying component used for a novel inter-terminal connection structure capable of suppressing contact of a worker with at least one of a terminal unit and a connection unit that can be a live unit, and the terminal unit that is connected to the connection unit of the current-carrying component.SOLUTION: A current-carrying component 54 electrically connecting a plurality of terminal units 32 includes: a current-carrying member 56 having a plurality of connection units 60 fastened to a plurality of terminal units 32 respective in a connected state; an insulating case 70 for accommodating the current-carrying member 56; and a connection unit side relay unit 66 provided in the connection unit 60 fastened to the terminal unit 32 covered by a terminal unit cover 48 and connected to the terminal unit 32 through a terminal unit opening window 50, at least one of the plurality of terminal units 32 being covered by the terminal unit cover 48 having the terminal unit opening window 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal connection structure for electrically connecting terminal portions of a plurality of devices in an energized state via an energization member such as a wire harness or a bus bar disposed between the terminal portions.

Background Art

[0002] As a connection structure for electrically connecting devices mounted on an automobile, there is known a terminal connection structure in which two connection portions provided on an energization member such as a wire harness or a bus bar spanned between terminal portions of two devices are respectively bolted to establish an energized connection. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which, in a battery module mounted on an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or the like, terminal portions between opposite electrodes of adjacent single battery groups are electrically connected by respectively bolting a pair of connection portions provided on a dedicated bus bar.

[0003] By the way, since the terminal portion of the single battery group is a live part, if the bus bar spanned between the terminal portions remains exposed, there is a risk that a tool for bolt tightening or the like may touch the bus bar and the battery module may short-circuit. Therefore, Patent Document 1 proposes a structure in which the bus bar is covered by a case having a main body portion that covers the bus bar while exposing the connection portion of the bus bar and a lid portion that covers the upper surface of the connection portion in an openable and closable manner. Thereby, the bus bar can be covered with the case to improve the insulation property. Further, when the bus bar is bolted between the terminal portions, the upper surface of the connection portion can be exposed to perform the bolt tightening operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, before the bolts of the bus bar are tightened, the terminal portions of each single battery group that become the live parts are exposed. At this time, there may be a case where measures to suppress contact of workers or the like with the terminal portions are desired. Further, even when measures to suppress contact with the terminal portions of the single battery group are not necessary, the other end of the bus bar to which one connection portion is fastened to the terminal portion becomes a live part. At that time, there may also be a case where measures to suppress contact of workers or the like with the connection portion are desired.

[0006] Therefore, an object is to provide a junction box, a bus bar module, and a battery module that are used in a novel terminal connection structure and can suppress contact of workers or the like with at least one of the terminal portions and connection portions that can become live parts, and include an energization component and a terminal portion connected to the connection portion of the energization component.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The energization component of the present disclosure is an energization component that electrically connects a plurality of terminal portions, and includes an energization member having a plurality of connection portions respectively fastened to the plurality of terminal portions in a connected state, an insulating case that houses the energization member, and at least one of the plurality of terminal portions is covered with an insulating terminal portion cover having a terminal portion opening window, and is provided at the connection portion fastened to the terminal portion covered by the terminal portion cover, and includes a connection portion side relay portion that is inserted through the terminal portion opening window and connected to the terminal portion.

[0008] Further, the energization component of the present disclosure is an energization component that electrically connects a plurality of terminal portions, and includes an energization member having a plurality of connection portions respectively fastened to the plurality of terminal portions in a connected state, an insulating case that houses the energization member, and at least one of the plurality of terminal portions includes a terminal portion side relay portion, and includes a connection portion cover having a connection portion opening window that covers the connection portion fastened to the terminal portion including the terminal portion side relay portion and partially exposes the connection portion, and the terminal portion side relay portion is inserted through the connection portion opening window and connected to the connection portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a junction box, a bus bar module, and a battery module including an energization component used for a terminal connection structure capable of suppressing contact of an operator or the like with at least one of a terminal portion and a connection portion, and a terminal portion connected to a connection portion of the energization component.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] <Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The energizing component of the present disclosure is (1) An energizing component that electrically connects a plurality of terminal portions, including an energizing member having a plurality of connection portions respectively fastened in a connected state to the plurality of terminal portions, an insulating case that houses the energizing member, and at least one of the plurality of terminal portions is covered with an insulating terminal portion cover having a terminal portion opening window, and is provided on the connection portion fastened to the terminal portion covered by the terminal portion cover, and includes a connection portion side relay portion that is inserted through the terminal portion opening window and connected to the terminal portion.

[0012] According to the energized component of the present disclosure, at least one of the plurality of terminal portions and the connection portion is covered with an insulating cover, and at least one of the terminal portion and the connection portion is exposed through an opening window provided in the insulating cover. Therefore, when the terminal portion or the connection portion can become a live part, by covering at least one of the terminal portion and the connection portion that requires electric shock prevention measures with an insulating cover, contact between the operator and the terminal portion or the connection portion can be suppressed. Further, a relay portion that is connected to the terminal portion or the connection portion by inserting through the opening window provided in the insulating cover is provided in the connection portion or the terminal portion that is fastened to the terminal portion or the connection portion covered with the insulating cover. Therefore, even if the terminal portion or the connection portion is covered with an insulating cover, electrical connection between the terminal portion and the connection portion can be realized.

[0013] In addition, in the energized component of the present disclosure, since it is only necessary to provide an insulating cover and a relay portion for the terminal portion or the connection portion for which electric shock prevention measures are desired and the connection portion or the terminal portion fastened thereto, an improvement in design freedom can be achieved. For example, when the connection portion or the terminal portion that can become a live part is only one connection portion, an insulating cover and a relay portion may be provided for one connection portion and the terminal portion fastened thereto, and electric shock prevention measures can be taken while suppressing costs. Further, for example, when the terminal portions that can become live parts are two terminal portions, excellent electric shock prevention measures can be realized by providing insulating covers for the two terminal portions and relay portions for the two connection portions. Further, the opening window is preferably provided in a size that allows insertion of the relay portion while preventing insertion of the operator's finger. The energized component includes those in which the energized member is constituted by a bus bar and those constituted by a wire harness provided with connection portions at both ends. When the energized component is a wire harness, a connection portion provided on one end side of the wire harness connected to a terminal portion protected against electric shock by an insulating cover is covered with an insulating case, and a relay portion provided on the connection portion protrudes from the case to the outside.

[0014] At least one of a plurality of terminal portions is covered with an insulating terminal portion cover, and the terminal portion is exposed through a terminal portion opening window provided in the insulating terminal portion cover. Therefore, when the terminal portion can become a live part, etc., by covering at least one of the plurality of terminal portions that require electric shock countermeasures with the terminal portion cover, contact with the terminal portion by an operator or the like can be suppressed. Further, a connection portion side relay portion that is inserted through the terminal portion opening window provided in the terminal portion cover and connected to the terminal portion is provided at a connection portion of an energization member fastened to the terminal portion covered by the terminal portion cover. Therefore, even if the terminal portion is covered with the terminal portion cover, electrical connection between the terminal portion and the connection portion can be realized.

[0015] (2) In the connection portion provided with the connection portion side relay portion, it is preferable that the connection portion is housed in the case and surrounded by the case. In the connection portion of the energization member provided with the connection portion side relay portion, as long as at least the connection portion side relay portion protrudes outside the case, connection between the terminal portion and the connection portion can be realized. Therefore, if the connection portion is surrounded by the case and not exposed outside the case, contact with the connection portion by an operator or the like can be advantageously suppressed as compared with the conventional structure in which the entire lower surface of the connection portion was exposed from the case.

[0016] (3) It is preferable that the energization member is constituted by a bus bar, two of the connection portions are provided at both longitudinal ends of the bus bar, and a crank-shaped bent portion bent in the plate thickness direction of the bus bar is provided. Thereby, the crank-shaped bent portion provided between the two connection portions can advantageously absorb the tolerance in the plate thickness direction of the bus bar generated between the two terminal portions to which each connection portion is connected. Note that at least one crank-shaped bent portion may be provided, but when it is necessary to provide the two connection portions at the same position in the plate thickness direction of the bus bar, by providing a pair of crank-shaped bent portions with opposite bending directions, the two connection portions can be set at the same position. Also, a plurality of crank-shaped bent portions or a plurality of sets of a pair of crank-shaped bent portions with opposite directions can be provided.

[0017] (4) The terminal part and the connection part are configured to be fastened using bolts, and the bolt insertion holes provided in the connection part and the connection part side relay part have a first space that allows displacement of the bolts in a predetermined direction. Preferably, the case has a second space that allows displacement of the bolts and the connection part side relay part in the predetermined direction. Thereby, when fastening the terminal part and the connection part with bolts, the tolerances of the separation distances between one terminal part and the other terminal part can be absorbed by the first space and the second space in a predetermined direction in which the tolerances are stacked. Note that the parts where the first space and the second space are provided may be set in a predetermined direction where tolerance absorption is required, and can be arbitrarily set according to the part to which the terminal connection structure is applied.

[0018] (5) In the above (4), the bolts are accommodated in the case, an upper surface opening for exposing the insulated heads of the bolts is provided on the upper surface of the case, and a lower surface opening for exposing the threaded portions of the bolts and the connection part side relay part is preferably provided on the lower surface of the case. Since the bolts for bolt fastening are accommodated in the case of the energizing component, the components in the tightening process of the terminal part and the connection part can be unitized, and the workability can be improved. Further, since the heads of the bolts exposed from the upper surface opening provided in the case are insulated, the anti-electric shock measures on the upper surface side of the case are also achieved simultaneously. Also, since only the threaded portions of the bolts and the connection part side relay part are exposed from the lower surface opening provided in the case, the contact between the operator and the connection part on the lower surface side of the case is advantageously suppressed.

[0019] (6) In the above (4), the bolt is accommodated in the case, and an upper surface opening for exposing the head of the bolt is provided on the upper surface of the case. A tool fitting hole into which the tip of a fastening tool fits is formed and opened on the upper surface of the head of the bolt. In a plan view, the tool fitting hole is exposed to the outside through the upper surface opening, and it is preferable that the outer peripheral portion of the head is covered by the upper surface of the case. By adopting a bolt of a type in which a tool fitting hole is opened on the upper surface of the head of the bolt, the opening area of the upper surface opening of the case can be reduced to a size that allows the tip of the fastening tool to be inserted, and the outer peripheral portion of the head can be covered by the upper surface of the case. Thereby, even without performing an insulation treatment on the head of the bolt, contact with the bolt that becomes a live part can be advantageously suppressed or prevented. In addition to a circular cross-section, the cross-sectional shape of the tool fitting hole can be a non-circular cross-section, such as a polygon such as a hexagon, a star shape, or an arbitrary shape such as + or -.

[0020] (7) In the above (6), on the upper surface of the case, it is preferable that the portion covering the outer peripheral portion of the head of the bolt is spaced apart upward from the head. The portion of the upper surface of the case that covers the outer peripheral portion of the head of the bolt is spaced above the head, and by increasing the separation distance between the upper surface opening of the case and the head of the bolt, the possibility of contact with the bolt through the upper surface opening can be further reduced. As a result, it is also possible to ensure a certain size of the upper surface opening in consideration of workability.

[0021] (8) The terminal portion and the connection portion are fastened using a bolt, and a guide wall is provided around the connection portion side relay portion and the threaded portion of the bolt in the case. It is preferable that the guide wall is higher than the connection portion side relay portion. Since the guide wall is higher than the connection part side relay part, contact of an operator with the connection part side relay part and the connection part is suppressed more advantageously. Further, when the threaded portion of the bolt housed in the case of the energizing component is screwed to the terminal portion, contact of the operator with the bolt is also advantageously suppressed by the guide wall, and the safety during the bolt fastening operation can be improved. More preferably, the guide wall protrudes with a protruding dimension equal to or greater than the tip of the threaded portion of the bolt.

[0022] (9) In the above (8), it is preferable that the guide wall is provided in the vicinity of the connection part, and the displacement of the guide wall is suppressed by contacting a member provided on the terminal part side. It becomes possible to also provide the guide wall with a displacement suppressing function, and it is possible to achieve both improvement in safety and workability during the bolt fastening operation with a small number of parts.

[0023] (10) It is preferable that the connection part side relay part and the energizing member are integrally formed. This is because when the connection part side relay part and the energizing member are integrated, the handling of the relatively small connection part side relay part becomes easy, and improvement in assembly workability and the like can be achieved. There is no limitation on the method of integrally forming the connection part side relay part on the energizing member, and any method can be adopted. For example, when the energizing member is formed of a metal flat plate, the connection part side relay part can be made to protrude by performing a burring process on the connection part. Also, the separately formed energizing member and the connection part side relay part may be integrated by welding or the like. The energizing member and the connection part side relay part may be integrally provided as a die-cast product such as aluminum.

[0024] (11) In any of the above (1) to (9), it is preferable that the connection part side relay part and the energizing member are formed separately, and the connection part side relay part is held by the case. By making the energizing member and the relay part on the connection part side separate bodies, the degree of freedom in selecting their materials can be improved. Moreover, since the relay part on the connection part side is held by the case, it is easy to handle the relay part on the connection part side, which is relatively small. Note that, as the structure for holding the relay part on the connection part side by the case, any structure such as a concavo-convex fitting or a support structure using a flange can be adopted. The relay part on the connection part side may be held by insert molding it into the case.

[0025] (12) In the above (11), the relay part on the connection part side has a cylindrical part protruding outside the case and a flange part protruding to the outer peripheral side from one end of the cylindrical part, and the cylindrical part of the relay part on the connection part side is inserted and arranged in an opening hole formed through the case, and the flange part of the relay part on the connection part side engages with the periphery of the opening hole from the inside of the case, so that the relay part on the connection part side is preferably held by the case. This is because the cylindrical part of the relay part on the connection part side can be made to protrude outside the case and the flange part side can be accommodated and held inside the case, and with a simple structure, it is possible to realize the protrusion of the relay part on the connection part side outside the case and its holding by the case.

[0026] (13) In the above (11), it is preferable that the relay part on the connection part side is held by the case by being press-fitted into an opening hole formed through the case. This is because by simply press-fitting the relay part on the connection part side into the opening hole provided in the case, it is possible to realize the protrusion of the relay part on the connection part side outside the case and its holding by the case, and it is possible to simplify the structures of the case and the relay part on the connection part side.

[0027] (14) It is preferable that a plurality of the relay parts on the connection part side project from the connection part with spaces therebetween. This is because the relay parts on the connection part side can be arranged separately at a plurality of positions, and the degree of freedom in arranging the relay parts on the connection part side, selecting materials, etc. can be improved. Note that the plurality of relay parts on the connection part side may be provided integrally with the energizing member or separately.

[0028] (15) The terminal part and the connection part are fastened using bolts, an opening window of the terminal part is formed in an annular shape around a bolt insertion hole of the terminal part, and it is preferable that an annular connection part side relay part is arranged around a bolt insertion hole of the connection part. The terminal part and the connection part are stably fastened and fixed using bolts. Further, by diverting the bolt insertion holes necessary for bolt fastening, the opening window of the terminal part and the connection part side relay part can be provided compactly, and the size of the terminal connection structure can be reduced. Further, the connection part side relay part can be configured in an annular shape, and the strength of the connection part side relay part can be ensured.

[0029] (16) An insulating connection part cover that covers another one of the plurality of connection parts, and a connection part opening window that is provided in the connection part cover and partially exposes the other one of the connection parts, and a terminal part side relay part is provided in another one of the plurality of terminal parts that is fastened to the other one of the connection parts covered by the connection part cover, and it is preferable that the terminal part side relay part is inserted through the connection part opening window and connected to the other one of the connection parts. Since one of the plurality of terminal parts is covered with a terminal part cover, for example, by applying it to the terminal part of a battery module that becomes a live part, contact with the terminal part of an operator or the like can be suppressed, and the required electric shock prevention measures can be satisfied. Further, after fastening one connection part of the current-carrying member to the terminal part that becomes the live part, the other connection part of the current-carrying member becomes the live part. However, in this aspect, since the other connection part is covered with the connection part cover, contact of an operator or the like with the other connection part that becomes the live part can be suppressed. As a result, it becomes possible to perform the fastening operation of the plurality of terminal parts by the current-carrying member under excellent electric shock prevention measures. Note that the connection part opening window provided in the connection part cover is preferably provided in a size that allows the insertion of the terminal part side relay part while preventing the insertion of an operator's finger.

