Connection structure, assembly, and operation jig

Abstract

To provide a connection structure, an assembly, and an operation jig that easily secure the contact pressure of a conductive portion.SOLUTION: A connection structure of an embodiment includes: a first bus bar including a first through hole; a second bus bar including a second through hole; a connection member including a shaft portion, a first overhanging portion, and a second overhanging portion; and an elastic member through which the shaft portion penetrates. The first through hole is defined by a first peripheral surface, which has a cross-sectional shape along a circumference of a virtual circle and extends from a first facing surface to a first pressed surface, and a first recessed surface, and the second through hole is defined by a second peripheral surface and a second recessed surface. The elastic member has an outer peripheral diameter larger than the circumference of the virtual circle and an inner peripheral diameter at least smaller than a maximum diameter of the first overhanging portion. The second overhanging portion is insertable into the first through hole and the second through hole while being fitted into a recess defined by a first recessed surface and a second recessed surface at a first rotational position, and the second overhanging portion overlaps a second pressed surface when viewed in a penetration direction at a second rotational position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a connection structure, an assembly, and an operation jig.

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the assembly disclosed in Patent Document 1, male power supply side terminal portions provided in a battery module are detachably attached to each of a plurality of female power receiving side terminal portions connected to a fuse contact unit. However, in such a connection structure using terminal portions, it may not be possible to ensure the contact pressure of the conduction portions of both units.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a connection structure, an assembly, and an operation jig that easily ensure the contact pressure of conduction portions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first opposing surface, a first pressed surface on the back side of the first opposing surface, and a first through hole that penetrates from the first pressed surface to the first opposing surface in a through direction that is a direction intersecting the first opposing surface. A first bus bar having, a second opposing surface facing the first opposing surface, a second pressed surface on the back side of the second opposing surface, and a second through hole that penetrates from the second opposing surface to the second pressed surface in the through direction. A second bus bar having, a shaft portion having a first end and a second end and extending in the through direction from the first end to the second end so as to communicate the first through hole and the second through hole, and a first end from the first end. A connection member including a first protruding portion protruding in the radial direction of the shaft portion and a second protruding portion protruding in the radial direction, and an elastic member through which the shaft portion penetrates. The first through hole has a cross-sectional shape along the circumference of a virtual circle and extends from the first opposing surface to the first pressed surface. A first circumferential surface, and a first concave surface that extends from the first opposing surface to the first pressed surface and has a cross-sectional shape recessed from the circumference. The second through hole has a cross-sectional shape along the circumference and extends from the second opposing surface to the second pressed surface. A second circumferential surface, and a second concave surface that extends from the second opposing surface to the second pressed surface and has a cross-sectional shape recessed from the circumference. The elastic member has an outer peripheral diameter larger than the circumference and an inner peripheral diameter smaller than at least the maximum diameter of the first protruding portion. In a first rotational position around the axis of the shaft portion, the second protruding portion is inserted into the first through hole and the second through hole while fitting into a recess defined by the first concave surface and the second concave surface. In a second rotational position around the axis, the second protruding portion overlaps the second pressed surface when viewed from the through direction.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the connection structure, the assembly, and the operation jig of an embodiment of the present invention, it is easy to ensure the contact pressure of the conduction portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 16

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, the connection structure and the assembly of one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (Configuration of the assembly) As shown in FIG. 1, the assembly 9 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of connection structures 1, a device 91, a battery pack 92, and a fastening member 93. The device 91 and the battery pack 92 are fastened by the fastening member 93, whereby the assembly 9 is unitized. For example, the assembly 9 may be mounted on a mobility unit such as an electric vehicle.

[0011] (Device) The device 91 receives and supplies power to and from the battery pack 92. For example, the device 91 may be a high-voltage device such as a high-voltage J / B (junction box), an OBC (on-board charger), or a DC-DC converter. The device 91 has a first installation surface 94 on the side facing the battery pack 92.

[0012] Hereinafter, the direction in which the first installation surface 94 faces is defined as the Z direction. Hereinafter, the Z direction is also referred to as the "penetration direction". Also, in the plane facing the Z direction, the directions intersecting each other are defined as the X direction and the Y direction. Hereinafter, the X direction is also referred to as the "parallel direction". For example, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be perpendicular to each other. For example, the Z direction may be the "vertical direction". For example, the first installation surface 94 may be a plane facing downward.

[0013] The first installation surface 94 is an insulating surface made of an insulator material. For example, the first installation surface 94 may be an insulating housing, a cover having partial insulation, or the like.

[0014] The device 91 has flange portions 96 that project on both sides in the X direction. The device 91 and the battery pack 92 are fastened together by a fastening member 93 that passes through the flange portions 96.

[0015] (Configuration of Battery Pack) The battery pack 92 includes a plurality of battery cells. The battery pack 92 has a second installation surface 97 on the side facing the device 91. The second installation surface 97 faces the first installation surface 94. For example, the second installation surface 97 may be a plane facing upward.

[0016] The battery pack 92 has screw holes 92h in the second mounting surface 97. The fastening member 93 passed through the flange portion 96 is fastened into the screw holes 92h.

