Connection structure and assembly

Abstract

To provide a connection structure and an assembly that achieve an improvement in assemblability.SOLUTION: A connection structure of an embodiment is a connection structure that electrically connects a device and a battery pack. The connection structure includes a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion, and a third conductive portion. The first conductive portion is connected to one of the device and the battery pack. The second conductive portion is connected to the other of the device and the battery pack. The second conductive portion is arranged so as to be spaced away from the first conductive portion in a first direction. The third conductive portion electrically connects the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion by being inserted between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion from a second direction intersecting the first direction in a state where the device and the battery pack are fixed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A structure in which a battery pack and a device are connected is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which 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 on a battery module are directly attached to and detached from each of a plurality of female power receiving side terminal portions provided on a fuse contact unit. In such a connection structure in which the power receiving side terminal portion and the power supply side terminal portion are directly attached to and detached from each other, it may be difficult to improve the assemblability.

[0005] One object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a connection structure and an assembly that facilitate improvement of assemblability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is a connection structure that electrically connects a device and a battery pack. The connection structure includes a first conduction part, a second conduction part, and a third conduction part. The first conduction part is connected to one of the device and the battery pack. The second conduction part is connected to the other of the device and the battery pack. The second conduction part is arranged away from the first conduction part in a first direction. The third conduction part is inserted between the first conduction part and the second conduction part from a second direction intersecting the first direction in a state where the device and the battery pack are fixed, and electrically connects the first conduction part and the second conduction part.

[0007] An assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a device, a battery pack, and a connection structure. The connection structure electrically connects the device and the battery pack. The connection structure includes a first conduction part, a second conduction part, and a third conduction part. The first conduction part is connected to one of the device and the battery pack. The second conduction part is connected to the other of the device and the battery pack. The second conduction part is arranged away from the first conduction part in a first direction. The third conduction part is inserted between the first conduction part and the second conduction part from a second direction intersecting the first direction in a state where the device and the battery pack are fixed, and electrically connects the first conduction part and the second conduction part.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to easily improve the assemblability.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. And duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted. In the present disclosure, terms are defined as follows. "Connection" is not limited to mechanical connection and may include electrical connection. That is, "connection" is not limited to the case where two elements to be connected are directly connected, and may include the case where two elements to be connected are connected with another element intervening therebetween.

[0011] In the present disclosure, the -Z direction, +Z direction, -X direction, +X direction, -Y direction, and +Y direction are defined as follows. The -Z direction is the direction from the device 11 described later toward the battery pack 21 (see FIG. 1). The +Z direction is the direction opposite to the -Z direction. When the -Z direction and the +Z direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Z direction." The -X direction and the +X direction are directions that intersect (e.g., are orthogonal to) the Z direction. The -X direction is one direction in which a plurality of device bus bars 12 described later are arranged (see FIG. 1). The +X direction is the direction opposite to the -X direction. When the -X direction and the +X direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "X direction." The -Y direction and the +Y direction are directions that intersect (e.g., are orthogonal to) the Z direction and the X direction. The -Y direction is one direction in which the device bus bar 12 described later extends (see FIG. 2). The +Y direction is the direction opposite to the -Y direction. When the -Y direction and the +Y direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Y direction." In the embodiments described below, the -Z direction is an example of the "first direction." The Y direction is an example of the "second direction." The X direction is an example of the "third direction."

[0012] (First Embodiment) <1. Configuration of the Assembly> First, the configuration of the assembly 1 of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the assembly 1 of the first embodiment. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 1, the illustration of some components is omitted. The assembly 1 is a structure in which a plurality of modules (e.g., the device 11 and the battery pack 21) are integrated. The assembly 1 is mounted, for example, on a mobility unit such as an electric vehicle. The assembly 1 includes, for example, a device unit 10, a battery unit 20, a spacer 30, and a fixing member 40.

[0013] <1.1 Device Unit> First, the device unit 10 will be described. The device unit 10 has, for example, a device 11, a conduction part 12U, and a flange part 13.

[0014] (Device) Device 11 is a device with functions related to power. Device 11 is, for example, a device having one or more functions such as power relay, distribution, interruption (protection), conversion, or charging. Device 11 is a high-voltage device such as, for example, a junction box, an on-board charger, or a DC-DC converter. However, Device 11 is not limited to the above examples.

[0015] Device 11 has, for example, an installation surface 11s. The installation surface 11s is located at the end of Device 11 on the -Z direction side. The installation surface 11s is a surface facing the -Z direction. The installation surface 11s is, for example, a plane along the X direction and the Y direction. The installation surface 11s is formed of an insulating material.

[0016] (Conductive part) The conductive part 12U is a conductive part connected to Device 11. In this embodiment, the conductive part 12U includes a plurality (for example, three or more) of busbars 12. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the conductive part 12U is referred to as the "device conductive part 12U". Also, the busbar 12 is referred to as the "device busbar 12". In this embodiment, the device conductive part 12U is an example of the "first conductive part". The device busbar 12 is an example of the "first conductive member".

