Bus bar connection body and structure

Abstract

To provide a bus bar connection body in which a work space for fastening a first bus bar and a second bus bar with a bolt is provided along a direction in which a first contact part and a second contact part extend.SOLUTION: The bus bar connection body 100 includes a first bus bar 200, a second bus bar 300, a pressing mechanism 400, and a regulating member 500. When the bolt 410 of the pressing mechanism 400 is fastened in a state where the second contact portion 310 of the second busbar 300 is located between the first contact portion 210 of the first busbar 200 and the receiving portion 510 of the regulating member 500 in the housing space, the pressurizing portion 432 of the second member 430 of the pressing mechanism 400 presses the conversion surface 424 of the first member 420 of the pressing mechanism 400 at least in the first direction. When the pressurizing portion 432 presses the conversion surface 424, the pressing portion 422 of the first member 420 presses the first contact portion 210 against the second contact portion 310 in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction, while the receiving portion 510 receives the second contact portion 310.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a busbar connector including a first busbar and a second busbar. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses this type of power supply structure (busbar connector) 900. Referring to FIG. 52, the busbar connector 900 includes a power supply busbar (first busbar) 910, a power supply busbar (second busbar) 920, a screw (bolt) 930, and a metal sheet 940. The first busbar 910 has a contact surface (first contact portion) 912 and a mounting hole 914. The first contact portion 912 extends in the X direction. The mounting hole 914 is a hole that penetrates the first contact portion 912 in the Z direction. The second busbar 920 has a contact surface (second contact portion) 922 and a mounting hole 924. The second contact portion 922 extends in the X direction. The mounting hole 924 is a hole that penetrates the second contact portion 922 in the Z direction. The bolt 930 has a shaft portion 932 that extends in the Z direction. Metal sheet 940 has mounting holes 942 that penetrate in the Z direction. By passing shank 932 of bolt 930 through mounting holes 914, 924, and 942 and fastening first bus bar 910 and second bus bar 920 with bolt 930, first contact portion 912 and second contact portion 922 are connected to each other via metal sheet 940 in the direction in which shank 932 extends, i.e., in the Z direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-159544 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the busbar connector 900 of Patent Document 1, when the first busbar 910 and the second busbar 920 are fastened together with the bolt 930, the bolt 930 is tightened in a direction perpendicular to the first contact portion 912 and the second contact portion 922. As a result, in a busbar connector such as the busbar connector 900 of Patent Document 1, extra space is required for the bolt tightening operation in a direction perpendicular to the first contact portion 912 and the second contact portion. This extra working space places unnecessary restrictions on the arrangement of components around the busbar connector. On the other hand, if the space for the bolt tightening operation is provided along the extension direction of the first contact portion and the second contact portion, the above-mentioned problem does not occur because there is no need to secure extra working space in the direction perpendicular to the first contact portion and the second contact portion. Therefore, there is a demand for a busbar connector in which the space for the bolt tightening operation is provided along the extension direction of the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a busbar connector in which a working space for fastening a first busbar and a second busbar with a bolt is provided along the direction in which the first contact portion and the second contact portion extend. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a first bus bar connector, A busbar connector including a first busbar, a second busbar, a pressing mechanism, and a restricting member, the first bus bar has a first contact portion; the second bus bar has a second contact portion; the pressing mechanism includes a bolt, a first member, and a second member; The bolt has a shaft portion extending in a first direction, The first member has a pressing portion and a conversion surface, the conversion surface intersects with both the first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the second member has a pressure applying portion, The restricting member has a receiving portion, the receiving portion is located away from the pressing portion in the second direction, Before the bolt is tightened, the distance between the pressing portion and the receiving portion in the second direction is greater than the sum of the thickness of the first contact portion and the thickness of the second contact portion, an accommodation space for accommodating the first contact portion and the second contact portion is formed in the bus bar connector; The accommodation space is located between the pressing portion and the receiving portion, When the bolt is fastened in a state in which the second contact portion is positioned between the first contact portion and the receiving portion in the accommodation space, the pressure portion presses the conversion surface in at least the first direction, When the pressure applying portion presses the converting surface, the pressing portion presses the first contact portion against the second contact portion in the second direction, while the receiving portion receives the second contact portion. A busbar connector is provided.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention provides a first busbar connector as the second busbar connector, The accommodation space is open in the first direction, At least one of the first contact portion and the second contact portion is accommodated in the accommodation space along the first direction. A busbar connector is provided.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention provides a third busbar connector, which is a first busbar connector, a first through hole is formed in the first member, a second through hole is formed in the second member, the shank of the bolt is inserted into the first through hole and the second through hole, The restricting member is a band that holds the first member and the second member together when the bolt is fastened. A busbar connector is provided.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention provides a fourth bus bar connector, which is a first bus bar connector, The bolt also serves as the second member, The bolt has a truncated cone portion formed thereon, The truncated cone portion functions as the pressure applying portion, The restricting member further includes a main portion and an arm portion, The main portion has opposing tapered portions formed thereon, the arm portion extends from the main portion and supports the receiving portion; When the bolt is fastened, the truncated cone portion presses the conversion surface, causing the pressing portion to move toward the receiving portion, while the truncated cone portion presses the opposing tapered portion, causing the receiving portion to move toward the pressing portion. A busbar connector is provided.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention provides a fifth bus bar connector, which is the fourth bus bar connector, the bus bar connector further includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing holds the first bus bar, the pressing mechanism, and the regulating member; The restricting member and the first member are each movable in the second direction, the second housing holds the second bus bar, When the first housing is fitted to the second housing and the bolt is fastened, the first contact portion is pressed against the second contact portion. A busbar connector is provided.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention provides a sixth bus bar connector, which is a first bus bar connector, The second member further includes a through hole and an extension portion, The bolt is inserted into the through hole, The extension portion extends along the first direction, The pressure applying portion is provided on the extension portion, The restricting member further includes a main portion and an arm portion, the arm portion extends from the main portion and supports the receiving portion; the extension portion and the first member are located between the receiving portion and the main portion, When the bolt is fastened, the second member moves along the first direction, and the pressure member presses the conversion surface. A busbar connector is provided.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention provides a seventh bus bar connector, which is the sixth bus bar connector, The extension portion has an additional pressure portion formed thereon, The main portion has opposing tapered portions formed thereon, When the bolt is tightened, the additional pressure portion presses the opposing tapered portion, and the receiving portion moves toward the pressing portion. A busbar connector is provided.