[0017] The second mounting surface 97 is an insulating surface made of an insulator material. For example, the second mounting surface 97 may be an insulating housing, a cover having partial insulation, or the like.

[0018] (Configuration of the connection structure)

[0019] The plurality of connection structures 1 are structures for electrically connecting the device 91 and the battery pack 92. The plurality of connection structures 1 are provided side by side in the parallel direction. Each connection structure 1 is provided across from the first mounting surface 94 to the second mounting surface 97.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, each connection structure 1 includes a device bus bar 2 (first bus bar), a battery bus bar 3 (second bus bar), a connection member 4, and an elastic member 5.

[0021] (Structure of the device bus bar) The device bus bar 2 is a conductive part connected to the device 91. Specifically, the device bus bar 2 is electrically connected to the electrodes included in the device 91. The plurality of device bus bars 2 are arranged side by side in the X direction and provided on the first mounting surface 94. The device bus bar 2 extends in the Y direction while being in contact with the first mounting surface 94. For example, the device bus bar 2 may protrude from the device 91 in the +Y direction. The device bus bar 2 is formed of a conductive material such as copper or aluminum.

[0022] The device bus bar 2 has a first opposing surface 21, a first pressed surface 22, and a first through hole 23.

[0023] The first opposing surface 21 is a surface for contacting the battery bus bar 3. The first opposing surface 21 has a plane parallel to the XY plane extending in the Y direction. The first opposing surface 21 is the plate surface on the -Z direction side among the plate surfaces of the device bus bar 2.

[0024] The first pressed surface 22 is a surface that is pressed by the connecting member 4 toward the battery bus bar 3 when the device bus bar 2 and the battery bus bar 3 are connected by the connecting member 4. The first pressed surface 22 is the surface on the back side of the first opposing surface 21. The first pressed surface 22 has a plane parallel to the XY plane extending in the Y direction. The first pressed surface 22 is the plate surface on the +Z direction side among the plate surfaces of the device bus bar 2.

[0025] The first through hole 23 is a hole for the connecting member 4 to penetrate. The first through hole 23 penetrates in the Z direction from the first pressed surface 22 to the first opposing surface 21. As shown in FIG. 3, the first through hole 23 is defined by a first peripheral surface 23a and a pair of first concave surfaces 23b.

[0026] The first peripheral surface 23a has a cross-sectional shape along the circumference of the virtual circle CC and extends from the first opposing surface 21 to the first pressed surface 22.

[0027] The pair of first concave surfaces 23b are arranged in the X direction. The pair of first concave surfaces 23b face each other in the X direction. Each first concave surface 23b has a cross-sectional shape that is concave in the X direction away from the virtual circle CC from the circumference of the virtual circle CC and extends in the Z direction from the first opposing surface 21 to the first pressed surface 22. For example, each first concave surface 23b may be concave in a rectangular shape from the circumference of the virtual circle CC when viewed from the Z direction.

[0028] The first through hole 23 defined in this way may have, for example, a keyhole shape.

[0029] (Structure of the battery bus bar) The battery bus bar 3 is a conductive part connected to the battery pack 92. Specifically, the battery bus bar 3 is electrically connected to the electrodes included in the battery pack 92. A plurality of battery bus bars 3 are arranged side by side in the X direction on the second installation surface 97. The battery bus bar 3 extends in the Y direction above the second installation surface 97. The battery bus bar 3 faces the corresponding device bus bar 2 in the portion extending in the Y direction.

[0030] For example, the battery bus bar 3 may protrude from the device 91 in the +Y direction. Further, at the protruding tip, the battery bus bar 3 may extend in the +Y direction while bending to have a step in the +Z direction midway. The battery bus bar 3 is formed of a conductive material such as copper or aluminum.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the battery bus bar 3 has a second opposing surface 31, a second pressed surface 32, and a second through hole 33.

[0032] The second opposing surface 31 is a surface for contacting the first opposing surface 21. The second opposing surface 31 has a plane parallel to the XY plane extending in the Y direction at least at a position where it faces the first opposing surface 21 in the Z direction. The second opposing surface 31 is the plate surface on the +Z direction side among the plate surfaces of the battery bus bar 3.

[0033] The second pressed surface 32 is a surface that is pressed by the connecting member 4 toward the first opposing surface 21 when the device bus bar 2 and the battery bus bar 3 are connected by the connecting member 4. The second pressed surface 32 is the surface on the back side of the second opposing surface 31. The second pressed surface 32 has a plane parallel to the XY plane extending in the Y direction at least at a position where the second opposing surface 31 faces the first opposing surface 21 in the Z direction. The second pressed surface 32 is the plate surface on the -Z side among the plate surfaces of the battery bus bar 3.

[0034] The second through hole 33 is a hole through which the connecting member 4 passes. The second through hole 33 penetrates in the Z direction from the second opposing surface 31 to the second pressed surface 32. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the second through hole 33 is defined by a second peripheral surface 33a and a pair of second concave surfaces 33b.