[0017] The device busbar 12 is a conductive member connected to Device 11. The device busbar 12 is electrically connected to the electrodes included in Device 11. In this embodiment, a plurality (for example, three or more) of device busbars 12 are attached to the installation surface 11s of Device 11. The plurality of device busbars 12 are arranged side by side in the X direction with a space therebetween on the installation surface 11s. Each of the plurality of device busbars 12 extends in the Y direction. The device busbar 12 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. The details of the device busbar 12 will be described later.

[0018] (Flange part) The flange portion 13 is a projecting portion provided on the device 11. The flange portion 13 is, for example, integrally formed with the device 11. The pair of flange portions 13 project from both sides of the device 11 in the X direction, for example. The flange portion 13 has a through hole 13h. The through hole 13h penetrates the flange portion 13 in the Z direction. A fixing member 40, which will be described later, is inserted into the through hole 13h from the +Z direction. Note that the flange portion 13 may be provided as a part of the device 11. Also, when another fixing structure is provided, the flange portion 13 may be omitted.

[0019] <1.2 Battery Unit> Next, the battery unit 20 will be described. The battery unit 20 has, for example, a battery pack 21 and a conduction portion 22U.

[0020] (Battery Pack) The battery pack 21 is a device including a plurality of battery cells 21b. The battery pack 21 includes, for example, a battery case 21a and a plurality of battery cells 21b. The battery case 21a is formed of an insulating material. The plurality of battery cells 21b are housed inside the battery case 21a. The plurality of battery cells 21b are electrically connected in series, for example. The battery pack 21 has, for example, an installation surface 21s and an engagement hole 21h.

[0021] The installation surface 21s is located at the end portion on the +Z direction side of the battery pack 21. The installation surface 21s is a surface facing the +Z direction. The installation surface 21s is, for example, a plane along the X direction and the Y direction. The installation surface 21s is formed of an insulating material.

[0022] The engagement hole 21h is provided at a position corresponding to the through hole 13h of the flange portion 13 of the device unit 10. The engagement hole 21h opens on the installation surface 21s. The engagement hole 21h extends in the -Z direction from the installation surface 21s. The engagement hole 21h has a female thread. A fixing member 40 passed through the through hole 13h of the flange portion 13 of the device unit 10 engages with the engagement hole 21h.

[0023] (Conductive part) The conductive part 22U is a conductive part connected to the battery pack 21. In this embodiment, the conductive part 22U includes a plurality (for example, three or more) of busbars 22. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the conductive part 22U is referred to as the "battery conductive part 22U". Also, the busbar 22 is referred to as the "battery busbar 22". In this embodiment, the battery conductive part 22U is an example of the "second conductive part". The battery busbar 22 is an example of the "second conductive member".

[0024] The battery busbar 22 is a conductive member connected to the battery pack 21. The battery busbar 22 is electrically connected to the electrodes of a plurality of battery cells 21b included in the battery pack 21. In this embodiment, a plurality (for example, three or more) of battery busbars 22 are attached to the installation surface 21s of the battery pack 21. The plurality of battery busbars 22 are arranged side by side in the X direction with a space therebetween on the installation surface 21s. Each of the plurality of battery busbars 22 extends in the Y direction. The battery busbar 22 is arranged away from the device busbar 12 in the -Z direction. The battery busbar 22 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. Details of the battery busbar 22 will be described later.

[0025] <1.3 Spacer> The spacer 30 is a member that forms a space S into which a connection unit 50 to be described later is inserted between the device busbar 12 and the battery busbar 22. The spacer 30 is arranged, for example, between the device unit 10 and the battery unit 20 in the Z direction. By providing the spacer 30, the device busbar 12 and the battery busbar 22 are arranged away from each other in the Z direction. Note that the spacer 30 may be provided integrally with any one of the device 11, the flange part 13, or the battery pack 21. Also, when the device busbar 12 and the battery busbar 22 are arranged away from each other in the Z direction by another structure, the spacer 30 may be omitted.

[0026] In this embodiment, the spacer 30 has a through-hole 30h. The through-hole 30h is provided at a position corresponding to the through-hole 13h of the flange portion 13 of the device unit 10. The through-hole 30h penetrates the spacer 30 in the Z direction. A fixing member 40 passed through the through-hole 13h of the flange portion 13 of the device unit 10 is inserted into the through-hole 30h.

