Power distribution member

Abstract

To provide a power distribution member that can improve the attachability to a mating member.SOLUTION: A power distribution member includes a busbar 3 that has a connecting portion 31 to be connected to a terminal of a mating member and electrically connects a plurality of terminals, a cover that holds the busbar 3 and covers at least one surface of the connecting portion 31, and at least one of a first bolt that is press-fitted into the cover and held to fasten the connecting portion 31 to the terminal, and a nut that is press-fitted into the cover and held to thread onto a second bolt and fasten the connecting portion 31 to the terminal. The connecting portion 31 has at least one of a first hole 311 through which a shank 511 of the first bolt passes, and a second hole through which a shank of the second bolt passes. The first hole 311 and the second hole each have a clearance 61 that allows the shanks 511 of the first bolt and second bolt to move in an extension direction of the busbar 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power distribution member for distributing power to electrically powered devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, vehicles equipped with motors as drive sources have been developed. In vehicles equipped with motors, a very large three-phase current flows to the motor through power distribution components. The power distribution components are configured to insulate the paths through which the three-phase current flows.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a busbar protector that covers a busbar that electrically connects multiple terminals. The busbar protector described in Patent Document 1 includes a first cover that covers one side of the busbar and a second cover that covers the other side of the busbar, and aims to improve the reliability of insulation from surrounding components.

[0004] Here, when a power distribution component includes a bus bar and a cover, as in the technology described in Patent Document 1, for example, variations in the bus bar and variations in the cover are compounded. For example, variations in the processing of the bus bar and variations in the attachment of the cover (i.e., variations in the fixing position of the bus bar relative to the cover) are compounded. This tends to increase the overall variation in the power distribution component. This can make it difficult to attach the power distribution component to a mating component at the required position.

[0005] There are also electrical distribution components that include bus bars, covers, and fastening members such as bolts and nuts. These electrical distribution components may have a structure in which the fastening members are joined to the bus bars, or a structure in which the fastening members are held in a cover attached to the end of the bus bars. Therefore, variations in the bus bars are a dominant factor in the overall variation of the electrical distribution components. Even with such electrical distribution components, it can be difficult to attach the electrical distribution component to a mating component at the required position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7063867 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a power distribution member that can be easily attached to a mating member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is an electrical distribution component comprising: a bus bar having a connecting portion to be connected to terminals of a mating member, electrically connecting the terminals; a cover that holds the bus bar and covers at least one surface of the connecting portion; and at least one of a first bolt that is press-fitted into the cover and fastens the connecting portion to the terminals, and a nut that is press-fitted into the cover and threads onto a second bolt to fasten the connecting portion to the terminals, wherein the connecting portion has at least one of a first hole through which a shank of the first bolt passes and a second hole through which a shank of the second bolt passes, and each of the first hole and the second hole has play that allows the shanks of the first bolt and the second bolt to move in the extension direction of the bus bar.

[0009] a cover that holds the busbar and covers at least one surface of the connecting portion; and at least one of a first bolt that is held by the cover and fastens the connecting portion to the terminals, and a nut that is held by the cover and fastens the connecting portion to the terminals by screwing onto a second bolt, wherein the connecting portion has at least one of a first hole through which a shank of the first bolt passes and a second hole through which a shank of the second bolt passes, and each of the first hole and the second hole has a first play that allows the shanks of the first bolt and the second bolt to move in the extension direction of the busbar, and a second play that allows the head of the first bolt and the nut to move relative to the cover in the extension direction of the busbar exists between the head and the nut and the cover.

[0010] According to the first aspect of the present invention, at least one of the first bolt that fastens the connecting portion of the bus bar to the terminal of the mating member and the nut that fastens the connecting portion of the bus bar to the terminal of the mating member by screwing onto the second bolt is press-fitted and held in the cover. According to a second aspect of the present invention, at least one of the first bolt that fastens the connecting portion of the bus bar to the terminal of the mating member and the nut that fastens the connecting portion of the bus bar to the terminal of the mating member by screwing onto the second bolt is held by the cover. Meanwhile, the connecting portion of the busbar has at least one of a first hole through which the shank of the first bolt passes and a second hole through which the shank of the second bolt passes. Each of the first and second holes has a play (first play in the second aspect of the present invention) that allows the shanks of the first and second bolts to move in the direction of extension of the busbar. In the second aspect of the present invention, a second play also exists between the head and nut of the first bolt and the cover, allowing the head and nut of the first bolt to move relative to the cover in the direction of extension of the busbar.