[0035] The second peripheral surface 33a has a cross-sectional shape along the circumference of the virtual circle CC and extends from the second opposing surface 31 to the second pressed surface 32. For example, the second peripheral surface 33a may be coaxial with the first peripheral surface 23a and have the same diameter.

[0036] A pair of second concave surfaces 33b are arranged in the X direction. The pair of second concave surfaces 33b face each other in the X direction. Each second concave surface 33b has a cross-sectional shape that is recessed in the X direction away from the circumference of the virtual circle CC, and extends from the second opposing surface 31 to the second pressed surface 32. For example, the pair of second concave surfaces 33b may be in the same position as the pair of first concave surfaces 23b in the X and Y directions and have the same shape with the same dimensions in the X and Y directions. For example, each second concave surface 33b may be recessed in a rectangular shape from the circumference of the virtual circle CC when viewed from the Z direction.

[0037] The second through-hole 33 defined in this way may have, for example, the same keyhole shape as the first through-hole 23.

[0038] (Structure of the connecting member) The connecting member 4 is a member for connecting the device bus bar 2 and the battery bus bar 3. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the connecting member 4 includes a shaft portion 41, a first overhanging portion 42, and a second overhanging portion 43. The connecting member 4 is formed of a metal material.

[0039] The shaft portion 41 has a first end 41a and a second end 41b. The shaft portion 41 extends in the Z direction from the first end 41a to the second end 41b. The shaft portion 41 extends in the Z direction so as to communicate the first through-hole 23 and the second through-hole 33. Specifically, the shaft portion 41 has a cylindrical shape. This cylindrical shape has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameters of the first through-hole 23 and the second through-hole 33, and a length in the axial direction AX longer than the combined length of the hole length of the first through-hole 23 and the hole length of the second through-hole 33.

[0040] The first overhanging portion 42 projects from the first end 41a in the radial direction DR which is the radial direction of the shaft portion 41. For example, the first overhanging portion 42 may be integrally formed with the shaft portion 41. For example, the first overhanging portion 42 may have a maximum diameter larger than the maximum diameter of the first through-hole 23. For example, the first overhanging portion 42 may have a maximum diameter larger than the maximum diameter of the second through-hole 33. The first overhanging portion 42 has a first disk portion 421 and a pair of first protruding portions 422.

[0041] The first disk portion 421 has a disk shape. For example, the first disk portion 421 may have an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the first circumferential surface 23a of the first through-hole 23. For example, the first disk portion 421 may have an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the second circumferential surface 33a of the second through-hole 33. For example, the first disk portion 421 may have an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter DA5 of the elastic member 5.

[0042] The pair of first protrusions 422 protrude in opposite directions from each other. Each first protrusion 422 protrudes in one direction in the radial direction DR from the first disk portion 421. For example, each first protrusion 422 may protrude in a rectangular shape from the first disk portion 421 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0043] The second protruding portion 43 protrudes in the radial direction DR from the first end 41a. For example, the second protruding portion 43 may be integrally formed with the shaft portion 41. The second protruding portion 43 has a second disk portion 431 and a pair of second protrusions 432. When viewed from the Z direction, the contour of the second protruding portion 43 has a similar shape to the contour of the first protruding portion 42. The contour of the second protruding portion 43 is slightly smaller than the contour of the first protruding portion 42 so as to fit within the contour of the first protruding portion 42.

[0044] The second disk portion 431 has a disk shape. The second disk portion 431 has an outer diameter smaller than the circumference of the virtual circle CC. For example, the second disk portion 431 may have an outer diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the first circumferential surface 23a of the first through-hole 23. For example, the second disk portion 431 may have an outer diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the second circumferential surface 33a of the second through-hole 33.

[0045] The pair of second protrusions 432 protrude in opposite directions from each other. Each second protrusion 432 protrudes in the radial direction DR from the second disk portion 431. Each second protrusion 432 protrudes in one direction in the radial direction DR in which the corresponding first protrusion 422 protrudes.

[0046] The pair of second protrusions 432 protrude in a shape that fits into the pair of recesses CV defined by the pair of first concave surfaces 23b and the pair of second concave surfaces 33b.

[0047] For example, each second protruding portion 432 may protrude from the second disk portion 431 in a rectangular shape when viewed from the Z direction. For example, each second protruding portion 432 may have a protruding width smaller than the recess width of the corresponding first concave surface 23b when viewed from the Z direction. For example, each second protruding portion 432 may have a protruding length smaller than the recess depth of the corresponding first concave surface 23b when viewed from the Z direction. For example, each second protruding portion 432 may have a protruding width smaller than the recess width of the corresponding second concave surface 33b when viewed from the Z direction. For example, each second protruding portion 432 may have a protruding length smaller than the recess depth of the corresponding second concave surface 33b when viewed from the Z direction.

[0048] At the first rotation position RP1 around the axis AX of the shaft portion 41, each second overhanging portion 43 can be inserted into the first through hole 23 and the second through hole 33 while fitting into the corresponding recess CV among the pair of recesses CV.