[0027] <1.4 Fixing Member> The fixing member 40 is a member for fixing the device 11 and the battery pack 21. The fixing member 40 is, for example, a fastening member such as a bolt. In this embodiment, the fixing member 40 is inserted into the through-hole 13h of the flange portion 13 of the device unit 10 from the +Z direction, passes through the through-hole 30h of the spacer 30, and engages with the engagement hole 21h of the battery pack 21. By engaging the fixing member 40 passed through the through-hole 13h of the device unit 10 with the engagement hole 21h of the battery pack 21, the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed (for example, fastened). In this embodiment, by engaging the fixing member 40 passed through the through-hole 13h of the device unit 10 with the engagement hole 21h of the battery pack 21, the device unit 10 and the battery unit 20 are clamped together. By this clamping, the device unit 10 and the battery unit 20 are integrated.

[0028] Note that in the present disclosure, "the device and the battery pack are fixed" is not limited to the case where the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are directly fixed. "The device and the battery pack are fixed" may also include cases where the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed with the spacer 30 interposed therebetween as described above. Further, "the device and the battery pack are fixed" may also include cases where the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are indirectly fixed via the above-described connecting member by being respectively fixed to a common connecting member.

[0029] <2. Connection Structure> Next, the connection structure CS provided in the assembly 1 will be described. The connection structure CS is a connection structure that electrically connects the device 11 and the battery pack 21. The connection structure CS is, for example, a structure that electrically connects a plurality (for example, three or more) of device busbars 12 and a plurality (for example, three or more) of battery busbars 22. In the present embodiment, the connection structure CS electrically connects a plurality of device busbars 12 and a plurality of battery busbars 22 in a one-to-one relationship. The connection structure CS can connect a plurality of device busbars 12 and a plurality of battery busbars 22, for example, by a batch operation.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the connection structure CS has a plurality of connection portions CSa that are electrically independent of each other. Each connection portion CSa is a connection structure that electrically connects one device busbar 12 and one battery busbar 22. Each connection portion CSa includes, for example, one device busbar 12, one battery busbar 22, and one conductive connection member 51 (see FIG. 3) described later. The plurality of connection portions CSa are arranged side by side in the X direction with a space therebetween. In the present embodiment, the plurality of connection portions CSa have the same configuration as each other.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the connection structure CS. In FIG. 2, for the convenience of the equipment, the illustration of some parts is omitted. The connection structure CS includes a device conduction portion 12U, a battery conduction portion 22U, and a connection unit 50 described later. Hereinafter, an example in which the connection unit 50 is attached to the device 11 will be taken up and described. However, instead of the above example, the connection unit 50 may be attached to the battery pack 21. This content will be described later as a modification example.

[0032] <2.1 Device Conduction Portion> The device conduction part 12U is a conduction part connected to the device 11 as described above. In this embodiment, the device conduction part 12U includes four device busbars 12. The four device busbars 12 are arranged side by side in the X direction with a space therebetween. The device busbar 12 is, for example, a flat integral metal plate. The device busbar 12 extends, for example, along the installation surface 11s of the device 11. The surface of the device busbar 12 has a receiving surface SR1 with which a conductive connection member 51 described later abuts (see FIG. 6). The receiving surface SR1 is, for example, a plane along the X direction and the Y direction.

[0033] <2.2 Battery Conduction Part> The battery conduction part 22U is a conduction part connected to the battery pack 21 as described above. In this embodiment, the battery conduction part 22U includes four battery busbars 22. Each battery busbar 22 overlaps at least a part of the corresponding device busbar 12 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0034] In this embodiment, the battery busbar 22 includes, for example, a metal plate 25 and an insulating part 26. The metal plate 25 is a member that forms the conductive path of the battery busbar 22. The metal plate 25 has, for example, a flat plate part 25a and a leaf spring part 25b.

[0035] The flat plate part 25a is a flat integral metal plate part. The flat plate part 25a extends along the Y direction. The flat plate part 25a is electrically connected to the electrodes inside the battery pack 21. A part of the flat plate part 25a is covered by the insulating part 26.

[0036] The leaf spring part 25b is provided at the end of the flat plate part 25a. For example, the leaf spring part 25b is provided at the -Y direction side end of the flat plate part 25a. The leaf spring part 25b is formed, for example, by bending a part of the metal plate 25. The leaf spring part 25b is elastically deformable in the -Z direction, which is the direction away from the device busbar 12. The leaf spring part 25b is an example of a "receiving part".

[0037] The leaf spring portion 25b has a receiving surface SR2 against which a conductive connection member 51 described later abuts (see FIG. 6). In the present embodiment, the receiving surface SR2 is inclined with respect to the Y direction so as to be located on the -Z direction side as it advances in the +Y direction (see FIG. 6). Note that the receiving surface SR2 may be a plane along the X direction and the Y direction. In the present embodiment, the receiving surface SR2 has a protruding portion 29 that protrudes in the +Z direction. The protruding portion 29 is formed in a flat shape. The protruding portion 29 is a contact portion (indentation portion) that abuts against the conductive connection member 51.

