Structure and relay structure

Abstract

To provide a structure capable of suppressing the generation of an abnormal noise or the like even when the structure is used in an environment with a large amount of vibration.SOLUTION: A structure 10 includes: a fastening member; a first bus bar 500; a second bus bar 600; and a relay structure 100. The second bus bar 600 is provided with a connection portion 610. The relay structure 100 includes a terminal 300 and a housing 200. The housing 200 is formed with at least one groove 212. The terminal 300 includes a first connecting portion 310, a second connecting portion 320, and a connecting portion. The connecting portion is elastically deformable and connects the first connecting portion 310 and the second connecting portion 320. In a fastened state, one of the connecting portion 610 of the second bus bar 600 and the second connecting portion 320 of the terminal 300 is at least partially disengaged from the at least one groove 212 and bites into the housing 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay structure in which bus bars are connected by screw fastening, and a structural body including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure that can absorb misalignment between a bus bar and a connection target.

[0003] 39 and 40, connector 900 is provided with terminals 910 and bus bar fastening portions 920. Bus bar fastening portions 920 are fixed to the tips of terminals 910, and fastening holes 922 for bolts 930 are formed in bus bar fastening portions 920.

[0004] A connector fastening portion 960 is connected to the bus bar 950 via a Z-shaped spring 970. More specifically, one end of the Z-shaped spring 970 is fixed to a nut 980, which is fixed to an end of the bus bar 950. The other end of the Z-shaped spring 970 is fixed to the connector fastening portion 960. Furthermore, the bus bar 950 and the connector fastening portion 960 are connected by an electric wire 990 via the nut 980.

[0005] A fastening hole 962 for a bolt 930 is formed in the connector fastening portion 960. The connector fastening portion 960 is connected to the bus bar fastening portion 920 by fastening the bolt 930 and the nut 940 while the connector fastening portion 960 is overlapped with the bus bar fastening portion 920.

[0006] According to the above-described structure, Z-shaped spring 970 can absorb misalignment between terminal 910 of connector 900 and bus bar 950. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-4006 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, if the above-described structure is used in an environment with a lot of vibration, the Z-shaped spring 970 and the bus bar 950 connected to it may vibrate, which may result in abnormal noise or damage to the Z-shaped spring 970, etc.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a structure that can suppress the generation of abnormal noises even when used in an environment with a lot of vibration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention provides a first structure, A structure including a fastening member, a first bus bar, a second bus bar, and a relay structure, The fastening member has a shaft portion, The second bus bar is provided with a connection portion, a hole is provided in the connection portion of the second bus bar, the relay structure relays between the first bus bar and the second bus bar, The relay structure includes a terminal and a housing, The housing holds the terminals, The housing has at least one groove formed therein; the at least one groove extends along a first direction and is recessed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; the terminal has a first connection portion, a second connection portion, and a linking portion; the connecting portion is elastically deformable and connects the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the first connection portion is connected to the first bus bar, The second connection portion is provided with a through hole, the fastening member is in a fastened fastening state, In the fastened state, the shaft portion is passed through both the hole portion and the through hole, and extends in an axial direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, In the fastened state, the second connection portion is connected to the connection portion of the second bus bar, In the fastened state, one of the connection portion of the second bus bar and the second connection portion of the terminal is at least partially removed from the at least one groove and is bitten into the housing. Provides structure.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention provides a first structure as the second structure, In the fastened state, at least one end of the second connection portion of the terminal in the second direction is at least partially out of the at least one groove and is bitten into the housing. Provides structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention provides a third structure, which is the first structure, In the fastened state, at least one end of the connection portion of the second bus bar in the second direction is at least partially out of the at least one groove and is bitten into the housing. Provides structure.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention provides a fourth structure, which is the first structure, at least one protrusion protruding in the second direction is provided on either the connection portion of the second bus bar or the second connection portion of the terminal; In the fastened state, the at least one protrusion is engaged with the housing. Provides structure.