[0011] Therefore, according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, even if there is variation in the processing of the busbar, the positions of the first bolt and nut can be prevented from being affected by variation in the processing of the busbar. This allows the power distribution member to be easily attached to the mating member at the required position, improving the attachability of the power distribution member to the mating member. Furthermore, the connecting portion of the busbar can be fastened to the terminal of the mating member while the first bolt and nut are held in the cover. This allows the power distribution member to be easily attached to the mating member while preventing the first bolt and nut from falling off, improving the attachability of the power distribution member to the mating member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power distribution member that can improve the attachability to a mating member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a power distribution member according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating the power distribution member according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting plane A1-A1 shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a perspective view of the first holding part as viewed in the direction of arrow A11 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting plane A2-A2 shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view of the second holding portion as viewed in the direction of arrow A12 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a plan view of the second holding part as viewed in the direction of arrow A13 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a plan view of the first connecting portion as viewed in the direction of arrow A14 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a plan view of the second connecting portion as viewed in the direction of arrow A15 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a plan view of the third connecting portion as viewed in the direction of arrow A16 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are preferred examples of the present invention, and therefore various technically preferable limitations are applied thereto, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these aspects unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present invention is particularly limited. Furthermore, in each drawing, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a power distribution member according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the power distribution member according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting plane A1-A1 shown in FIG.

[0016] The power distribution member 2 according to this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, and electrically connects various components. For example, the power distribution member 2 electrically connects an external drive circuit and a motor coil, and supplies AC power supplied from the external drive circuit to the motor coil. Note that the power distribution member 2 is not limited to a component that supplies power to the motor coil, and may be a component that supplies power to components other than the motor coil.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the electric power distribution member 2 includes a bus bar 3, a cover 4, and fastening members including at least one of a bolt and a nut. The electric power distribution member 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 includes, as fastening members, a bolt 51, a nut 52, and a bolt 53. The bolt 51 and the bolt 53 of this embodiment are an example of a "first bolt" of the present invention. The fastening members included in the electric power distribution member 2 may be only bolts, only nuts, or may include both bolts and nuts as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. In the description of this embodiment, a case will be taken as an example in which the electric power distribution member 2 includes, as fastening members, both bolts (i.e., bolts 51 and 53) and nuts (i.e., nut 52).

[0018] The busbar 3 is formed by punching and bending a conductive metal plate. For example, the busbar 3 is formed by punching a metal plate into a rectangular shape, and then bending the metal plate so that a bend line 391 (see FIG. 2) extends in a direction (i.e., width direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (i.e., extension direction) of the rectangular plate, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . Examples of materials for the busbar 3 include copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. However, the material for the busbar 3 is not limited to these.

[0019] 1 to 3, the busbar 3 has a first connecting portion 31, a second connecting portion 32, and a third connecting portion 33. The "first connecting portion 31," "second connecting portion 32," and "third connecting portion 33" of the present embodiment are examples of the "connecting portion" of the present invention. The first connecting portion 31, the second connecting portion 32, and the third connecting portion 33 are each a portion that is connected to a terminal (not shown) of a mating member that is connected to the busbar 3.

[0020] The first connecting portion 31 has a hole 311 through which a shank 511 of a bolt 51 passes, and the shank 511 of the bolt 51 passing through the hole 311 is fitted into a nut or the like (not shown), thereby connecting and fastening to a terminal of a mating member. The hole 311 in this embodiment is an example of a "first hole" in the present invention. The second connecting portion 32 has a hole 321 through which a shank 511 of a bolt (not shown) fitted into a nut 52 passes, and the shank 511 of the bolt passing through the hole 321 is fitted into the nut 52, thereby connecting and fastening to a terminal of a mating member. The "bolt fitted into the nut 52" in this embodiment is an example of a "second bolt" in the present invention. The hole 321 in this embodiment is an example of a "second hole" in the present invention. The third connecting portion 33 has a hole 331 through which a shank 531 of a bolt 53 passes, and the shank 531 of the bolt 53 passing through the hole 331 is fitted into a nut or the like (not shown), thereby connecting and fastening to a terminal of a mating member. The hole 331 in this embodiment is an example of the "first hole" in the present invention. In this manner, the bus bar 3 electrically connects the plurality of terminals.

[0021] The cover 4 has a first cover member 41 and a second cover member 42, and the first cover member 41 and the second cover member 42 fit together to hold the bus bar 3 by sandwiching the bus bar 3 between the first cover member 41 and the second cover member 42. The cover 4 also covers at least one surface of each connecting portion of the bus bar 3 (the first connecting portion 31, the second connecting portion 32, and the third connecting portion 33).

