Connection structure and assembly

Abstract

To provide a connection structure and an assembly that easily ensures contact pressure in a conductive portion.SOLUTION: In an embodiment, a connection structure includes a first conductive portion having a first contacted surface and including a first bus bar with a first stud protruding from the first contacted surface, a second conductive portion located at a position away from the first conductive portion, a third conductive portion capable of contacting the first contacted surface and the first stud and movable relative to the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion in a movement direction intersecting the first contacted surface, and a biasing portion capable of biasing the third conductive portion toward the first contacted surface and relaying conductivity between the second conductive portion and the third conductive portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

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 and an assembly that easily ensure the contact pressure of the conduction portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first conduction part including a first bus bar having a first contact surface and a first stud protruding from the first contact surface, a second conduction part provided at a position separated from the first conduction part, a third conduction part that can contact the first contact surface and the first stud and is movable relative to the first conduction part and the second conduction part in a moving direction intersecting the first contact surface, and a biasing part that can bias the third conduction part toward the first contact surface and can relay conduction between the second conduction part and the third conduction part.

Effect of the Invention

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0010] (Configuration of the assembled body) As shown in FIG. 1, the assembled body 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 assembled body 9 is unitized. For example, the assembled body 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 second installation surface 94 on the side facing the battery pack 92. The device 91 has a main surface 95 on the side opposite to the side facing the battery pack 92.

[0012] Hereinafter, the direction parallel to the direction in which the second installation surface 94 faces is defined as the Z direction. Hereinafter, the Z direction is also referred to as the "moving direction". Also, in the plane facing the Z direction, the directions intersecting each other are defined as the X direction and the Y direction. For example, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be directions orthogonal to each other. For example, the Z direction may be the "vertical direction". For example, the second installation surface 94 may be a plane facing downward. For example, the main surface 95 may be a plane facing upward. For example, the second installation surface 94 and the main surface 95 may be parallel planes to each other.

[0013] Each of the second mounting surface 94 and the main surface 95 is an insulating surface made of an insulator material. For example, each of the second mounting surface 94 and the main surface 95 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 flange portions 96 have a plurality of through holes 96h that extend in the Z direction. The device 91 and the battery pack 92 are clamped together with fastening members 93 inserted into the respective through holes 96h.

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

[0016] The battery pack 92 has screw holes 92h in the first mounting surface 97. The fastening members 93 inserted into the through holes 96h are screwed into the screw holes 92h.

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

[0018] (Configuration of the connection structure) 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 X direction. Each connection structure 1 is provided extending from the second mounting surface 94 to the first mounting surface 97.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each connection structure 1 includes a device conduction portion 2 (second conduction portion), a battery conduction portion 3 (first conduction portion), a third conduction portion 4, a biasing portion 5, and a housing 6. Hereinafter, "conduction" means that a path through which current flows is formed.

[0020] (Configuration of the battery conduction portion) The battery conduction part 3 is electrically connected to the electrodes included in the battery pack 92. The battery conduction part 3 includes a battery bus bar 31 (first bus bar).

[0021] (Configuration of the battery bus bar) The battery bus bar 31 extends in the Y direction to directly below the third conduction part 4 while being in contact with the first installation surface 97.

[0022] The battery bus bar 31 has a first contact surface 32 on the side facing the third conduction part 4. The first contact surface 32 is a flat surface.

[0023] The battery bus bar 31 includes a first stud 33. The first stud 33 protrudes in the Z direction from the first contact surface 32 toward the third conduction part 4. For example, the first stud 33 may have a cylindrical shape.

[0024] For example, the battery bus bar 31 may have a certain thickness. For example, each battery bus bar 31 may be an integral flat plate having a pair of plate surfaces facing in the Z direction and a pair of plate surfaces extending in the Y direction. The battery bus bar 31 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0025] (Configuration of the device conduction part) The device conduction part 2 is electrically connected to the device 91. The device conduction part 2 includes a device bus bar 21 (second bus bar). The device conduction part 2 is provided at a position away from the battery conduction part 3.