[0049] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, at the second rotation position RP2 around the axis AX, the second overhanging portion 43 overlaps with the second pressed surface 32 when viewed from the Z direction. Specifically, at the second rotation position RP2, a part of the portion of the second overhanging portion 43 having the pair of second protruding portions 432 overlaps with the second pressed surface 32 when viewed from the Z direction. Due to this overlap, at the second rotation position RP2, the connecting member 4 is caught by the second pressed surface 32 without coming out of the battery bus bar 3 in the +Z direction.

[0050] Note that the first overhanging portion 42 has a shape that does not enter the first through hole 23 regardless of the presence or absence of the elastic member 5 from the first rotation position RP1 to the second rotation position RP2, and has a shape that interferes with the first through hole 23.

[0051] (Structure of the elastic member) The elastic member 5 is a member for applying a biasing force to press the device bus bar 2 toward the battery bus bar 3 when the device bus bar 2 and the battery bus bar 3 are connected by the connection member 4. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the shaft portion 41 of the connection member 4 penetrates through the elastic member 5. The elastic member 5 has an outer peripheral diameter DB5 larger than the circumference of the virtual circle CC. Further, the elastic member 5 has an inner peripheral diameter DA5 smaller than at least the maximum diameter of the first protruding portion 42. As described above, for example, the inner peripheral diameter DA5 may be smaller than the diameter of the first disk portion 421 of the first protruding portion 42. For example, the elastic member 5 may be formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0052] For example, the elastic member 5 may be a coil spring that extends by turning in the axial direction of the axis AX coaxially with the shaft portion 41. For example, the coil spring may be inserted through the shaft portion 41 by being pushed around from one end of the connection member 4. For example, the coil spring may be inserted through the shaft portion 41 while being expanded in diameter by twisting both ends in opposite directions.

[0053] (Connection method) First, while the operator faces the second protruding portion 43 toward the first pressed surface 22, at the first rotation position RP1, the connection member 4 is inserted into the first through hole 23 and the second through hole 33 from the side of the first pressed surface 22, and the connection member 4 is made to communicate the first through hole 23 and the second through hole 33.

[0054] Here, the elastic member 5 is larger than the circumference of the virtual circle CC. That is, since the elastic member 5 has an outer peripheral diameter DB5 larger than the diameter of the first peripheral surface 23a of the first through hole 23, at the time of this insertion, the elastic member 5 is compressed in the axial direction of the axis AX between the first protruding portion 42 and the first pressed surface 22. On the other hand, at the time of this insertion, the elastic member 5 applies a biasing force to the first pressed surface 22 so as to press the first pressed surface 22 toward the battery bus bar 3.

[0055] The operator further inserts the connecting member 4 against the biasing force of the elastic member 5 until the second protruding portion 43 protrudes from the second pressed surface 32. When the second protruding portion 43 protrudes, the operator rotates the inserted connecting member 4 around the axis AX with respect to the device bus bar 2 and the battery bus bar 3 from the first rotational position RP1 to the second rotational position RP2 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0056] (Function and Effect) According to the present embodiment, in a state where the elastic member 5 is provided between the first protruding portion 42 and the first pressed surface 22, the connecting member 4 can connect the device bus bar 2 and the battery bus bar 3 so that the first opposing surface 21 and the second opposing surface 31 are in surface contact. With such a connection structure 1, while the elastic member 5 biases the device bus bar 2 toward the battery bus bar 3, the inserted connecting member 4 can maintain the connection state between the device bus bar 2 and the battery bus bar 3. Therefore, according to the connection structure 1, it is easy to ensure the contact pressure between the device bus bar 2 as the first bus bar and the battery bus bar 3 as the second bus bar.

[0057] As a comparative example, assume that the structure of the assembly is such that a connector is provided on the battery pack and the vehicle body side connector and the battery side connector are connected when the battery pack is attached to the vehicle body, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. With such a structure of the comparative example, when there are a plurality of connection points, the fitting state of each connector cannot be confirmed, there may be a semi-fitted connector, a very large insertion force may be required when connecting in a batch, and the component cost may increase.

[0058] In contrast to this comparative example, in the assembly 9 of the present embodiment, while the elastic member 5 biases the device bus bar 2 toward the battery bus bar 3, the inserted connecting member 4 maintains the connection state between the device bus bar 2 and the battery bus bar 3. Due to this structure, even when there are a plurality of connection points, it is easy to ensure the contact pressure between each device bus bar 2 and the related battery bus bar 3 while suppressing the fastening pressure and the number of components.

[0059] Particularly when the device 91 is a high-voltage device, the electrical connection between the device 91 and the battery pack 92 involves many parts where busbars are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, it is effective to ensure the contact pressure by using the device busbar 2 and the battery busbar 3 as in this embodiment.

[0060] Also, according to this embodiment, the first disk portion 421 has an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the first circumferential surface 23a of the first through-hole 23. Due to such an outer diameter, it is difficult for the first disk portion 421 to fit into the first through-hole 23. Therefore, according to the connection structure 1, it is easy to connect the device busbar 2 as the first busbar and the battery busbar 3 as the second busbar, and it is easy to ensure the contact pressure.