[0030] (17) In the above (16), the other one terminal portion and the other one connection portion are fastened using a bolt and a nut. On the side of the other one connection portion, the nut is accommodated in the case, and the nut and the tip of the bolt fastened to the nut are positioned in an insulated state in an upper surface opening provided on the upper surface of the case. The connection portion cover is constituted by the bottom wall of the case, and a connection portion opening window is provided through the bottom wall. It is preferable that the bolt and the terminal portion side relay portion are arranged on the other one terminal portion. On the side of the other one connection portion of the energizing component, a fastening nut is accommodated in the case. In the other one terminal portion, both the fastening bolt and the terminal portion side relay portion are arranged. Thereby, the other one terminal portion and the other one connection portion can be unitized including the fastening component, and the handling property and workability of the component can be further advantageously improved. Further, since the nut located in the upper surface opening of the case and the tip of the bolt fastened to the nut are insulated, the electric shock prevention measure on the upper surface side of the case is also achieved in both ways. In addition, the bolt and the terminal portion side relay portion are arranged on the other one terminal portion. Therefore, by applying it to a terminal portion that does not become a live part, such as a terminal portion of an electrical connection box connected to a battery module, the problem of electric shock cannot occur. Note that any configuration can be adopted for the configuration of insulating and covering the nut located in the upper surface opening of the case and the tip of the bolt fastened to the nut. For example, a bag-shaped nut cover or the like can be adopted.

[0031] (18) The case is provided with a connection blocking portion that blocks the connection between the connection portion and the terminal portion, and it is preferable that the connection blocking portion is displaceable to an allowable position that allows the connection between the connection portion and the terminal portion. Since a connection blocking portion for preventing the connection between the connection portion and the terminal portion is provided in the case of the energized component, for example, during the connection operation between the terminal portions, if the connection portion of one of the energized components and the terminal portion are connected due to an incorrect operation, it is possible to prevent in advance the problem that the other connection portion of the energized component becomes an energized portion unintentionally. Moreover, since the connection blocking portion is displaceable to an allowable position that allows the connection between the connection portion and the terminal portion, the connection between the connection portion and the terminal portion can be controlled with one component. In addition, by involving the operation of displacing the connection blocking portion to the allowable position during the connection operation, the operator can surely be aware of and execute the connection between the connection portion and the terminal portion, and the problem that the other connection portion of the energized component becomes an energized portion unintentionally can be surely prevented.

[0032] (19) In the above (18), it is preferable that the connection blocking portion has a fitting portion that fits into the fitted portion on the terminal portion side when displaced to the allowable position. Since the connection blocking portion has a fitting portion and the fitting portion fits into the fitted portion on the terminal portion side when the connection blocking portion is displaced to the allowable position, the connection blocking portion can also serve as a fixing structure for the terminal portion and the connection portion, and excellent connection stability between the terminal portion and the connection portion can be ensured with a small number of component parts.

[0033] (20) In the above (19), it is preferable that the fitting portion and the fitted portion are adapted to fit at the normal fitting position of the terminal portion and the connection portion. This is because the operator can detect the normal fitting between the terminal portion and the connection portion by the fitting of the fitting portion and the fitted portion.

[0034] (21) In any one of the above (18) to (20), a bolt for fastening the connection part to the terminal part is accommodated in the case, an upper surface opening for exposing the head of the bolt covered with insulation is provided on the upper surface of the case, and a lower surface opening for exposing the threaded part of the bolt and the relay part on the connection part side is provided on the lower surface of the case. It is preferable that the connection blocking part is displaceable between a blocking position where it covers the lower surface opening and covers the threaded part of the bolt and the relay part on the connection part side, and a permitting position where it opens the lower surface opening and permits connection of the threaded part of the bolt and the relay part on the connection part side to the terminal part. This is because the connection blocking part can cover the lower surface opening at the blocking position and reliably prevent the exposure of the threaded part of the bolt and the relay part on the connection part side, and more excellent electric shock countermeasures can be taken.

[0035] (22) The case includes an insulating coating that covers the middle part in the longitudinal direction of the current-carrying member, and an end case that covers at least one of the two connection parts provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the current-carrying member and exposed from the insulating coating. The end case is assembled to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the current-carrying member, and the connection part and the terminal part are fastened using a bolt and a nut. It is preferable that a bolt insertion hole provided through the connection part has a displacement allowance gap that permits displacement of the end case with respect to the current-carrying member in the longitudinal direction. Since the insulating case for accommodating the current-carrying member is composed of an insulating coating that covers the middle part in the longitudinal direction of the current-carrying member and an end case that covers at least one of them, a more compact and low-cost case can be provided. Moreover, the end case is assembled to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the current-carrying member, and the bolt insertion hole provided through the connection part also has a displacement allowance gap that permits displacement of the end case with respect to the current-carrying member in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, when fastening the connection part and the terminal part using a bolt and a nut, the tolerance of the distance between the two terminal parts can be absorbed by the displacement of the end case with respect to the current-carrying member on the current-carrying component side.

[0036] In addition, the energizing component of the present disclosure is (23) An energizing component that electrically connects a plurality of terminal portions, including an energizing member having a plurality of connection portions respectively fastened in a connected state to the plurality of terminal portions, an insulating case that houses the energizing member, at least one of the plurality of terminal portions includes a terminal portion side relay portion, and includes a connection portion cover that covers the connection portion fastened to the terminal portion including the terminal portion side relay portion and has a connection portion opening window that partially exposes the connection portion, and the terminal portion side relay portion is inserted through the connection portion opening window and connected to the connection portion. At least one connection portion is covered with a connection portion cover, and the connection portion is partially exposed through a connection portion opening window provided in the connection portion cover. Therefore, when the connection portion can become a live part, etc., by covering at least one of the connection portions that require electric shock prevention measures with a connection portion cover, contact between an operator, etc., and the connection portion that requires electric shock prevention measures can be suppressed. In addition, the terminal portion fastened to the connection portion covered with the connection portion cover is provided with a terminal portion side relay portion that is inserted through the connection portion opening window provided in the connection portion cover and connected to the connection portion. Therefore, even if the connection portion is covered with a connection portion cover, electrical connection between the connection portion and the terminal portion can be realized.

[0037] The junction box of the present disclosure is (24) A junction box including the terminal portion to which the connection portion of the energizing component according to any one of (1) to (23) above is connected, wherein the terminal portion is provided with a terminal portion cover or a terminal portion side relay portion, and is connected to the connection portion of the energizing member provided with a connection portion side relay portion or a connection portion cover. According to the present disclosure, a junction box that can enjoy the effects of any of the above energizing components can be provided.

[0038] (25) In the above (24), it is preferable that the terminal portion and the connection portion are fastened using a bolt, and the terminal portion cover includes an inner peripheral portion that covers the inner peripheral surface of a bolt insertion hole provided in the terminal portion. Since the inner peripheral portion of the terminal portion cover covers the inner peripheral surface of the bolt insertion hole of the terminal portion, it is possible to advantageously suppress contact by an operator or the like with the inner peripheral surface of the bolt insertion hole of the terminal portion. Note that the inner peripheral portion of the terminal portion cover may be integrated with other portions of the terminal portion cover, or may be provided separately and configured to hold the terminal portion cover in a state of being held in the bolt insertion hole of the terminal portion.

[0039] (26) In the above (25), it is preferable that the inner peripheral portion of the terminal portion cover is integrated with other portions of the terminal portion cover. This is because the handleability of the inner peripheral portion of the terminal portion cover, which becomes relatively small, becomes easy.

[0040] (27) In the above (25) or (26), an annular terminal portion opening window is formed around the bolt insertion hole of the terminal portion, and an annular connection portion side relay portion is disposed around the bolt insertion hole of the connection portion. The annular terminal portion opening window is partitioned between the inner peripheral portion of the terminal portion cover and the outer peripheral portion of the terminal portion cover provided at a radially outer distance from the inner peripheral portion, and it is preferable that the surface of the terminal portion around the bolt insertion hole is covered by the outer peripheral portion. Since the inner peripheral portion of the terminal portion cover that partitions the annular terminal portion opening window covers the inner peripheral surface of the bolt insertion hole of the terminal portion, contact by an operator or the like with the inner peripheral surface of the bolt insertion hole of the terminal portion can also be advantageously suppressed.

[0041] (28) In any of the above (24) to (27), the terminal portion and the connection portion are configured to be fastened using a bolt, the terminal portion opening window is opened with a size that exposes the bolt insertion hole of the terminal portion and its peripheral portion, and it is preferable that a protrusion protruding toward the connection portion side relay portion is provided at the peripheral edge of the terminal portion opening window. Even when the terminal portion opening window is opened with a size including the bolt insertion hole of the terminal portion and its peripheral portion, since a protrusion protruding toward the connection portion side relay portion is provided at the peripheral edge of the terminal portion opening window, depending on the height of the protrusion, it is possible to advantageously reduce the possibility of contact by an operator or the like with the inside of the terminal portion opening window, for example, the inner peripheral surface of the bolt insertion hole. Therefore, by adjusting the height of the protrusion, even without using the inner peripheral portion of the terminal portion cover defined in the aspect (25) above, it is possible to suppress or prevent contact by an operator or the like with the inner peripheral surface of the bolt insertion hole, and it is also possible to reduce the number of parts.

[0042] (29) In the above (28), in a state where the terminal portion and the connection portion are fastened using the bolt, it is preferable that the protrusion is separated from the energizing component. When the terminal portion and the connection portion are bolted, by the protrusion coming into contact with any one of the components of the energizing component, it is possible to avoid the axial force due to the bolt fastening being dispersed to the terminal portion cover via the protrusion. Therefore, while ensuring the function of preventing contact with the terminal portion by the protrusion, a strong connection between the terminal portion and the connection portion is stably realized.

[0043] (30) In any of the above (24) to (29), it is preferable that the peripheral edge of the terminal portion opening window is elastically deformable, and the peripheral edge is pressed by the connection portion side relay portion to expand the terminal portion opening window, thereby allowing the connection portion side relay portion to be inserted into the terminal portion opening window. Since the connection portion side relay portion expands the peripheral edge of the terminal portion opening window, allowing the connection portion side relay portion to be inserted into the terminal portion opening window, before connecting the energizing component to the connection portion, it is possible to reduce the opening area of the terminal portion opening window that exposes the terminal portion to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to more advantageously reduce the possibility of contact by an operator or the like with the terminal portion.

[0044] The bus bar module of the present disclosure is (31) A bus bar module including a terminal portion to which the connection portion of the energizing component according to any one of (1) to (23) above is connected, wherein a terminal portion cover or a terminal portion side relay portion is provided on the terminal portion and is configured to be connected to the connection portion of the energizing member provided with a connection portion side relay portion or a connection portion cover. According to the present disclosure, a bus bar module capable of enjoying the effects of any of the above energizing components can be provided.

[0045] The battery module of the present disclosure is (32) A battery module including a terminal portion to which the connection portion of the energizing component according to any one of (1) to (23) above is connected, wherein a terminal portion cover or a terminal portion side relay portion is provided on the terminal portion and is configured to be connected to the connection portion of the energizing member provided with a connection portion side relay portion or a connection portion cover. According to the present disclosure, a battery module capable of enjoying the effects of any of the above energizing components can be provided.

[0046] <Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> A specific example of the terminal connection structure of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0047] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIGS. 1 to 7 show an example in which a terminal connection structure 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is applied to a battery module 12. The battery module 12 is used as a drive source for vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. As shown in FIG. 1, the battery module 12 includes a first battery module 12A and a second battery module 12B, and they are connected to each other via the terminal connection structure 10 of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, the first battery module 12A is shown on the left side, and the second battery module 12B is shown on the right side. Hereinafter, the Z direction will be described as upward, the Y direction as forward, and the X direction as rightward. Also, for a plurality of identical members, only some members may be labeled, and the labels of other members may be omitted.

[0048] <The first battery module 12A and the second battery module 12B> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first battery module 12A and the second battery module 12B each accommodate a plurality of rechargeable single cells 16 in housings 14A, 14B. The battery modules 12A, 12B connect these plurality of single cells 16 in series using a bus bar or the like (not shown), and the output voltage is, for example, 100V to 400V. Also, the battery modules 12A, 12B can connect a plurality of single cells 16 in parallel to increase the current capacity. For such single cells 16, lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium polymer secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, etc. can be used. Instead of or in addition to the single cells 16, capacitors such as electric double layer capacitors (EDLC) can also be used. Capacitors are also included in this specification.

[0049] The housings 14A, 14B are made of an insulating member such as synthetic resin. The housings 14A, 14B have a substantially rectangular box shape that opens upward, and have a bottom wall and a peripheral wall 18 that surrounds the periphery of the bottom wall. The peripheral wall 18 on the front side of the housings 14A, 14B is thick. By cutting out the upper end portion of the peripheral wall 18 on the front side over the entire length, the upper end portion 20 of the peripheral wall 18 on the front side is located below the upper end portion 22 of the single cell 16.

[0050] <Terminal connection structure 10> The first battery module 12A and the second battery module 12B are each connected in series by members such as bus bars (not shown) of single cells 16. Further, the first battery module 12A and the second battery module 12B in which the single cells 16 are connected in series in this way are electrically connected in series using a terminal connection structure 10 that electrically connects the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal portion side unit 24 and the terminal portion 32 of the second terminal portion side unit 26 via an energizing component 54.

[0051] <First terminal portion side unit 24> The first terminal portion side unit 24 having one of the two terminal portions includes, as shown in FIG. 4, a connection terminal 28 that can be connected to an external terminal and a housing 30 that holds the connection terminal 28. The connection terminal 28 is made of a plate-shaped metal such as copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy, and has a shape in which an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction is bent in an inverted U shape and both end portions are bent in an L shape. The front end portion, which is one end portion in the longitudinal direction, is a terminal portion 32 that is connected to a connection portion 60 of a first connection portion side unit 86 of an energizing component 54 described later, and the rear end portion, which is the other end portion in the longitudinal direction, is a terminal fastening portion 34 that is connected to a terminal of the single cell 16 of the first battery module 12A. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal portion 32 is provided on the first battery module 12A side with respect to the terminal fastening portion 34. Further, the terminal portion 32 is provided below the terminal fastening portion 34. A through hole 36 for connecting to a terminal of the single cell 16 of the first battery module 12A is formed in the terminal fastening portion 34.

[0052] A bolt insertion hole 38 through which a threaded portion 84A of a bolt 84 of an energizing component 54 described later can be inserted is formed through the terminal portion 32. The bolt insertion hole 38 has a circular shape with a size such that a predetermined gap (the gap in which an inner peripheral portion 48B described later is arranged) is formed between the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 and the inner wall of the bolt insertion hole 38.

[0053] The housing 30 is made of an insulating synthetic resin and holds the connection terminal 28 in a state of being accommodated therein as shown in FIG. 7. The housing 30 includes a terminal holding portion 40 that holds the connection terminal 28 and a terminal portion cover 48 as an insulating cover that covers the terminal portion 32. As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal holding portion 40 has a substantially rectangular block shape, and a housing portion 42 for housing the nut 44 is formed to open at the central portion. A screw hole 46 into which a screw portion 84A of a bolt 84 of an energizing component 54 described later is screwed is formed to penetrate through the center of the nut 44.