[0026] (Configuration of the device bus bar) The device bus bar 21 is electrically connected to the electrodes included in the device 91. For example, the device bus bar 21 may extend in the Y direction while being in contact with the second installation surface 94 and may be in contact with the upper surface of the housing 6 at the extended end. For example, the device bus bar 21 may have a certain thickness. For example, the device bus bar 21 may be an integral flat plate having a pair of plate surfaces facing in the Z direction and a pair of plate surfaces extending in the Y direction. The device bus bar 21 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0027] (Configuration of the housing) The housing 6 houses the biasing portion 5. The housing 6 has an inner peripheral surface 61 extending in the Z direction. For example, the housing 6 may have a cylindrical shape.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the housing 6 may have a plurality of grooves 62 recessed radially outward from the inner peripheral surface 61 of the housing 6. For example, the housing 6 may be formed of a conductive material such as metal and may be electrically connected to the lower surface of the device bus bar 21 at the upper end of the housing 6. For example, the plurality of grooves 62 may be arranged at four positions on both sides in the X direction and both sides in the Y direction of the inner peripheral surface 61.

[0029] (Configuration of the third conduction portion) The third conduction portion 4 is capable of contacting the first contact surface 32 so as to be electrically connected to the first contact surface 32. The third conduction portion 4 is capable of contacting the first stud 33 so as to be electrically connected to the first stud 33. The third conduction portion 4 is movable in the Z direction with respect to the device conduction portion 2 and the battery conduction portion 3. The third conduction portion 4 is movable along the inner peripheral surface 61. For example, the third conduction portion 4 may have a first fitting portion 41. For example, the third conduction portion 4 may include a cylindrical body portion 44 and a plurality of protrusions 45 protruding radially from the upper portion of the body portion 44.

[0030] The first stud 33 can be fitted into the first fitting portion 41 by inserting the first stud 33. The first fitting portion 41 is capable of contacting the first stud 33 so as to be electrically connected to the first stud 33. For example, the first fitting portion 41 may be a circular hole penetrating in the Z direction. Further, the first fitting portion 41 may have a circular hole having a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical first stud 33 so that the first stud 33 can be press-fitted as such a circular hole. The third conduction portion 4 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0031] The lower surface of the body portion 44 can be in contact with the first contact surface 32 so as to be electrically connected to the first contact surface 32. For example, the lower surface of the body portion 44 may be a flat surface. For example, the outer diameter of the body portion 44 may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 61 to such an extent that the third conduction portion 4 can move along the inner circumferential surface 61. For example, the body portion 44 may be coaxial with the housing 6. For example, the first fitting portion 41 may penetrate coaxially with the body portion 44.

[0032] The plurality of protrusions 45 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the body portion 44. For example, the plurality of protrusions 45 may include a first protrusion 46, a second protrusion 47, a third protrusion 48, and a fourth protrusion 49. The first protrusion 46 protrudes in one direction in the X direction from one side of the body portion 44 in the X direction. One side of the second protrusion 47 in the Y direction protrudes from the body portion 44 in one direction in the Y direction. The third protrusion 48 protrudes in the other direction in the X direction from the other side of the body portion 44 in the X direction. The fourth protrusion 49 protrudes in the other direction in the Y direction from the other side of the body portion 44 in the Y direction. Note that the plurality of grooves 62 are provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of protrusions 45.

[0033] (Configuration of the biasing portion) The biasing portion 5 can bias the third conduction portion 4 toward the first contact surface 32. The biasing portion 5 can relay the conduction between the device conduction portion 2 and the third conduction portion 4. The biasing portion 5 can be elastically deformed in the Z direction.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, the biasing portion 5 may include a coil spring 51. The coil spring 51 extends in the Z direction coaxially with the housing 6. The coil spring 51 has a first end 52 on the side of the device conduction portion 2 and a second end 53 on the side of the third conduction portion 4. For example, the first end 52 may be in contact with and fixed to the lower surface of the device bus bar 21, so that the coil spring 51 may be electrically connected to the device conduction portion 2. For example, the second end 53 may be in contact with and fixed to the upper surface of the third conduction portion 4, so that the coil spring 51 may be electrically connected to the third conduction portion 4. The coil spring 51 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0035] With such a configuration, the coil spring 51 can relay the conduction between the device bus bar 21 and the third conduction part 4. For example, the coil spring 51 may be capable of contacting the inner peripheral surface 61 of the housing 6 formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0036] (Configuration of the fastening member) The plurality of fastening members 93 fasten the device 91 and the battery pack 92. For example, each fastening member 93 may be a bolt that is tightened into the threaded hole 92h through the through hole 96h.