[0022] The first cover member 41 covers at least a portion of one surface 35 of the bus bar 3, specifically, covers one surface 35 of the second connecting portion 32 and the third connecting portion 33, as shown in Fig. 3. The second cover member 42 covers at least a portion of the other surface 36 of the bus bar 3, specifically, covers the other surface 36 of the first connecting portion 31, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0023] In this specification, the direction from the second cover member 42 to the first cover member 41 along the normal to one surface 35 or the other surface 36 of the first connecting portion 31 may be referred to as "upward," and the direction from the first cover member 41 to the second cover member 42 along that normal may be referred to as "downward."

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the first cover member 41 has first locking portions 45. The first locking portions 45 are provided at both widthwise ends of the first cover member 41 and have arm portions 451 and protrusion portions 452. The arm portions 451 are formed to be elastically deformable in the widthwise direction of the first cover member 41. The protrusion portions 452 are formed to protrude outward from the outer surface of the lower end of the arm portion 451. In the power distribution member 2 according to this embodiment, the first cover member 41 has two first locking portions 45 at each of both widthwise ends. That is, the first cover member 41 has a total of four first locking portions 45. However, the number of first locking portions 45 provided is not limited to four.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the second cover member 42 has second locking portions 46. The second locking portions 46 are provided at both widthwise ends of the second cover member 42 and have grooves 461 into which the first locking portions 45 can enter. The second locking portions 46 also have wall portions 462. The wall portions 462 are provided on the side surfaces of the second cover member 42 and straddle the grooves 461. In the power distribution member 2 according to this embodiment, the second cover member 42 has two second locking portions 46 at each of both widthwise ends. That is, the second cover member 42 has a total of four second locking portions 46. However, the number of second locking portions 46 provided is not limited to four.

[0026] When the first cover member 41 and the second cover member 42 are fitted together, the first locking portion 45 approaches the second locking portion 46 and enters the groove 461 of the second locking portion 46. When the first locking portion 45 enters the groove 461 of the second locking portion 46, the protrusion 452 comes into contact with the wall portion 462. When the first locking portion 45 further enters the groove 461 of the second locking portion 46, the arm portion 451 elastically deforms, and the protrusion 452 moves downward while contacting the inner surface of the wall portion 462. Then, the protrusion 452 climbs over the wall portion 462 and comes into contact with the lower surface of the wall portion 462. In this way, the first locking portion 45 fits into the second locking portion 46.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the first cover member 41 further has a third locking portion 47. The third locking portion 47 is provided at both widthwise ends of the first cover member 41 and has an arm portion 471 and a protrusion portion 472. The arm portion 471 is formed to be elastically deformable in the widthwise direction of the first cover member 41. The protrusion portion 472 is formed to protrude inward from the inner surface of the lower end of the arm portion 471. In the power distribution member 2 according to this embodiment, the first cover member 41 has one third locking portion 47 at each widthwise end. That is, the first cover member 41 has a total of two third locking portions 47. However, the number of third locking portions 47 provided is not limited to two.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2 , the second cover member 42 further has fourth locking portions 48. The fourth locking portions 48 are provided at both widthwise ends of the second cover member 42 and have abutting portions 481 and fitting portions 482. The abutting portions 481 are formed as side surfaces of the second cover member 42. The fitting portions 482 are provided below the abutting portions 481 and are recessed from the side surfaces of the second cover member 42 toward the inside of the second cover member 42 in the widthwise direction. In the power distribution member 2 according to this embodiment, the second cover member 42 has one fourth locking portion 48 at each of both widthwise ends. That is, the second cover member 42 has a total of two fourth locking portions 48. However, the number of fourth locking portions 48 provided is not limited to two.

[0029] When the first cover member 41 and the second cover member 42 are fitted together, the third locking portion 47 approaches the fourth locking portion 48, and the protrusion 472 comes into contact with the abutting portion 481. When the third locking portion 47 approaches the fourth locking portion 48 further, the arm portion 471 elastically deforms, and the protrusion 472 moves downward while contacting the abutting portion 481. The protrusion 472 then climbs over the abutting portion 481 and comes into contact with the upper inner surface of the fitting portion 482 (i.e., the outer surface below the abutting portion 481). In this way, the third locking portion 47 fits into the fourth locking portion 48.

[0030] The first locking portion 45 fits into the second locking portion 46, and the third locking portion 47 fits into the fourth locking portion 48, thereby restricting the upward and downward movement of the first cover member 41 relative to the second cover member 42. In this way, the cover 4 holds the bus bar 3 by sandwiching the bus bar 3 between the first cover member 41 and the second cover member 42.

[0031] The cover 4 is formed by injection molding of an insulating resin material. For example, when the power distribution member 2 electrically connects an external drive circuit to a motor coil, a very large current flows through the bus bar 3 of the power distribution member 2. In such a case, the power distribution member 2 can properly insulate the path through which the current flows by using the cover 4. In other words, the cover 4 is an insulating material that insulates the bus bar 3.