[0013] The present invention also provides an eighth busbar connector, which is the seventh busbar connector, the bus bar connector further includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing holds the first bus bar, the pressing mechanism, and the regulating member; The restricting member and the first member are each movable in the second direction, the second housing holds the second bus bar, When the first housing is fitted to the second housing and the bolt is fastened, the first contact portion is pressed against the second contact portion. A busbar connector is provided.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention provides a ninth bus bar connector, which is the fourth or seventh bus bar connector, the bus bar connector further includes a spring member, The spring member sandwiches the main portion and the first member so that the main portion faces the conversion surface. A busbar connector is provided.

[0015] The present invention also provides a first structure comprising: A fifth structure is provided that includes a first housing, the first bus bar, the pressing mechanism, and the regulating member.

[0016] The present invention also provides a second structure, An eighth aspect of the present invention provides a structure including a first housing, the first bus bar, the pressing mechanism, and the regulating member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] A busbar connection according to the present invention is configured as follows: the busbar connection includes a first busbar, a second busbar, a pressing mechanism, and a restricting member; the pressing mechanism includes a bolt, a first member, and a second member; the bolt has a shaft extending in a first direction; when the bolt is fastened within the accommodation space with the second contact portion of the second busbar positioned between the first contact portion of the first busbar and the receiving portion of the restricting member, the pressing portion of the second member presses the conversion surface of the first member in at least the first direction; when the pressing portion presses the conversion surface, the pressing portion of the first member presses the first contact portion against the second contact portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, while the receiving portion receives the second contact portion. Thus, in the busbar connection according to the present invention, the extension direction of the shaft of the bolt used to fasten the first busbar and the second busbar is perpendicular to the direction in which the first contact portion is pressed against the second contact portion. That is, in the busbar connector of the present invention, the direction in which the shank of the bolt extends coincides with the direction in which the first and second contact portions extend. Therefore, in the busbar connector of the present invention, a working space for fastening the first busbar and the second busbar with the bolt is provided along the direction in which the first and second contact portions extend, and unnecessary restrictions are not imposed on the arrangement of components around the busbar connector. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing a busbar connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which the bolt is not fastened to the nut and the first busbar and the second busbar are not connected. [Figure 2] 2 is a side view showing the bus bar connector of FIG 1. In the drawing, part of the second bus bar, part of the second member, and part of the restricting member are indicated by dashed lines. [Figure 3] 3 is another side view showing the busbar connector of FIG. 2. In the figure, a bolt is fastened to a nut, and the first busbar and the second busbar are connected to each other. In the figure, a part of the first busbar, a part of the second busbar, a part of the first member, a part of the second member, and a part of the restricting member are indicated by dashed lines. [Figure 4] 10 is a perspective view showing a busbar connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the bolts are not fastened to the nuts and the first busbar and the second busbar are not connected. [Figure 5] 5 is a partially cutaway perspective cross-sectional view showing the bus bar connector of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 5 is another perspective view showing the bus bar connector of FIG. 4. In the figure, the bolt is fastened to the nut, and the first bus bar and the second bus bar are connected to each other. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top view showing the bus bar connector of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the bus bar connector of FIG. 7 taken along line AA. [Figure 9] 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the bus bar connector of FIG. 7 taken along line BB. [Figure 10] 5 is a perspective view showing a first structure included in the bus bar connector of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 11] 5 is a perspective view showing a second structure included in the bus bar connector of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 12] 5 is a perspective view showing a portion of the bus bar connector of FIG. 4 excluding the first housing, the second housing, one of the connection elements, one of the first bus bars, and one of the second bus bars. FIG. [Figure 13]7 is a perspective view showing a portion of the bus bar connector of FIG. 6 excluding the first housing, the second housing, one of the connection elements, one of the first bus bars, and one of the second bus bars. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the bus bar connector of FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a perspective view showing a portion of the bus bar connector of FIG. 12 excluding the first bus bar and the second bus bar. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the bus bar connector of FIG. [Figure 17] 16 is another cross-sectional view showing the bus bar connector of FIG. 15. [Figure 18] 16 is an exploded perspective view showing a connection element included in the bus bar connector of FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 19] 19 is a front view showing a first member included in the connecting element of FIG. 18. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a rear view showing the first member of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] FIG. 20 is a top view showing the first member of FIG. 19. [Figure 22] FIG. 20 is a bottom view showing the first member of FIG. 19. [Figure 23] FIG. 20 is a side view showing the first member of FIG. 19. [Figure 24] 19 is a front view showing a restricting member included in the connecting element of FIG. 18. FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a rear view showing the restricting member of FIG. 24. [Figure 26] FIG. 25 is a top view showing the restricting member of FIG. 24. [Figure 27] FIG. 25 is a bottom view showing the restricting member of FIG. 24. [Figure 28] FIG. 25 is a side view showing the restricting member of FIG. 24. [Figure 29] 10 is a perspective view showing a bus bar connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the bolts are not fastened to the nuts and the first bus bar and the second bus bar are not connected. [Figure 30] 30 is a cross-sectional view showing the bus bar connector of Fig. 29. In the figure, a part of the first structure is shown enlarged. [Figure 31] FIG. 30 is another perspective view showing the bus bar connector of FIG. 29. In the figure, the bolt is fastened to the nut, and the first bus bar and the second bus bar are connected to each other. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a top view showing the bus bar connector of FIG. 31. [Figure 33] 33 is a cross-sectional view of the busbar connector taken along line CC of FIG. 32. In the figure, a portion of the busbar connector is shown enlarged. [Figure 34] 33 is a cross-sectional view of the busbar connector taken along line DD in FIG. 32. In the figure, a portion of the busbar connector is shown enlarged. [Figure 35] 30 is a perspective view showing a portion of the bus bar connector of FIG. 29 excluding the first housing and the second housing. FIG. [Figure 36] 32 is a perspective view showing a portion of the bus bar connector of FIG. 31 excluding the first housing and the second housing. FIG. [Figure 37] 30 is a perspective view showing a first structure included in the bus bar connector of FIG. 29. FIG. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view showing the first structure of FIG. 37. [Figure 39] 30 is a perspective view showing a second structure included in the bus bar connector of FIG. 29. FIG. [Figure 40] 36 is a perspective view showing a connection element and a push-up member included in the bus bar connector of FIG. 35. FIG. [Figure 41] 41 is an exploded perspective view showing the connection element of FIG. 40. Here, one of the first members and one of the restricting members are omitted. [Figure 42] 42 is a front view showing a first member included in the connecting element of FIG. 41. FIG. [Figure 43] FIG. 43 is a rear view showing the first member of FIG. 42. [Figure 44] FIG. 43 is a top view showing the first member of FIG. 42. [Figure 45] 42 is a front view showing a second member assembly included in the connecting element of FIG. 41. FIG. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a top view showing the second member assembly of FIG. 45. [Figure 47]FIG. 46 is a bottom view showing the second member assembly of FIG. 45. [Figure 48] FIG. 46 is a side view showing the second member assembly of FIG. 45. [Figure 49] 42 is a front view showing a restricting member included in the connecting element of FIG. 41. FIG. [Figure 50] FIG. 50 is a rear view showing the restricting member of FIG. 49. [Figure 51] FIG. 50 is a top view showing the restricting member of FIG. 49. [Figure 52] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the power supply structure of Patent Document 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] (First embodiment) 1, a busbar connection body 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a first busbar 200, a second busbar 300, a pressing mechanism 400, and a restricting member 500. The busbar connection body 100 of this embodiment is used, for example, to connect busbars together inside an electric vehicle.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1 , the first bus bar 200 of this embodiment has a first contact portion 210. The first contact portion 210 extends in a first direction. The first contact portion 210 intersects with a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. Specifically, the first contact portion 210 has a flat plate shape that is perpendicular to the second direction. In this embodiment, the first direction is the Z direction. The first direction is also the up-down direction. Here, the upward direction is the +Z direction, and the downward direction is the -Z direction. In this embodiment, the second direction is also the Y direction. The second direction is also the front-to-rear direction. Here, the forward direction is the +Y direction, and the rearward direction is the -Y direction.