[0037] When assembling the assembly 9, for example, while bringing the device 91 closer to the battery pack 92, the device 91 is fastened to the battery pack 92 with the fastening member 93. By such fastening, as shown in FIG. 5, while the first stud 33 fits into the first fitting portion 41, the third conduction part 4 comes into contact with the first contact surface 32. Further, as the fastening continues, the third conduction part 4 receives a pressing force from the first contact surface 32 in the upward direction.

[0038] The third conduction part 4 moves in the Z direction with respect to the device conduction part 2 and the battery conduction part 3. As a result, the third conduction part 4 that has received the pressing force from the first contact surface 32 elastically deforms the biasing part 5. On the other hand, the elastically deformed biasing part 5 applies a biasing force toward the first contact surface 32 to the third conduction part 4. Due to this deformation and biasing force, in the assembled assembly 9, the third conduction part 4 contacts the first contact surface 32 while absorbing the pressing force from the first contact surface 32 with the biasing part 5. In addition, the third conduction part 4 contacts the first stud 33 at the first fitting portion 41. Further, the biasing part 5 relays the conduction between the third conduction part 4 that is in contact with the battery conduction part 3 and the device conduction part 2. As a result of the contact, the connection structure 1 can be electrically connected to the device conduction part 2 and the battery conduction part 3 so that, for example, an electric current flows along the current path PC shown in FIG. 6.

[0039] (Function and effect) The connection structure 1 of the present embodiment can bring the third conduction part 4 into contact with the battery bus bar 31 while applying a biasing force in the moving direction to the third conduction part 4 due to the configurations of the third conduction part 4 and the biasing part 5. The third conduction part 4 that is brought into contact in this way can ensure the contact pressure with the battery bus bar 31 while displacing the position in the moving direction. Due to such an action, the connection structure 1 can absorb manufacturing tolerances related to the electrical connection between the device conduction part 2 and the battery conduction part 3 that are likely to occur during the assembly of the device 91 and the battery pack 92. Therefore, the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment can easily ensure the contact pressure between the device conduction part 2 and the battery conduction part 3.

[0040] For example, the assembly 9 can absorb tolerances related to dimensional errors, fastening pressure errors, etc. between lots of various structures related to the contact between the device conduction part 2 and the battery conduction part 3 for a plurality of assemblies 9 with different lots. For example, in the assembly 9, the plurality of third conduction parts 4 across the plurality of connection structures 1 can be displaced independently of each other in the vertical direction. Due to such displacement, the assembly 9 can absorb tolerances related to dimensional errors between a plurality of device bus bars 21 and dimensional errors between a plurality of battery bus bars 31 for one assembly 9. For example, the assembly 9 can absorb tolerances related to variations in contact pressure caused by non-uniform fastening pressure and related to variations in contact pressure across a plurality of device conduction parts 2 and a plurality of battery conduction parts 3 for one assembly 9.

[0041] As a comparative example, assume that the structure of the assembly is such that a connector is provided on the battery pack as in Patent Document 1, and when the battery pack is attached to the vehicle body, the vehicle body side connector and the battery side connector are connected. In 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 during batch connection, or the component cost may increase.

[0042] In contrast to this comparative example, in the present embodiment, the third conduction part 4 is structured such that it can contact the first contact surface 32 and the first stud 33 while being biased toward the first contact surface 32. Due to this structure, even when there are a plurality of connection points, it is easy to ensure the contact pressure between each device conduction part 2 and the related battery conduction part 3 while suppressing the fastening pressure and the number of parts.

[0043] Particularly when the device 91 is a high-voltage device, since there are many parts where the electrical connection between the device 91 and the battery pack 92 is the electrical connection between busbars, it is effective to ensure the contact pressure by the device conduction part 2 and the battery conduction part 3 as in the present embodiment.