[0038] <2.3 Connection Unit> Next, the connection unit 50 will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the connection unit 50. The connection unit 50 is a structure for electrically connecting the device conduction portion 12U and the battery conduction portion 22U.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the connection unit 50 partially disassembled. The connection unit 50 includes, for example, a connection conduction portion 51U, a plurality of insulating covers 52, and a holding portion 53.

[0040] (Connection Conduction Portion) The connection conduction portion 51U is a conductive portion that electrically connects the device conduction portion 12U and the battery conduction portion 22U. Specifically, as will be described later, the connection conduction portion 51U is inserted between the device conduction portion 12U and the battery conduction portion 22U from the Y direction in a state where the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed, and electrically connects the device conduction portion 12U and the battery conduction portion 22U. The connection conduction portion 51U is an example of the "third conduction portion".

[0041] In the present embodiment, the connection conduction portion 51U is inserted between the device conduction portion 12U and the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery conduction portion 22U from the Y direction in a state where the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed. By this insertion, the connection conduction portion 51U electrically connects the device conduction portion 12U and the battery conduction portion 22U in a state where the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery conduction portion 22U is elastically deformed in the -Z direction.

[0042] In this embodiment, the connection conduction part 51U includes a plurality (for example, three or more) of conductive connection members 51. Each conductive connection member 51 is a conductive member that electrically connects one device bus bar 12 and one battery bus bar 22. Each conductive connection member 51 is slidably movable in the Y direction by a moving mechanism 60 described later. Each conductive connection member 51 is slid in the Y direction by the moving mechanism 60 and inserted between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 from the Y direction. The conductive connection member 51 is an example of the "third conductive member".

[0043] In this embodiment, the connection unit 50 includes four conductive connection members 51. The four conductive connection members 51 are arranged side by side in the X direction with a space therebetween. The four conductive connection members 51 are arranged between four device bus bars 12 and four battery bus bars 22. The four conductive connection members 51 electrically connect the four device bus bars 12 and the four battery bus bars 22 in a one-to-one relationship.

[0044] In this embodiment, the four conductive connection members 51 are connected to each other by a moving mechanism 60 described later. The four conductive connection members 51 are movable in the Y direction all together by the moving mechanism 60. The four conductive connection members 51 are inserted between the four device bus bars 12 and the four battery bus bars 22 from the Y direction all together by the moving mechanism 60.

[0045] In this embodiment, the conductive connection member 51 has a columnar shape with an axis along the X direction. The maximum thickness H1 of the conductive connection member 51 in the Z direction is larger than the minimum distance H2 between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 (see FIG. 7). The minimum distance H2 is, for example, the distance between the receiving surface SR1 of the device bus bar 12 and the receiving surface SR2 of the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22. When the maximum thickness H1 is larger than the minimum distance H2, when the conductive connection member 51 is inserted between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 from the Y direction, the conductive connection member 51 abuts against the leaf spring portion 25b and elastically deforms the leaf spring portion 25b in the -Z direction. That is, the conductive connection member 51 elastically deforms the leaf spring portion 25b in the -Z direction so as to expand the minimum distance H2.

[0046] In this embodiment, each conductive connection member 51 has a curved surface 51a that abuts against the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22 (see FIG. 8). The curved surface 51a of the conductive connection member 51 is an arcuate curved surface that protrudes toward the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22 in a state where the conductive connection member 51 is inserted from the Y direction between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22. When the conductive connection member 51 has the curved surface 51a, the contact area between the conductive connection member 51 and the battery bus bar 22 is limited to a certain value or less.

[0047] Similarly, each conductive connection member 51 has a curved surface 51b that abuts against the device bus bar 12 (see FIG. 8). The curved surface 51b of the conductive connection member 51 is an arcuate curved surface that protrudes toward the device bus bar 12 in a state where the conductive connection member 51 is inserted from the Y direction between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22. When the conductive connection member 51 has the curved surface 51b, the contact area between the conductive connection member 51 and the device bus bar 12 is limited to a certain value or less.

[0048] (Insulating Cover) The insulating cover 52 is an insulating member that electrically insulates the corresponding conductive connection member 51 from another conductive connection member 51. In this embodiment, the four insulating covers 52 are arranged corresponding to the four conductive connection members 51. Each insulating cover 52 has a first portion 52a, a second portion 52b, and a third portion 52c.

[0049] The first part 52a is arranged on the +Y direction side of the corresponding conductive connection member 51. The first part 52a is a plate portion along the X direction and the Z direction. The second part 52b is arranged on the +X direction side of the corresponding conductive connection member 51. The second part 52b is a plate portion along the Y direction and the Z direction. The second part 52b is connected to the end portion on the +X direction side of the first part 52a. The third part 52c is arranged on the -X direction side of the corresponding conductive connection member 51. The third part 52c is a plate portion along the Y direction and the Z direction. The third part 52c is connected to the end portion on the -X direction side of the first part 52a. In this embodiment, the first part 52a, the second part 52b, and the third part 52c form a U-shaped insulating wall that surrounds the conductive connection member 51 from three directions.