[0054] The insulating terminal portion cover 48 has a substantially rectangular box shape as a whole as shown in FIG. 4, and includes an outer peripheral portion 48A that constitutes the outer peripheral portion of the terminal portion cover 48 and an inner peripheral portion 48B that constitutes the inner peripheral portion of the terminal portion cover 48. As shown in FIG. 7, the outer peripheral portion 48A covers the upper surface of the terminal portion 32 and is formed with a thickness capable of suppressing or preventing electric shock to the terminal portion 32 by the insulating synthetic resin. A through hole 49 is formed at the center of the outer peripheral portion 48A. And an inner peripheral portion 48B is coaxially arranged at the central portion of the through hole 49, and a terminal portion opening window 50 as an opening window for partially exposing the terminal portion 32 of the connection terminal 28 is provided between the peripheral edge portion of the through hole 49 and the radially opposing surface of the inner peripheral portion 48B. As shown in FIG. 7, the terminal portion opening window 50 is provided in an annular region around the through hole 49. Among the insulating terminal portion covers 48, the inner side of the terminal portion opening window 50 is the inner peripheral portion 48B, and the outer side of the terminal portion opening window 50 is the outer peripheral portion 48A.

[0055] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the inner peripheral portion 48B is formed so as to cover the inner wall of the bolt insertion hole 38 that penetrates the terminal portion 32. In this way, the inner peripheral portion 48B is provided in a cylindrical shape on the inner wall of the bolt insertion hole 38 and is formed with a thickness capable of suppressing or preventing electric shock to the inner wall of the bolt insertion hole 38. The inner surface of the inner peripheral portion 48B is the inner surface of the insertion hole 51 through which the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 described later is inserted. Note that, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an annular protrusion 52 protruding obliquely downward and outward is provided at the lower end portion of the inner peripheral portion 48B. A tapered surface 53 extending obliquely downward is provided at the lower end portion of the inner peripheral edge portion of the bolt insertion hole 38, and the inner peripheral portion 48B is fixed in a state of being inserted into the bolt insertion hole 38 of the terminal portion 32 and pressed against the terminal portion 32.

[0056] <Second terminal portion side unit 26> The second terminal portion side unit 26 having the other of the two terminal portions has substantially the same structure as the first terminal portion side unit 24 as shown in FIG. 2, and thus the description thereof is omitted in this embodiment.

[0057] <Current-carrying component 54> As shown in FIG. 5, the current-carrying component 54 includes a bus bar 56 constituting a current-carrying member and a connection portion side relay portion 66 as a relay portion, and an insulating case 70 that houses the current-carrying member.

[0058] <Bus bar 56> The bus bar 56 constituting the current-carrying member is made of a plate-shaped metal such as copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy, and a pair of crank-shaped bent portions 58, 58 bent in the plate thickness direction of the bus bar 56 are provided at an arbitrary portion in the middle of the longitudinal direction. Connection portions 60, 60 having the same shape are formed at both longitudinal ends of the bus bar 56, a substantially elliptical bolt insertion hole 62 having the longitudinal direction as the major axis is formed through the center, and positioning recesses 64 are formed on both sides in the width direction. The connection portions 60, 60 constitute a first connection portion side unit 86 and a second connection portion side unit 88 described later. Here, the middle portion in the longitudinal direction refers to the portion between both longitudinal ends between the connection portions 60, 60 in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 56.

[0059] <Connection part side relay part 66> As shown in FIG. 5, the connection part side relay part 66 is composed of an annular metal member and is made of a metal such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, etc. The connection part side relay part 66 includes a cylindrical tube part 66A and a flange part 66B that protrudes in a flange shape from the upper end part of the tube part 66A to the outer peripheral side. The inside of the connection part side relay part 66 is a bolt insertion hole 68 through which the threaded part 84A of the bolt 84 is inserted. Similar to the bolt insertion hole 62 of the bus bar 56, the bolt insertion hole 68 has a substantially elliptical shape with the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 56 as the major axis. The flange part 66B protrudes in a stepped shape with a constant dimension over the entire circumference of the outer wall of the connection part side relay part 66 on the upper side in the axial direction of the bolt insertion hole 68.

[0060] <Case 70> The insulating case 70 for housing the bus bar 56 includes a case main body 70A and a lid body 70B as shown in FIG. 5. Both the case main body 70A and the lid body 70B are made of an insulating synthetic resin and are formed separately. Note that the case main body 70A and the lid body 70B may be integrally formed.

[0061] The case main body 70A has a substantially rectangular box shape extending in the longitudinal direction, and the middle part in the longitudinal direction has a shallow bottom according to the shape of the bus bar 56 housed inside. Lower surface opening holes 74 for inserting the tube part 66A of the connection part side relay part 66 and holding the flange part 66B of the connection part side relay part 66 at the peripheral edge are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the bottom wall 72 constituting the lower surface of the case 70. That is, the tube part 66A of the connection part side relay part 66 is inserted and arranged in the lower surface opening hole 74 penetrating the case main body 70A, and the flange part 66B of the connection part side relay part 66 engages from the inside of the case main body 70A at the peripheral edge of the lower surface opening hole 74, so that the connection part side relay part 66 is held by the case 70. Positioning protrusions 76 that engage with the positioning recesses 64 of the bus bar 56 are formed inward on both sides in the width direction of the bottom wall 72. In addition, guide walls 78 extend downward over the entire length in the width direction at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the bottom wall 72.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, the lid body 70B that constitutes the upper surface of the case 70 has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape that extends in the longitudinal direction as a whole. Upper surface openings 80 that expose the heads of bolts 84 coated with insulating paint are formed at both longitudinal ends of the lid body 70B. The insulating paint is applied, for example, by coating with a fluororesin or by nylon powder processing.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 7, the cylindrical portion 66A of the connection portion side relay portion 66 is held in the lower surface opening hole 74 of the case body 70A configured as described above. A bus bar 56 is placed above the flange portion 66B of the connection portion side relay portion 66. The bus bar 56 is positioned by fitting the positioning recess 64 of the bus bar 56 into the positioning projection 76 of the case body 70A. The bolt 84 is held at the connection portion 60 of the bus bar 56 with the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 coated with insulating paint inserted through the bolt insertion hole 62 of the connection portion 60 of the bus bar 56. The case body 70A in which the connection portion side relay portion 66, the bus bar 56, and the bolt 84 are thus accommodated is covered with the lid body 70B to form the energizing component 54.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 2, the energizing component 54 is provided with a first connection portion side unit 86 at the end on the first battery module 12A side in the longitudinal direction, and a second connection portion side unit 88 at the end on the second battery module 12B side in the longitudinal direction. Both the first connection portion side unit 86 and the second connection portion side unit 88 have the connection portion side relay portion 66, the connection portions 60, 60 of the bus bar 56, and the bolt 84 accommodated in the insulating case 70.

[0065] In the energizing component 54 configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 7, the cylindrical portion 66A of the connection portion side relay portion 66 protrudes to the outside through the lower surface opening hole 74 of the bottom wall 72 of the case body 70A that constitutes the lower surface of the case 70. Further, the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 protrudes to the outside through the lower surface opening hole 74. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cylindrical portion 66A of the connection portion side relay portion 66 and the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 are surrounded by the guide wall 78. That is, portions other than the cylindrical portion 66A of the connection portion side relay portion 66 that constitutes the first connection portion side unit 86 and the second connection portion side unit 88, and the bus bar 56 including the connection portions 60, 60 are all housed in the insulating case 70, not exposed to the outside of the case 70, and are surrounded by the case 70. Further, a guide wall 78 is formed around the cylindrical portion 66A of the connection portion side relay portion 66 and the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 with a dimension substantially the same as the tip of the threaded portion 84A beyond the tip of the connection portion side relay portion 66. That is, the guide wall 78 is a wall higher than the connection portion side relay portion 66. Furthermore, the guide wall 78 is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion 60, and a pair of guide walls 78, 78 are respectively in contact with the connection terminals 28 provided on the connection terminal side units 24, 26 side as shown in FIG. 6 and the like, thereby suppressing displacement of the energizing component 54 with respect to the connection terminal side units 24, 26 of the energizing component 54.

[0066] The bolt insertion holes 62 provided in the connection parts 60, 60 of the bus bar 56 and the bolt insertion holes 68 provided in the connection part side relay part 66, which constitute the first connection part side unit 86 and the second connection part side unit 88, include the bolt insertion holes of each connection part side unit 86, 88. These bolt insertion holes 62, 68 have a substantially elliptical shape with the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 56 as the major axis. Therefore, taking the first connection part side unit 86 shown in FIG. 7 as an example, when the threaded parts 84A of the bolts 84 are coaxially arranged in the bolt insertion holes 62, 68, first spaces: a1, a2 for allowing displacement of the bolts 84 in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 56 are provided on both sides in one radial direction of the threaded part 84A in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 56. On the other hand, in the case body 70A and the lid body 70B constituting the energizing component 54, as shown in FIG. 7, second spaces: b1, b2, b3 for allowing displacement of the bolts 84 in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 56 and the connection part side relay part 66 are provided.

[0067] <Connection between energizing component and terminal part> The energizing component 54 configured as such is assembled to the first terminal part side unit 24 and the second terminal part side unit 26 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thereby, the connection part 60 of the first connection part side unit 86 is bolted in a connected state to the terminal part 32 of the first terminal part side unit 24, and the connection part 60 of the second connection part side unit 88 is bolted in a connected state to the terminal part 32 of the second terminal part side unit 26 via the connection part side relay part 66, respectively. The bolt fastening is executed by tightening using the bolt 84 and the nut 44. The assembling process of the first connection part side unit 86 to the first terminal part side unit 24 can be assembled in substantially the same process as the assembling process of the second connection part side unit 88 to the second terminal part side unit 26. Therefore, here, only the assembling process of the first connection part side unit 86 to the first terminal part side unit 24 will be described.

[0068] First, the terminal fastening portions 34 of the connection terminals 28 of the first terminal portion side unit 24 and the second terminal portion side unit 26 shown in FIG. 2 are fastened to the terminals of the foremost single battery 16 of the first battery module 12A and the second battery module 12B using a fastening member (not shown). Also, in that state, the upper portion of the single battery 16 is covered by an upper case (not shown) over substantially the entire surface.

[0069] In this state, as shown in FIG. 7, the terminal portions 32 (the terminal portions 32) of the connection terminals 28 of the first terminal portion side unit 24 (the second terminal portion side unit 26) are both covered by the outer peripheral portion 48A and the inner peripheral portion 48B that constitute the insulating terminal portion cover 48. Although there is a terminal portion opening window 50 where the terminal portion 32 of the connection terminal 28 is partially exposed, since it is small with respect to the fingertips of an operator or the like, contact of the operator or foreign matter with the terminal portion 32 of the connection terminal 28 through the terminal portion opening window 50 is suppressed. Since the connection terminal 28 is at a high voltage, particularly high safety requirements are set. For example, the standards of the German Verband der Elektrotechnik (VDE) (German Electrical Engineering Association), such as VDE0470, etc., and European standards, such as IEC / EN61032, etc., present protection from human finger contact. For the corresponding test, a so-called test finger F shown in FIG. 7 is provided. In the present embodiment, the test finger F is of a size that cannot be inserted, and the terminal portion opening window 50 is open.

[0070] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the first connection part side unit 86 of the energization component 54 is superposed on the first terminal part side unit 24 from above. In this state, access to the screw part 84A of the bolt 84, the cylindrical part 66A of the connection part side relay part 66, and further the terminal part 32 exposed through the terminal part opening window 50 is restricted by the guide wall 78, ensuring the safety of the operator. The screw part 84A of the bolt 84 is inserted through the insertion hole 51 in the inner peripheral part 48B of the first terminal part side unit 24 and screwed into the screw hole 46 of the nut 44. At this time, a tool (not shown) can be inserted through the upper surface opening 80 of the lid body 70B of the energization component 54 to fasten the bolt 84 to the nut 44. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the cylindrical part 66A of the connection part side relay part 66 passes through the terminal part opening window 50 of the first terminal part side unit 24, and the cylindrical part 66A of the connection part side relay part 66 is in contact with the terminal part 32 of the first terminal part side unit 24. Then, the connection part 60 between the terminal part 32 of the connection terminal 28, the connection part side relay part 66, and the bus bar 56 is sandwiched between the head of the bolt 84 and the nut 44, and the bolt is fastened.

[0071] As a result, an electrically connected state is established between the terminal part 32 of the first terminal part side unit 24 and the connection part 60 of the first connection part side unit 86 of the energization component 54 via the connection part side relay part 66. Similarly, an electrically connected state is established between the terminal part 32 of the second terminal part side unit 26 and the connection part 60 of the second connection part side unit 88 of the energization component 54 via the connection part side relay part 66. Thereby, the inter-terminal connection structure 10 is completed.

[0072] Next, the effects of the present embodiment will be described. According to the present embodiment, the terminal portions 32 of the connection terminals 28 of the first terminal portion side unit 24 and the second terminal portion side unit 26 are covered by an outer peripheral portion 48A and an inner peripheral portion 48B that constitute an insulating terminal portion cover 48. Therefore, even if a terminal portion opening window 50 that partially exposes the terminal portion 32 is provided, since it is small with respect to the fingertips of an operator or the like, contact of the operator or foreign matter with the terminal portion 32 through the terminal portion opening window 50 can be suppressed. Further, the connection portion 60 of the bus bar 56 of the connection portion side units 86 and 88 and the terminal portions 32 and 32 of the terminal portion side units 24 and 26 can be conductively connected via a connection portion side relay portion 66 that is inserted through the terminal portion opening window 50 and connected to the terminal portions 32 of the terminal portion side units 24 and 26. Therefore, the terminal portion 32 and the connection portion 60 can be electrically connected.

[0073] Also, by providing an insulating terminal portion cover 48 for all the terminal portions 32, excellent electric shock prevention measures can be realized. When connecting between the terminals of the opposite electrodes of the adjacent single cell 16 groups of the two battery modules 12A and 12B as in the present embodiment, both the terminal portions 32 of the first terminal portion side unit 24 and the second terminal portion side unit 26 become live parts. Therefore, by covering both the terminal portions 32 of the first terminal portion side unit 24 and the second terminal portion side unit 26 with the insulating terminal portion cover 48, contact of an operator or the like with the live part can be suppressed and the safety can be improved.

[0074] By fixing the terminal portion 32 and the connection portion 60 by bolt fastening, the terminal portion 32 and the connection portion 60 can be stably tightened and fixed. Further, the terminal portion opening window 50 is formed in an annular shape around the bolt insertion hole 68, the inner hole of the connection portion side relay portion 66 is the bolt insertion hole 68, and the connection portion side relay portion 66 is composed of an annular metal member. Therefore, the terminal portion opening window 50 and the connection portion side relay portion 66 can be formed compactly, and the size reduction of the inter-terminal connection structure 10 can be achieved. Moreover, by making the connection portion side relay portion 66 an annular metal member, the strength of the connection portion side relay portion 66 can be ensured.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the lower end of the cylindrical portion 66A of the connection portion side relay portion 66 connected to the connection portion 60 is surrounded by the guide wall 78 and is not exposed outside the case 70. Therefore, compared with the conventional structure in which the connection portion 60 was exposed from the case over the entire lower surface, contact of an operator or the like with the connection portion 60 can be advantageously suppressed.

[0076] The current-carrying member is constituted by the bus bar 56, and a pair of crank-shaped bent portions 58 bent in the plate thickness direction of the bus bar 56 are provided at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 56. Thereby, the tolerance in the plate thickness direction of the bus bar 56 generated between the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal portion side unit 24 and the terminal portion 32 of the second terminal portion side unit 26 to which the respective connection portions 60 provided at both longitudinal ends of the bus bar 56 are connected can be advantageously absorbed. Further, by providing a pair of crank-shaped bent portions 58 in the reverse direction, the respective connection portions 60 can be provided at the same position in the plate thickness direction of the bus bar 56. In addition, since the bolt insertion hole 62 of the connection portion 60 of the bus bar 56 has an elliptical shape extending in the longitudinal direction, the tolerance in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 56 generated between the bus bar 56 and the terminal portion 32 to which the connection portion 60 of the bus bar 56 is connected can be advantageously absorbed.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 7, first spaces: a1, a2 for allowing displacement of the bolt 84 in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 56 are provided in the bolt insertion hole 62 of the connection portion 60 and the bolt insertion hole 68 of the connection portion side relay portion 66, while second spaces: b1, b2, b3 for allowing displacement of the bolt 84 in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 56 and the connection portion side relay portion 66 are provided in the case body 70A and the lid body 70B of the current-carrying component 54. Thereby, when the respective connection portions 60, 60 of the current-carrying component 54 are bolted to the terminal portion 32, variations in the separation distance between the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal portion side unit 24 and the terminal portion 32 of the second terminal portion side unit 26 caused by the accumulation of dimensional tolerances in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 56 can be advantageously absorbed by the first spaces: a1, a2 and the second spaces: b1, b2, b3. Note that the first space: a2 also serves as a space for accommodating the inner peripheral portion 48B.