[0044] Also, according to an example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the third conduction part 4 is movable along the inner peripheral surface 61 of the housing 6 that houses the biasing part 5. According to such a housing 6, the inclination of the third conduction part 4 with respect to the first contact surface 32 is suppressed. Therefore, an example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment makes it easy to ensure the contact pressure between the device conduction part 2 and the battery conduction part 3.

[0045] Also, according to an example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the coil spring 51 can relay the conduction between the device conduction part 2 and the third conduction part 4. For this reason, the coil spring 51 can ensure the conduction between the device conduction part 2 and the third conduction part 4 and can bias the third conduction part 4, so that the structure of the biasing part 5 can be simplified. An example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment is easy to manufacture.

[0046] Also, according to an example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the first stud 33 is inserted into the first fitting part 41. According to such a configuration, due to the insertion into the first fitting part 41, the inclination of the third conduction part 4 with respect to the first contact surface 32 is suppressed, so that the third conduction part 4 and the first contact surface 32 are likely to come into contact. On the other hand, due to the insertion into the first fitting part 41, surface contact between the third conduction part 4 and the first stud 33 becomes possible. Therefore, an example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment makes it easy to ensure the electrical connectivity between the device conduction part 2 and the battery conduction part 3.

[0047] Further, according to an example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the third conduction part 4 includes a plurality of protrusions 45. According to such a configuration, the contact area between the third conduction part 4 and the inner peripheral surface 61 of the housing 6 can be reduced. By such an action, the dynamic friction of the third conduction part 4 with respect to the inner peripheral surface 61 can be reduced. Therefore, an example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment easily secures the contact pressure between the device conduction part 2 and the battery conduction part 3.

[0048] (Modification example) In an example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the first fitting part 41 is configured to be able to insert the first stud 33. However, the third conduction part 4 may be configured in any way as long as it can contact the first stud 33. As a modification example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the third conduction part 4 may include an elastic conductor 42 instead of the first fitting part 41. The elastic conductor 42 can contact the first stud 33. The elastic conductor 42 is fitted into a recess 43 provided on the lower surface of the body part 44. The elastic conductor 42 contacts the body part 44 within the recess 43. The first stud 33 can be fitted into the elastic conductor 42. For example, the elastic conductor 42 may have an annular shape in which the first stud 33 can be fitted into the ring. For example, the elastic conductor 42 may be an annular diagonal wound coil spring. According to the connection structure 1 of this modification example, the elastic conductor 42 ensures the conduction between the third conduction part 4 and the first stud 33. According to the elastic conductor 42 of this modification example, the electrical connectivity between the third conduction part 4 and the first stud 33 can be improved. In addition, according to the elastic conductor 42 of this modification example, the insertion force is reduced compared to the case where the first stud 33 is press-fitted into the first fitting part 41 as in the above-described embodiment.

[0049] In an example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the first end 52 is electrically connected to the device conduction part 2 by being in contact and fixed to the lower surface of the device bus bar 21. However, this configuration may be any configuration as long as electrical connection can be ensured. As a modification example, the first end 52 may be integrally formed with the device bus bar 21.

[0050] In an example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the second end 53 is electrically connected to the third conduction part 4 by being in contact with and fixed to the upper surface of the third conduction part 4. However, this configuration may be configured in any way as long as electrical connection can be ensured. As a modification, the second end 53 may be integrally formed with the third conduction part 4.

[0051] In an example of the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the housing 6 is formed of a conductive material such as metal and is electrically connected to the lower surface of the device bus bar 21 at the upper end of the housing 6. However, the housing 6 may be configured in any way as long as the inclination of the third conduction part 4 with respect to the first contact surface 32 is suppressed. As a modification, the housing 6 may be formed of an insulating material such as resin. As another modification, the housing 6 may not be electrically connected to the lower surface of the device bus bar 21 at the upper end of the housing 6. However, for these modifications, if configured as in an example of the connection structure 1 of the above-described embodiment, a current path via the housing 6 can be formed in addition to the current path PC by the contact between the coil spring 51 and the housing 6. If such a current path can be formed, the electrical resistance between the device 91 and the battery pack 92 can be reduced.