[0050] (Retention part) The retention part 53 is a member attached to the device 11 or the battery pack 21. In this embodiment, the retention part 53 is attached to the device 11 by a fixing member (such as a bolt) not shown. The retention part 53 holds the connection conduction part 51U movably in the Y direction in a state of being attached to the device 11. The retention part 53 has, for example, a moving mechanism 60 and a housing 70.

[0051] (Moving mechanism) First, the moving mechanism 60 will be described. The moving mechanism 60 is a mechanism that moves the connection conduction part 51U in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 60 is a mechanism that moves the four conductive connection members 51 together in the Y direction. The moving mechanism 60 has, for example, a connecting part 61 and an external force receiving part 62.

[0052] (Connecting part) FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining the connection unit 50. The connecting part 61 is a member that connects the four conductive connection members 51. The connecting part 61 has, for example, a plurality of shaft parts 61a provided between two adjacent conductive connection members 51 in the X direction. The shaft part 61a connects two adjacent conductive connection members 51 in the X direction. With such a configuration, the four conductive connection members 51 are connected by the connecting part 61. Note that the connecting part 61 is not limited to the above example, and may be, for example, a single shaft member that penetrates the four conductive connection members 51 in the X direction.

[0053] The connecting part 61 is formed of an insulating material. Since the connecting part 61 is formed of an insulating material, the four conductive connection members 51 are electrically insulated from each other. In the present embodiment, the four insulating covers 52 described above are attached to the connecting part 61.

[0054] (External force receiving part) The external force receiving part 62 is a part that receives an external force for moving the connection conduction part 51U in the Y direction. The external force may be a manual force of an operator assembling the assembly 1 or a force by a device used when assembling the assembly 1. The external force receiving part 62 is provided, for example, at the +X direction end and the -X direction end of the connecting part 61. In the present embodiment, the external force receiving part 62 is a protruding part that protrudes in the +Z direction from the end of the connecting part 61.

[0055] (Housing) Next, returning to FIG. 3, the housing 70 will be described. The housing 70 is a container that houses most of each conductive connection member 51 and most of the moving mechanism 60. In the present embodiment, the housing 70 is fixed to the device 11 by a fixing member (for example, a bolt) (not shown), so that the holding part 53 is attached to the device 11. The housing 70 includes, for example, a base 71 and a cover 72.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, the base 71 is located on the -Z direction side with respect to the moving mechanism 60. The base 71 has, for example, a plurality of openings 75a and a plurality of depressions 76.

[0057] When viewed from the Z direction, each opening 75a is provided in a region overlapping with the conductive connection member 51 and the insulating cover 52. Each opening 75a penetrates the base 71 in the Z direction. A part of the conductive connection member 51 and a part of the insulating cover 52 are accommodated in the opening 75a. In the present embodiment, the -Z direction side end portion of the conductive connection member 51 protrudes from the opening 75a to the -Z direction side.

[0058] The length of the opening 75a in the Y direction is sized to allow the conductive connection member 51 to move between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in the Y direction. The first position P1 is a position where the conductive connection member 51 is disengaged from between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 (see FIG. 7). The second position P2 is a position where the conductive connection member 51 is inserted between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 (see FIG. 8).

[0059] When viewed from the Z direction, each recess 76 is provided in a region overlapping with the connecting portion 61. Each recess 76 accommodates a part of the connecting portion 61. Each recess 76 has a support surface 76a that supports the connecting portion 61 from the -Z direction side. The support surface 76a is, for example, a plane along the X direction and the Y direction. In the present embodiment, the moving mechanism 60 is movable in the Y direction between the first position P1 and the second position P2 with the connecting portion 61 supported by the support surface 76a.

[0060] The cover 72 is located on the +Z direction side with respect to the moving mechanism 60. The cover 72 has, for example, a plurality of openings 75b and a plurality of through holes 77.

[0061] When viewed from the Z direction, each opening 75b is provided in a region overlapping the conductive connection member 51 and the insulating cover 52. Each opening 75b penetrates the cover 72 in the Z direction. A part of the conductive connection member 51 and a part of the insulating cover 52 are accommodated in the opening 75b. In the present embodiment, the end portion of the conductive connection member 51 on the +Z direction side protrudes from the opening 75b to the +Z direction side. The length of the opening 75b in the Y direction is sized to allow the conductive connection member 51 to move between the first position P1 and the second position P2. In the present embodiment, the opening 75 of the housing 70 is formed by the opening 75a of the base 71 and the opening 75b of the cover 72.