[0032] The number of power distribution members 2 and bus bars 3 mounted on a vehicle is not limited to one and may be two or more. For example, when three power distribution members 2 are mounted on a vehicle in a line, the three power distribution members 2 can collectively pass three-phase AC current to the coils of the motor. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first cover member 41 has side wall portions 49. The side wall portions 49 are provided on both sides of the third connecting portion 33 of the bus bar 3 and cover both sides of the third connecting portion 33. Therefore, even when multiple power distribution members 2 are arranged side by side, the cover 4 can ensure a creepage distance, suppress the occurrence of short circuits, and ensure insulation of the bus bar 3. As a result, the cover 4 can appropriately insulate the current path of the power distribution member 2.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3 , the bus bar 3 has a support portion 37 and a non-contact portion 38 when held by the cover 4. The support portion 37 is a portion supported by at least one of the first cover member 41 and the second cover member 42. The support portion 37 may be in contact with and supported by either the first cover member 41 or the second cover member 42, or may be in contact with and clamped by both the first cover member 41 and the second cover member 42. The non-contact portion 38 is a portion that does not contact either the first cover member 41 or the second cover member 42 in the space formed between the first cover member 41 and the second cover member 42. The non-contact portion 38 may be a portion that does not contact both the first cover member 41 and the second cover member 42.

[0034] 2 and 3, the busbar 3 has a bent portion 39. The bent portion 39 is formed in the non-contact portion 38, and is a portion that has been bent so that a bend line 391 (see FIG. 2) extends in the width direction of the busbar 3. In other words, the non-contact portion 38 is formed with the bent portion 39 that is bent in a direction that intersects with the plane on which the connecting portion (second connecting portion 32 in this embodiment) is formed.

[0035] The first cover member 41 has a first holding portion 411 and a second holding portion 416. The "first holding portion 411" and the "second holding portion 416" of this embodiment are examples of the "holding portion" of the present invention. The first holding portion 411 holds the press-fitted nut 52. In other words, the nut 52 is press-fitted into and held in the first holding portion 411. Details of the first holding portion 411 will be described later.

[0036] The fastening member held by the first retaining portion 411 is not limited to a nut and may be a bolt. When the fastening member held by the first retaining portion 411 is a bolt, the head of the bolt is press-fitted into the first retaining portion 411 and held therein, and the shank of the bolt passes through the hole 321 of the second connecting portion 32. When the fastening member held by the first retaining portion 411 is a bolt, the bolt is an example of a "first bolt" of the present invention. In this case, the hole 321 is an example of a "first hole" of the present invention. The fastening member held by the first retaining portion 411 is not limited to a hexagonal nut and a hexagonal bolt as shown in FIG. 2 and may be a square nut, a square bolt, or the like, as long as it is a member that can be screwed together.

[0037] 2, the second retaining portion 416 has a hole 417 through which the shank 531 of the bolt 53 passes, and holds the head 532 of the bolt 53 inserted into the hole 417. In other words, the head 532 of the bolt 53 is inserted into and held in the hole 417 of the second retaining portion 416. As shown in FIG. 1, in a state in which the head 532 of the bolt 53 is held by the second retaining portion 416, the shank 531 of the bolt 53 passes through the hole 417 of the second retaining portion 416 and also passes through the hole 331 of the third connecting portion 33. The second retaining portion 416 will be described in detail later.

[0038] The fastening member held by second holding portion 416 is not limited to a bolt and may be a nut. Furthermore, the fastening member held by second holding portion 416 is not limited to the hexagonal bolt and hexagonal nut shown in FIG. 2 , but may be a square bolt and square nut, or any other member that can be threaded. For example, the fastening member held by second holding portion 416 may be a bolt with a knurled circular head formed on the side surface for anti-slip purposes, such as a hexagonal socket bolt. When the fastening member held by second holding portion 416 is a nut, the bolt fitted into the nut is an example of the "second bolt" of the present invention. In this case, hole 331 is an example of the "second hole" of the present invention.

[0039] The second cover member 42 has a retaining portion 421. The retaining portion 421 has a recess 423. As shown in FIG. 2, the recess 423 is formed by being recessed downward from a surface 422 of the retaining portion 421. The retaining portion 421 holds the head 512 of the bolt 51 press-fitted into the recess 423. In other words, the head 512 of the bolt 51 is press-fitted into and held in the recess 423 of the retaining portion 421. As shown in FIG. 1, in a state in which the head 512 of the bolt 51 is held in the retaining portion 421, the shank 511 of the bolt 51 passes through the hole 311 of the first connecting portion 31.