[0078] On the upper surface of the case 70 constituting the energizing component 54, there is provided an upper surface opening 80 that exposes the head of the bolt 84 with insulation coating applied. On the lower surface of the case 70, there is provided a lower surface opening hole 74 that exposes the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 and the relay portion 66 on the connection portion side. Since the bolt 84 is pre-accommodated in the case 70, the workability during bolt fastening can be improved. Also, since the head of the bolt 84 has insulation coating applied, the countermeasure against electric shock on the upper surface side of the case is achieved. Further, since only the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 and the relay portion 66 on the connection portion side are exposed from the lower surface opening hole 74 provided in the case 70, the contact between the operator and the connection portion 60 on the lower surface side of the case is advantageously suppressed.

[0079] Since the guide wall 78 is a wall higher than the relay portion 66 on the connection portion side, the contact of the operator with the relay portion 66 on the connection portion side can be more advantageously suppressed. Also, the guide wall 78 protrudes with substantially the same dimension as the tip of the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84. Therefore, the contact between the operator and the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 during bolt fastening is also advantageously suppressed, and the safety during the bolt fastening operation can be improved.

[0080] The displacement of the energizing component 54 is suppressed or restricted by the pair of guide walls 78 coming into contact with the connection terminals 28 of the respective terminal portion side units 24, 26. Thereby, for example, after the first connection portion side unit 86 is bolt-fastened to the first terminal portion side unit 24, the energizing component 54 is displaced and the connection portion 60 of the second connection portion side unit 88 that becomes the live portion is exposed in an area where an operator or the like can come into contact, etc. is suppressed or prevented.

[0081] In addition, by separating the connection part side relay part 66 and the bus bar 56 which is an energization member, the degree of freedom in selecting their materials can be improved. Moreover, since the connection part side relay part 66 is held by the case 70, the handling of the relatively small connection part side relay part 66 is facilitated. Note that by engaging the flange part 66B side of the connection part side relay part 66 from the inside of the case 70 with the periphery of the lower surface opening hole 74, the connection part side relay part 66 is accommodated and held in the case 70. Therefore, with a simple structure, it is possible to realize the protrusion of the connection part side relay part 66 outside the case 70 and the holding of the case 70.

[0082] As described above, as a specific example of the present disclosure, Embodiment 1 has been described in detail. However, the present disclosure is not limited by this specific description. Modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope that can achieve the object of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure. For example, modification examples of the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. In Modification Examples 3 to 12 below, the second terminal portion side unit 26 and the second connection portion side unit 88 side will be illustrated and described. However, these modification examples are similarly applicable to the first terminal portion side unit 24 and the first connection portion side unit 86, and may be applied to either the first terminal portion side unit 24 and the first connection portion side unit 86 or the second terminal portion side unit 26 and the second connection portion side unit 88, or both.

[0083] <Modification Example 1> In the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the first battery module 12A and the second battery module 12B were connected, but it is not limited thereto. For example, as in the terminal connection structure 90 of Modification Example 1 shown in FIG. 8, the battery module 12 and the junction box 92 may be connected, and it is possible to connect the terminal portions of two arbitrary devices to each other. Also, although the current-carrying component 54 was formed to extend linearly, for example, like the terminal connection structure 90 of Modification 1 shown in FIG. 8, the current-carrying component 94 may be L-shaped, and any shape can be adopted. Note that the shapes of the two bolt insertion holes 62 of the connection portions 60, 60 of the bus bar 96 constituting the current-carrying component 94 are both substantially elliptical shapes with the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 96 as the major axis, and their directions are orthogonal to each other (the X direction and the Y direction in FIG. 9). Similar to the exemplary Embodiment 1, the bolt insertion hole 68 of the connection portion side relay portion 66 is also formed in a similar elliptical shape to provide first spaces a1, a2 for allowing displacement of the bolt 84. Further, also in the case 70, second spaces b1, b2, b3 for allowing displacement of the bolt 84 and the connection portion side relay portion 66 are provided, so that tolerance absorption in two orthogonal directions becomes possible.

[0084] <Modification 2> In addition, although both terminal portions 32, 32 were covered by the insulating terminal portion cover 48, like the terminal connection structure 100 of Modification 2 that connects the junction box 92 and the external terminal 98, only the terminal portion 32 of the second terminal portion side unit 26 on the junction box 92 side may be covered by the insulating terminal portion cover 48. That is, it is also possible to cover only at least one terminal portion that can become a live part with the insulating terminal portion cover 48, and it is possible to prevent electric shock while suppressing costs.

[0085] <Modification 3> In the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the head of the bolt 84 was coated with insulation paint, but it is not limited thereto. For example, like the terminal connection structure 102 of Modification 3 shown in FIGS. 10 to 11, it is possible to use a hexagonal socket bolt 104 without insulation paint on the head as the bolt used for the energizing component 54. The hexagonal socket bolt 104 has a cylindrical head 104A and a slightly smaller-diameter threaded portion 104B extending downward from the head 104A. In the central portion of the upper surface of the head 104A, a tool fitting hole 104C having a hexagonal cross-section into which the tip of a fastening tool (not shown) is fitted is formed to open upward. Further, among the case body 106A and the lid body 106B of the case 106 that houses and holds the hexagonal socket bolt 104, a bottomed cylindrical protrusion 108 that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the lid body 106B and opens downward is provided at the end of the lid body 106B in the longitudinal direction (X direction). A top surface opening 80 having a circular cross-sectional shape is formed at the center of the upper wall 108A of the protrusion 108. As a result, in plan view, the tool fitting hole 104C is exposed to the outside through the top surface opening 80, and the outer peripheral portion of the head 104A is covered by the upper wall 108A of the protrusion 108 formed on the lid body 106B that forms the upper surface of the case 106. As shown in FIG. 11, in the lid body 106B that constitutes the upper surface of the case 106, the upper wall 108A of the protrusion 108, which is a portion covering the outer peripheral portion of the head 104A of the hexagonal socket bolt 104, is configured to be separated upward from the head 104A. The tip portion of a tool (not shown) used for bolt fastening with respect to the bolt 104 with a hexagonal hole is sized to be insertable into the tool fitting hole 104C. The tip portion of a tool (not shown) used for bolt fastening the bolt 84 used in the above-described terminal connection structure 10 is larger than the head of the bolt 84 because it is necessary to grip the head of the bolt 84. Therefore, in the terminal connection structure 102 of the third modification, the diameter of the upper surface opening 80 of the lid body 106B in the case 106 of the energizing component 54 can be made smaller than the diameter of the upper surface opening 80 of the lid body 70B of the above-described terminal connection structure 10. Further, in the terminal connection structure 102 of the third modification, the upper wall 108A of the protrusion 108 that covers the outer peripheral portion of the head 104A of the bolt 104 with a hexagonal hole is spaced upward from the head 104A of the bolt 104 with a hexagonal hole. Thereby, even without performing insulation treatment on the head like the bolt 84 used in the above-described terminal connection structure 10, it is possible to advantageously suppress or prevent contact of fingers with the head of the bolt 84 that becomes a live part while ensuring a certain size of the upper surface opening 80. Although a hexagonal cross-section has been exemplified and described as the cross-sectional shape of the tool fitting hole 104C, any shape such as a non-circular cross-section, a polygon other than a hexagon, a star shape, + or -, or a circular cross-section can be adopted.

[0086] <Fourth Modification> In the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the connection part side relay part 66 and the bus bar 56 which is an energization member were formed separately, but it is not limited to this. For example, like the terminal connection structure 110 of Modification 4 shown in FIGS. 12 to 13, the connection part side relay part 112 may be integrally formed with the bus bar 56. Thereby, it becomes easy to handle the connection part side relay part 112 which is a relatively small part. Therefore, improvement of assembly workability etc. can be achieved. The connection part side relay part 112 can be formed, for example, by burring. As a result, the upper opening of the bolt insertion hole 68 of the connection part side relay part 112 has a tapered shape that widens outward upward. Therefore, it is possible to easily insert the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 into the bolt insertion hole 68. Note that the method of integrally forming the connection part side relay part 112 with the bus bar 56 is not limited, and any method can be adopted. For example, the bus bar 56 and the connection part side relay part 112 may be integrally formed as a die-cast product such as aluminum.

[0087] <Modification 5> Alternatively, like the terminal connection structure 114 of Modification 5 shown in FIGS. 14 to 15, the flat plate-shaped bus bar 56 and the cylindrical connection part side relay part 116, which are each formed separately, may be integrated using known means such as welding. Also in this case, it becomes easy to handle the connection part side relay part 116 which is a relatively small part. Therefore, improvement of assembly workability etc. can be achieved.

[0088] <Modification 6> In the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the connection part side relay part 66 includes a cylindrical tube part 66A and a flange part 66B protruding outward from the tube part 66A, and the flange part 66B is engaged with the peripheral edge of the lower surface opening hole 74 from the inside of the case 70, so that it is held by the case 70, but it is not limited thereto. For example, like the terminal connection structure 118 of Modification 6 shown in FIGS. 16 to 17, the connection part side relay part 120 has a cylindrical shape as a whole, and a constriction part 120A extending annularly with a rectangular cross section may be formed to open on the outer peripheral surface at the central part in the axial direction of the connection part side relay part 120. Thereby, when the connection part side relay part 120 is press-fitted into the lower surface opening hole 74 formed through the case body 70A, the outer peripheral edge part of the lower surface opening hole 74 is elastically deformed downward, and the insertion of the connection part side relay part 120 into the lower surface opening hole 74 is allowed. When the constriction part 120A of the connection part side relay part 120 reaches the lower surface opening hole 74, the outer peripheral edge part of the lower surface opening hole 74 elastically returns and enters the constriction part 120A. As a result, by simply press-fitting the connection part side relay part 120 into the lower surface opening hole 74 formed through the case body 70A, it is possible to realize the protrusion of the connection part side relay part 120 outside the case body 70A and the holding of the connection part side relay part 120 to the case body 70A, and the structure of the case body 70A and the connection part side relay part 120 can be simplified. Note that the connection part side relay part 66 of the terminal connection structure 10 may be held by the case 70 by being insert-molded into the case body 70A. Thereby, the handling of the connection part side relay part 66, which is a relatively small part, becomes easy. Therefore, it is possible to improve the assembly workability and the like.

[0089] <Modification 7> In the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the terminal part cover 48 includes an outer peripheral part 48A constituting the outer peripheral part of the terminal part cover 48 and an inner peripheral part 48B constituting the inner peripheral part of the terminal part cover 48, and an annular terminal part opening window 50 is defined in a plan view by the outer peripheral part 48A and the inner peripheral part 48B, but the shape of the terminal part opening window 50 is not limited thereto. For example, in the terminal connection structure 122 of Modification 7 shown in FIGS. 18 to 19, the terminal portion cover 124 is made of an insulating synthetic resin having a flat plate shape, and a circular terminal portion opening window 50 is formed by opening in a plan view. This terminal portion opening window 50 opens with a size that exposes the bolt insertion hole 38 and its peripheral portion of the terminal portion 32. And a cylindrical protrusion 124A protruding toward the connection portion side relay portion 66 is provided at the peripheral edge of the terminal portion opening window 50. Since the protrusion 124A has a height and protrudes in a direction away from the connection terminal 28, contact of a finger or the like with the connection terminal 28 inserted through the terminal portion opening window 50 is less likely to occur by the height of the protrusion 124A. Therefore, by providing the protrusion 124A, it is also possible to omit the inner peripheral portion 48B used in the terminal connection structure 10, and the number of parts can be reduced. In addition, in the assembled state of the terminal connection structure 122, the protruding tip of the protrusion 124A is configured not to contact the bottom wall 72 of the case body 70A. Thereby, it is avoided that the axial force by bolt fastening is dispersed to the terminal portion cover 124 via the protrusion 124A.

[0090] <Modification 8> Furthermore, in the terminal connection structure 126 of Modification Example 8 shown in FIGS. 20 to 21, a terminal portion opening window 130 having a rectangular cross-sectional shape is provided in the terminal portion cover 128, and a slit 130A is penetratingly provided obliquely outward from the apex of the terminal portion opening window 130. As a result, the peripheral edge portion of the terminal portion opening window 130 is constituted by four elastic flexure pieces 128A that can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction. In the assembled state of the terminal connection structure 126, the four elastic flexure pieces 128A are pressed downward and elastically deformed by the cylindrical portion 66A of the connection portion side relay portion 66, and the terminal portion opening window 130 is expanded, so that the tip end portion of the cylindrical portion 66A of the connection portion side relay portion 66 can be conductively connected to the terminal portion 32. In FIGS. 20 to 21, the terminal portion cover 128 before elastic deformation is shown by a virtual line, and the terminal portion cover 128 after elastic deformation is shown by a solid line. Also, in FIG. 21, the housing 14A is shown by a virtual line. Before the assembled state of the terminal connection structure 126, the elastic flexure pieces 128A of the terminal portion cover 128 are not elastically deformed, and the opening area of the terminal portion opening window 130 can be reduced. Therefore, with a small number of parts, contact of fingers with the terminal portion 32 is suppressed or even prevented.

[0091] <Modification Example 9> In the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, a single connection part side relay part 66 having a substantially cylindrical shape was used, but the shape and number of the connection part side relay parts are not limited to this. For example, in the terminal connection structure 132 of Modification 9 shown in FIGS. 22 to 23, in the second connection part side unit 88 of the bus bar 56, two connection part side relay parts 138 protruding with a rectangular cross section are formed so as to protrude while being separated from each other. Two through holes 140 through which the two connection part side relay parts 138 are inserted are formed in the bottom wall 72 of the case body 70A so as to be separated from each other, and two rectangular terminal part opening windows 136 through which the two connection part side relay parts 138 are inserted are provided in the terminal part cover 134 so as to be separated from each other. In FIG. 22, for easy understanding, the bus bar 56 is shown rotated so that only the back side is displayed. Since a plurality of connection part side relay parts 138 can be arranged separately from each other in this way, the degree of freedom in the arrangement and material selection of the connection part side relay parts 138 can be improved. The plurality of connection part side relay parts 138 may be provided integrally with the bus bar 56 or separately. Further, in the terminal connection structure 10 in which the terminal part opening window 50 is provided in an annular shape, it was necessary to provide the inner peripheral part 48B of the terminal part cover 48 that covers the inner peripheral surface of the bolt insertion hole 38 of the connection terminal 28 separately from other parts of the terminal part cover 48. In the terminal connection structure 132 of Modification 9, since the terminal part opening windows 136 provided in the terminal part cover 134 are two rectangular shapes separated from each other, the inner peripheral part 134B that covers the inner peripheral surface of the bolt insertion hole 38 of the connection terminal 28 from above can be provided integrally with other parts of the terminal part cover 134. Thereby, the handleability of the relatively small inner peripheral part 134B is improved.

[0092] <Modification 10> In the terminal connection structure 142 of Modification 10 shown in FIGS. 24 to 25, in the second connection part side unit 88 of the bus bar 56, five connection part side relay parts 148 protruding with a circular cross section are provided so as to project while being mutually separated in the circumferential direction of the bolt insertion hole 62. Five through holes 150 through which the five connection part side relay parts 148 are inserted are provided so as to penetrate while being mutually separated in the bottom wall 72 of the case main body 70A, and five circular terminal part opening windows 146 through which the five connection part side relay parts 148 are inserted are provided so as to be mutually separated in the terminal part cover 144. In FIG. 24, for ease of understanding, the bus bar 56 is shown rotated so that only the back side is displayed. Also in the terminal connection structure 142, an improvement in the degree of freedom in the arrangement, material selection, etc. of the connection part side relay parts 148 is achieved. The plurality of connection part side relay parts 148 may be provided integrally with the bus bar 56 or may be provided separately. Further, in the terminal part cover 144, since an inner peripheral part 144B that covers the inner peripheral surface of the bolt insertion hole 38 of the connection terminal 28 from above can be provided integrally with other parts of the terminal part cover 144, a reduction in the number of parts and an improvement in handleability can be achieved.