[0021] 1, second bus bar 300 of the present embodiment has second contact portion 310. Second contact portion 310 extends in a first direction. Second contact portion 310 has a flat plate shape that is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0022] 2, pressing mechanism 400 of the present embodiment includes bolt 410, a first member 420, and a second member 430. First bus bar 200, bolt 410, and first member 420 configure first connecting element 151.

[0023] 2, bolt 410 of this embodiment is made of metal. Bolt 410 has a shaft portion 412 extending in a first direction. Bolt 410 also has a head portion 411. Head portion 411 defines the upper end of bolt 410 in the up-down direction.

[0024] 2, first member 420 in this embodiment is made of an insulating material. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The material of first member 420 may be a conductive metal or the like, as long as it has sufficient strength. First member 420 has a pressing portion 422 and a conversion surface 424.

[0025] 2, pressing portion 422 in this embodiment is a plane perpendicular to the second direction. Pressing portion 422 is located rearward of conversion surface 424 in the front-rear direction. Pressing portion 422 defines the rear end of first member 420 in the front-rear direction. Pressing portion 422 is fixed to first bus bar 200. In other words, first member 420 is fixed to first bus bar 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and first member 420 does not have to be fixed to first bus bar 200.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the conversion surface 424 of this embodiment intersects with both the first direction and the second direction. More specifically, the conversion surface 424 is a plane that intersects with both the first direction and the second direction obliquely. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the conversion surface 424 may be configured as a curved surface that intersects with both the first direction and the second direction obliquely. The conversion surface 424 extends upward and forward. The conversion surface 424 is located in front of the pressing portion 422 in the front-rear direction.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2, a first through hole 426 is formed in the first member 420. The first through hole 426 is a hole that penetrates the first member 420 in a first direction. The shank 412 of the bolt 410 is inserted into the first through hole 426. The first through hole 426 has an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the shank 412 of the bolt 410. This allows the shank 412 of the bolt 410 to move to a certain extent within the first through hole 426.