[0040] 3 , when the power distribution member 2 is assembled, the head 512 of the bolt 51 is disposed between the first connecting portion 31 of the busbar 3 and the bottom surface 424 of the recess 423 of the holding portion 421. Therefore, the bolt 51 is maintained in a state where it is held by the holding portion 421, and the bolt 51 can be prevented from falling off the holding portion 421.

[0041] The fastening member held by holding portion 421 is not limited to a bolt, but may be a nut. Furthermore, the fastening member held by holding portion 421 is not limited to a hexagonal bolt and hexagonal nut as shown in FIG. 2, but may be a square bolt and square nut, etc., as long as it is a member that can be screwed together. When the fastening member held by holding portion 421 is a nut, the bolt that fits into the nut is an example of the "second bolt" of the present invention. Furthermore, in this case, hole 311 is an example of the "second hole" of the present invention.

[0042] Next, the first holding portion 411 and the second holding portion 416 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first holding portion as viewed in the direction of arrow A11 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting plane A2-A2 shown in FIG.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the first holding portion 411 has a recess 413. The recess 413 is formed by being recessed upward (downward in FIG. 4) from a surface 412 of the first holding portion 411. An inner surface 414 and a protrusion 415 are formed inside the recess 413. The inner surface 414 is a surface that faces the side surface 521 (see FIG. 2) of the nut 52. As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the power distribution member 2 according to this embodiment, a hexagonal nut is used as an example of the fastening member held by the first holding portion 411. Therefore, six inner surfaces 414 are formed inside the recess 413.

[0044] The protrusions 415 protrude from at least one of the six inner surfaces 414 toward the inside of the first holding portion 411 (i.e., toward the inside of the recesses 413). The number of protrusions 415 is not particularly limited. As shown in Fig. 5, in the power distribution member 2 according to this embodiment, three protrusions 415 are provided evenly in the circumferential direction of the six inner surfaces 414, i.e., with one inner surface 414 spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0045] When the nut 52 is inserted into the recess 413 of the first holding part 411, the protrusion 415 comes into contact with the side surface 521 of the nut 52. Therefore, the nut 52 is press-fitted into the recess 413 of the first holding part 411 and fits into the recess 413 of the first holding part 411. As a result, the nut 52 is press-fitted into and held in the first holding part 411.

[0046] When the electric power distribution member 2 is in an assembled state (see FIG. 3 ), the nut 52 is disposed between the second connecting portion 32 of the bus bar 3 and the bottom surface 413a of the recess 413 of the first holding portion 411. This allows the nut 52 to remain held by the first holding portion 411, and prevents the nut 52 from falling off the first holding portion 411.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second holding portion as viewed in the direction of arrow A12 shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the second holding portion as viewed in the direction of arrow A13 shown in FIG. 1 is aligned along the axis of hole 417 of second holding portion 416. For ease of explanation, bus bar 3 is omitted from the perspective view of FIG.

[0048] As described above with reference to Fig. 2, the second retaining portion 416 has a hole 417 through which the shaft portion 531 of the bolt 53 passes. An inner surface 418 and a protrusion 419 are formed inside the hole 417. As described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 3, in the electricity distribution member 2 according to this embodiment, a hexagonal bolt is used as an example of the fastening member held by the second retaining portion 416. Therefore, six inner surfaces 418 are formed inside the hole 417.

[0049] The protrusion 419 protrudes from the inner surface 418 formed at the lower end of the six inner surfaces 418 toward the inside of the second holding portion 416 (i.e., the inside of the hole 417). The number of protrusions 419 is not limited to one, and may be two or more.

[0050] When the head 532 of the bolt 53 is inserted into the hole 417, it climbs over the protrusion 419 and is placed inside the hole 417. As shown in FIG. 7 , when the head 532 of the bolt 53 is placed inside the hole 417, the inner surface 418 of the hole 417 faces the side surface 533 of the head 532 of the bolt 53.

[0051] Here, in the electric power distribution member 2 according to this embodiment, the head 532 of the bolt 53 is not press-fit into the hole 417. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7 , not all of the inner surfaces 418 contact the side surfaces 533 of the head 532 of the bolt 53. In other words, a gap exists between at least one of the six inner surfaces 418 and the side surfaces 533 of the head 532 of the bolt 53. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , a play 64 exists between the head 532 of the bolt 53 and the inner surface 418 of the hole 417, allowing the head 532 of the bolt 53 to move in the extension direction of the bus bar 3 relative to the second holding portion 416. The play 64 in this embodiment is an example of the "second play" of the present invention.

[0052] The inner surface 418 of the hole 417 restricts the rotation of the head 532 of the bolt 53. For example, when the head 532 of the bolt 53 tries to rotate, the two opposing inner surfaces 418 come into contact with the side surfaces 533 of the head 532 of the bolt 53, restricting the rotation of the head 532 of the bolt 53. In this way, the inner surface 418 of the hole 417 does not necessarily have to be in constant contact with all the side surfaces 533 of the head 532 of the bolt 53, as long as it is possible to restrict the rotation of the head 532 of the bolt 53.