[0093] <Modification 11> In the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, an example of configuring the terminal connection structure 10 by attaching a first terminal portion side unit 24 and a second terminal portion side unit 26 separately formed for the first battery module 12A and the second battery module 12B was shown. However, like the terminal connection structure 152 of Modification 11 of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 26, for the bus bar module 156 attached on the battery module 154, the first terminal portion side unit 24, the second terminal portion side unit 26, or the like may be provided. The battery module 154 houses a plurality (five in FIG. 26) of rechargeable single cells 16 in a housing (not shown). The bus bar module 156 has a lattice-shaped rectangular frame shape, and rectangular flat bus bar support protrusions 156B protruding inward from the lower end portions facing in the front-rear direction are provided in each rectangular frame 156A. A rectangular flat bus bar 156C is arranged in each frame 156A and is electrically connected to the electrode 154A of the single cell 16 after being attached on the battery module 154. Thereby, a plurality of single cells 16 are connected in series. Among the electrodes 154A of the plurality of single cells 16, the upper left electrode 154A has the lowest voltage (for example, 0 V), and the lower right electrode 154A has the highest positive voltage. The upper left electrode 154A is electrically connected by a member (not shown) to a portion having, for example, an external ground voltage. A first terminal portion side unit 24 is attached to the lower right electrode 154A, for example, as shown in FIG. 26. Thus, the first connection portion side unit 86 of the energizing component 54 may be connected to the first terminal portion side unit 24 provided on the bus bar module 156.

[0094] <Modification 12> In the above-described Embodiment 1 and its Modification Examples 1 to 11, as an energized component, the case where the bus bar 56, which is an energized member, is accommodated in the cases 70 and 106 was described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, like the terminal connection structure 158 of Modification Example 12 of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 27, the energized component is constituted by a wire harness 160 provided with connection portions at both ends, and the wire harness 160 is used to connect between two devices, for example, between the first terminal portion side unit 24 of the battery module 154 and the terminal portion of an external device (not shown). The same applies to the terminal connection structure. In the terminal connection structure 158 of Modification Example 12 of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 27, the wire harness 160 is used for the terminal connection structure that connects the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal portion side unit 24 of the battery module 154, which is an energized portion, and the terminal portion of an external device (not shown). That is, in the first terminal portion side unit 24, the terminal portion 32 is held in a housed state inside, the terminal portion 32 is covered by an insulating terminal portion cover 48, and a terminal portion opening window 50 for partially exposing the terminal portion 32 by the terminal portion cover 48 is provided. Further, the connection portion 60 of the first connection portion side unit 86 on one end side of the wire harness 160 connected to the first terminal portion side unit 24 is covered by an insulating case 70, and the connection portion side relay portion 66 provided in the first connection portion side unit 86 protrudes outside the case 70. Then, the first connection portion side unit 86 provided at one end of the wire harness 160 is bolted to the first terminal portion side unit 24 of the battery module 154, so that the connection portion side relay portion 66 provided in the first connection portion side unit 86 is inserted through the terminal portion opening window 50 provided in the first terminal portion side unit 24, and the cylindrical portion 66A of the connection portion side relay portion 66 is held in contact with the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal portion side unit 24. As a result, the first terminal portion side unit 24 and the connection portion 60 of the first connection portion side unit 86 of the wire harness 160 are electrically connected via the connection portion side relay portion 66. Also in Modification Example 12, contact of the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal portion side unit 24 of the battery module 154, which is the power supply portion, with the terminal cover 48 can be suppressed or prevented. Further, since the connection portion side relay portion 66 is provided in the first connection portion side unit 86 of the wire harness 160 connected to the first terminal portion side unit 24 of the battery module 154, electrical connection between the terminal portion 32 and the connection portion 60 can be achieved without problems.

[0095] <Modification Example 13> In the terminal connection structures shown in the above-described Embodiment 1 and its Modification Examples 1 to 12, an example of taking electric shock prevention measures for the terminal portions 32, 32 of the first and / or second terminal portion side units 24, 26 by covering them with the insulating terminal portion cover 48 has been shown. However, it is also possible to take electric shock prevention measures on the connection portion side by covering the connection portions 60, 60 of the energizing components with a connection portion cover. Specifically, for example, in the terminal connection structure 90 (Modification Example 1) shown in FIG. 8, the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal portion side unit 24 of the first battery module 12A is connected to the terminal portion of the junction box 92. However, when the connection portion 60 of the second connection portion side unit 88 of the energizing component 94 is connected to the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal portion side unit 24, the connection portion 60 of the first connection portion side unit 86 before being connected to the terminal portion of the junction box 92 becomes a live part. Therefore, with reference to FIGS. 28 to 33, a Modification Example 13 in which electric shock prevention measures are taken for the connection portion 60 of the first connection portion side unit 86 of the energizing component 94 connected to the terminal portion 32 of the junction box 92 that can become a live part will be described in detail below. In the terminal connection structure 162 of Modification Example 13, the connection portion 60 of the first connection portion side unit 164 of the energizing component 163 is covered by the bottom wall 72 of the case main body 174A of the end case 174 that constitutes a connection portion cover as an insulating cover described later, thereby taking electric shock prevention measures for the connection portion 60. More specifically, the connection portion 60 of the first connection portion side unit 164 of the energizing component 163 is connected to the terminal portion 187 provided in the first terminal portion side unit 168 of the junction box 92, and the connection portion 60 of the second connection portion side unit (not shown) of the energizing component 163 becomes a live part in a state of being connected to the terminal portion 32 such as the battery module 12 shown in FIG. 8. The energizing component 163 includes a bus bar 170 that constitutes an energizing member and an end case 174 that covers the connection portions 60, 60 provided on the bus bar 170. The end case 174 houses nuts 172 with an insulating coating 171 applied thereto.

[0096] <Bus bar 170> The bus bar 170 that constitutes the energizing member is made of a plate-shaped metal such as copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy. Connection parts 60, 60 having the same shape are formed at both longitudinal ends of the bus bar 170, and a substantially elliptical bolt insertion hole 62 having a longitudinal direction as the major axis is formed through the center, and positioning recesses 64 are formed on both sides in the width direction. In Modification Example 13 of the present disclosure, an insulating case that houses the bus bar 170 includes an insulating coating 175 that covers an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 170 and an end case 174 that covers the connection part 60. Therefore, compared with the case where the insulating case that houses the bus bar 170 is a case that covers the entire bus bar 170, it can be provided more compactly and at a lower cost. Further, the end case 174 may be attached only to the end of the bus bar 170, and workability is improved compared with the case where the bus bar 170 is housed in a long case.

[0097] <End case 174> The insulating end case 174 that houses the connection part 60 of the bus bar 170 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 30, a case body 174A and a lid body 174B. Both the case body 174A and the lid body 174B are made of an insulating synthetic resin and are formed separately. Note that the case body 174A and the lid body 174B may be integrally formed. In Modification Example 13, the case where the end case 174 is provided in the first connection part side unit 164 will be described, but it is also possible to provide the end case 174 as described in Modification Examples 14 and 15 to be described later in the second connection part side unit 88.

[0098] The case body 174A has a substantially rectangular box shape extending in the longitudinal direction, and one end portion in the longitudinal direction (the left end portion in FIG. 30) has a shallow bottom according to the shape of the bus bar 170 housed inside. At the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the bottom wall 72 of the case body 174A, connection portion opening windows 176 as opening windows through which the cylindrical portion 188A of the terminal portion side relay portion 188 described later is inserted and connected to the bus bar 170 are formed at four locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 31). On both sides in the width direction of the bottom wall 72 of the case body 174A, positioning protrusions 76a and 76b that engage with the positioning recesses 64 of the bus bar 170 are formed to protrude inward. Also, on one side in the longitudinal direction of the bottom wall 72 (the right side in FIG. 32), two positioning ridges 178 extending in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart in the width direction and extending toward the other side in the longitudinal direction (the left side in FIG. 32) are formed. Since gaps c1 and c2 are formed in the longitudinal direction between the positioning recesses 64 of the bus bar 170 and the positioning protrusions 76a and 76b, displacement of the case body 174A with respect to the bus bar 170 in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 170 is allowed. That is, the displacement end of the case body 174A with respect to the bus bar 170 in the left direction, which is one side in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 170, is defined by the contact of the positioning recess 64 with the positioning protrusion 76 provided on the case body 174A. Also, the displacement end of the case body 174A with respect to the bus bar 170 in the right direction, which is the other side in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 170, is defined by the contact of the edge portion of the bus bar 170 with the positioning ridge 178 provided on the case body 174A. Thus, the case body 174A is assembled to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 170 with respect to the bus bar 170. Further, the bolt insertion hole 62 penetrating through the connection portion 60 of the bus bar 170 has an elongated hole shape that is long in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 170, and displacement allowance gaps c3 and c4 for allowing displacement of the end case 174 in the longitudinal direction with respect to the bus bar 170 are provided on both sides of the bolt 195 inserted through the bolt insertion hole 62. Further, as shown in FIG. 33, the nut 172 is housed in a state of being held by the end case 174. Thereby, the nut 172 can be displaced in the longitudinal direction with respect to the bus bar 170 together with the end case 174.Therefore, with respect to the bolt 195 protruding in the first terminal portion side unit 168 and the terminal portion side relay portion 188 described later, by displacing the end case 174 in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 170 to align the bolt 195 and the terminal portion side relay portion 188 with the bolt insertion hole 62 and the connection portion opening window 176, the tolerance of the distance between the first and second terminal portion side units 168 and 26 can be advantageously absorbed, and the connection between the terminal portions 187 and 32 can be easily made. In addition, notch portions 180 that open upward are formed at both ends in the width direction at the longitudinal center of the case main body 174A, and engaging protrusions 182 that protrude outward are provided at the lower ends of the notch portions 180.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 30, the lid body 174B that constitutes the upper surface of the end case 174 has a rectangular box shape that extends in the longitudinal direction as a whole and opens downward. An upper surface opening 80 where the tip of the bolt 195 fastened to the nut 172 is located is formed at the longitudinal center of the lid body 174B. In this modification, the nut 172 has a bag shape with a wall portion that covers the tip of the bolt 195, and an insulating coating shown in FIG. 33 is provided on the surface of the nut 172. The insulating coating 171 is formed, for example, by coating with a fluororesin or nylon powder processing. In addition, engaging frame bodies 184 that extend downward are formed at both ends in the width direction at the longitudinal center of the lid body 174B, and the lid body 174B is fixed to the case main body 174A in an assembled state by engaging with the engaging protrusions 182 of the case main body 174A.

[0100] <First terminal portion side unit 168> As shown in FIG. 30, the first terminal unit 168 includes a bolt 195, a holder 186 that holds the head of the bolt 195, a terminal portion 187 connected to a downstream circuit, a terminal-side relay portion 188 as a relay portion, and an insulating cover 190 that covers the terminal portion 187 and the terminal-side relay portion 188. The terminal portion 187 is made of a plate-shaped metal such as copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy, has a shape in which an intermediate portion in the width direction is bent in an L shape, and has a bolt insertion hole 38 penetrating therethrough.

[0101] <Terminal-side relay portion 188> As shown in FIG. 30, the terminal-side relay portion 188 is composed of an annular metal member and is made of a metal such as copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or iron, for example. The terminal-side relay portion 188 includes a substantially cylindrical tube portion 188A and a flange portion 188B that protrudes in a flange shape from the lower end portion of the tube portion 188A to the outer peripheral side. The inside of the terminal-side relay portion 188 is a bolt insertion hole 68 through which the threaded portion of the bolt 195 is inserted. The tube portion 188A is divided into four in the circumferential direction by a slit formed in the axial direction. The flange portion 188B protrudes in a stepped shape with a constant dimension over the entire circumference of the outer wall of the terminal-side relay portion 188 on the lower side in the axial direction of the bolt insertion hole 68. Then, by the flange portion 188B abutting against the peripheral edge portion of the through hole of the insulating cover 190 described later, the terminal-side relay portion 188 is prevented from detaching from the insulating cover 190.

[0102] Note that the shape of the terminal-side relay portion 188 is not limited to the illustrated one, and any shape can be adopted. For example, the terminal-side relay portion 188 and the connection terminal 28 may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the terminal-side relay portion 188 may be held by the insulating cover 190 by being press-fitted into a through hole formed in the insulating cover 190. Further, a plurality of terminal-side relay portions 188 may be formed to protrude from each other at intervals on the connection terminal 28.

[0103] <Insulating cover 190> As shown in FIG. 30, the insulating cover 190 having insulating properties has a generally rectangular box shape as a whole, and a through hole is formed in the central portion of the upper surface of the insulating cover 190. A cylindrical tube portion 192 having an opening window 194 in the central portion is formed by the peripheral portion of the through hole protruding upward and then extending inward. The flange portion 188B of the terminal-side relay portion 188 is accommodated and stably held in the tube portion 192, and the tube portion 188A is inserted through the opening window 194 of the tube portion 192 and exposed upward. A fixing bolt 195 is disposed below the terminal-side relay portion 188, and the threaded portion of the bolt 195 passes through the inner hole of the terminal-side relay portion 188 and protrudes upward. Further, engaging protrusions 196 protrude outward from the lower end portions of the outer walls on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the insulating cover 190, and engage with the engaged portion 198 of the holder 186 so that the first terminal-side unit 168 is held in an assembled state. The holder 186 has a generally strip-shaped flat plate shape extending in the longitudinal direction, and a receiving recess 200 for holding the head of the bolt 84 is formed to open upward in the central portion, and fixing portions 202 for fixing the holder 186 are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction.

[0104] <Assembly of the terminal connection structure 162 of Modification Example 13 of the present disclosure> First, the connection part 60 of the bus bar 170 is accommodated in the case main body 174A, the positioning projection 76 of the case main body 174A is arranged in the positioning recess 64 of the bus bar 170, and the longitudinal end part of the bus bar 170 is arranged to be located on the front side of the positioning rib 178 of the case main body 174A. Next, with the screw hole of the nut 172 aligned with the center of the bolt insertion hole 62 of the bus bar 170, the case main body 174A is covered with the lid body 174B, so that the nut 172 is held in a state of being stably arranged in the upper surface opening 80 of the lid body 174B. Thereby, the first connection part side unit 164 of the energization component 163 is completed. Subsequently, a holder 186 is prepared, the head of the bolt 195 is held in the accommodation recess 200 of the holder 186, the bolt insertion hole 38 of the terminal part 187 is inserted through the screw part of the bolt 195, and the terminal part 187 is placed on the head of the bolt 195. Subsequently, the bolt insertion hole 68 of the terminal part side relay part 188 is aligned and arranged on the bolt insertion hole 38, and these members are stably accommodated between the insulating cover 190 and the holder 186 by covering the insulating cover 190 from above. Thereby, the first terminal part side unit 168 is completed. Finally, by assembling the first connection part side unit 164 to the first terminal part side unit 168, the connection part 60 and the terminal part 187 of the energization component 163 are conductively connected via the terminal part side relay part 188, and one connection of the terminal connection structure 162 is completed. Note that the other connection is the same as that in the above-described Embodiment 1 and its modification examples 1 to 12, so it is omitted. As a result, the connection part 60 of the first connection part side unit 164, which is the other of the two connection parts, is covered by the bottom wall of the case main body 174A of the end case 174, which is an insulating connection part cover, and the connection part 60 is partially exposed through the connection part opening window 176 provided in the bottom wall. The first terminal part side unit 168 including the terminal part 187 fastened to the connection part 60 covered by the bottom wall of the case main body 174A is provided with a terminal part side relay part 188 connected to the terminal part 187, and the terminal part side relay part 188 is connected to the connection part 60 by inserting through the connection part opening window 176.