[0028] Referring to Fig. 1, second member 430 in this embodiment is made of an insulating material. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The material of second member 430 may be a conductive metal or the like, as long as it has sufficient strength. As shown in Fig. 2, second member 430 has pressure member 432.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the pressure applying portion 432 of this embodiment intersects with both the first direction and the second direction. More specifically, the pressure applying portion 432 is a plane that intersects with both the first direction and the second direction at an angle. The pressure applying portion 432 extends upward and forward. The angle that the pressure applying portion 432 makes with the first direction is the same as the angle that the conversion surface 424 makes with the first direction. The angle that the pressure applying portion 432 makes with the second direction is the same as the angle that the conversion surface 424 makes with the second direction.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 2, a second through hole 434 is formed in the second member 430. The second through hole 434 is a hole that penetrates the second member 430 in the first direction. With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the shank 412 of the bolt 410 is inserted into the second through hole 434. The second through hole 434 has an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the shank 412 of the bolt 410. This allows the shank 412 of the bolt 410 to move to a certain extent within the second through hole 434.

[0031] 1, regulating member 500 of the present embodiment is a band. Second bus bar 300 is fixed to regulating member 500. That is, second member 430 is fixed to regulating member 500.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the restricting member 500 has a receiving portion 510 .

[0033] As shown in Fig. 2, the receiving portion 510 of this embodiment faces forward in the front-rear direction. The receiving portion 510 is a plane perpendicular to the second direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the receiving portion 510 is located away from the pressing portion 422 in the second direction. The receiving portion 510 is fixed to the second contact portion 310.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the restricting member 500 further includes two restricting portions 502 and two connecting portions 505.

[0035] 1, each of the restriction portions 502 in this embodiment has a flat plate shape that is perpendicular to the second direction. The restriction portion 502 defines the front end of the restriction member 500 in the front-rear direction. The second member 430 is fixed to the restriction portion 502.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1 , the connecting portions 505 of this embodiment define both ends of the regulating member 500 in the third direction. Each of the illustrated connecting portions 505 has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the third direction. The connecting portions 505 connect the regulating portions 502 and the receiving portions 510. The connecting portions 505 correspond to the respective regulating portions 502. Each of the connecting portions 505 connects the corresponding regulating portion 502 and the receiving portion 510. In this embodiment, the third direction is the X direction.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the restriction member 500 has one slit 503 .

[0038] 1, the slit 503 in this embodiment extends in the first direction. The slit 503 is located between the two restriction portions 502 in the third direction. The slit 503 is located at the front end of the restriction member 500. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the restriction member 500 may have two slits 503 located at the front end and the rear end.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the bus bar connector 100 has an accommodating space 110 formed therein to accommodate the first contact portion 210 and the second contact portion 310 .

[0040] 1 and 2, the accommodation space 110 in this embodiment is located between the pressing portion 422 and the receiving portion 510. The accommodation space 110 is open in a first direction. The accommodation space 110 extends in the first direction. The second contact portion 310 is accommodated in the accommodation space 110 along the first direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that at least one of the first contact portion 210 and the second contact portion 310 is accommodated in the accommodation space 110 along the first direction.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the bus bar connector 100 further includes a nut 450 .

[0042] 3, the nut 450 is located below the second member 430 in the up-down direction. That is, the nut 450 is located directly below the second member 430 in the up-down direction. The nut 450 is located below the restricting member 500 in the up-down direction. The second bus bar 300, the second member 430, the restricting member 500, and the nut 450 constitute the second connecting element 152.

[0043] 3, the restricting member 500 embraces the first member 420 and the second member 430 when the bolt 410 is fastened. That is, the restricting member 500 embraces the first member 420 and the second member 430 when the bolt 410 is fastened to the nut 450. When the bolt 410 is fastened, the restricting member 500 surrounds both the first member 420 and the second member 430 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction. That is, when the bolt 410 is fastened to the nut 450, the restricting member 500 surrounds both the first member 420 and the second member 430 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0044] The operation of connecting the first bus bar 200 and the second bus bar 300 will be described in detail below.