[0053] When the electric power distribution member 2 is in an assembled state (see FIG. 3 ), the head 532 of the bolt 53 is disposed between the third connecting portion 33 of the bus bar 3 and the protrusion 419 in the direction along the axis of the hole 417 of the second holding portion 416. Therefore, even if a gap exists between the inner surface 418 of the hole 417 and the side surface 533 of the head 532 of the bolt 53, it is possible to prevent the bolt 53 from falling off the second holding portion 416.

[0054] Next, the relationship between the shank of each bolt and the edge of the hole of each connecting portion will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the first connecting portion when viewed in the direction of arrow A14 shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the second connecting portion as viewed in the direction of arrow A15 shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the third connecting portion as viewed in the direction of arrow A16 shown in FIG.

[0055] For example, if a power distribution component includes a busbar and a cover, variations in the processing of the busbar and variations in the attachment of the cover (i.e., variations in the fixed position of the busbar relative to the cover) are combined. Therefore, in this case, the overall variation of the power distribution component tends to be large. Furthermore, for example, if the power distribution component has a structure in which fastening members are joined to the busbar, or a structure in which fastening members are held by a cover attached to the tip of the busbar, variations in the busbar tend to be the dominant factor in the overall variation of the power distribution component. This can make it difficult to attach the power distribution component to a mating component in the required position.

[0056] In contrast, in the power distribution member 2 according to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the hole 311 of the first connecting portion 31 has a play 61 that allows the shank 511 of the bolt 51 to move in the extension direction of the busbar 3. In other words, the play 61 that allows the shank 511 of the bolt 51 to move in the extension direction of the busbar 3 within the hole 311 of the first connecting portion 31 exists between the shank 511 of the bolt 51 and the edge 312 of the hole 311 of the first connecting portion 31. The play 61 of this embodiment is an example of the "first play" of the present invention. In this embodiment, the play 61 is larger than the play 64 described above with reference to Figs. 6 and 7, but it may be the same.

[0057] In this specification, the "play" that exists in the holes of each connecting part, i.e., the "play" that exists between the shank of each bolt and the edge of the hole of each connecting part, refers to a gap or space that is set between the shank of the bolt or screw and the edge of the hole through which the shank of the bolt or screw passes, with more room than the gap that is normally set in the technical field of the present invention.

[0058] Hole 311 is an elongated hole whose length in the extension direction of busbar 3 is longer than the length in the width direction of busbar 3. The shape of the hole in first connecting portion 31 is not limited to an elongated hole. For example, hole 311A shown in FIG. 8 by a two-dot chain line is a circular unfilled hole with play 61 extending over the entire circumference. In this way, the hole in first connecting portion 31 may be hole 311 in the shape of an elongated hole whose length in the extension direction of busbar 3 is longer than the length in the width direction of busbar 3, or hole 311A in the shape of a circular unfilled hole with play 61 extending over the entire circumference.

[0059] 9, in the power distribution member 2 according to this embodiment, the hole 321 of the second connecting portion 32 has a play 62 that allows the shank 541 of the bolt fitted into the nut 52 to move in the extension direction of the busbar 3. In other words, the play 62 that allows the shank 541 of the bolt fitted into the nut 52 to move in the extension direction of the busbar 3 within the hole 321 of the second connecting portion 32 exists between the shank 541 of the bolt fitted into the nut 52 and the edge 322 of the hole 321 of the second connecting portion 32. The play 62 according to this embodiment is an example of the "first play" of the present invention. In this embodiment, the play 62 is larger than the play 64 described above with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, but it may be the same.

[0060] Hole 321 is an elongated hole whose length in the extension direction of busbar 3 is longer than the length in the width direction of busbar 3. The shape of the hole in second connecting portion 32 is not limited to an elongated hole. For example, hole 321A shown in FIG. 9 by a two-dot chain line is a circular unopened hole with play 62 extending over the entire circumference. In this way, hole 321 in second connecting portion 32 may be an elongated hole whose length in the extension direction of busbar 3 is longer than the length in the width direction of busbar 3, or hole 321A in the shape of a circular unopened hole with play 62 extending over the entire circumference.

[0061] Furthermore, in the power distribution member 2 according to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, the hole 331 of the third connecting portion 33 has a play 63 that allows the shank 531 of the bolt 53 to move in the extension direction of the busbar 3. In other words, the play 63 that allows the shank 531 of the bolt 53 to move in the extension direction of the busbar 3 within the hole 331 of the third connecting portion 33 exists between the shank 531 of the bolt 53 and the edge 332 of the hole 331 of the third connecting portion 33. The play 63 according to this embodiment is an example of the "first play" of the present invention. In this embodiment, the play 63 is larger than the play 64 described above with reference to Figs. 6 and 7, but it may be the same.