[0105] Next, the operation and effect of the present modification 13 will be described. According to the present modification 13, it is assumed that the connection portion 60 of the second connection portion side unit (not shown) of the energization component 163 is connected to the terminal portion 32 of the terminal portion side unit 24 of the first battery module 12A shown in FIG. 8. However, since the terminal portion 32 of the terminal portion side unit 24 of the first battery module 12A that becomes the live part is covered with the terminal portion cover 48 as shown in the first embodiment, contact with the terminal portion 32 by an operator or the like can be suppressed, and the required electric shock countermeasures can be satisfied. The connection portion 60 of the first connection portion side unit 164 of the energization component 163 becomes a live part after fastening the connection portion 60 of the second connection portion side unit (not shown) to the terminal portion 32 of the terminal portion side unit 24 of the first battery module 12A. In the present modification, since the connection portion 60 of the first connection portion side unit 164 is covered with a connection portion cover formed by the bottom wall of the case body 174A, contact by an operator or the like with the connection portion 60 that becomes a live part can be suppressed. As a result, it becomes possible to perform the fastening operation of the two terminal portions 187 and 32 by the energization component 163 under better electric shock countermeasures.

[0106] Also, in the first connection part side unit 164 of the energized component 163, a fastening nut 172 is accommodated in the end case 174. In the first terminal part side unit 168, both the fastening bolt 195 and the terminal part side relay part 188 are arranged and accommodated below the opening window 194 of the insulating cover 190. Thereby, the first terminal part side unit 168 and the first connection part side unit 164 can be unitized including the fastening parts, and the handling property and workability of the parts can be advantageously improved. In particular, in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 170, the end case 174 is assembled to be displaceable with respect to the bus bar 170, and the bolt insertion holes 62 provided through the connection part 60 of the bus bar 170 are provided with displacement allowable gaps c3, c4 that allow displacement in the longitudinal direction of the end case 174 and the nut 172 accommodated therein with respect to the bus bar 170. Therefore, when fastening the connection part 60 and the terminal part 187 using the bolt 195 and the nut 172, the tolerance of the separation distance between the two terminal parts 32, 187 can be easily absorbed by the displacement of the end case 174 with respect to the bus bar 170. Further, since the nut 172 located at the upper surface opening 80 of the end case 174 is insulated and covered, the anti-electric shock measures on the upper surface side of the end case 174 are also achieved simultaneously. In addition, the terminal part 187 is covered with the insulating cover 190, and the tip of the bolt 195 and the tip of the terminal part side relay part 188 project through the opening window 194 of the insulating cover 190, but by providing it at the terminal part etc. of the electrical connection box connected to the battery module 12 that does not become a live part, anti-electric shock measures are taken.

[0107] <Modification Example 14> Next, regarding Modification Example 14 in the terminal connection structure of the present disclosure shown in the above-described Embodiment 1 and its Modification Examples 1 to 13, in which a connection blocking portion 210, which will be described later and blocks connection to the terminal portion, is provided for the case of the energizing component, it will be described with reference to FIGS. 34 to 39. In the following description, an example in which the connection blocking portion 210 is provided on one connection portion side of the energizing component is shown, but a similar connection blocking portion 210 may also be provided on the other connection portion side of the energizing component. That is, in the terminal connection structure 204 of Modification Example 14, the connection blocking portion 210 is provided in the connection portion side unit 208 including the connection portion 60, which is one connection portion of the energizing component 206. Note that, in the energizing component 206 of Modification Example 14, similar to Modification Example 13, the case of the energizing component 206 includes an insulating coating 175 that covers an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 170 constituting the energizing member, and an end case 174 that covers the connection portion 60 provided at one end of the bus bar 170. Also, the terminal portion side unit 212 to which the connection portion side unit 208 of the energizing component 206 is assembled also has a structure similar to the first terminal portion side unit 168 shown in Modification Example 13. Therefore, for the structures similar to those in Embodiment 1 and its Modification Examples 1 to 13, detailed description will be omitted by attaching the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0108] <Connection portion side unit 208> The point that the end case 174 that houses the connection part 60 of the energized component 206 is displaceable with respect to the bus bar 170 in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 170 is the same as in the 13th modification example. However, in the 14th modification example, the difference lies in that a bolt 214 and a connection part side relay part 216 as a relay part are housed and held inside the end case 174. And the bolt 214 and the connection part side relay part 216 are displaceable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the bus bar 170 together with the end case 174. A lower surface opening hole 74 is provided in the bottom wall of the case body 174A so as to penetrate in the plate thickness direction. The connection part side relay part 216 is composed of an annular metal member, and includes a substantially cylindrical tube part 216A and a flange part 216B that protrudes in a flange shape to the outer peripheral side from the upper end part of the tube part 216A. The inside of the connection part side relay part 216 is a bolt insertion hole 218 through which the threaded part 214A of the bolt 214 is inserted. The tube part 216A is divided into four in the circumferential direction by a slit formed in the axial direction. As a result, the tip of the connection part side relay part 216 and the tip of the bolt 214 housed and held in the end case 174 protrude to the outside through the lower surface opening hole 74 and the bolt insertion hole 218, respectively. The head of the bolt 214 insulated and covered through the upper surface opening 80 provided in the lid 174B of the end case 174 is exposed, and a tool for bolt fastening can be connected to the head of the bolt 214.

[0109] As shown in FIGS. 36 and 38, the case body 174A of the end case 174 has a peripheral wall portion 220 that protrudes downward beyond the tip of the bolt 214 from the bottom wall through which the lower surface opening hole 74 is provided. A flat connection blocking portion 210 is pivotally supported around a rotation shaft 222 at the protruding end of one of the pair of side walls 220a and 220b (the left side in FIG. 38) that constitute the peripheral wall portion 220. The connection blocking portion 210 is rotatable between an allowable position that allows the connection between the connection portion side unit 208 and the terminal portion side unit 212 shown in FIG. 36 and a blocking position that blocks the connection between the connection portion side unit 208 and the terminal portion side unit 212 shown in FIG. 37. In the allowable position shown in FIG. 36, the connection blocking portion 210 extends further downward from the protruding end of the side wall 220a, and through the lower surface opening 224 of the end case 174 defined by the protruding end of the peripheral wall portion 220, the tip of the cylindrical portion 216A of the connection portion side relay portion 216 protruding from the lower surface opening hole 74 of the bottom wall of the case body 174A and the tip of the bolt 214 are exposed. In the blocking position shown in FIG. 37, the connection blocking portion 210 covers the lower surface opening 224 of the end case 174 and covers the tip of the cylindrical portion 216A of the connection portion side relay portion 216 protruding from the lower surface opening hole 74 of the bottom wall of the case body 174A and the tip of the bolt 214. The connection blocking portion 210 is biased to the blocking position shown in FIG. 37 by a spring member 226, and by rotating and displacing the connection blocking portion 210 toward the allowable position shown in FIG. 36 against the biasing force of the spring member 226, the connection blocking portion 210 can be displaced to the allowable position that allows the connection between the connection portion side unit 208 and the terminal portion side unit 212. Fitting portions 228, 228 that fit into fitting portions 252, 252 (to be described later) provided on the connection portion side unit 208 are provided at the edge portion of the connection blocking portion 210 separated from the side wall 220a.

[0110] <Terminal portion side unit 212> The terminal unit side unit 212 includes a terminal portion 232 composed of a nut 230 and a metal flat plate bent in an L shape, and a holder 186 that holds them. An insulating cover 190 that covers the nut 230 and the terminal portion 232 disposed on the nut 230 is assembled to the holder 186, and the nut 230 and the terminal portion 232 are stably accommodated between the insulating cover 190 and the holder 186. The upper surface of the insulating cover 190 constitutes a terminal portion cover as an insulating cover that covers the terminal portion 232. At the center of the insulating cover 190, terminal portion opening windows 234, which are opening windows provided for inserting the cylindrical portion 216A of the connection portion side relay portion 216 and connecting to the terminal portion 232, are formed at four positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 35). Further, on the inner peripheral side of the terminal portion opening window 234, an inner peripheral cylindrical portion 238 having a bolt insertion hole 236 protrudes and is formed. On the side wall 240 of the insulating cover 190, a gutter-shaped accommodating portion 242 that accommodates and holds the connection blocking portion 210 protrudes downward. As shown in FIG. 38, a gap 248 capable of accommodating the connection blocking portion 210 is provided with an opening upward between the opposing surfaces of the inner wall portion 244 and the outer wall portion 246 that constitute the accommodating portion 242. At the upper end portion of the inner wall portion 244, a guide surface 250 that abuts against the fitting portion 228 of the connection blocking portion 210 and guides the connection blocking portion 210 into the gap 248 is provided. On the lower side of the inner wall portion 244, a concave fitting portion 252 that opens toward the gap is provided, and the fitting portion 228 of the connection blocking portion 210 is adapted to be fitted therein.

[0111] <Assembly of the terminal connection structure 204 of Modification Example 14 of the present disclosure> First, the connection - side relay part 216 is housed inside the case body 174A, and the tip of the connection - side relay part 216 is inserted through the annular lower - surface opening hole 74 and projected from the bottom wall of the case body 174A. Subsequently, the bolt insertion hole 62 of the connection part 60 of the bus bar 170 is aligned with the bolt insertion hole 218 of the connection - side relay part 216 and placed on the connection - side relay part 216. Then, the threaded part 214A of the bolt 214 is inserted through the bolt insertion holes 62 and 218, and the head of the bolt 214 is placed on the connection part 60 of the bus bar 170. In this state, by covering the case body 174A with the lid body 174B, the connection part 60, the connection - side relay part 216, and the bolt 214 are stably held inside the end case 174. Thereby, the connection - side unit 208 of the energization component 206 is completed. At this time, the connection blocking part 210 is located at the blocking position shown in FIG. 37 by the biasing force of the spring member 226. Subsequently, a holder 186 is prepared, a nut 230 is held in the accommodation recess 200 of the holder 186, a terminal part 232 is placed on the upper surface of the nut 230, and the bolt insertion hole 254 of the nut 230 and the bolt insertion hole 256 of the terminal part 232 are aligned. Then, when the insulating cover 190 is mounted on the holder 186 from above, the bolt insertion hole 236 of the inner peripheral cylinder part 238 provided on the upper surface of the insulating cover 190 is aligned with the bolt insertion hole 254 of the nut 230 and the bolt insertion hole 256 of the terminal part 232. In this state, the nut 230 and the terminal part 232 are stably held between the holder 186 and the insulating cover 190. Thereby, the terminal - side unit 212 is completed.

[0112] Finally, the connection - side unit 208 is assembled to the terminal - side unit 212. At this time, first, in the connection - side unit 208, as shown in FIG. 38, the connection - blocking portion 210 is displaced to the allowable position against the biasing force of the spring member 226. Next, the connection - blocking portion 210 is inserted into the gap 248 of the accommodating portion 242 provided in the insulating cover 190 from above. At this time, the fitting portion 228 provided on the connection - blocking portion 210 abuts against the guiding surface 250 provided on the inner wall portion 244 of the accommodating portion 242, so that the connection - blocking portion 210 is smoothly guided into the gap 248 of the accommodating portion 242, and the threaded portion 214A of the bolt 214 of the connection - side unit 208 is pre - aligned with each bolt insertion hole 236, 254, 256 on the terminal - side unit 212 side, and the threaded portion 214A of the bolt 214 is smoothly inserted into each bolt insertion hole 236, 254, 256. Then, by screwing the bolt 214 into the nut 230 with a tool (not shown), the connection - blocking portion 210 is further pushed into the gap 248 of the accommodating portion 242, and the fitting portion 228 of the connection - blocking portion 210 is fitted into the fitted portion 252 provided in the accommodating portion 242 of the terminal - side unit 212 as shown in FIG. 39. In Modification 14, since the fitting portion 228 and the fitted portion 252 are fitted at the normal fitting position of the connection portion 60 of the energizing component 206 and the terminal portion 232, the operator can easily confirm that the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232 of the energizing component 206 are correctly fitted by detecting the fitting of the fitting portion 228 and the fitted portion 252. Thereby, the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232 of the energizing component 206 are conductively connected via the connection - side relay portion 216, and one connection of the terminal - connection structure 204 is completed.

[0113] Next, the operation and effect of the 14th modification example will be described. According to the 14th modification example, a connection prevention portion 210 is provided on the end case 174 that constitutes the case of the energized component 206 and is biased to the prevention position shown in FIG. 37, and the bolt 214 and the connection portion side relay portion 216 are covered by the connection prevention portion 210. Therefore, even if the connection portion side unit 208 of the energized component 206 drops onto the terminal portion side unit 212 due to an incorrect operation during the connection operation between the terminal portions, it is surely prevented that the connection portion 60 is erroneously connected to the terminal portion 232. As a result, it is possible to prevent in advance the problem that the other connection portion of the energized component 206 becomes an energized portion unintentionally. Moreover, the connection prevention portion 210 is displaceable to an allowable position that allows the connection between the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232, and when actually connecting the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232, an operation of displacing the connection prevention portion 210 to the allowable position shown in FIGS. 36 and 38 is involved. Therefore, it is possible to draw the attention of the operator when performing the connection operation between the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232, and it is possible to surely prevent the problem that the other connection portion of the energized component 206 becomes an energized portion unintentionally.

[0114] In addition, according to the 14th modification example, the fitting portion 228 provided on the connection prevention portion 210 of the connection portion side unit 208 fits into the fitted portion 252 provided in the housing portion 242 of the terminal portion side unit 212, so that the fixing structure of the connection portion side unit 208 and the terminal portion side unit 212 can also be borne together. Therefore, excellent connection stability between the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232 can be ensured with a small number of parts.

[0115] <15th modification example> Next, FIGS. 40A and 40B show a terminal connection structure 259 as Modification 15 of the present disclosure, which includes a connection blocking portion 258 that is another aspect of the connection blocking portion shown in Modification 14 described above. For the structure similar to that of Modification 14, the description will be omitted by attaching the same reference numerals as those in Modification 14 in the drawings. The connection blocking portion 258 of Modification 15 includes a pair of elastic lock pieces 260, 260 formed to protrude from the outer surfaces of the side walls 220a, 220b of the case body 174A of the end case 174. A pair of lock frames 262, 262 are formed to protrude from the outer surfaces of the side walls 240a, 240b of the insulating cover 190. The elastic lock piece 260 extends in the vertical direction of the side walls 220a, 220b with a predetermined length, and a fitting portion 264 protruding toward the side walls 220a, 220b is provided at the lower end portion, and a pressing portion 266 protruding in a direction away from the side walls 220a, 220b is provided at the upper end portion. The elastic lock pieces 260, 260 are connected to the side walls 220a, 220b via a connecting portion 268 at a position above the lower end portion. Therefore, in the initial state where no load is applied, the fitting portion 264 approaches the side walls 220a, 220b side, and the pressing portion 266 is separated from the side walls 220a, 220b. The lock frame 262 is provided with a hole-shaped fitted portion 270 into which the fitting portion 264 is fitted.

[0116] At the blocking position of the elastic locking piece 260 that constitutes the connection blocking portion 258 shown in FIG. 40A, the fitting portion 264 of the elastic locking piece 260 abuts against the upper end surface of the lock frame body 262, preventing the connection portion side unit 208 from approaching the terminal portion side unit 212. In this state, the threaded portion 214A of the bolt 214 has not reached the terminal portion 232, and the connection portion side relay portion 216 is separated from the terminal portion opening window 234. Therefore, the connection between the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232 is reliably blocked. Next, when connecting the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232, the operator presses the pressing portion 266 of the elastic locking piece 260 to displace the fitting portion 264 over the upper end surface of the lock frame body 262 to an allowable position where it can move downward. In that state, by screwing the bolt 214 into the nut 230 with a tool (not shown), the fitting portion 264 moves further downward, and as shown in FIG. 40B, the fitting portion 264 of the elastic locking piece 260 is fitted into the fitted portion 270 provided on the lock frame body 262 of the terminal portion side unit 212, and it can be detected that the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232 are correctly connected. Thus, also in Modification 15, since the elastic locking piece 260 that constitutes the connection blocking portion 258 can be displaced by the operator from the blocking position that blocks the connection between the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232 to the allowable position that allows the connection between the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232, the same operational effects as in Modification 14 can be achieved.