[0014] The present invention also provides a first relay structure that relays between a first bus bar and a second bus bar in the first structure described above, the first relay structure comprising: The relay structure includes a terminal and a housing, The housing holds the terminals, The housing has at least one groove formed therein; the at least one groove extends along a first direction and is recessed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; the terminal has a first connection portion, a second connection portion, and a linking portion; the connecting portion is elastically deformable and connects the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the first connection portion is connected to the first bus bar, The second connection portion is provided with a through hole, the second connection portion is connected to the second bus bar, The through hole penetrates the second connection portion in a direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction. A relay structure is provided.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention provides a second relay structure, which is the first relay structure, At least one end of the second connection portion in the second direction is partially positioned within the at least one groove of the housing. A relay structure is provided.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention provides a third relay structure, which is the second relay structure, The housing has two side walls; the two side walls are spaced apart from each other and face each other in the second direction, the at least one groove includes two grooves; the two grooves are formed in the two side walls, respectively; Both ends of the second connection portion in the second direction are partially located within the two grooves. A relay structure is provided.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention provides a fourth relay structure, which is the third relay structure, The second connection portion of the terminal is provided with two protrusions that protrude in the second direction, The protrusions are partially located within the two grooves. A relay structure is provided.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention provides a fifth relay structure, which is the first relay structure, At least one end of the second connection portion of the terminal in the second direction is adjacent to the at least one groove of the housing in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction. A relay structure is provided.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention provides a sixth relay structure, which is the fifth relay structure, The housing has two side walls; the two side walls are spaced apart from each other and face each other in the second direction, the at least one groove includes two grooves; the two grooves are formed in the two side walls, respectively; Both ends of the second connection portion in the second direction are adjacent to the two grooves in the third direction. A relay structure is provided.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention provides a seventh relay structure, which is the first relay structure, The connecting portion has an S-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. A relay structure is provided.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention provides an eighth relay structure, which is the first relay structure, The at least one groove has a tapered shape in the second direction. A relay structure is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the structure of the present invention, when fastening the fastening member, the elastic deformation of the connecting portion of the terminal can be utilized to absorb variations in the position of the connection portion of the second bus bar. Furthermore, when absorbing such variations, either the connection portion of the second bus bar or the second connection portion of the terminal, which was positioned in the groove of the housing, at least partially disengages from the groove and engages with the housing. This makes it difficult for the connection portion of the second bus bar or the terminal to move. Therefore, the structure of the present invention can suppress abnormal noise even when used in an environment with a lot of vibration, and can reduce the possibility of damage to the second bus bar or the terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which the structure is connected to a third bus bar; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of Fig. 2 taken along line AA, in which a portion of the structure and a third bus bar are shown enlarged. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is another front view of the structure of FIG. 1, in which the structure is in the process of being connected to the third bus bar; [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of Fig. 5 taken along line BB, in which a part of the structure and the third bus bar are shown enlarged. [Figure 7] 2 is a perspective view showing a relay structure included in the structure of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the relay structure of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 9 is a front view showing a housing included in the relay structure of FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the housing of FIG. 9 taken along line CC. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 9 taken along line DD. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the housing of FIG. 9. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a top view of the housing of FIG. 9. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the housing of FIG. 9. [Figure 15] 9 is a front view showing a terminal included in the relay structure of FIG. 8. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a rear view showing the terminal of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a top view showing the terminal of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 16 is a bottom view showing the terminal of FIG. 15. [Figure 19] FIG. 16 is a side view showing the terminal of FIG. [Figure 20] 10 is a perspective view showing a structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the structure is connected to a third bus bar; [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a front view showing the structure of FIG. 20. [Figure 22] 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of Fig. 21 taken along line EE, in which a portion of the structure and the third bus bar are shown enlarged. [Figure 23] FIG. 21 is a rear view of the structure of FIG. 20. [Figure 24] FIG. 21 is a top view showing the structure of FIG. 20. [Figure 25] 21 is another front view of the structure of Figure 20, in which the structure is in the process of being connected to the third bus bar. [Figure 26] 26 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of Fig. 25 taken along line FF, in which a part of the structure and the third bus bar are shown enlarged. [Figure 27] FIG. 26 is a rear view of the structure of FIG. 25. [Figure 28] 21 is a perspective view showing a relay structure included in the structure of FIG. 20. FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view showing the relay structure of FIG. 28. [Figure 30] 30 is a front view showing a housing included in the relay structure of FIG. 29. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing the housing of FIG. 30 taken along line GG. [Figure 32] 31 is a cross-sectional view showing the housing of FIG. 30 taken along line HH. [Figure 33] FIG. 31 is a rear view of the housing of FIG. 30. [Figure 34] FIG. 31 is a top view of the housing of FIG. 30. [Figure 35] 30 is a top view showing a terminal included in the relay structure of FIG. 29. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a side view showing the terminal of FIG. 35. [Figure 37] 21 is a perspective view showing a second bus bar included in the structure of FIG. 20. FIG. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is another perspective view showing the second bus bar of FIG. 37. [Figure 39] FIG. 1 is a top view showing the connector of Patent Document 1. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a side view showing the connector of FIG. 39. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] (First embodiment) 3, structure 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached to housing 800. Structure 10 of the present embodiment is connected to third bus bar 850 having through hole 852. As shown in FIG. 1, structure 10 includes fastening member 700, first bus bar 500, second bus bar 600, and relay structure 100.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 3, relay structure 100 of this embodiment relays between first bus bar 500 and second bus bar 600. As shown in Fig. 8, relay structure 100 includes two terminals 300 and a housing 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of terminals 300 may be one. In other words, relay structure 100 only needs to include terminal 300 and housing 200.

[0026] Referring to Fig. 9, the housing 200 of this embodiment is made of an insulator. As shown in Fig. 7, the housing 200 holds the terminal 300. As shown in Fig. 9, four grooves 212 are formed in the housing 200. The four grooves 212 are divided into two sets, each set consisting of two grooves 212. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When there is one terminal 300 as described above, it is sufficient that at least one groove 212 is formed in the housing 200.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , each of the grooves 212 extends along a first direction and is recessed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the grooves 212 is open in the second direction. In this embodiment, the first direction is the X direction, and the second direction is the Y direction. The first direction is also the front-to-rear direction. Here, the front is defined as the +X direction, and the rear is defined as the −X direction. Each of the grooves 212 reaches one end of the housing 200 in the first direction, but does not reach the other end of the housing 200 in the first direction. In other words, each of the grooves 212 reaches the front end of the housing 200 in the front-to-rear direction, but does not reach the rear end of the housing 200 in the front-to-rear direction. One end of each of the grooves 212 in the first direction is open, and the other end of each of the grooves 212 in the first direction is closed. That is, the front end of each groove 212 is open, and the rear end of each groove 212 is not open. Each groove 212 has a tapered shape in the second direction. Each groove 212 has a tapered shape in which the size in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction decreases with increasing distance from the opening in the second direction. In this embodiment, the third direction is the Z direction. The third direction is also the up-down direction. Here, the upside is the +Z direction, and the downside is the +Z direction. More specifically, in each pair of two grooves 212, the groove 212 on the outer side in the second direction has a tapered shape in which the size in the third direction decreases toward the outside in the second direction, and the groove 212 on the inner side in the second direction has a tapered shape in which the size in the third direction decreases toward the inside in the second direction. Note that the present invention is not limited to this. When at least one groove 212 is formed in the housing 200 as described above, the at least one groove 212 may have a tapered shape in the second direction. Alternatively, the groove 212 may have a dovetail shape. That is, the groove 212 may have a tapered shape that decreases in size in the third direction toward the opening in the second direction.

[0028] 9, the housing 200 has four side walls 210. The four side walls 210 are divided into two sets, each set consisting of two side walls 210. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As described above, when there is one terminal 300, the housing 200 only needs to have two side walls 210.

[0029] 9, in this embodiment, the two side walls 210 in each pair are spaced apart from each other and face each other in the second direction. Four grooves 212 are formed in the four side walls 210, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As described above, when the housing 200 has two grooves 212 and two side walls 210, it is sufficient that the housing 200 is configured such that the two side walls 210 are spaced apart from each other and face each other in the second direction, and the two grooves 212 are formed in the two side walls 210, respectively.

[0030] 9, the housing 200 has four press-fit portions 220. The four press-fit portions 220 are divided into two sets, each set consisting of two press-fit portions 220.

[0031] 9, the press-fit portions 220 in this embodiment are provided on the side walls 210, respectively. The press-fit portions 220 are located below the grooves 212 in the up-down direction. The press-fit portions 220 correspond to the grooves 212, respectively. The press-fit portions 220 are located below the corresponding grooves 212 in the up-down direction.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 9, the housing 200 has two terminal accommodating portions 240 .