[0062] When viewed from the Z direction, each through hole 77 is provided in a region overlapping the external force receiving portion 62. The external force receiving portion 62 protrudes and is exposed to the outside of the housing 70 through the through hole 77. The length of the through hole 77 in the Y direction is sized to allow the conductive connection member 51 to move between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in the Y direction.

[0063] <3. Manufacturing method of the assembly> Next, the manufacturing method of the assembly 1 will be described. FIGS. 6 to 8 are cross-sectional views for explaining the manufacturing method of the assembly 1. In the present embodiment, the device bus bar 12 is attached to the device 11 to form the device unit 10. Also, the battery bus bar 22 is attached to the battery pack 21 to form the battery unit 20. Then, before the device unit 10 and the battery unit 20 are fixed using the fixing member 40, the connection unit 50 is attached to the device 11 using a fixing member (not shown) or the like. At this time, the plurality of conductive connection members 51 are arranged at the first position P1.

[0064] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the device unit 10 and the battery unit 20 are combined. At this time, the plurality of conductive connection members 51 still remain arranged at the first position P1.

[0065] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the equipment unit 10 and the battery unit 20 are fixed using the fixing member 40. At this time, the plurality of conductive connection members 51 remain arranged at the first position P1.

[0066] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, by applying an external force to the external force receiving portion 62, the moving mechanism 60 moves the plurality of conductive connection members 51 together in the -Y direction. At this time, each conductive connection member 51 abuts against the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22. Then, each conductive connection member 51 is inserted between the equipment bus bar 12 and the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22 while elastically deforming the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22 in the -Z direction. Due to this insertion, the -Z direction end of each conductive connection member 51 abuts against the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22, and the +Z direction end of each conductive connection member 51 abuts against the equipment bus bar 12. As a result, the equipment bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 are electrically connected via the conductive connection members 51.

[0067] <4. Advantages> In the present embodiment, the connection structure CS includes an equipment conduction portion 12U, a battery conduction portion 22U, and a connection conduction portion 51U. The equipment conduction portion 12U is connected to the equipment 11. The battery conduction portion 22U is connected to the battery pack 21. The battery conduction portion 22U is separated from the equipment conduction portion 12U in the -Z direction. The connection conduction portion 51U is inserted between the equipment conduction portion 12U and the battery conduction portion 22U from the Y direction in a state where the equipment 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed, and electrically connects the equipment conduction portion 12U and the battery conduction portion 22U. According to such a configuration, the equipment 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed first, and in a state where the positional relationship between the equipment 11 and the battery pack 21 is stable, the equipment 11 and the battery pack 21 can be electrically connected by a simple operation from the Y direction using the connection conduction portion 51U later. Therefore, for example, compared with a structure in which the terminal portions of the equipment 11 and the battery pack 21 are directly detached, an event such as half-insertion of the terminal portions is less likely to occur, and the confirmation burden related to such an event can be reduced. If such a burden can be reduced, it becomes easier to improve the assemblability.

[0068] In this embodiment, the battery conduction part 22U has a leaf spring part 25b that can be elastically deformed in the -Z direction. The connection conduction part 51U is inserted from the Y direction between the device conduction part 12U and the leaf spring part 25b of the battery conduction part 22U in a state where the device 11 and the battery pack 21 are fixed. Then, the connection conduction part 51U electrically connects the device conduction part 12U and the leaf spring part 25b in a state where the leaf spring part 25b is elastically deformed. The presence of such an elastically deformable leaf spring part 25b makes it easier to absorb component tolerances and appropriately ensure the contact pressure of the conduction part.

[0069] In this embodiment, the connection structure CS further includes a holding part 53. The holding part 53 is attached to the device 11 and holds the connection conduction part 51U so as to be movable in the Y direction. When such a holding part 53 is provided, the connection conduction part 51U is movable in the Y direction while being supported by the device 11 by the holding part 53. Therefore, the position of the connection conduction part 51U is likely to be stable during movement in the Y direction. When the position of the connection conduction part 51U is likely to be stable, it becomes easier to further improve the assemblability.

[0070] In this embodiment, the connection conduction part 51U includes a plurality of conductive connection members 51 arranged side by side in the X direction and electrically connecting a plurality of device busbars 12 and a plurality of battery busbars 22. The holding part 53 has a moving mechanism 60 that moves the plurality of conductive connection members 51 together in the Y direction. When such a moving mechanism 60 is provided, the plurality of device busbars 12 and the plurality of battery busbars 22 can be connected together. When such a collective connection is possible, it becomes easier to further improve the assemblability.