[0117] <Modification 16> Hereinafter, Modification 16 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 41 to 50. In the above-described Embodiment 1 and Modifications 1 to 15, an insulating cover (terminal portion cover) is provided on at least one of the terminal portions, and a relay portion (connection portion side relay portion) is provided on the connection portion fastened to this terminal portion. However, in the terminal connection structure 280 of Modification 16, insulating covers are not provided on both terminal portions. That is, in the terminal connection structure 280 of Modification 16, a connection portion cover 284 as an insulating cover is provided on one connection portion (first connection portion 282), and a terminal portion side relay portion 288 as a relay portion is provided on one terminal portion (first terminal portion 286) fastened to the first connection portion 282.

[0118] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 41, the terminal connection structure 280 of Modification 16 is a structure in which a terminal portion (first terminal portion 286) in the junction box 290 and a terminal portion (second terminal portion 294) in the battery module 292 are electrically connected via an energization component 296. The energization component 296 includes a bus bar 298 as an energization member, and both end portions in the length direction of the bus bar 298 are first and second connection portions 282 and 300 that are fastened to the first and second terminal portions 286 and 294. The structure of the fastening portion between the first connection portion 282 and the first terminal portion 286 is shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, and the structure of the fastening portion between the second connection portion 300 and the second terminal portion 294 is shown in FIGS. 44 and 45.

[0119] As is also apparent from FIGS. 42 to 45, an electric shock prevention measure is taken for the fastening portion between the first connection portion 282 and the first terminal portion 286 (the connection portion between one end portion of the energization component 296 and the junction box 290). Further, the fastening portion between the second connection portion 300 and the second terminal portion 294 (the connection portion between the other end portion of the energization component 296 and the battery module 292) is fastened by a bolt 302. Note that the battery module 292 in Modification 16 has the same structure as the first or second battery module 12A or 12B in Embodiment 1, and substantially the same members and parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as the first or second battery module 12A or 12B in the drawings, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0120] The battery module 292 includes a housing 14, and a plurality of single cells 16 are accommodated in the housing 14 in a state of being connected in series. A connection terminal 28 is fastened to the foremost single cell 16, and this connection terminal 28 includes a second terminal portion 294 as a terminal portion. Further, a nut holding portion 304 is provided integrally or separately on the housing 14 of the battery module 292, and a nut 306 is disposed in the nut holding portion 304.

[0121] At the fastening portion between the first connection part 282 and the first terminal part 286 (the connection part between one end of the current-carrying component 296 and the junction box 290), an electric shock prevention structure similar to that of the modification example 13 is provided. That is, on one end of the current-carrying component 296, a first connection part side unit 308 including the first connection part 282 is provided, and on the junction box 290, a first terminal part side unit 310 including the first terminal part 286 is provided. The first connection part side unit 308 is shown in FIGS. 46 to 48, and the first terminal part side unit 310 is shown in FIGS. 49 and 50.

[0122] <First connection part side unit 308> The first connection part side unit 308 includes an insulating end case 312 that houses the first connection part 282, which is one end of the bus bar 298. That is, the insulating case that houses the bus bar 298 is composed of an insulating coating 314 that covers the middle part of the bus bar 298 in the length direction and an end case 312 that houses the first connection part 282, which is one end in the length direction. Further, this end case 312 includes a case body 316 and a lid body 318.

[0123] The case body 316 includes a bottom wall 72 that covers the lower part of the first connection part 282 and a peripheral wall 320 that projects upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall 72. The peripheral wall 320 covers three sides outside the first connection part 282 and is provided at the rear (right side in FIG. 48) of the first connection part 282 and on both sides in the left-right direction. Further, on both sides in the left-right direction of the peripheral wall 320, a plurality of engaging protrusions 182 that project outward are provided. Note that unevenness is provided on both sides in the left-right direction of the peripheral wall 320, facilitating positioning when assembling the first connection part side unit 308 and the first terminal part side unit 310, which will be described later.

[0124] Furthermore, on the bottom wall 72, at a position corresponding to the bolt insertion hole 62 provided in the first connection part 282, a circular lower surface opening hole 74 is provided. The inner diameter dimension of this lower surface opening hole 74 is made larger than the inner diameter dimension of the bolt insertion hole 62 in the first connection part 282. In a state where the end case 312 is assembled to the first connection part 282, the lower surface of the first connection part 282 (bus bar 298) is exposed through the lower surface opening hole 74. Note that the bottom wall 72 is provided with positioning protrusions such as the positioning protrusion 76 shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment and the positioning protrusions 76a and 76b shown in FIG. 32 of the modified example 13. Also, at both left and right ends of the first connection part 282 in the lateral direction, positioning recesses corresponding to the positioning protrusions provided on the bottom wall 72 are provided. By engaging these positioning protrusions and positioning recesses, when the first connection part 282 and the end case 312 are assembled, relative displacement between the first connection part 282 and the end case 312 is restricted to a certain extent.

[0125] Also, the lid body 318 includes a flat upper bottom wall 322. On the upper bottom wall 322, at a position corresponding to the bolt insertion hole 62 of the first connection part 282 and the lower surface opening hole 74 of the bottom wall 72, a cylindrical part 324 extending in the vertical direction is provided and penetrates in the vertical direction. The upper surface opening 80 that opens on the upper surface of the end case 312 is formed by the upper opening of this cylindrical part 324. Further, on the upper bottom wall 322, at a position outside the cylindrical part 324, a pressing protrusion 326 protruding downward is provided. When the first connection part 282 and the end case 312 are assembled, the pressing protrusion 326 suppresses the upward displacement of the first connection part 282 with respect to the bottom wall 72. Note that at the outer peripheral edge of the lid body 318, at a position corresponding to the engaging protrusion 182 of the case main body 316, an engaging frame body 184 protruding downward from the upper bottom wall 322 is provided.

[0126] Furthermore, the first connection part side unit 308 includes an inner peripheral cylinder part 328 and a nut 330. The inner peripheral cylinder part 328 is generally cylindrical in shape, formed of a synthetic resin, and has insulating properties. This inner peripheral cylinder part 328 is inserted through the bolt insertion hole 62 of the first connection part 282 and assembled. Specifically, the outer diameter dimension at the upper end part of the inner peripheral cylinder part 328 is larger than other parts, and the inner peripheral cylinder part 328 is inserted from above the bolt insertion hole 62, and the upper end part of the inner peripheral cylinder part 328 abuts against the opening peripheral edge part above the bolt insertion hole 62, thereby preventing the inner peripheral cylinder part 328 from dropping downward from the first connection part 282. Note that the inner peripheral cylinder part 328 may or may not be fixed to the first connection part 282 with an adhesive or the like.

[0127] By assembling the inner peripheral cylinder part 328 to the first connection part 282, the lower end of the inner peripheral cylinder part 328 protrudes outward (downward) from the end case 312 through the lower surface opening hole 74. Therefore, in the modified example 16, the connection part cover 284 covering the first connection part 282 is configured to include the bottom wall 72 of the case main body 316 and the inner peripheral cylinder part 328. Further, a connection part opening window 332 as an annular opening window is configured by the lower surface opening hole 74 of the bottom wall 72 and the inner peripheral cylinder part 328. As a result, the lower surface of the first connection part 282 is annularly exposed through the connection part opening window 332, but since the inner peripheral cylinder part 328 protrudes outward (downward) from the end case 312, it prevents an operator from contacting the first connection part 282.

[0128] Furthermore, the nut 330 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical part 324 in the lid body 318. Specifically, an insulating coating 334 is fixed to the nut 330 from above. The lower end of the insulating coating 334 has a larger outer diameter dimension and is inserted into a part where the inner diameter dimension is increased at the lower end of the cylindrical part 324, thereby preventing the nut 330 and the insulating coating 334 from being pulled out upward. The nut 330 and the insulating coating 334 are exposed outward through the upper surface opening 80 provided in the lid body 318, and operations such as tightening the nut 330 can be performed from the outside using a jig or the like.

[0129] <First terminal part side unit 310> The junction box 290 is composed of an upper case 336 and a lower case (not shown), and the first terminal part side unit 310 is provided on the upper bottom wall 338 of the upper case 336. The first terminal part side unit 310 is composed of a first terminal part 286, a terminal part side relay part 288, an insulating cover 340, and a bolt 342.

[0130] The insulating cover 340 includes a flat bottom wall 344 and a peripheral wall 346 that protrudes upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall 344. The peripheral wall 346 is provided on three sides, namely, the rear and both left and right sides of the bottom wall 344. In short, the peripheral wall 346 is open at the front. Further, on the inner surfaces on both left and right sides of the peripheral wall 346, unevenness corresponding to the outer surfaces on both left and right sides of the end case 312 of the first connection part side unit 308 is provided. Furthermore, a through hole 348 that penetrates in the vertical direction is formed in a substantially central portion of the bottom wall 344. In addition, convex portions (not shown) that protrude outward are provided on both left and right sides at the lower end of the peripheral wall 346, and concave portions (not shown) are provided on the upper bottom wall 338 of the upper case 336. And the insulating cover 340 is fixed to the upper bottom wall 338 of the upper case 336 by the fitting of these uneven portions. Note that the fixing method of the insulating cover 340 to the upper bottom wall 338 is not limited to the fitting of unevenness.

[0131] Also, an electric circuit (not shown) is housed inside the junction box 290, and a bus bar 350 that is electrically connected to this electric circuit is fixed inside the junction box 290 by fixing means (not shown). The end of this bus bar 350 is the first terminal part 286, and a bolt insertion hole 38 that penetrates in the vertical direction is formed in the first terminal part 286. This first terminal part 286 is located below the bottom wall 344 of the insulating cover 340, and the through hole 348 provided in the bottom wall 344 and the bolt insertion hole 38 provided in the first terminal part 286 are aligned with each other in the vertical direction.

[0132] And a terminal-side relay portion 288 is provided between the bottom wall 344 of these insulating covers 340 and the bus bar 350 (first terminal portion 286). Specifically, the terminal-side relay portion 288 is an annular member as a whole and is formed of metal. The terminal-side relay portion 288 includes an upper cylindrical portion 352 and a lower flange portion 354, and an annular flange portion 354 projects outward from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 352. The cylindrical portion 352 of the terminal-side relay portion 288 is inserted into the through hole 348 of the bottom wall 344, and the flange portion 354 is sandwiched between the bottom wall 344 and the bus bar 350 in the vertical direction. Thereby, the terminal-side relay portion 288 and the first terminal portion 286 are in contact with each other.

[0133] A bolt insertion hole 68 penetrating the center of the terminal-side relay portion 288 in the vertical direction is aligned with the bolt insertion hole 38 of the first terminal portion 286, and a bolt 342 is inserted from below into both bolt insertion holes 68 and 38 and protrudes upward. Note that the bolt 342 may be fixed to the bus bar 350 with an adhesive or the like, or may be fixed to the bus bar 350, the junction box 290, or the like by fixing means (not shown). The outer diameter dimension of the bolt 342 is larger than the inner diameter dimension of the bolt insertion hole 68 in the terminal-side relay portion 288, and an annular space having a predetermined radial width dimension is formed between the terminal-side relay portion 288 and the bolt 342. In Modification 16, the upper end of the bolt 342 does not protrude above the insulating cover 340, and the risk of unintended contact with the bolt 342 and damage to the bolt 342 is reduced.

[0134] <Assembly of the terminal connection structure 280 of Modification 16 of the present disclosure> Hereinafter, a specific example of the assembly process of the terminal connection structure 280, that is, the process of connecting the junction box 290 and the battery module 292 with the energizing component 296 will be described. Note that the assembly process of the terminal connection structure 280 is not limited to the following description.

[0135] First, prepare a bus bar 298 provided with an insulating coating 314, an inner peripheral cylinder portion 328, a nut 330 provided with an insulating coating 334, a case body 316, and a lid body 318. Then, insert a first connection portion 282, which is one end of the bus bar 298, into the case body 316 from above, and engage a positioning protrusion (76) provided on the bottom wall 72 with a positioning recess (64) provided on the first connection portion 282. After that, insert the inner peripheral cylinder portion 328 through a bolt insertion hole 62 of the first connection portion 282. Subsequently, place the nut 330 provided with the insulating coating 334 from above the inner peripheral cylinder portion 328 (first connection portion 282) so that the inner hole of the inner peripheral cylinder portion 328 and the inner hole of the nut 330 communicate with each other. From this state, cover the case body 316 with the lid body 318 from above, and engage an engaging protrusion 182 with an engaging frame body 184. Thereby, an end case 312 is assembled to the first connection portion 282, and a first connection portion side unit 308 is completed.

[0136] Also, with an electric circuit (not shown) and a bus bar 350 fixed to the upper case 336, place a terminal portion side relay portion 288 above the first terminal portion 286 with their bolt insertion holes 38, 68 aligned. Then, cover the terminal portion side relay portion 288 with an insulating cover 340 from above and fix it to the upper case 336. Then, insert a bolt 342 from below the first terminal portion 286 and fix it, and assemble a lower case (not shown) to the upper case 336, thereby completing a junction box 290 provided with a first terminal portion side unit 310.

[0137] Subsequently, prepare a battery module 292, overlap a second terminal portion 294 and a second connection portion 300, which is the other end of the bus bar 298, and align their bolt insertion holes 38, 62. Then, insert a bolt 302 through these bolt insertion holes 38, 62 and fasten it to a nut 306. Thereby, the second terminal portion 294 and the second connection portion 300 are fastened, that is, the battery module 292 and the electrical component 296 are electrically connected.

[0138] Next, insert the end case 312 of the first connection part side unit 308 into the insulation cover 340 of the first terminal part side unit 310, and bring the bolt 342 of the first terminal part side unit 310 into contact with the opening of the nut 330 through the inner peripheral cylinder part 328 in the first connection part side unit 308. Then, tighten the nut 330 from the outside with a jig (not shown) through the upper surface opening 80 of the end case 312 to fasten the bolt 342 to the nut 330. As a result, as shown in Fig. 43, insert the cylinder part 352 of the terminal part side relay part 288 into the connection part opening window 332 provided on the lower surface of the end case 312 and bring it into contact with and connect to the first connection part 282. That is, by fastening the first terminal part 286 and the first connection part 282, the junction box 290 and the energizing component 296 are electrically connected. As a result, the junction box 290 and the battery module 292 are electrically connected by the energizing component 296, and the terminal connection structure 280 is completed.

[0139] In the terminal connection structure 280 of Modification 16, when the battery module 292 and the other end of the energizing component 296 are bolted, the first connection part 282, which is one end of the energizing component 296, becomes the live part. Here, a connection part cover 284 is provided on the first connection part 282, reducing the risk of an operator accidentally contacting the first connection part 282. Further, a connection part opening window 332 is provided in the connection part cover 284, and the first connection part 282 is partially exposed. When fastening the first connection part 282 and the first terminal part 286, the terminal part side relay part 288 that contacts the first terminal part 286 contacts the first connection part 282 through the connection part opening window 332, thus ensuring the electrical connection between the first connection part 282 and the first terminal part 286.

[0140] Therefore, in the terminal connection structure of the present disclosure, two fastening portions are provided by two connection portions and two terminal portions. However, the structure for electric shock prevention according to the present disclosure may be provided in at least one fastening portion, and there may be a fastening portion without electric shock prevention measures. That is, the insulating cover may be provided on any one of the total four of the two connection portions and the two terminal portions, and the relay portion may be provided on the terminal portion or the connection portion fastened to the connection portion or the terminal portion where the insulating cover is provided.