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , each of the terminal accommodating portions 240 in this embodiment extends in a first direction, i.e., the front-rear direction. Both ends of each of the terminal accommodating portions 240 in the first direction are open. That is, the front and rear ends of each of the terminal accommodating portions 240 in the front-rear direction are open. Referring to FIG. 9 , the terminal accommodating portions 240 correspond to two sets of side walls 210, respectively. The terminal accommodating portions 240 correspond to two sets of grooves 212, respectively. The terminal accommodating portions 240 correspond to two sets of press-fit portions 220, respectively. Each set of grooves 212 communicates with the corresponding terminal accommodating portion 240 in the second direction. Referring to FIG. 7 , the terminal accommodating portions 240 correspond to the terminals 300, respectively. Each of the terminal accommodating portions 240 accommodates a corresponding terminal 300.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 13, the housing 200 has two fixing portions 250 and a top plate portion 260.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 12, the fixing portions 250 of this embodiment are located at both outer ends of the housing 200 in the second direction. Each fixing portion 250 defines the lower end of the housing 200 in the up-down direction. As shown in Fig. 3, each fixing portion 250 is located below the first connecting portion 310 of the terminal 300 in the up-down direction. The structure 10 is fixed to the housing 800 via the fixing portions 250 with screws or the like.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 10 , the top plate portion 260 of this embodiment has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the third direction. The top plate portion 260 extends rearward from the front end of the housing 200. The top plate portion 260 defines one end of the housing 200 in the third direction. That is, the top plate portion 260 defines the upper end of the housing 200 in the up-down direction. Each of the grooves 212 is located below the top plate portion 260 in the up-down direction. As shown in FIG. 13 , the top plate portion 260 extends in the second direction. The top plate portion 260 is located forward of each of the fixing portions 250 in the front-to-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 3 , the top plate portion 260 is located above the second connecting portion 320 of the terminal 300 in the up-down direction.

[0037] 17, each of the terminals 300 in this embodiment is made of metal. Referring to FIG. 3, the plate thickness of the third bus bar 850 is thicker than the plate thickness of the terminals 300. Referring to FIG. 8, each of the terminals 300 corresponds to two sets of side walls 210. Each of the terminals 300 corresponds to two sets of grooves 212. Each of the terminals 300 corresponds to two sets of press-fit portions 220. As shown in FIG. 19, each of the terminals 300 has a first connecting portion 310, a second connecting portion 320, and a linking portion 330.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 18 , the first connecting portion 310 of this embodiment extends in the first direction. The first connecting portion 310 has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the third direction. A through hole 312 is provided in the first connecting portion 310. The first connecting portion 310 has a plurality of press-fit protrusions 314 protruding outward in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 2 , the press-fit protrusions 314 are press-fitted into the press-fitted portion 220 of the housing 200. That is, the terminal 300 is fixed to the housing 200 by press-fitting the press-fit protrusions 314 of the first connecting portion 310 into the press-fitted portion 220 of the housing 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first connecting portion 310 may be fixed to the housing 200 by a method other than press-fitting. Furthermore, the terminal 300 may be fixed to the housing 200 by press-fitting a portion other than the first connecting portion 310 into the housing 200 by another method.

[0039] 17, second connection portion 320 of the present embodiment extends in the first direction. Second connection portion 320 has a flat plate shape that intersects with the third direction. Second connection portion 320 is provided with through-hole 322. Through-hole 322 penetrates second connection portion 320 in a direction that intersects with both the first direction and the second direction. As shown in FIG. 3, second connection portion 320 is connected to second bus bar 600.

[0040] 2, both ends 325 of the second connection portion 320 in the second direction are partially located within the two grooves 212. Specifically, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, in a state in which the structure 10 attached to the housing 800 is connected to the third bus bar 850, both ends 325 of the second connection portion 320 in the second direction are partially located within the two grooves 212. Note that the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one end 325 of the second connection portion 320 in the second direction is partially located within the at least one groove 212 of the housing 200.

[0041] 17, the second connection portion 320 is provided with two protrusions 324 protruding in the second direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of protrusions 324 may be one. Referring to FIG. 2, the two protrusions 324 are each partially positioned within the two grooves 212. That is, in a state in which the structure 10 attached to the housing 800 is connected to the third bus bar 850, the two protrusions 324 of the terminal 300 are each partially positioned within the corresponding pair of two grooves 212.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, the coupling portion 330 has an S-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. Referring to FIG. 19, the coupling portion 330 of this embodiment is elastically deformable. The coupling portion 330 couples the first connecting portion 310 and the second connecting portion 320. The first connecting portion 310 is coupled to one end of the coupling portion 330 in the third direction, and the second connecting portion 320 is coupled to the other end of the coupling portion 330 in the third direction. That is, the first connecting portion 310 is coupled to the lower end of the coupling portion 330 in the up-down direction, and the second connecting portion 320 is coupled to the upper end of the coupling portion 330 in the up-down direction. In the front-rear direction, the front end of the coupling portion 330 is located rearward of the front end of the first connecting portion 310. In the front-rear direction, the rear end of the coupling portion 330 is located rearward of the rear end of the second connecting portion 320.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3 , the first bus bar 500 of this embodiment extends in the first direction. The first bus bar 500 has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the third direction. The thickness of the first bus bar 500 is greater than the thickness of the terminal 300. The first bus bar 500 has a through hole 510. The first connection portion 310 is connected to the first bus bar 500. That is, the first connection portion 310 is screwed to the first bus bar 500. Specifically, the shaft portion 872 of the bolt 870 passes through the through holes 312 and 510 and is screwed into the nut 875, and the first connection portion 310 and the first bus bar 500 are sandwiched between the head portion 871 of the bolt 870 and the nut 875. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first connection portion 310 and the first bus bar 500 may be connected by a method other than screwing.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, the second bus bar 600 of this embodiment has an angular C-shape when viewed from the second direction. Referring to FIG. 2, the second bus bar 600 corresponds to each of the two pairs of side walls 210. The second bus bar 600 corresponds to each of the two pairs of grooves 212. As shown in FIG. 3, the second bus bar 600 has a connection portion 610. The connection portion 610 of the second bus bar 600 has a hole 612. Note that the connection portion 610 does not have a protrusion. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 13, the distance between both ends of the connection portion 610 of the second bus bar 600 in the second direction is smaller than the distance DS between the corresponding two side walls 210. As shown in FIG. 1, the second bus bar 600 has a flat portion 620 and an additional connection portion 630. The flat portion 620 extends in the third direction. The connection portion 610 extends in the first direction from one end of the flat plate portion 620 in the third direction. That is, the connection portion 610 extends from the lower end of the flat plate portion 620 in the up-down direction to the rear in the front-to-rear direction. The additional connection portion 630 extends in the first direction from the other end of the flat plate portion 620 in the third direction. That is, the additional connection portion 630 extends from the upper end of the flat plate portion 620 in the up-down direction to the rear in the front-to-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 3 , the additional connection portion 630 is provided with a through hole 632. The second bus bar 600 is connected to the third bus bar 850. That is, the second bus bar 600 is screwed to the third bus bar 850. Specifically, when connecting the second bus bar 600 and the third bus bar 850, the shaft 892 of the bolt 890 is threaded through the through holes 632, 852 and into the nut 895, and the additional connection portion 630 and the third bus bar 850 are sandwiched between the head 891 of the bolt 890 and the nut 895.