[0061] Also, according to this embodiment, the second protruding portion 432 protrudes in one direction in the radial direction in which the first protruding portion 422 protrudes. That is, the first protruding portion 422 and the second protruding portion 432 protrude in the same radial direction DR. Due to such a protruding structure, it is easy to estimate the rotational position relationship between the second protruding portion 432 and the second through-hole 33 by visually recognizing the rotational position relationship between the first protruding portion 422 and the first through-hole 23. Therefore, it is easy to confirm the connection state between the device busbar 2 as the first busbar and the battery busbar 3 as the second busbar by the connecting member 4.

[0062] Also, according to this embodiment, when viewed from the Z direction, the first overhanging portion 42 and the second overhanging portion 43 have similar shapes. Due to such similar shapes, it is easy to estimate the overlapping state between the second overhanging portion 43 and the second through-hole 33 by visually recognizing the overlapping state between the first overhanging portion 42 and the first through-hole 23 when viewed from the Z direction. Therefore, it is easy to confirm the connection state between the device busbar 2 as the first busbar and the battery busbar 3 as the second busbar by the connecting member 4.

[0063] (Modification example) In an example of this embodiment, the device busbar 2 protruding from the device 91 in the +Y direction is connected to the battery busbar 3, so that the device busbar 2 and the battery busbar 3 are connected outside the device 91. However, as long as the connecting member 4 connects the device busbar 2 and the battery busbar 3, the connection structure 1 may be configured in any way. As a modification, as shown in FIG. 7, the connecting member 4 may be provided in a region AA where the opening OP of the device 91 is open when viewed from the Z direction, so that the device bus bar 2 and the battery bus bar 3 may be connected within the housing 95 of the device 91. The opening OP opens into the battery bus bar 3 from the +Z direction side within the housing 95 of the device 91. For example, the device bus bar 2 may protrude in the -X direction into the region having the opening OP when viewed from the Z direction. The battery bus bar 3 may protrude in the -X direction into the region having the opening OP when viewed from the Z direction. After the operator connects the device bus bar 2 and the battery bus bar 3 with the connecting member 4, the operator closes the housing 95. According to such a modification, within the region of the device 91, the connecting member 4 can connect the device bus bar 2 and the battery bus bar 3. Therefore, the connection structure between the device bus bar 2 and the battery bus bar 3 can be configured compactly.

[0064] In an example of the present embodiment, the first protruding portion 42, the second protruding portion 43, and the shaft portion 41 are integrally formed. However, as long as the first protruding portion 42 and the second protruding portion 43 protrude from the shaft portion 41, the connecting member 4 may be configured in any manner. As a modification, the first protruding portion 42 and the shaft portion 41 may be formed separately. In the case of being separate, the connecting member 4 may be configured by fastening a female screw provided on one of the first protruding portion 42 and the shaft portion 41 to a male screw provided on the other. Further, a double nut may be provided for the male screw so that the fastening force may be increased. Also, such fastening may be performed after the elastic member 5 is inserted into the shaft portion 41.

[0065] <Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, the connection structure of one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Each configuration of the connection structure 101 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as each configuration of the connection structure 1 of the first embodiment except for the following points, is connected in the same manner, and exhibits the same operations and effects.

[0066] While the connection structure 1 of the first embodiment is configured to insert the connection member 4 from the device bus bar side, the connection structure 101 of this embodiment is configured to insert the connection member 4 from the battery bus bar side. That is, the connection structure 101 of this embodiment includes a battery bus bar 103 as the first bus bar instead of the device bus bar 2 with respect to the connection structure 1 of the first embodiment. On the other hand, the connection structure 101 of this embodiment includes a device bus bar 102 as the second bus bar instead of the battery bus bar 3 with respect to the connection structure 1 of the first embodiment.

[0067] (Configuration of the connection structure) As shown in FIG. 8, each connection structure 101 includes a battery bus bar 103 (first bus bar), a device bus bar 102 (second bus bar), a connection member 4, and an elastic member 5.

[0068] (Configuration of the battery bus bar) The battery bus bar 103 has a first opposing surface 131, a first pressed surface 132, and a first through hole 133.

[0069] The first opposing surface 131 is a surface for contacting the device bus bar 102. The first opposing surface 131 has the same configuration as the second opposing surface 31.

[0070] The first pressed surface 132 is a surface that is pressed by the connection member 4 toward the device bus bar 102 when the device bus bar 2 and the battery bus bar 3 are connected by the connection member 4. The first pressed surface 132 has the same configuration as the second pressed surface 32.

[0071] The first through hole 133 is a hole through which the connection member 4 passes. The first through hole 133 has the same configuration as the second through hole 33. Specifically, the first through hole 133 is defined by a first peripheral surface 133a having the same configuration as the second peripheral surface 33a and a pair of first concave surfaces 133b having the same configuration as the pair of second concave surfaces 33b.

[0072] (Configuration of the battery bus bar) The device bus bar 102 has a second opposing surface 121, a second pressed surface 122, and a second through hole 123.

[0073] The second opposing surface 121 is a surface for contacting the battery bus bar 103. The second opposing surface 121 has the same configuration as the first opposing surface 21.