[0141] <Others> (1) In the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the bolt 84 and the nut 44 are used as fastening members. However, only the bolt may be used to screw in the threaded portion, or any known fastening member may be adopted. (2) Further, in the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, a pair of crank-shaped bent portions 58, 58 are provided. However, as in the terminal connection structures 90, 100 of Modification Examples 1 and 2 shown in FIG. 8, only one crank-shaped bent portion 58 may be provided. Alternatively, the crank-shaped bent portion 58 can be provided in any number and bent in the same plate thickness direction or the opposite plate thickness direction. Thereby, it is possible to cope with terminal connection structures of various shapes. (3) Furthermore, in the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the guide wall 78 is formed to protrude with substantially the same dimension as the tip of the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84. However, dimensions according to the shape of the battery module side or the like can also be adopted. (4) In addition, in the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the connection part side relay part 66 has a cylindrical tube part 66A protruding from the flange part 66B, and the terminal part opening window 50 has an annular shape corresponding to the tube part 66A, but it is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of protrusions may be provided on one connection part side relay part 66 to form a plurality of terminal part opening windows through which each protrusion is inserted. Specifically, in the connection part side relay part 66, the protruding end part of the tube part 66A protruding from the flange part 66B may be divided into a plurality of arc-shaped protrusions in the circumferential direction by slits, and the terminal part opening window 50 may have a shape corresponding to each arc-shaped protrusion. Further, the planar shape of the flange part 66B is not limited to an annular shape, and any shape can be adopted. The shape of one or a plurality of protrusions protruding from the flange part 66B and the terminal part opening window through which the protrusion is inserted can also be any shape such as a rectangular shape. (5) The connection part opening window 176 provided in the end case 174 constituting the connection part cover is preferably provided in a size that allows the insertion of the terminal part side relay part 188 while preventing the insertion of the operator's finger. In addition, any configuration can be adopted for the configuration of insulatingly covering the nut 172 located at the upper surface opening 80 of the end case 174 and the bolt 195 fastened to the nut 172. In addition to the illustrated insulating covering, for example, a bag-shaped nut cover or the like can be adopted.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0142] 10 Terminal connection structure (Embodiment 1) 12 Battery module 12A First battery module 12B Second battery module 14 Housing 14A Housing 14B Housing 16 Single battery 18 Peripheral wall 20 Upper end part 22 Upper end part 24 First terminal part side unit 26 Second terminal part side unit 28 Connection terminal 30 Housing 32 Terminal part 34 Terminal fastening part 36 Through hole 38 Bolt insertion hole (terminal part side) 40 Terminal holding part 42 Accommodation part 44 Nut 46 Threaded hole 48 Terminal part cover (insulating cover) 48A Outer peripheral part 48B Inner peripheral part 49 Through hole 50 Terminal part opening window (opening window) 51 Insertion hole 52 Protrusion 53 Tapered surface 54 Energizing component 56 Bus bar (energizing member) 58 Crank-shaped bent part 60 Connection part 62 Bolt insertion hole 64 Positioning recess 66 Connection part side relay part (relay part) 66A Cylindrical part 66B Flange part 68 Bolt insertion hole 70 Case 70A Case body 70B Cover 72 Bottom wall 74 Bottom surface opening hole (opening hole) 76 Positioning protrusion 78 Guide wall 80 Upper surface opening part 84 Bolt 84A Threaded part 86 First connection part side unit 88 Second connection part side unit 90 Terminal connection structure (Modification 1) 92 Junction box 94 Energizing component 96 Bus bar 98 External terminal 100 Terminal connection structure (Modification 2) 102 Terminal connection structure (Modification 3) 104 Bolt with hexagonal hole 104A Head 104B Threaded Portion 104C Tool Fitting Hole 106 Case 106A Case Body 106B Cover 108 Projection 108A Upper Wall 110 Terminal Connection Structure (Modification Example 4) 112 Relay Portion on the Connection Portion Side 114 Terminal Connection Structure (Modification Example 5) 116 Relay Portion on the Connection Portion Side 118 Terminal Connection Structure (Modification Example 6) 120 Relay Portion on the Connection Portion Side 120A Constricted Portion 122 Terminal Connection Structure (Modification Example 7) 124 Terminal Cover 124A Projection 126 Terminal Connection Structure (Modification Example 8) 128 Terminal Cover 128A Elastic Deflection Piece 130 Terminal Opening Window 130A Slit 132 Terminal Connection Structure (Modification Example 9) 134 Terminal Cover 134B Inner Peripheral Portion 136 Terminal Opening Window 138 Relay Portion on the Connection Portion Side 140 Through-Hole 142 Terminal Connection Structure (Modification Example 10) 144 Terminal Cover 144B Inner Peripheral Portion 146 Terminal Opening Window 148 Relay Portion on the Connection Portion Side 150 Through-Hole 152 Terminal Connection Structure (Modification Example 11) 154 Battery Module 154A Electrode 156 Busbar Module 156A Frame 156B Busbar Support Projection 156C Busbar 158 Terminal connection structure (Modification Example 12) 160 Wire harness 162 Terminal connection structure (Modification Example 13) 163 Energizing component 164 First connection part side unit 168 First terminal part side unit 170 Bus bar (Energizing member) 171 Insulation coating 172 Nut 174 End case (Insulating cover, Connection part cover) 174A Case body (Insulating cover, Connection part cover) 174B Lid 175 Insulation coating 176 Connection part opening window (Opening window) 178 Positioning rib 180 Notch 182 Engaging protrusion 184 Engaging frame 186 Holder 187 Terminal part 188 Terminal part side relay part (Relay part) 188A Cylindrical part 188B Flange part 190 Insulating cover 192 Cylindrical part 194 Opening window 195 Bolt 196 Engaging projection 198 Engaged part 200 Accommodating recess 202 Fixing part 204 Terminal connection structure (Modification Example 14) 206 Energizing component 208 Connection part side unit 210 Connection prevention part 212 Terminal part side unit 214 Bolt 214A Threaded part 216 Connection part side relay part (Relay part) 216A Cylindrical part 216B Flange part 218 Bolt insertion hole 220 Peripheral wall part 220a Side wall 220b Side wall 222 Rotation axis 224 Bottom opening 226 Spring member 228 Fitting part 230 Nut 232 Terminal part 234 Terminal part opening window (opening window) 236 Bolt insertion hole 238 Inner peripheral cylinder part 240 Side wall 240a Side wall 240b Side wall 242 Accommodation part 244 Inner wall part 246 Outer wall part 248 Gap 250 Guide surface 252 Fitted part 254 Bolt insertion hole (for nut 230) 256 Bolt insertion hole 258 Connection prevention part 259 Terminal connection structure (Modification 15) 260 Lock piece 262 Lock frame body 264 Fitting part 266 Pressing part 268 Connecting part 270 Fitted part 280 Terminal connection structure (Modification 16) 282 First connection part (connection part) 284 Connection part cover (insulating cover) 286 First terminal part (terminal part) 288 Terminal part side relay part (relay part) 290 Junction box 292 Battery module 294 Second terminal part (terminal part) 296 Energizing component 298 Bus bar (energizing member) 300 Second connection part (connection part) 302 Bolt 304 Nut holding part 306 Nut 308 First connection part side unit 310 First terminal part side unit 312 End case 314 Insulation coating 316 Case body 318 Cover 320 Peripheral wall 322 Upper bottom wall 324 Cylindrical part 326 Pressing projection 328 Inner peripheral cylindrical part 330 Nut 332 Connection part opening window 334 Insulation coating 336 Upper case 338 Upper bottom wall 340 Insulation cover 342 Bolt 344 Bottom wall 346 Peripheral wall 348 Through hole 350 Bus bar 352 Cylindrical part 354 Flange part a1,a2 First space b1,b2,b3 Second space c1,c2 Gap c3,c4 Displacement allowance gap

Claims

1. An electrically conductive component that electrically connects a plurality of terminal portions, a current-carrying member having a plurality of connection portions fastened to the plurality of terminal portions in a connected state, an insulating case that houses the current-carrying member; At least one of the plurality of terminals is covered with an insulating terminal cover having a terminal opening window, and a connection side relay part is provided on the connection part which is fastened to the terminal covered by the terminal cover, and is connected to the terminal by passing through the terminal opening window; Including current carrying parts.

2. The current-carrying component according to claim 1 , wherein the connection portion including the connection-portion-side relay portion is accommodated in and surrounded by the case.

3. 3. The current-carrying component according to claim 1, wherein the current-carrying member is a bus bar, the two connection portions are provided at both longitudinal ends of the bus bar, and the bus bar is provided with a crank-shaped bent portion bent in a thickness direction of the bus bar.

4. The terminal portion and the connection portion are fastened together using a bolt, a bolt insertion hole provided in the connection portion and the connection portion side relay portion has a first space that allows displacement of the bolt in a predetermined direction, The current-carrying component according to claim 1 , wherein the case has a second space that allows displacement of the bolt and the connection portion side relay portion in the predetermined direction.

5. The bolt is housed in the case, the upper surface of the case has an upper opening for exposing the insulating head of the bolt, and the lower surface of the case has a lower opening for exposing the threaded portion of the bolt and the connection portion side relay portion.

6. The bolt is housed in the case, and an upper surface of the case is provided with an upper surface opening through which a head of the bolt is exposed, A tool fitting hole into which a tip end of a fastening tool is fitted is formed and opened on an upper surface of the head of the bolt, The current-carrying part according to claim 4 , wherein, in a plan view, the tool fitting hole is exposed to the outside through the top surface opening, and an outer periphery of the head is covered by the top surface of the case.

7. 7. The current-carrying component according to claim 6, wherein a portion of the upper surface of the case that covers the outer periphery of the head of the bolt is spaced upward from the head.

8. The terminal portion and the connection portion are fastened together using a bolt, An electrically conductive component as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the case has a guide wall around the connection portion side relay portion and the threaded portion of the bolt, the guide wall being a wall higher than the connection portion side relay portion.

9. 9. The current-carrying component according to claim 8, wherein the guide wall is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion, and the guide wall abuts against a member provided on the terminal portion side to suppress displacement.

10. The current-carrying component according to claim 1 , wherein the connection-portion-side relay portion and the current-carrying member are integrally formed.

11. The current-carrying component according to claim 1 , wherein the connection portion side relay portion and the current-carrying member are formed separately, and the connection portion side relay portion is held by the case.

12. the connection portion side relay portion has a cylindrical portion protruding to the outside of the case and a flange portion protruding from one end of the cylindrical portion toward an outer periphery, An electrically conductive component as described in claim 11, wherein the tubular portion of the connection side relay portion is inserted into an opening hole formed through the case, and the flange portion of the connection side relay portion engages with the periphery of the opening hole from the inside of the case, thereby holding the connection side relay portion in the case.

13. The current-carrying component according to claim 11 , wherein the connection-side relay portion is press-fitted into an opening formed through the case, and thereby held by the case.

14. The current-carrying component according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the connection-portion-side relay portions are provided at a distance from each other and protrude from the connection portion.

15. The terminal portion and the connection portion are fastened together using a bolt, The terminal portion opening window is formed in an annular shape around the bolt insertion hole of the terminal portion, The current-carrying component according to claim 1 , wherein the connection portion side relay portion is annularly disposed around the bolt insertion hole of the connection portion.

16. an insulating connection portion cover covering another one of the plurality of connection portions; a connection portion opening window provided in the connection portion cover to partially expose the other one connection portion; An electrically conductive component as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a terminal portion side relay portion is provided on another one of the plurality of terminal portions that is fastened to the other one of the connection portions covered by the connection portion cover, and the terminal portion side relay portion is inserted through the connection portion opening window to be connected to the other one of the connection portions.

17. The other terminal portion and the other connection portion are fastened together using a bolt and a nut, On the side of the other connection portion, the nut is housed in the case, and the nut and the tip of the bolt fastened to the nut are located in an insulating coated state in an upper surface opening provided on the upper surface of the case, the connection portion cover is formed by a bottom wall of the case, and the connection portion opening window is provided through the bottom wall, The current-carrying component according to claim 16 , wherein the bolt and the terminal portion-side relay portion are disposed at the other one of the terminal portions.

18. An electrically conductive component as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the case is provided with a connection prevention portion that prevents connection between the connection portion and the terminal portion, and the connection prevention portion is displaceable to an allowable position that allows connection between the connection portion and the terminal portion.

19. The current-carrying component according to claim 18 , wherein the connection preventing portion has a fitting portion that fits into the fitted portion on the terminal portion side when the connection preventing portion is displaced to the permitted position.

20. 20. The current-carrying component according to claim 19, wherein the fitting portion and the fitted portion are fitted together at a normal fitting position between the terminal portion and the connection portion.

21. the case accommodates a bolt for fastening the connection portion to the terminal portion, an upper surface of the case has an upper surface opening for exposing an insulating-coated head of the bolt, and a lower surface of the case has a lower surface opening for exposing a threaded portion of the bolt and the connection portion-side relay portion, An electrically conductive component as described in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the connection preventing portion is displaceable between a preventing position in which it covers the bottom opening and covers the threaded portion of the bolt and the connection portion side relay portion, and an allowing position in which it opens the bottom opening and allows connection of the threaded portion of the bolt to the terminal portion of the connection portion side relay portion.

22. the case includes an insulating coating that covers a longitudinal intermediate portion of the current-carrying member, and end cases that are provided at both longitudinal ends of the current-carrying member and cover at least one of the two connection portions exposed from the insulating coating, the end case is assembled to the current-carrying member so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction, An electrically conductive component as described in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the connection portion and the terminal portion are fastened using a bolt and a nut, and a bolt insertion hole formed through the connection portion is provided with a displacement tolerance gap that allows displacement of the end case relative to the electrically conductive member in the longitudinal direction.

23. An electrically conductive component that electrically connects a plurality of terminal portions, a current-carrying member having a plurality of connection portions fastened to the plurality of terminal portions in a connected state, an insulating case that houses the current-carrying member; At least one of the plurality of terminal portions includes a terminal portion-side relay portion, and a connection portion cover is provided that covers the connection portion fastened to the terminal portion including the terminal portion-side relay portion and has a connection portion opening window that partially exposes the connection portion, An energizing component in which the terminal portion side relay portion is inserted through the connection portion opening window and connected to the connection portion.

24. A junction box including the terminal portion to which the connection portion of the current-carrying component according to any one of claims 1 to 23 is connected, A junction box in which a terminal portion cover or a terminal portion side relay portion is provided on the terminal portion, and the junction box is configured to be connected to the connection portion of the electrically conductive member on which a connection portion side relay portion or a connection portion cover is provided.

25. The terminal portion and the connection portion are fastened together using a bolt, The junction box according to claim 24 , wherein the terminal cover includes an inner periphery that covers an inner periphery of a bolt insertion hole provided in the terminal.

26. 26. The junction box according to claim 25, wherein an inner periphery of the terminal cover is integrated with other portions of the terminal cover.

27. The terminal portion opening window is formed in an annular shape around the bolt insertion hole of the terminal portion, the connection portion side relay portion is disposed in an annular shape around the bolt insertion hole of the connection portion, the annular terminal portion opening window is defined between the inner peripheral portion of the terminal portion cover and an outer peripheral portion of the terminal portion cover provided radially outwardly spaced from the inner peripheral portion, The junction box according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the outer circumferential portion covers a surface of the terminal portion around the bolt insertion hole.

28. The terminal portion and the connection portion are fastened together using a bolt, A junction box as described in any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the terminal portion opening window is opened to a size that exposes the bolt insertion hole of the terminal portion and its surrounding area, and a protrusion is provided on the peripheral edge of the terminal portion opening window that protrudes toward the connection portion side relay portion.

29. The junction box according to claim 28, wherein the protrusion is spaced apart from the current-carrying component when the terminal portion and the connection portion are fastened together by the bolt.

30. A junction box as described in any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein the peripheral portion of the terminal portion opening window is flexibly deformable, and the connection portion side relay portion presses against the peripheral portion to expand the terminal portion opening window, thereby allowing the connection portion side relay portion to be inserted into the terminal portion opening window.

31. A bus bar module including the terminal portion to which the connection portion of the current-carrying component according to any one of claims 1 to 23 is connected, A busbar module in which a terminal portion cover or a terminal portion side relay portion is provided on the terminal portion, and the terminal portion is configured to be connected to the connection portion of the conductive member which is provided with a connection portion side relay portion or a connection portion cover.

32. A battery module including the terminal portion to which the connection portion of the current-carrying component according to any one of claims 1 to 23 is connected, The terminal portion is provided with a terminal portion cover or a terminal portion side relay portion, and is configured to be connected to the connection portion of the conductive member provided with a connection portion side relay portion or a connection portion cover.

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