[0045] As described above, in structure 10 of the present embodiment, second connection portion 320 of terminal 300 is provided with protrusion 324 protruding in the second direction, and connection portion 610 of second bus bar 600 is not provided with a protrusion. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and protrusion 324 may be provided on connection portion 610 of second bus bar 600 instead of second connection portion 320 of terminal 300. That is, it is sufficient that at least one protrusion 324 protruding in the second direction is provided on either connection portion 610 of second bus bar 600 or second connection portion 320 of terminal 300.

[0046] 3, fastening member 700 of the present embodiment is composed of bolt 705 and nut 720. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and fastening member 700 does not have to include nut 720, and may be a screw instead of bolt 705. If fastening member 700 does not include nut 720, through hole 322 of second connecting portion 320 of terminal 300 needs to be female-threaded.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3 , bolt 705 has a shank 710. That is, fastening member 700 has a shank 710. Fastening member 700 is in a fastened state. In the fastened state, shank 710 is passed through both hole 612 and through hole 322 and extends in an axial direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction. In the fastened state, second connection portion 320 is connected to connection portion 610 of second bus bar 600. Specifically, in the fastened state, bolt 705 is fastened to nut 720, and shank 710 of bolt 705 is passed through both hole 612 and through hole 322 and extends in an axial direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction. The second connection portion 320 of terminal 300 and connection portion 610 of second bus bar 600 are sandwiched between head 708 of bolt 705 and nut 720 and fixed to each other. In the fastened state, top plate portion 260 is located in front of second bus bar 600 in the front-rear direction.

[0048] 2, in the fastened state, second connection portion 320 of terminal 300 is held by housing 200 in a state where it is partially disengaged from groove 212 and is biting into housing 200. Note that the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that structure 10 is configured so that, in the fastened state, either connection portion 610 of second bus bar 600 (see FIG. 1) or second connection portion 320 of terminal 300 is held by housing 200 in a state where it is at least partially disengaged from at least one groove 212 and is biting into housing 200.

[0049] 2, in the fastened state, both ends 325 of the second connection portion 320 of the terminal 300 in the second direction are held by the housing 200 in a state where they are partially disengaged from the two grooves 212 of the corresponding pair and are engaged in the housing 200. Note that the present invention is not limited to this. The structure 10 may be configured such that, in the fastened state, at least one end of the second connection portion 320 of the terminal 300 in the second direction is held by the housing 200 in a state where it is at least partially disengaged from the at least one groove 212 and is engaged in the housing 200. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 17, in the second direction, the distance DT between both ends 325 of the second connection portion 320 of the terminal 300 is greater than the distance DS between the two side walls 210 of the corresponding pair.

[0050] 2 , in the fastened state, both ends 325 of the second connecting portion 320 of the terminal 300 in the second direction are held by the housing 200 in a state where they are partially out of the corresponding pair of two grooves 212, respectively, in the axially outward direction and are bitten into the housing 200. More specifically, in the fastened state, both ends 325 of the second connecting portion 320 of the terminal 300 in the second direction are partially out of the corresponding pair of two grooves 212, respectively, in the vertical direction, and are bitten into the housing 200.

[0051] 2, in the fastened state, the two protrusions 324 of the second connection portion 320 of the terminal 300 are partially disengaged from the corresponding pair of two grooves 212 and are held in the housing 200 while being engaged with the housing 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the structure 10 is configured so that, in the fastened state, at least one protrusion 324 is held in the housing 200 while being engaged with the housing 200.

[0052] 2 , in the fastened state, the two protrusions 324 of the second connecting portion 320 of the terminal 300 are held in the housing 200 in a state where they are partially out of the corresponding pair of two grooves 212 in the axial direction and are engaged in the housing 200. More specifically, in the fastened state, the two protrusions 324 of the second connecting portion 320 of the terminal 300 are held in the housing 200 in a state where they are partially out of the corresponding pair of two grooves 212 in the up-down direction and are engaged in the housing 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in the fastened state, the protrusions 324 of the second connecting portion 320 of the terminal 300 may be held in the housing 200 in a state where they are partially out of the corresponding pair of two grooves 212 in the up-down direction and are engaged in the housing 200.

[0053] As described above, in the fastened state, protrusion 324 provided on second connecting portion 320 is held by housing 200 while biting into housing 200. As a result, in structure 10 of the present embodiment, in the fastened state, the volume of the portion of second connecting portion 320 that bites into housing 200 is made as small as possible, while the movement of second connecting portion 320 of terminal 300 is effectively restricted.

[0054] In the structure 10 of the above-described embodiment, the second connection portion 320 is provided with two protrusions 324, but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as at least one end of the second connection portion 320 of the terminal 300 in the second direction is held by the housing 200 in a state where it is bitten into the housing 200 in the fastened state, the second connection portion 320 of the terminal 300 does not have to be provided with protrusions 324. Furthermore, the location of the second connection portion 320 that is bitten into the housing 200 in the fastened state may be any part of the second connection portion 320, as long as it is one end of the second connection portion 320 in the second direction.

[0055] The assembly of the structure 10 and the attachment of the structure 10 to the housing 800 and the third bus bar 850 will be described in detail below.

[0056] First, first bus bar 500 and second bus bar 600 are screwed to terminal 300 of relay structure 100. Specifically, shaft 872 of bolt 870 is passed through through hole 312 of first connection portion 310 of terminal 300 and through hole 510 of first bus bar 500 and screwed into nut 875, and first connection portion 310 and first bus bar 500 are sandwiched between head 871 of bolt 870 and nut 875, thereby screwing first bus bar 500 to first connection portion 310 of terminal 300 of relay structure 100. In addition, the shaft 710 of the bolt 705 is passed through the through hole 322 of the second connection portion 320 of the terminal 300 and the hole 612 of the connection portion 610 of the second bus bar 600 and screwed into the nut 720, and the second connection portion 320 and the connection portion 610 of the second bus bar 600 are sandwiched between the head 708 of the bolt 705 and the nut 720, thereby screwing the second bus bar 600 to the second connection portion 320 of the terminal 300 of the relay structure 100.

[0057] Next, structure 10 is attached to housing 800. At this time, structure 10 is positioned vertically below third bus bar 850. In this state, protrusion 324 of second connection portion 320 of terminal 300 is positioned within groove 212 and does not bite into housing 200.