[0074] The second pressed surface 122 is a surface that is pressed by the connecting member 4 toward the battery bus bar 103 when the device bus bar 2 and the battery bus bar 3 are connected by the connecting member 4. The second pressed surface 122 has the same configuration as the first pressed surface 22.

[0075] The second through hole 123 is a hole for the connecting member 4 to penetrate. The second through hole 123 penetrates in the Z direction from the second pressed surface 122 to the second opposing surface 121. The second through hole 123 has the same configuration as the first through hole 23. Specifically, the second through hole 123 is defined by a first peripheral surface 133a having the same configuration as the first peripheral surface 23a and a pair of first concave surfaces 133b having the same configuration as the pair of first concave surfaces 23b.

[0076] (Connection method) First, the operator inserts the battery bus bar 103 and the device bus bar 102 into the waiting connecting member 4 at the first rotation position RP1. Specifically, the operator inserts the first through hole 133 and the second through hole 123 into the connecting member 4 at the first rotation position RP1 while facing the first pressed surface 132 toward the waiting second protruding portion 43. By this insertion, the connecting member 4 is inserted into the first through hole 133 and the second through hole 123 from the side of the first pressed surface 132. Also, by this insertion, the connecting member 4 communicates the first through hole 133 and the second through hole 123.

[0077] Next, the operator inserts the first through hole 133 and the second through hole 123 into the connecting member 4 until the second protruding portion 43 protrudes from the second pressed surface 122 against the biasing of the elastic member 5.

[0078] When the second protruding portion 43 protrudes, the operator rotates the connecting member 4 around the axis AX from the first rotational position RP1 to the second rotational position RP2 as shown in FIG. 9 with respect to the device bus bar 102 and the battery bus bar 103.

[0079] (Function and Effect) The connection structure 1 can connect the device bus bar 102 and the battery bus bar 103 such that the first opposing surface 131 and the second opposing surface 121 are in surface contact with each other by the connecting member 4 in a state where the elastic member 5 is provided between the first protruding portion 42 and the first pressed surface 132. With such a connection structure, while the elastic member 5 biases the device bus bar 102 toward the battery bus bar 103, the inserted connecting member 4 can maintain the connection state between the device bus bar 102 and the battery bus bar 103. Therefore, according to the connection structure 1, it is easy to ensure the contact pressure between the battery bus bar 103 as the first bus bar and the device bus bar 102 as the second bus bar.

[0080] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the connecting member 4 has the same effects as those in the first embodiment.

[0081] <Third Embodiment> Hereinafter, an operation jig of an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The plurality of connection structures 1 operated by the operation jig 7 of the present embodiment have the same configurations as those of the connection structure 1 of the first embodiment, are connected in the same manner, and exhibit the same functions and effects. Further, the plurality of connection structures 101 operated by the operation jig 7 of the present embodiment have the same configurations as those of the connection structure 101 of the second embodiment, are connected in the same manner, and exhibit the same functions and effects.

[0082] (Configuration of the Operation Jig) The operation jig 7 is a jig for operating the plurality of connection structures 1 and 101. As shown in FIG. 10, the operation jig 7 includes a bar 71 and a cover 75. Hereinafter, a case where the operation jig 7 is applied as a jig for operating the plurality of connection structures 1 will be described. However, the same applies to the case where the operation jig 7 is a jig for operating the plurality of connection structures 101.

[0083] (Configuration of the bar) As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the bar 71 includes an extension portion 72 and a plurality of pins 73.

[0084] The extension portion 72 extends in the X direction. The plurality of pins 73 are arranged in the X direction at the same pitch as the pitch at which the plurality of connection structures 1 are arranged in the X direction. Each pin 73 extends in the Z direction so as to protrude from the extension portion 72 toward the corresponding connection structure 1.

[0085] (Configuration of the cover) As shown in FIG. 12, the cover 75 extends in the X direction. The cover 75 is provided between the extension portion 72 and the device bus bar 2 in the Z direction. The cover 75 has a plurality of arc-shaped openings 76.

[0086] A pair of the plurality of arc-shaped openings 76 are provided for each connection structure 1. Each arc-shaped opening 76 opens from the bar 71 side to the device bus bar 2 side. In each connection structure 1, each of the pair of arc-shaped openings 76 has an arc shape along the rotation orbit of the corresponding first protruding portion 422 among the pair of first protruding portions 422. For example, the pair of arc-shaped openings 76 may have an arc shape that is point-symmetrical with respect to the axis AX and are provided at point-symmetrical positions.

[0087] (Operation method) The operator installs the bar 71 on the device bus bar 2 while sandwiching the cover 75 so that each pin 73 fits into one of the pair of arc-shaped openings 76 of the corresponding connection structure 1. At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, in each connecting member 4, the pair of first protruding portions 422 are arranged in the X direction.

[0088] Next, the operator presses the first overhanging portion 42 in the -Z direction while fixing the cover 75 in the XY plane with respect to the device bus bar 2.