[0071] The connection conduction part 51U has a curved surface 51a that abuts against the battery conduction part 22U in a state of being inserted from the Y direction between the device conduction part 12U and the battery conduction part 22U. When such a curved surface 51a is provided, the contact area between the conductive connection member 51 and the battery bus bar 22 is limited to a certain value or less. When the contact area becomes smaller, the resistance when moving the conductive connection member 51 in the Y direction can be reduced. If this resistance can be reduced, the insertability can be improved, and it becomes easier to further improve the assemblability. Also, compared with the case where the conductive connection member 51 has a sharp angle and has a curved surface 51a, it is possible to suppress the conductive connection member 51 from being shaved or the conductive connection member 51 from being deformed.

[0072] <5. Variation> Next, some variations of the first embodiment will be described. Note that the configurations other than those described below in each variation are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0073] <5.1 First Variation> FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the connection unit 50 of the first variation. In this variation, the conductive connection member 51 is formed in a spherical shape. Even with a conductive connection member 51 having such a shape, it can have a curved surface 51a and a curved surface 51b in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0074] <5.2 Second Variation> FIG. 10 is a perspective view for explaining the connection structure CS of the second variation. In this variation, the leaf spring part 25b of the battery bus bar 22 has a plurality of small protruding parts 29A instead of the protruding part 29. When such a plurality of protruding parts 29 are provided, even when the conductive connection member 51 is tilted with respect to the leaf spring part 25b due to component tolerances or the like, it becomes easier to stably ensure the electrical connection between the leaf spring part 25b and the conductive connection member 51.

[0075] <5.3 Third Variation> FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining the connection structure CS of the third modification. In this modification, the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22 has a pair of protruding portions 29B instead of the protruding portion 29. The pair of protruding portions 29B are arranged apart from each other in the Y direction. Each of the pair of protruding portions 29B protrudes in the +Z direction.

[0076] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the connection structure CS of the third modification. In this modification, the conductive connection member 51 moved to the second position P2 fits between the pair of protruding portions 29B. When such protruding portions 29B are provided, it becomes easier to stably ensure the electrical connection between the leaf spring portion 25b and the conductive connection member 51. Also, when such protruding portions 29B are provided, it can be regarded that conduction is ensured by confirming that the conductive connection member 51 has overcome one protruding portion 29. Thereby, it becomes easier to further improve the assemblability.

[0077] <5.4 Fourth Modification> FIG. 13 is a perspective view for explaining the connection structure CS of the fourth modification. In this modification, the leaf spring portion 25b of the battery bus bar 22 has one or more slits 81. The leaf spring portion 25b is divided into a plurality of parts in the X direction by the slits 81. When such slits 81 are provided, the leaf spring portion 25b is likely to elastically deform in the -Z direction when the conductive connection member 51 abuts. If the leaf spring portion 25b is likely to elastically deform in the -Z direction, the force (insertion force) required for the movement of the conductive connection member 51 in the Y direction can be reduced.

[0078] <5.5 Fifth Modification> FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the connection structure CS of the fifth modification. In this modification, the connection unit 50 is attached to the battery pack 21 instead of the device 11. The device bus bar 12 has a leaf spring portion 25b that can be elastically deformed in the +Z direction. Even with such a configuration, by moving the connection conduction portion 51U in the Y direction, the connection conduction portion 51U can be inserted between the device conduction portion 12U and the battery conduction portion 22U. In this modification, the battery bus bar 22 is an example of the "first conduction portion". The device bus bar 12 is an example of the "second conduction portion". Note that the configuration of this modification may be applied in combination with the first to fourth modifications described above.

[0079] (Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a conductive connection member 50A is provided instead of the connection unit 50. Note that the configuration other than that described below in the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment described above.

[0080] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly 1 of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the device bus bar 12 has a flat plate portion 101 and a leaf spring portion 102. The flat plate portion 101 extends in the Y direction along the installation surface 11s of the device 11. The leaf spring portion 102 has a first portion 102a and a second portion 102b. The first portion 102a extends obliquely from the flat plate portion 101 in the -Z direction. The second portion 102b extends obliquely from the first portion 102a in the +Z direction. The leaf spring portion 102 can be elastically deformed in the +Z direction.

[0081] Similarly, the battery bus bar 22 has a flat plate portion 111 and a leaf spring portion 112. The flat plate portion 111 extends in the Y direction along the installation surface 21s of the battery pack 21. The leaf spring portion 112 has a first portion 112a and a second portion 112b. The first portion 112a extends obliquely from the flat plate portion 111 in the -Z direction. The second portion 112b extends obliquely from the first portion 112a in the +Z direction. The leaf spring portion 112 can be elastically deformed in the -Z direction.

[0082] In this embodiment, the conductive connection member 50A is a flat plate made of metal. The thickness H1 of the conductive connection member 50A in the Z direction is greater than the minimum distance H2 between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22. The minimum distance H2 is, for example, the minimum distance between the leaf spring portion 102 of the device bus bar 12 and the leaf spring portion 112 of the battery bus bar 22.