[0045] First, the first connection element 151 and the second connection element 152 are aligned in the first direction, as shown in FIG. 2 . Next, the first connection element 151 and the second connection element 152 are brought closer to each other in the first direction. As a result, the first contact portion 210 of the first bus bar 200 is accommodated in the accommodation space 110, the bolt 410 is inserted into the second through-hole 434 of the second member 430, and the conversion surface 424 of the first member 420 contacts the pressure portion 432 of the second member 430. This state is hereinafter referred to as the pre-fastening state. In this pre-fastening state, the second contact portion 310 is positioned between the first contact portion 210 and the receiving portion 510 within the accommodation space 110.

[0046] In the pre-tightening state, bolt 410 is fastened to nut 450. Then, pressure member 432 presses conversion surface 424 in the first direction. This pressure causes pressing member 422 to press first contact portion 210 against second contact portion 310 in the second direction, and receiving portion 510 receives second contact portion 310. As a result, first bus bar 200 and second bus bar 300 are connected to each other, completing the connection operation.

[0047] More specifically, when the bolt 410 is tightened into the nut 450 in the pre-tightening state, the bolt 410 moves downward and the first member 420 is pressed downward. Then, the pressure applying portion 432 of the second member 430 presses the conversion surface 424 of the first member 420 upward, and as a reaction to this pressure, the conversion surface 424 of the first member 420 presses the pressure applying portion 432 of the second member 430 downward.

[0048] As described above, the conversion surface 424 of the first member 420 extends upward and forward. Therefore, the pressing force of the pressure applying portion 432 is converted into a force that presses backward in the front-to-rear direction by the conversion surface 424. Therefore, the first member 420 moves backward in the front-to-rear direction, and the pressing portion 422 presses the first contact portion 210 backward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0049] As described above, the pressure applying portion 432 of the second member 430 extends upward and forward. Therefore, the pressure applied by the conversion surface 424 is converted by the pressure applying portion 432 into a force applying a pressure forward in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, the second member 430 applies a force to the restricting portion 502 of the restricting member 500 forward in the front-to-rear direction. This pressure applied to the restricting portion 502 applies a force to the receiving portion 510, via the connecting portion 505, that acts forward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0050] As a result, first contact portion 210 and second contact portion 310 are pressed in a direction in which they approach each other in the second direction, and first bus bar 200 and second bus bar 300 are connected to each other.

[0051] In summary, when the bolt 410 is fastened with the second contact portion 310 positioned between the first contact portion 210 and the receiving portion 510 in the accommodation space 110, the pressure portion 432 presses the conversion surface 424 in at least the first direction. Furthermore, when the pressure portion 432 presses the conversion surface 424, the pressing portion 422 presses the first contact portion 210 against the second contact portion 310 in the second direction, while the receiving portion 510 receives the second contact portion 310.

[0052] In the busbar connection body 100 of this preferred embodiment, a first direction, which is the direction in which the shank 412 of the bolt 410 for fastening the first busbar 200 and the second busbar 300 together, extends, is perpendicular to a second direction, which is the direction in which the first contact portion 210 is pressed against the second contact portion 310. That is, in the busbar connection body 100 of this preferred embodiment, the direction in which the shank 412 of the bolt 410 extends coincides with the direction in which the first contact portion 210 and the second contact portion 310 extend. Therefore, in the busbar connection body 100 of this preferred embodiment, a working space for fastening the first busbar 200 and the second busbar 300 together with the bolt 410 is provided along the direction in which the first contact portion 210 and the second contact portion 310 extend, so that unnecessary restrictions are not imposed on the arrangement of components around the busbar connection body 100.

[0053] 2, before bolt 410 is fastened, distance Dt in the second direction between pressing portion 422 and receiving portion 510 is greater than the sum of thickness T1 of first contact portion 210 and thickness T2 of second contact portion 310. This reduces the insertion force required to insert first contact portion 210 of first bus bar 200 into accommodation space 110.