[0058] In this state, the shaft 892 of the bolt 890 is passed through the through-hole 632 of the additional connection portion 630 of the second bus bar 600 of the structure 10 and the through-hole 852 of the third bus bar 850, and screwed into the nut 895. This brings the structure 10 and the third bus bar 850 into the state shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In this state, the protrusion 324 of the second connection portion 320 of the terminal 300 is still positioned within the groove 212 and is not embedded in the housing 200. In addition, in this state, a clearance CL is provided between the additional connection portion 630 of the second bus bar 600 and the third bus bar 850 to take into account variations in the position of the connection portion 610 of the second bus bar 600 due to tolerances in the spacing between the housing 800 and the third bus bar 850, dimensional tolerances in the third direction of the second bus bar 600, and the like.

[0059] Then, bolt 890 is further screwed into nut 895 to sandwich additional connection portion 630 of second bus bar 600 and third bus bar 850 between head 891 of bolt 890 and nut 895, and then tightened. Then, both ends 325 of second connection portion 320 of terminal 300 in the second direction partially come out of groove 212 and bite into housing 200. That is, at this time, protrusion 324 of second connection portion 320 of terminal 300 partially comes out of groove 212 and bites into housing 200. As a result, structure 10 and third bus bar 850 are in the state shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , and assembly and installation of structure 10 are completed. In this state, coupling portion 330 of terminal 300 is elastically deformed, and the distance in the third direction between first connection portion 310 and second connection portion 320 is increased. That is, after connection of second bus bar 600 of structure 10 fixed to housing 800 to third bus bar 850 is completed, distance D1 (see FIG. 3) in the third direction between first connection portion 310 and second connection portion 320 is greater than distance D2 (see FIG. 19) in the third direction between first connection portion 310 and second connection portion 320 when terminal 300 is in its natural state. Also, in this state, both ends 325 in the second direction of second connection portion 320 of terminal 300 are partially removed from groove 212 and are held by housing 200 in a state where they are wedged into housing 200. That is, in this state, protrusion 324 of second connection portion 320 of terminal 300 is partially removed from groove 212 and is held by housing 200 in a state where they are wedged into housing 200. Furthermore, in this state, additional connection portion 630 of second bus bar 600 and third bus bar 850 are in close contact in the third direction, and the clearance CL is absorbed.

[0060] As described above, according to structure 10 of the present embodiment, when structure 10 attached to housing 800 is connected to third bus bar 850, variation in the position of connection portion 610 of second bus bar 600 can be absorbed by utilizing the elastic deformation of coupling portion 330 of terminal 300. That is, according to structure 10, in the fastened state, variation in the position of connection portion 610 of second bus bar 600 is absorbed by utilizing the elastic deformation of coupling portion 330 of terminal 300. Also, as described above, when absorbing the variation, second connection portion 320 of terminal 300 positioned in groove 212 of housing 200 is partially removed from groove 212 and is held in housing 200 while being embedded in housing 200. This makes it difficult for terminal 300 to move. Therefore, structure 10 of the present embodiment can suppress the generation of abnormal noise even when used in an environment with a lot of vibration, and can reduce the possibility of damage to second bus bar 600 and terminal 300.

[0061] In the above-described mounting method, the second bus bar 600, which is screwed in advance to the second connection portion 320 of the terminal 300 of the relay structure 100, is then screwed to the third bus bar 850. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The mounting order may be changed so that the second bus bar 600, which is screwed in advance to the third bus bar 850, is then screwed to the second connection portion 320 of the terminal 300 of the relay structure 100. Even when the mounting order is changed in this manner, the same effect as described above can be achieved. In this case, when the second bus bar 600 is screwed to the second connection portion 320, both ends 325 of the second connection portion 320 of the terminal 300 in the second direction are partially disengaged from the groove 212 and engage with the housing 200. That is, in this case, when the second bus bar 600 is screwed to the second connection portion 320, the protrusion 324 of the second connection portion 320 of the terminal 300 is partially disengaged from the groove 212 and engages with the housing 200. Additionally, in this case, the second bus bar 600 and the third bus bar 850 may be connected by other means than screwing, such as welding, or the second bus bar 600 and the third bus bar 850 may be formed integrally.

[0062] In the above-described mounting method, relay structure 100 to which second bus bar 600 has been previously screwed is mounted on housing 800, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the mounting order may be changed so that second bus bar 600 is previously screwed onto relay structure 100 that has been previously mounted on housing 800. Even when the mounting order is changed in this way, the same effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0063] (Second embodiment) Referring to FIG. 22, structure 10A according to the second embodiment of the present invention is attached to housing 800. Structure 10A according to the present embodiment is connected to third bus bar 850 having through-hole 852. Structure 10A according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a configuration similar to that of structure 10 according to the first embodiment described above (see FIG. 1). Therefore, of the components shown in FIGS. 20 to 38, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the same expressions as those in the first embodiment are used below for the orientations and directions in this embodiment.

[0064] 20, structure 10A includes fastening member 700, first bus bar 500, second bus bar 600A, and relay structure 100A. Fastening member 700 and first bus bar 500 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 22, relay structure 100A of this embodiment relays between first bus bar 500 and second bus bar 600A. As shown in Fig. 28, relay structure 100A includes two terminals 300A and a housing 200A. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of terminals 300A may be one. In other words, relay structure 100A only needs to include terminal 300A and housing 200A.

[0066] Referring to Fig. 30, the housing 200A of this embodiment is made of an insulator. As shown in Fig. 28, the housing 200A holds a terminal 300A. As shown in Fig. 33, four grooves 212A are formed in the housing 200A. The four grooves 212A are divided into two sets, each set consisting of two grooves 212A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When there is one terminal 300A as described above, it is sufficient that at least one groove 212A is formed in the housing 200A.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 , each of the grooves 212A extends along a first direction and is recessed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the grooves 212A is open in the second direction. Each of the grooves 212A reaches one end of the housing 200A in the first direction but does not reach the other end of the housing 200A in the first direction. That is, each of the grooves 212A reaches the rear end of the housing 200A in the front-to-rear direction but does not reach the front end of the housing 200A in the front-to-rear direction. One end of each of the grooves 212A in the first direction is open, and the other end of each of the grooves 212A in the first direction is closed. That is, the rear end of each of the grooves 212A is open, and the front end of each of the grooves 212A is closed. As shown in FIG. 33 , each of the grooves 212A has a tapered shape in the second direction. Each of the grooves 212A has a tapered shape that decreases in size in the third direction as it moves away from the opening in the second direction. More specifically, in each pair of two grooves 212A, the groove 212A on the outer side in the second direction has a tapered shape that decreases in size in the third direction toward the outer side in the second direction, and the groove 212A on the inner side in the second direction has a tapered shape that decreases in size in the third direction toward the inner side in the second direction. Note that the present invention is not limited to this. When at least one groove 212A is formed in the housing 200A as described above, it is sufficient that the at least one groove 212A has a tapered shape in the second direction. Furthermore, the groove 212A may have a dovetail shape. That is, the groove 212A may have a tapered shape that decreases in size in the third direction toward the opening in the second direction.