[0089] Next, while pressing the cover 75, the operator operates the bar 71 to simultaneously rotate a plurality of connection members 4 across the plurality of connection structures 1 within the XY plane while hooking each pin 73 on the first protrusion 422. By this rotation, the device bus bar 2 and the battery bus bar 3 are connected by the plurality of connection members 4.

[0090] (Function and Effect) According to the operation jig 7 of the present embodiment, a plurality of connection structures 1 arranged in the parallel direction can be rotated collectively. Due to the arc-shaped opening 76, therefore, according to the operation jig 7, it is easy to operate the plurality of connection structures 1.

[0091] Also, according to the operation jig 7 of the present embodiment, due to the arc-shaped opening 76, the connection member 4 can be operated along the rotation orbit of the first protrusion 422. Therefore, it is easy for the operator to rotate the connection member 4.

[0092] (Modification) In the present embodiment, a pair of arc-shaped openings 76 are provided for each connection structure 1. However, if each connection member 4 can be rotated, only one of the pair of arc-shaped openings 76 may be provided for each connection structure 1.

[0093] In this embodiment, one of the pair of arc-shaped openings 76 is used for the rotation of the connecting member 4. However, as a modification, in addition to one of the arc-shaped openings 76, the other arc-shaped opening 76 may also be used. In this modification, a pair of bars 71 are prepared for one cover 75. The operator hooks the pin 73 of one of the pair of bars 71 through one of the arc-shaped openings 76 onto one of the pair of first protruding portions 422 of each connecting member 4. Further, the operator hooks the pin 73 of the other bar 71 of the pair of bars 71 through the other arc-shaped opening 76 onto the other of the pair of first protruding portions 422 of each connecting member 4. The operator rotates the connecting member 4 with the pair of bars 71 hooked onto the pair of first protruding portions 422. According to such a modification, since two bars 71 are used, the rotational force required to rotate the connecting member 4 can be shared by the two bars 71. Therefore, the minimum force required to rotate the connecting member 4 is reduced.

[0094] In this embodiment, the pair of arc-shaped openings 76 have an arc shape that is point-symmetrical about the axis AX and are provided at point-symmetrical positions. However, as long as each connecting member 4 can be rotated, the pair of arc-shaped openings 76 may have any shape and positional relationship. As a modification, as shown in FIG. 15, instead of the pair of arc-shaped openings 76, the pair of arc-shaped openings 176 may have an arc shape that is line-symmetrical about the symmetry line LS and be provided at line-symmetrical positions. In the case of this configuration, one of the pair of arc-shaped openings 176 can be used for fixing the connecting member 4, and the other arc-shaped opening 176 can be used for releasing the connecting member 4. According to such a modification, since the rotation angle of the connecting member 4 is determined by the shape of the hole, it is easy to control the rotation angle of the connecting member 4.

[0095] In some of the above-described modifications, a pair of bars 71 are provided. In these modifications, of the pair of bars 71, one bar 71 is provided corresponding to one of the pair of arc-shaped openings 76 and 176. Also, of the pair of bars 71, the other bar 71 is provided corresponding to the other arc-shaped opening 76 or 176 of the pair of arc-shaped openings 76 and 176. In such a modification, further, as shown in FIG. 16, the pair of bars 71 may be connected to each other by a link 74 so that the distance between them can be changed.

[0096] <Other Modifications> In each of the above-described embodiments, an operator is operating the operation jig 7. However, as long as the connection member 4 can be operated by the operation jig 7, the operation jig 7 may be operated in any manner. As a modification, the operation device may perform the operation that the operator should perform. For example, the operation device may operate the operation jig 7 according to a command from the operator.

[0097] In one example of each of the above-described embodiments, the contour of the first protruding portion 42 has a similar shape to the contour of the second protruding portion 43. However, as long as the connection member 4 can connect the device bus bar 2 and the battery bus bar 3, the contour of the first protruding portion 42 may have any contour shape. As a modification, the contour of the first protruding portion 42 may have a non-similar shape to the contour of the second protruding portion 43. According to this modification, the shape of the first protruding portion 42 can be freely designed regardless of the contour shape of the second protruding portion 43.

[0098] In an example of each of the above-described embodiments, the second protruding portion 43 has a second disc portion 431 and a pair of second protruding portions 432. However, if the connecting member 4 can connect the device bus bars 2 and 102 and the battery bus bars 3 and 103, the second protruding portion 43 may have any contour shape. As a modification, the second protruding portion 43 may have only one of the second protruding portions 432 out of the second disc portion 431 and the pair of second protruding portions 432. According to this modification, the structure of the second protruding portion 43 can be further simplified. Further, as another modification, the second protruding portion 43 may have three or more second protruding portions 432. According to this other modification, since the number of catching points of the second protruding portion 43 with the second pressed surfaces 32 and 122 can be increased, the connecting member 4 can stably connect the device bus bars 2 and 102 as the first bus bar and the battery bus bars 3 and 103 as the second bus bar.