[0062] Hole 331 is an elongated hole whose length in the extension direction of busbar 3 is longer than the length in the width direction of busbar 3. The shape of the hole of third connecting portion 33 is not limited to an elongated hole. For example, hole 331A shown in FIG. 10 by a two-dot chain line is a circular unfilled hole with play 63 extending over the entire circumference. In this way, the hole of third connecting portion 33 may be hole 331 in the shape of an elongated hole whose length in the extension direction of busbar 3 is longer than the length in the width direction of busbar 3, or hole 331A in the shape of a circular unfilled hole with play 63 extending over the entire circumference.

[0063] As described above, in the electric power distribution member 2 according to this embodiment, the bolt 51 is press-fitted and held in the recess 423 of the holding portion 421 of the second cover member 42. The nut 52 is press-fitted and held in the recess 413 of the first holding portion 411 of the first cover member 41. Meanwhile, the first connecting portion 31 of the busbar 3 has a hole 311 through which the shank 511 of the bolt 51 passes. The hole 311 has a play 61. The second connecting portion 32 of the busbar 3 has a hole 321 through which the shank 541 of the bolt fitted into the nut 52 passes. The hole 321 has a play 62. Furthermore, the third connecting portion 33 of the busbar 3 has a hole 331 through which the shank 531 of the bolt 53 passes. The hole 331 has a play 63.

[0064] Therefore, even if there is variation in the processing of the busbar 3, the positions of the bolts 51, nuts 52, and bolts 53 can be prevented from being affected by variation in the processing of the busbar 3. This allows the power distribution member 2 to be easily attached to a mating member at the required position, improving the attachability of the power distribution member 2 to the mating member. Furthermore, with the bolts 51, nuts 52, and bolts 53 held in the cover 4, a worker or the like can fasten the first connecting portion 31, the second connecting portion 32, and the third connecting portion 33 of the busbar 3 to the terminals of the mating member, respectively. This allows the power distribution member 2 to be easily attached to the mating member while preventing the bolts 51, nuts 52, and bolts 53 from falling off, improving the attachability of the power distribution member 2 to the mating member.

[0065] Furthermore, protrusion 415 protruding from inner surface 414 of recess 413 of first holding portion 411 toward the inside of first holding portion 411 (i.e., the inside of recess 413) comes into contact with side surface 521 of nut 52. Therefore, nut 52 is more reliably press-fitted and held by first holding portion 411. This allows electric power distribution member 2 to be more easily attached to a mating member, and the attachability of electric power distribution member 2 to a mating member can be further improved.

[0066] Furthermore, when each of the play 61 to 63 (first play) is larger than the play 64 (second play), even if there is variation in the processing of the busbar 3, it is possible to prevent the positions of the bolt 51, the nut 52, and the bolt 53 from being affected by the variation in the processing of the busbar 3. This makes it possible to easily attach the power distribution member 2 to the mating member at the required position, thereby improving the attachability of the power distribution member 2 to the mating member.

[0067] The holes of the first to third connecting portions 31 to 33 are elongated holes 311, 321, and 331, respectively, whose length in the extension direction of the busbar 3 is longer than its width direction, or circular holes 311A, 321A, and 331A, whose clearances 61 to 63 are circular, unobstructed holes with the entire circumference. The second retaining portion 416 has an inner surface 418 that faces and contacts a side surface 533 of the head 532 of the bolt 53 to restrict rotation of the head 532 of the bolt 53. Therefore, even if there is variation in the processing of the busbar 3, the positions of the bolt 51, nut 52, and bolt 53 can be more effectively prevented from being affected by variation in the processing of the busbar 3. This allows the power distribution member 2 to be more easily attached to a mating member at a required position, further improving the attachability of the power distribution member 2 to the mating member.

[0068] Furthermore, the busbar 3 has a non-contact portion 38 that does not contact both the first cover member 41 and the second cover member 42 in the space formed between the first cover member 41 and the second cover member 42, but this is not limited thereto. The non-contact portion 38 only needs to not contact at least one of the first cover member 41 and the second cover member 42. The non-contact portion 38 has a bent portion 39 that is bent in a direction intersecting with the plane on which the second connecting portion 32 is formed. Therefore, when the busbar 3 is supported by at least one of the first cover member 41 and the second cover member 42 at the support portion 37, the bent portion 39 provides upward and downward elasticity to the busbar 3, thereby absorbing variations in the processing of the busbar 3.