[0068] 30, the housing 200A has four side walls 210A. The four side walls 210A are divided into two sets, each set consisting of two side walls 210A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As described above, when there is one terminal 300A, the housing 200A only needs to have two side walls 210A.

[0069] 33, in the present embodiment, the two side walls 210A of each pair are spaced apart from each other and face each other in the second direction. Four grooves 212A are formed in the four side walls 210A, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the housing 200A has two grooves 212A and two side walls 210A, it is sufficient that the housing 200A is configured such that the two side walls 210A are spaced apart from each other and face each other in the second direction, and the two grooves 212A are formed in the two side walls 210A, respectively.

[0070] 30, the housing 200A has four press-fit portions 220. The four press-fit portions 220 are divided into two sets, each set consisting of two press-fit portions 220. The press-fit portions 220 of this embodiment are similar to the press-fit portions 220 of the above-described embodiments, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 30, the housing 200A has two terminal accommodating portions 240, two fixing portions 250, and a top plate portion 260. As shown in Fig. 31, each of the grooves 212A is located rearward in the front-rear direction of the top plate portion 260. The terminal accommodating portions 240, fixing portions 250, and top plate portion 260 of this embodiment are similar to the terminal accommodating portion 240 of the above-described embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] 29, each of terminals 300A of the present embodiment is made of metal. Referring to FIG. 22, the thickness of first bus bar 500 is greater than the thickness of terminals 300A. The thickness of third bus bar 850 is greater than the thickness of terminals 300A. Terminals 300A correspond to two pairs of side walls 210A, respectively. Terminals 300A correspond to two pairs of grooves 212A, respectively. Terminals 300A correspond to two pairs of press-fit portions 220, respectively. As shown in FIG. 35, terminal 300A has first connecting portion 310, second connecting portion 320A, and linking portion 330. Here, first connecting portion 310 and linking portion 330 are similar to first connecting portion 310 and linking portion 330 of terminal 300 described above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 35, second connection portion 320A of the present embodiment extends in the first direction. Second connection portion 320A has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the third direction. Second connection portion 320A has through-hole 322. Through-hole 322 penetrates second connection portion 320A in a direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction. Unlike second connection portion 320 of the above-described embodiments, second connection portion 320A of the present embodiment does not have protrusion 324. As shown in FIG. 22, second connection portion 320A is connected to second bus bar 600A.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 23 , both ends 325A in the second direction of each second connection portion 320A of terminal 300A correspond to two grooves 212A of a corresponding set. When structural body 10A attached to housing 800 is connected to third bus bar 850, the outer ends in the second direction of each second connection portion 320A of terminal 300A are positioned inside the corresponding grooves 212A of the corresponding set in the second direction. When structural body 10A attached to housing 800 is connected to third bus bar 850, the inner ends in the second direction of each second connection portion 320A of terminal 300A are positioned outside the corresponding grooves 212A of the corresponding set in the second direction. In other words, when structural body 10A attached to housing 800 is connected to third bus bar 850, both ends 325A in the second direction of each second connection portion 320A of terminal 300A are not positioned within the corresponding grooves 212A of the corresponding set.

[0075] 28 , both ends 325A of second connection portion 320A in the second direction are adjacent to two grooves 212A in the third direction. Specifically, when relay structure 100A is not connected to second bus bar 600A, both ends 325A of second connection portion 320A of each terminal 300A in the second direction are adjacent to two grooves 212A of the corresponding pair in housing 200A in the third direction. That is, in relay structure 100A alone, both ends 325A of second connection portion 320A of each terminal 300A in the second direction are adjacent to two grooves 212A of the corresponding pair in housing 200A in the third direction. Note that the present invention is not limited to this. The relay structure 100A may be configured so that at least one end 325A in the second direction of the second connection portion 320A of the terminal 300A is adjacent to the at least one groove 212A of the housing 200A in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

[0076] 34 and 35, the distance DTA between both ends 325A of the second connection portion 320A of the terminal 300A in the second direction is smaller than the distance DS between the two corresponding side walls 210A. Referring to FIG. 28, when the relay structure 100A is not connected to the second bus bar 600A, both ends 325A in the second direction of each second connection portion 320A of the terminal 300A are positioned below the corresponding grooves 212A in the corresponding set of the housing 200A in the up-down direction. That is, in the relay structure 100A alone, both ends 325A in the second direction of each second connection portion 320A of the terminal 300A are positioned below the corresponding grooves 212A in the corresponding set of the housing 200A in the up-down direction.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 20, second bus bar 600A of the present embodiment has an angular C-shape when viewed from the second direction. Referring to FIG. 23, second bus bar 600A corresponds to each of two pairs of side walls 210A. Second bus bar 600A corresponds to each of two pairs of grooves 212A. As shown in FIG. 38, second bus bar 600A is provided with connection portion 610A. Connection portion 610A is provided with two protrusions 614 protruding in the second direction. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A is provided with at least one protrusion 614 protruding in the second direction. Connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A is provided with hole portion 612. Hole portion 612 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The second bus bar 600A has a flat plate portion 620 and an additional connection portion 630. The flat plate portion 620 and the additional connection portion 630 of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The connection portion 610A extends in the first direction from one end of the flat plate portion 620 in the third direction. That is, the connection portion 610A extends rearward in the front-rear direction from the lower end of the flat plate portion 620 in the up-down direction.

[0078] 22 , second bus bar 600A is connected to third bus bar 850. That is, second bus bar 600A is screwed to third bus bar 850. Specifically, when connecting second bus bar 600A and third bus bar 850, shank 892 of bolt 890 passes through through holes 632, 852 and is screwed into nut 895, and additional connection portion 630 and third bus bar 850 are sandwiched between head 891 of bolt 890 and nut 895.

[0079] 22 , in the fastened state, second connection portion 320A is connected to connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A. Specifically, in the fastened state, bolt 705 is fastened to nut 720, and shank 710 of bolt 705 is passed through both hole portion 612 and through hole 322 and extends in an axial direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, so that second connection portion 320A of terminal 300A and second bus bar 600A are sandwiched between head 708 of bolt 705 and nut 720 and fixed to each other.

[0080] 34 and 38, the distance DB between both ends 615 of the connection portion 610A of the second bus bar 600A in the second direction is greater than the distance DS between the two side walls 210A of the corresponding pair. Referring to FIG. 23, in the fastened state, both ends 615 of the connection portion 610A of the second bus bar 600A in the second direction are held by the housing 200A while partially disengaging from the two grooves 212A of the corresponding pair and biting into the housing 200A. Note that the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the structure 10A is configured such that, in the fastened state, at least one end 615 of the connection portion 610A of the second bus bar 600A in the second direction is held by the housing 200A while at least partially disengaging from the at least one groove 212A and biting into the housing 200A.