[0052] <Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, the connection structure of one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The connection structure 101 of the present embodiment has a structure in which the structure between the device bus bar 21 and the coil spring 51 of the connection structure 1 is replaced with a structure similar to that between the battery bus bar 31 and the coil spring 51. Each component of the connection structure 101 has the same configuration as each component 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.

[0053] (Configuration of the connection structure) As shown in FIG. 9, the connection structure 101 includes a device conduction part 2 (second conduction part), a battery conduction part 3 (first conduction part), a third conduction part 4, a biasing part 5, a housing 6, and a fourth conduction part 7.

[0054] (Configuration of the device conduction part) The device conduction part 2 includes a device bus bar 21 (second bus bar). The device bus bar 21 has a second contact surface 22 on the side facing the fourth conduction part 7. The second contact surface 22 is a flat surface. The device bus bar 21 includes a second stud 23. The second stud 23 protrudes in the Z direction from the second contact surface 22 toward the fourth conduction part 7. For example, the second stud 23 may have a cylindrical shape.

[0055] (Configuration of the fourth conduction part) The fourth conduction part 7 can be in contact with the second contact surface 22 so as to be electrically connected to the second contact surface 22. The fourth conduction part 7 can be in contact with the second stud 23 so as to be electrically connected to the second stud 23. The fourth conduction part 7 is movable in the Z direction with respect to the device conduction part 2 and the battery conduction part 3. The fourth conduction part 7 is movable along the inner peripheral surface 61. For example, the fourth conduction part 7 may have a second fitting part 71. For example, the fourth conduction part 7 may include a cylindrical body part 74 and a plurality of protrusion parts 75 protruding in the radial direction of the body part 74 from the lower part of the body part 74.

[0056] The second stud 23 can be fitted into the second fitting part 71. The second stud 23 is press-fitted into the second fitting part 71. The second fitting part 71 can be in contact with the second stud 23 so as to be electrically connected to the second stud 23. For example, the second fitting part 71 may be a circular hole penetrating in the Z direction. Further, the second fitting part 71 may have a circular hole having a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical second stud 23 so that the second stud 23 can be press-fitted as such a circular hole. The fourth conduction part 7 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0057] The upper surface of the body 74 can be in contact with the second contact surface 22 so as to be electrically connected to the second contact surface 22. For example, the outer diameter of the body 74 may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 61. For example, the upper surface of the body 74 may be a flat surface. For example, the outer diameter of the body 74 may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 61 to such an extent that the fourth conduction portion 7 can move along the inner peripheral surface 61. For example, the body 74 may be coaxial with the housing 6. For example, the second fitting portion 71 may penetrate coaxially with the body 74.

[0058] (Configuration of the biasing portion) The biasing portion 5 can bias the fourth conduction portion 7 toward the second contact surface 22. The biasing portion 5 can relay the conduction between the third conduction portion 4 and the fourth conduction portion 7. The biasing portion 5 includes a coil spring 81.

[0059] The coil spring 81 has a first end 82 on the side of the fourth conduction portion 7 and a second end 83 on the side of the third conduction portion 4. The first end 82 is in contact with and fixed to the lower surface of the fourth conduction portion 7, thereby being electrically connected to the fourth conduction portion 7. The second end 83 is in contact with and fixed to the upper surface of the third conduction portion 4, thereby being electrically connected to the third conduction portion 4. The coil spring 81 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. With such a configuration, the coil spring 81 can relay the conduction between the third conduction portion 4 and the fourth conduction portion 7. That is, the coil spring 81 can relay the conduction between the device conduction portion 2 and the third conduction portion 4 via the fourth conduction portion 7.

[0060] When assembling the assembly 9, for example, the device 91 is fastened to the battery pack 92 with a fastening member 93 so as to bring the device 91 closer to the battery pack 92. By such fastening, as shown in FIG. 10, while the first stud 33 fits into the first fitting portion 41, the third conduction portion 4 comes into contact with the first contact surface 32. At the same time, while the second stud 23 fits into the second fitting portion 71, the fourth conduction portion 7 comes into contact with the first contact surface 32. Further, as the fastening continues, the third conduction portion 4 receives an upward pressing force from the first contact surface 32. Also, the fourth conduction portion 7 receives a downward pressing force from the second contact surface 22.