[0069] Therefore, the second connecting portion 32 of the busbar 3 is adjusted to a position where it can be reliably connected to the terminal of the mating member. Therefore, even if there is variation in the processing of the busbar 3, the positions of the bolts 51, nuts 52, and bolts 53 can be further prevented from being affected by variation in the processing of the busbar 3. This makes it easier to attach the power distribution member 2 to the mating member at the required position, further improving the attachability of the power distribution member 2 to the mating member. Furthermore, because the second connecting portion 32 of the busbar 3 is adjusted to a position where it can be connected to the terminal of the mating member, the amount by which the second connecting portion 32 protrudes downward from the cover 4 can be kept to a necessary minimum. This allows the power distribution member 2 to be made smaller and lighter.

[0070] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The configurations of the above embodiments can be partially omitted or arbitrarily combined in a different manner from the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 2: power distribution member, 3: bus bar, 4: cover, 31: first connecting portion, 32: second connecting portion, 33: third connecting portion, 35: surface, 36: surface, 37: support portion, 38: non-contact portion, 39: bent portion, 41: first cover member, 42: second cover member, 45: first locking portion, 46: second locking portion, 47: third locking portion, 48: fourth locking portion, 49: side wall portion, 51: bolt, 52: nut, 53: bolt, 61: play, 62: play, 63: play, 64: play, 311: hole, 311A: hole, 312: edge portion, 321: hole, 321A: hole, 322: edge portion, 331: hole, 331A: hole, 332: edge portion, 391: bending line, 411: first holding portion, 412: surface, 413: recess, 413a: bottom surface, 414: inner surface, 415: protrusion, 416: second holding portion, 417: hole, 418: inner surface, 419: protrusion, 421: holding portion, 422: surface, 423: recess, 424: bottom surface, 451: arm portion, 452: protrusion, 461: groove, 462: wall portion, 471: arm portion, 472: protrusion, 481: abutment portion, 482: fitting portion, 511: shaft portion, 512: head portion, 521: side surface, 531: shaft portion, 532: head portion, 533: side surface, 541: shaft portion

Claims

1. a bus bar having a connecting portion to be connected to a terminal of a mating member, and electrically connecting the plurality of terminals; a cover that holds the bus bar and covers at least one surface of the connecting portion; at least one of a first bolt that is press-fitted and held in the cover and fastens the connecting portion and the terminal, and a nut that is press-fitted and held in the cover and fastens the connecting portion and the terminal by being screwed onto a second bolt; Equipped with the connecting portion has at least one of a first hole through which a shank of the first bolt passes and a second hole through which a shank of the second bolt passes, a power distribution member characterized in that each of the first hole and the second hole has play that allows the shank of each of the first bolt and the second bolt to move in the extension direction of the bus bar.

2. the cover has a holding portion that holds at least one of the first bolt and the nut, The holding portion is an inner surface facing a head of the first bolt and a side surface of the nut; a protrusion protruding from the inner surface toward the inside of the holding portion and contacting the side surface; 2. The electrical distribution member according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. a bus bar having a connecting portion to be connected to a terminal of a mating member, and electrically connecting the plurality of terminals; a cover that holds the bus bar and covers at least one surface of the connecting portion; at least one of a first bolt held by the cover and fastening the connecting portion and the terminal, and a nut held by the cover and fastening the connecting portion and the terminal by being screwed onto a second bolt; Equipped with the connecting portion has at least one of a first hole through which a shank of the first bolt passes and a second hole through which a shank of the second bolt passes, a first play exists in each of the first hole and the second hole, allowing the shank of each of the first bolt and the second bolt to move in an extending direction of the bus bar; a second play exists between the head and the nut of the first bolt and the cover, allowing the head and the nut to move in the extension direction of the bus bar relative to the cover.

4. 4. The electrical power distribution member of claim 3, wherein the first play is greater than the second play.

5. the first hole and the second hole are elongated holes whose length in the extension direction is longer than their length in a width direction perpendicular to the extension direction, or circular blind holes whose first play exists over the entire circumference, the cover has a holding portion that holds at least one of the first bolt and the nut, 4. The electrical power distribution member according to claim 3, wherein the holding portion has an inner surface that faces and contacts side surfaces of the head and the nut to restrict rotation of the head and the nut.

6. The cover is a first cover member that covers at least a portion of one surface of the bus bar; a second cover member that covers at least a portion of the other surface of the bus bar; and The bus bar is a support portion supported by at least one of the first cover member and the second cover member; a non-contact portion that does not contact either the first cover member or the second cover member in a space formed between the first cover member and the second cover member; and The power distribution member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the non-contact portion has a bent portion that is bent in a direction that intersects with the surface on which the connecting portion is formed.

Images