[0083] When the conductive connection member 50A is inserted from the Y direction between the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22, the conductive connection member 50A abuts against the leaf spring portion 102 of the device bus bar 12 and the leaf spring portion 112 of the battery bus bar 22. Then, the conductive connection member 50A elastically deforms the leaf spring portion 102 of the device bus bar 12 in the +Z direction and the leaf spring portion 112 of the battery bus bar 22 in the -Z direction, and is sandwiched between the leaf spring portion 102 of the device bus bar 12 and the leaf spring portion 112 of the battery bus bar 22. The conductive connection member 50A electrically connects the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 by being sandwiched between the leaf spring portion 102 of the device bus bar 12 and the leaf spring portion 112 of the battery bus bar 22. The conductive connection member 50A is an example of the "third conduction portion".

[0084] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the assembly 1 of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the conductive connection member 50A has a rectangular shape extending in the X direction. The conductive connection member 50A is sandwiched between a plurality of device bus bars 12 and a plurality of battery bus bars 22, and collectively electrically connects the plurality of device bus bars 12 and the plurality of battery bus bars 22.

[0085] Note that, instead of the above example, the conductive connection member 50A may be a member that connects one device bus bar 12 and one battery bus bar 22. Further, the conductive connection member 50A may be a member that connects a first number of device bus bars 12 that is one or more and a second number of battery bus bars 22 that is greater than the first number. Further, the conductive connection member 50A may be a member that connects a first number of battery bus bars 22 that is one or more and a second number of device bus bars 12 that is greater than the first number.

[0086] Some embodiments and modifications have been described above. However, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the above examples. For example, the structures of the above-described assembly 1 and the connection structure CS may be applied to combinations other than the device 11 and the battery pack 21 (combinations of any first module and second module). The device 11 is an example of a "first module". The battery pack 21 is an example of a "second module". However, both the "first module" and the "second module" may be the same type of device. Or, the "first module" and the "second module" may be different types of devices. Or, both the "first module" and the "second module" may be battery packs.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, the first direction is the direction from the device 11 toward the battery pack 21. The second direction is a direction intersecting the direction from the device 11 toward the battery pack 21. Note that the first direction and the second direction are not limited to the above example. For example, the device bus bar 12 may extend from the device 11 and be bent, and the battery bus bar 22 may extend from the battery pack 21 and be bent. In this case, the device bus bar 12 and the battery bus bar 22 may face each other in a direction different from the direction from the device 11 toward the battery pack 21. That is, the first direction from the device bus bar 12 toward the battery bus bar 22 may not coincide with the direction from the device 11 toward the battery pack 21.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0088] 1... Assembly 10... Device unit 11... Device 12... Device bus bar 20... Battery unit 21... Battery pack 22... Battery bus bar 40... Fixing member 50... Connection unit 51... Conductive connection member 51a... Curved surface 51b... Curved surface 52... Insulating cover 53…Retention part 61…Connection part 62…External force receiving part 70…Housing CS…Connection structure CSa…Connection part

Claims

1. A connection structure for electrically connecting a device and a battery pack, comprising: a first conduction part connected to one of the device and the battery pack; a second conduction part connected to the other of the device and the battery pack and arranged away from the first conduction part in a first direction; a third conduction part inserted between the first conduction part and the second conduction part from a second direction intersecting the first direction to electrically connect the first conduction part and the second conduction part while the device and the battery pack are fixed; A connection structure comprising the above.

2. The second conduction part has a receiving part elastically deformable in the first direction, The third conduction part is inserted between the first conduction part and the receiving part of the second conduction part from the second direction while the device and the battery pack are fixed, and electrically connects the first conduction part and the receiving part in a state where the receiving part is elastically deformed. The connection structure according to Claim 1.

3. The connection structure according to Claim 1 or 2, further comprising a holding part attached to the device or the battery pack and holding the third conduction part movably in the second direction. The connection structure according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The connection structure further comprises a moving mechanism for moving the third conduction part, The first conduction part includes a plurality of first conductive members arranged side by side in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, The second conduction part includes a plurality of second conductive members arranged side by side in the third direction, The third conduction part includes a plurality of third conductive members arranged side by side in the third direction and electrically connecting the plurality of first conductive members and the plurality of second conductive members, The moving mechanism moves the plurality of third conductive members together in the second direction. The connection structure according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. The third conduction part has a curved surface in contact with the second conduction part in a state of being inserted between the first conduction part and the second conduction part from the second direction. The connection structure according to Claim 1 or 2.

6. A device, A battery pack, A connection structure for electrically connecting the device and the battery pack, Comprising: The connection structure is: a first conduction part connected to one of the device and the battery pack; a second conduction part connected to the other of the device and the battery pack and arranged away from the first conduction part in a first direction; With the machine and the battery pack fixed, a third conduction part inserted between the first conduction part and the second conduction part from a second direction intersecting the first direction to electrically connect the first conduction part and the second conduction part, having an assembly.

Images