[0081] 23 , in the fastened state, both ends 615 of connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A in the second direction are held by housing 200A in a state where they are partially out of the corresponding pair of two grooves 212A and are engaged in the housing 200A while being held therein. More specifically, in the fastened state, both ends 615 of connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A in the second direction are partially out of the corresponding pair of two grooves 212A and are held therein while being engaged in the housing 200A while being held therein.

[0082] 23, in the fastened state, the two protrusions 614 of the connection portion 610A of the second bus bar 600A are partially disengaged from the corresponding pair of two grooves 212A and are held in the housing 200A while being embedded in the housing 200A. Note that the present invention is not limited to this. The structure 10A may be configured such that, in the fastened state, at least one protrusion 614 is held in the housing 200A while being embedded in the housing 200A.

[0083] 23 , in the fastened state, the two protrusions 614 of the connecting portion 610A of the second bus bar 600A are partially out of the corresponding pair of two grooves 212A, respectively, toward the outside in the axial direction, and are held by the housing 200A in a state where they are biting into the housing 200A. More specifically, in the fastened state, the two protrusions 614 of the connecting portion 610A of the second bus bar 600A are partially out of the corresponding pair of two grooves 212A, respectively, toward the upward direction in the up-down direction, and are held by the housing 200A in a state where they are biting into the housing 200A.

[0084] As described above, in the fastened state, protrusion 614 provided on connection portion 610A is held by housing 200A while biting into housing 200A. As a result, in structure 10A of the present embodiment as well, in the fastened state, the volume of the portion of connection portion 610A that bites into housing 200A is made as small as possible, while effectively restricting the movement of connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A.

[0085] In structure 10A of the above-described embodiment, two protrusions 614 are provided on connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A, but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as at least one end of connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A in the second direction is held by housing 200A in a state where it is biting into housing 200A in the fastened state, connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A may not be provided with protrusions 614. Furthermore, the portion of connection portion 610A that bites into housing 200A in the fastened state may be any portion of connection portion 610A, as long as it is one end of connection portion 610A in the second direction.

[0086] The assembly of structure 10A and the attachment of structure 10A to housing 800 and third bus bar 850 will be described in detail below.

[0087] First, first bus bar 500 is screwed to terminal 300A of relay structure 100A. Specifically, shaft 872 of bolt 870 is passed through through hole 312 of first connecting portion 310 of terminal 300A and through hole 510 of first bus bar 500 and screwed into nut 875, and first connecting portion 310 and first bus bar 500 are sandwiched between head 871 of bolt 870 and nut 875, thereby screwing first bus bar 500 to first connecting portion 310 of terminal 300A of relay structure 100A.

[0088] Next, the connecting portion 610A of the second bus bar 600A is attached to the housing 200A of the relay structure 100A, and then the connecting portion 610A of the second bus bar 600A is screwed to the second connecting portion 320A of the terminal 300A of the relay structure 100A. Specifically, the protrusion 614 of the connecting portion 610A of the second bus bar 600A is inserted from behind into the groove 212A of the housing 200A of the relay structure 100A, and the second bus bar 600A is moved forward relative to the relay structure 100A until the through hole 322 of the second connecting portion 320A of the terminal 300A and the hole 612 of the connecting portion 610A of the second bus bar 600A are aligned in a plane perpendicular to the third direction. Then, the shaft 710 of the bolt 705 is passed through the through hole 322 of the second connection portion 320A of the terminal 300A and the hole 612 of the connection portion 610A of the second bus bar 600A and screwed into the nut 720, and the second connection portion 320A and the connection portion 610A of the second bus bar 600A are sandwiched between the head 708 of the bolt 705 and the nut 720, thereby screwing the connection portion 610A of the second bus bar 600A to the second connection portion 320A of the terminal 300A of the relay structure 100A.

[0089] Thereafter, structure 10A is attached to housing 800, with structure 10A positioned vertically below third bus bar 850. In this state, protrusion 614 of connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A is positioned within groove 212A and does not bite into housing 200A.

[0090] In this state, the shaft 892 of the bolt 890 is passed through the through-hole 632 of the additional connection portion 630 of the second bus bar 600A of the structure 10A and the through-hole 852 of the third bus bar 850, and screwed into the nut 895. This places the structure 10A and the third bus bar 850 in the state shown in FIGS. 25 to 27. In this state, the protrusion 614 of the connection portion 610A of the second bus bar 600A is still positioned within the groove 212A and is not embedded in the housing 200A. In this state, a clearance CLA is provided between the second bus bar 600A and the third bus bar 850 to take into account variations in the position of the connection portion 610A of the second bus bar 600A due to tolerances in the spacing between the housing 800 and the third bus bar 850, dimensional tolerances in the third direction of the second bus bar 600A, and the like.

[0091] Then, bolt 890 is further screwed into nut 895 to clamp additional connection portion 630 of second bus bar 600A and third bus bar 850 between head 891 of bolt 890 and nut 895 and tighten the bolt. Then, both ends 615 of connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A in the second direction partially disengage from groove 212A and engage with housing 200A. That is, at this time, protrusion 614 of connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A partially disengages from groove 212A and engages with housing 200A. This places structure 10A and third bus bar 850 in the states shown in FIGS. 20 to 24, completing the assembly and installation of structure 10A. In this state, coupling portion 330 of terminal 300A elastically deforms, increasing the distance in the third direction between first connection portion 310 and second connection portion 320A. That is, after connection of second bus bar 600A of structure 10A fixed to housing 800 to third bus bar 850 is completed, distance D1A (see FIG. 22) in the third direction between first connection portion 310 and second connection portion 320A is greater than distance D2A (see FIG. 36) in the third direction between first connection portion 310 and second connection portion 320A when terminal 300A is in its natural state. Also, in this state, both ends 615 in the second direction of connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A are partially removed from groove 212A and are held by housing 200A in a state where they are wedged into housing 200A. That is, in this state, protrusion 614 of connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A is partially removed from groove 212A and is held by housing 200A in a state where they are wedged into housing 200A. Furthermore, in this state, additional connection portion 630 of second bus bar 600A and third bus bar 850 are in close contact with each other in the third direction, and the clearance CLA is absorbed.