[0099] In an example of each of the above-described embodiments, the elastic member 5 is a coil spring. However, any member may be used as long as it is a member for applying a biasing force to press the device bus bars 2 and 102 toward the battery bus bars 3 and 103. As a modification, the elastic member 5 may be a rubber bush, a disc spring, etc. that can be inserted into the shaft portion 41. Further, these elastic members 5 may be formed of a conductive material such as metal, or may be formed of an insulating material such as rubber or resin.

[0100] In an example of each of the above-described embodiments, the inner diameter DA5 of the elastic member 5 is smaller than the first disc portion 421 of the first protruding portion 42, but any inner diameter may be used as long as it is smaller than at least the maximum diameter of the first protruding portion 42. However, it is easier for the elastic member 5 to be held between the first protruding portion 42 and the first pressed surfaces 22 and 132 when the inner diameter DA5 of the elastic member 5 is smaller than the first disc portion 421 of the first protruding portion 42.

[0101] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. However, these embodiments are shown as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

Explanation of Symbols

[0102] 1 Connection structure 2 Equipment bus bar (first bus bar) 3 Battery bus bar (second bus bar) 4 Connection member 5 Elastic member 7 Operation jig 9 Assembly 21 First opposing surface 22 First pressed surface 23 First through hole 23a First circumferential surface 23b First concave surface 31 Second opposing surface 32 Second pressed surface 33 Second through hole 33a Second circumferential surface 33b Second concave surface 41 Shaft portion 41a First end 41b Second end 42 First protruding portion 43 Second protruding portion 71 Bar 72 Extension portion 73 Pin 74 Link 75 Cover 76 Arc opening 91 Equipment 92 Battery pack 92h Hole 93 Fastening member 94 First installation surface 95 Housing 96 Flange portion 97 Second installation surface 101 Connection structure 102 Equipment bus bar (second bus bar) 103 Battery bus bar (first bus bar) 121 Second opposing surface 122 Second pressed surface 123 Second through hole 123a Second circumferential surface 123b Second concave surface 131 First opposing surface 132 First pressed surface 133 First through-hole 133a First peripheral surface 133b First concave surface 176 Arc opening 421 First disk portion 422 First protrusion 431 Second disk portion 432 Second protrusion AA Region AX Axis CC Virtual circle CV Concave portion DA5 Inner diameter DB5 Outer diameter DR Radial direction LS Symmetry line OP Opening RP1 First rotation position RP2 Second rotation position

Claims

1. A first bus bar having a first facing surface, a first pressed surface on the back side of the first facing surface, and a first through hole penetrating from the first pressed surface to the first facing surface in a through direction which is a direction intersecting the first facing surface; A second bus bar having a second facing surface facing the first facing surface, a second pressed surface on the back side of the second facing surface, and a second through hole penetrating from the second facing surface to the second pressed surface in the through direction; A connecting member having a first end and a second end, a shaft portion extending in the through direction from the first end to the second end so as to communicate the first through hole and the second through hole, a first protruding portion protruding in a radial direction from the first end to the shaft portion, and a second protruding portion protruding in the radial direction; An elastic member through which the shaft portion penetrates; Comprising; The first through hole is defined by a first peripheral surface extending from the first facing surface to the first pressed surface with a cross-sectional shape along the circumference of a virtual circle, and a first concave surface extending from the first facing surface to the first pressed surface with a cross-sectional shape recessed from the circumference; The second through hole is defined by a second peripheral surface extending from the second facing surface to the second pressed surface with a cross-sectional shape along the circumference, and a second concave surface extending from the second facing surface to the second pressed surface with a cross-sectional shape recessed from the circumference; The elastic member has an outer peripheral diameter larger than the circumference and an inner peripheral diameter smaller than at least the maximum diameter of the first protruding portion; At a first rotational position around the axis of the shaft portion, the second protruding portion can be inserted into the first through hole and the second through hole while fitting into a recess defined by the first concave surface and the second concave surface; At a second rotational position around the axis, the second protruding portion overlaps the second pressed surface when viewed in the through direction; A connection structure.

2. The first protruding portion has a first disk portion having an outer peripheral diameter larger than the inner peripheral diameter; The connection structure according to Claim 1.

3. The first protruding portion further has a first protruding part protruding further in one direction of the radial direction from the first disk portion; The second protruding portion has a second disk portion having an outer peripheral diameter smaller than the circumference, and a second protruding part protruding further in the radial direction from the second disk portion; The second protruding part protrudes in the one direction in which the first protruding part protrudes; The connection structure according to Claim 2.

4. When viewed from the penetration direction, the contour of the second protruding portion has a similar shape to the contour of the first protruding portion. The connection structure according to claim 1.

5. The connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a battery pack connected to one of the first bus bar and the second bus bar, a device connected to the other of the first bus bar and the second bus bar, comprising an assembly.

6. a bar comprising an extension portion extending in a parallel direction in which a plurality of the connection structures according to any one of claims 1 to 4 are arranged in parallel, and a plurality of pins each extending from the extension portion in the penetration direction toward the corresponding first pressed surface; a cover extending in the parallel direction and having a plurality of openings each opening in an arc shape along the rotation orbit of the corresponding first protruding portion; comprising an operation jig.

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