[0061] The third conduction part 4 moves in the Z direction with respect to the device conduction part 2 and the battery conduction part 3. As a result, the third conduction part 4 that receives a pressing force from the first contact surface 32 elastically deforms the biasing part 5. On the other hand, the elastically deformed biasing part 5 applies a biasing force to the third conduction part 4 toward the first contact surface 32. Due to these deformation and biasing forces, in the assembled assembly 9, the third conduction part 4 contacts the first contact surface 32 while absorbing the pressing force from the first contact surface 32 with the biasing part 5. In addition, the third conduction part 4 contacts the first stud 33 at the first fitting part 41. Further, the biasing part 5 relays the conduction between the third conduction part 4 in contact with the battery conduction part 3 and the device conduction part 2.

[0062] Also, the fourth conduction part 7 moves in the Z direction with respect to the device conduction part 2 and the battery conduction part 3. As a result, the fourth conduction part 7 that receives a pressing force from the second contact surface 22 elastically deforms the biasing part 5. On the other hand, the elastically deformed biasing part 5 applies a biasing force to the fourth conduction part 7 toward the second contact surface 22. Due to these deformation and biasing forces, in the assembled assembly 9, the fourth conduction part 7 contacts the second contact surface 22 while absorbing the pressing force from the second contact surface 22 with the biasing part 5. In addition, the fourth conduction part 7 contacts the second stud 23 at the second fitting part 71. Further, the biasing part 5 relays the conduction between the fourth conduction part 7 in contact with the device conduction part 2 and the third conduction part 4.

[0063] As a result of these contacts, the connection structure 1 can be electrically connected to the device conduction part 2 and the battery conduction part 3.

[0064] (Function and Effect) The connection structure 101 of the present embodiment can bring the fourth conduction part 7 into contact with the device bus bar 21 while applying a biasing force in the moving direction to the fourth conduction part 7 due to the configurations of the fourth conduction part 7 and the biasing part 5. The fourth conduction part 7 brought into contact in this way can ensure the contact pressure with the device bus bar 21 while displacing the position in the moving direction. Due to such an action, the connection structure 101 can absorb the manufacturing tolerances related to the electrical connection between the device conduction part 2 and the battery conduction part 3 that are likely to occur during the assembly of the device 91 and the battery pack 92. Therefore, the connection structure 1 of the present embodiment can easily ensure the contact pressure between the device conduction part 2 and the battery conduction part 3.

[0065] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the connection structure 101 has the same effects as the connection structure 1 of the first embodiment.

[0066] (Modification example) In an example of the connection structure 101 of the present embodiment, the second fitting part 71 is configured to be able to insert the second stud 23. However, the fourth conduction part 7 may be configured in any way as long as it can contact the second stud 23. As a modification example, similar to the modification example of the third conduction part 4, the fourth conduction part 7 may be provided with an elastic conductor fitted into a recess provided on the upper surface of the body part 74 instead of the second fitting part 71. According to such an elastic conductor, the electrical connectivity between the fourth conduction part 7 and the second stud 23 can be improved. In addition, according to such an elastic conductor, the insertion force is reduced compared to the case where the second stud 23 is press-fitted into the second fitting part 71.

[0067] In an example of the connection structure 101 of the present embodiment, the first end 82 is electrically connected to the fourth conduction part 7 by being in contact and fixed to the lower surface of the fourth conduction part 7. However, this configuration may be in any form as long as electrical connection can be ensured. As a modification example, the first end 82 may be integrally formed with the fourth conduction part 7.

[0068] In an example of the connection structure 101 of the present embodiment, the second end 83 is electrically connected to the third conduction part 4 by being in contact and fixed to the upper surface of the third conduction part 4. However, this configuration may be formed in any way as long as electrical connection can be ensured. As a modification, the second end 83 may be integrally formed with the third conduction part 4.