[0092] As described above, according to structure 10A of the present embodiment, when structure 10A attached to housing 800 is connected to third bus bar 850, the elastic deformation of coupling portion 330 of terminal 300A can be utilized to absorb variations in the position of connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A. That is, according to structure 10A, in the fastened state, the elastic deformation of coupling portion 330 of terminal 300A is utilized to absorb variations in the position of connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A. Also, as described above, when absorbing the variations, connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A, which was located within groove 212A of housing 200A, is partially released from groove 212A and is retained by housing 200A in a state where it is embedded in housing 200A. This makes it difficult for connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A to move. Therefore, the structure 10A of this embodiment can suppress the generation of abnormal noise even when used in an environment with a lot of vibration, and can reduce the possibility of damage to the second bus bar 600A and the terminal 300A.

[0093] In the above-described mounting method, the second bus bar 600A, which is previously screwed to the second connection portion 320A of the terminal 300A of the relay structure 100A, is then screwed to the third bus bar 850. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The mounting order may be changed so that the second bus bar 600A, which is previously screwed to the third bus bar 850, is then screwed to the second connection portion 320A of the terminal 300A of the relay structure 100A. Even when the mounting order is changed in this manner, the same effect as described above can be achieved. In this case, when the second bus bar 600A is screwed to the second connection portion 320A, both ends 615 of the connection portion 610A of the second bus bar 600A in the second direction are partially removed from the groove 212A and engage with the housing 200A. That is, in this case, when second bus bar 600A is screwed to second connection portion 320A, protrusion 614 of connection portion 610A of second bus bar 600A partially comes out of groove 212A and bites into housing 200A.

[0094] In the above-described mounting method, relay structure 100A to which second bus bar 600A has been previously screwed is mounted on housing 800, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the mounting order may be changed so that second bus bar 600A is previously screwed to relay structure 100A that has been previously mounted on housing 800. Even when the mounting order is changed in this way, the same effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0095] As described above, when relay structure 100A is not connected to second bus bar 600A, both ends 325A in the second direction of each second connection portion 320A of terminal 300A are positioned below the corresponding grooves 212A of the corresponding set of housing 200A in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When relay structure 100A is not connected to second bus bar 600A, both ends 325A in the second direction of each second connection portion 320A of terminal 300A may be positioned above the corresponding grooves 212A of the corresponding set of housing 200A in the vertical direction. That is, in relay structure 100A alone, both ends 325A in the second direction of each second connection portion 320A of terminal 300A may be positioned above the corresponding grooves 212A of the corresponding set of housing 200A in the vertical direction. In addition, in consideration of the ease of connecting the connection portion 610A of the second bus bar 600A to the second connection portion 320A of the relay structure 100A, the configuration of this embodiment is more preferable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10,10A Structure 100,100A relay structure 200,200A housing 210,210A side wall 212,212A Groove 220 Press-fit part 240 Terminal housing 250 Fixed part 260 Top plate 300,300A terminal 310 First connection part 312 Through hole 314 Press-fit protrusion 320,320A Second connection part 322 Through hole 324 Protrusion 325,325A end (one end) 330 Connection section 500 1st bus bar 510 Through hole 600,600A Second bus bar 610,610A connection part 612 Hole 614 Protrusion 615 end (one end) 620 Flat plate part 630 Additional Connections 632 Through hole 700 Fastening members 705 volts 708 Head 710 Shaft 720 Nut 800 cabinets 850 3rd bus bar 852 Through hole 870 volts 871 Head 872 Shaft 875 Nut 890 volts 891 Head 892 Shaft 895 Nut CL Clearance CLA Clearance D1 Distance D1A Distance D2 distance D2A distance DB distance DS Distance DT distance DTA distance

Claims

1. A structure including a fastening member, a first bus bar, a second bus bar, and a relay structure, The fastening member has a shaft portion, The second bus bar is provided with a connection portion, a hole is provided in the connection portion of the second bus bar, the relay structure relays between the first bus bar and the second bus bar, The relay structure includes a terminal and a housing, The housing holds the terminals, The housing has at least one groove formed therein; the at least one groove extends along a first direction and is recessed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The terminal has a first connection portion, a second connection portion, and a linking portion, the connecting portion is elastically deformable and connects the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the first connection portion is connected to the first bus bar, The second connection portion is provided with a through hole, the fastening member is in a fastened fastening state, In the fastened state, the shaft portion is passed through both the hole portion and the through-hole, and extends in an axial direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, In the fastened state, the second connection portion is connected to the connection portion of the second bus bar, In the fastened state, one of the connection portion of the second bus bar and the second connection portion of the terminal is at least partially removed from the at least one groove and is bitten into the housing. structure.

2. 10. The structure of claim 1, In the fastened state, at least one end of the second connection portion of the terminal in the second direction is at least partially out of the at least one groove and is bitten into the housing. structure.

3. 10. The structure of claim 1, In the fastened state, at least one end of the connection portion of the second bus bar in the second direction is at least partially out of the at least one groove and is bitten into the housing. structure.

4. 10. The structure of claim 1, at least one protrusion protruding in the second direction is provided on either the connection portion of the second bus bar or the second connection portion of the terminal, In the fastened state, the at least one protrusion is engaged with the housing. structure.

5. 2. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the relay structure connects the first bus bar and the second bus bar, The relay structure includes a terminal and a housing, The housing holds the terminals, The housing has at least one groove formed therein; the at least one groove extends along a first direction and is recessed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The terminal has a first connection portion, a second connection portion, and a linking portion, the connecting portion is elastically deformable and connects the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the first connection portion is connected to the first bus bar, The second connection portion is provided with a through hole, the second connection portion is connected to the second bus bar, The through hole penetrates the second connection portion in a direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction. Intermediate structure.

6. 6. The relay structure according to claim 5, At least one end of the second connection portion in the second direction is partially positioned within the at least one groove of the housing. Intermediate structure.

7. 7. The relay structure according to claim 6, The housing has two side walls; the two side walls are spaced apart from each other and face each other in the second direction, the at least one groove includes two grooves; the two grooves are formed in the two side walls, respectively; Both ends of the second connection portion in the second direction are partially located within the two grooves, respectively. Intermediate structure.

8. The relay structure according to claim 7, The second connection portion of the terminal is provided with two protrusions that protrude in the second direction, The protrusions are partially located within the two grooves. Intermediate structure.

9. 6. The relay structure according to claim 5, At least one end of the second connection portion of the terminal in the second direction is adjacent to the at least one groove of the housing in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction. Intermediate structure.

10. 10. The relay structure according to claim 9, The housing has two side walls; the two side walls are spaced apart from each other and face each other in the second direction, the at least one groove includes two grooves; the two grooves are formed in the two side walls, respectively; Both ends of the second connection portion in the second direction are adjacent to the two grooves in the third direction. Intermediate structure.

11. 6. The relay structure according to claim 5, The connecting portion has an S-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. Intermediate structure.

12. 6. The relay structure according to claim 5, The at least one groove has a tapered shape in the second direction. Intermediate structure.

Images