[0069] <Other Modifications> In an example of each of the above embodiments, the connection structures 1 and 101 are provided across the second installation surface 94 to the first installation surface 97. Also, the device bus bar 21 is in contact with the second installation surface 94 of the device 91. However, the connection structures 1 and 101 may be applied to any device bus bar 21 as long as they can electrically connect the device 91 and the battery pack 92. As a modification, as in the connection structure 102 shown in FIG. 11, the device bus bar 21 may be in contact with the main surface 95 of the device 91. In the configuration of such a modification, the connection structure 102 is provided across the main surface 95 to the first installation surface 97. In such a configuration, for example, the housing 6 may be provided so as to penetrate the device 91 from the main surface 95 toward the first installation surface 97.

[0070] In an example of each of the above embodiments, the second conduction part 2 including the second bus bar 21 is connected to the device 91, and the first conduction part 3 including the first bus bar 31 is connected to the battery pack 92. However, in the connection structure 1, the device conduction part 2 and the battery conduction part 3 may be configured conversely. As a modification, the connection structure 1 may be configured such that the first conduction part 3 including the first bus bar 31 is connected to the device 91 and the second conduction part 2 including the second bus bar 21 is connected to the battery pack 92.

[0071] In an example of each of the above-described embodiments, the biasing portion 5 includes coil springs 51 and 81. However, as long as the biasing portion 5 can bias and relay conduction, it may have any configuration that replaces the coil springs 51 and 81. As a modification, the biasing portion 5 may include a leaf spring, a disc spring, etc. formed of a conductive material such as metal instead of or in addition to the coil springs 51 and 81. When the distance in the Z direction to be relayed is long, in comparison with these modifications, in the example of the above-described embodiment, since the coil springs 51 and 81 having a shape extending in one direction are used, the biasing portion 5 can be configured with a simple structure.

[0072] As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. 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 Reference Numerals

[0073] 1 Connection structure 2 Device conduction portion (second conduction portion) 3 Battery conduction portion (first conduction portion) 4 Third conduction portion 5 Biasing portion 6 Housing 7 Fourth conduction portion 9 Assembly 21 Device bus bar (second bus bar) 22 Second contact surface 23 Second stud 31 Battery bus bar (first bus bar) 32 First contact surface 33 First stud 41 First fitting portion 42 Elastic conductor 43 Recess 44 Body portion 45 Protrusion 46 First protrusion 47 Second protrusion 48 Third protrusion 49 Fourth protrusion 51 Coil spring 52 First end 53 Second end 61 Inner peripheral surface 62 Groove 71 Second fitting part 74 Barrel part 75 Protrusion 81 Coil spring 82 First end 83 Second end 91 Device 92 Battery pack 92h Screw hole 93 Fastening material 94 Second installation surface 95 Main surface 96 Flange part 96h Through hole 97 First installation surface 101 Connection structure 102 Connection structure PC Current path

Claims

1. A first conduction part including a first bus bar having a first contact surface and provided with a first stud protruding from the first contact surface; A second conduction part provided at a position separated from the first conduction part; A third conduction part capable of contacting the first contact surface and the first stud and movable with respect to the first conduction part and the second conduction part in a moving direction intersecting the first contact surface; A biasing part capable of biasing the third conduction part toward the first contact surface and capable of relaying conduction between the second conduction part and the third conduction part; Comprising A connection structure.

2. Further comprising a housing having an inner peripheral surface and accommodating the biasing part, The third conduction part is movable along the inner peripheral surface, The connection structure according to Claim 1.

3. The biasing part includes a coil spring having a first end electrically connected to the first conduction part and a second end electrically connected to the third conduction part, The connection structure according to Claim 1.

4. Further comprising a first fitting part into which the first stud is inserted, The connection structure according to Claim 1.

5. Further comprising an elastic conductor capable of contacting the first stud, The connection structure according to Claim 1.

6. The second conduction part includes a second bus bar having a second contact surface and provided with a second stud protruding from the second contact surface, Further comprising a fourth conduction part capable of contacting the second contact surface and the second stud and movable with respect to the first conduction part and the second conduction part in the moving direction, The biasing part is capable of biasing the fourth conduction part toward the second contact surface and capable of relaying conduction between the third conduction part and the fourth conduction part, The connection structure according to Claim 1.

7. The connection structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, A battery pack connected to one of the first conduction part and the second conduction part, A device connected to the other of the first conduction part and the second conduction part, An assembly comprising.

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