[0054] (Second embodiment) As shown in FIG. 8 , a busbar connection body 100A according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes two first busbars 200A, two second busbars 300A, two pressing mechanisms 400A, and two regulating members 500A. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the busbar connection body 100A may include one first busbar 200A, one second busbar 300A, one pressing mechanism 400A, and one regulating member 500A. The busbar connection body 100A of this embodiment is used, for example, to connect busbars in an electric vehicle. Hereinafter, the same expressions as those used in the first embodiment will be used to denote the orientations and directions in this embodiment.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 12, first bus bar 200A of the present embodiment has first contact portion 210A. First contact portion 210A extends in the third direction. First contact portion 210A has a flat plate shape that is perpendicular to the second direction. As shown in Fig. 7, two first bus bars 200A are aligned in the second direction.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 12, second busbar 300A of the present embodiment has second contact portion 310A. Second contact portion 310A extends in a first direction. Second contact portion 310A has a flat plate shape that is perpendicular to the second direction. As shown in Fig. 11, two second busbars 300A are aligned in the second direction.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 18, a pressing mechanism 400A of this embodiment includes a bolt 410A, a first member 420A, and a second member 430A.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 18, bolt 410A of the present embodiment is made of metal. Bolt 410A has a shaft portion 412A extending in a first direction. Bolt 410A has a head portion 411A. Head portion 411A defines the upper end of bolt 410A in the up-down direction. Bolt 410A also serves as second member 430A. Bolt 410A is formed with a truncated cone portion 414. Trauncated cone portion 414 is located near the center of bolt 410A in the first direction. Trauncated cone portion 414 functions as a pressure member 432A, which will be described later.

[0059] 18, the bolt 410A further has a first shaft portion 413 and a second shaft portion 415. The first shaft portion 413 is thicker than the second shaft portion 415. The truncated cone portion 414 is located between the first shaft portion 413 and the second shaft portion 415 in the first direction. The truncated cone portion 414 tapers toward the second shaft portion 415.

[0060] Referring to Fig. 19, first member 420A in this embodiment is made of an insulator. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The material of first member 420A may be a conductive metal or the like, as long as it has sufficient strength. Referring to Figs. 14 and 16, first member 420A is movable in the second direction. First member 420A has pressing portion 422A and conversion surface 424A.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 22, pressing portion 422A in this embodiment is a plane perpendicular to the second direction. Pressing portion 422A faces outward in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 16, pressing portion 422A is located outward in the second direction from conversion surface 424A. Pressing portion 422A defines the outer end of first member 420A in the second direction. Referring to FIG. 14, pressing portion 422A is not fixed to first bus bar 200A. That is, first member 420A is not fixed to first bus bar 200A.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 16 , conversion surface 424A of the present embodiment intersects with both the first direction and the second direction. More specifically, conversion surface 424A is a curved surface that intersects with both the first direction and the second direction at an angle. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and conversion surface 424A may be configured as a plane that intersects with both the first direction and the second direction at an angle. Conversion surface 424A extends upward and outward in the second direction. Conversion surface 424A is located on the inside of pressing portion 422A in the second direction. Conversion surface 424A is recessed outward in the second direction. The cross section of conversion surface 424A that is perpendicular to the first direction is arc-shaped.

[0063] 16, when the bolt 410A is not fastened, the truncated cone portion 414 is located at the same position in the first direction as the conversion surface 424A. As shown in FIG. 14, when the bolt 410A is fastened, the lower end of the truncated cone portion 414 is located lower in the up-down direction than the lower end of the conversion surface 424A.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 20, the first member 420A has a first recess 423 and a second recess 425.

[0065] 16, first recess 423 in this embodiment is recessed outward in the second direction. First recess 423 has a semicircular cross section perpendicular to the first direction. First recess 423 is located above conversion surface 424A in the up-down direction. First recess 423 is located above second recess 425 in the up-down direction. When bolt 410A is not fastened, a portion of first shaft portion 413 of bolt 410A is located within first recess 423. When bolt 410A is not fastened, truncated cone portion 414 of bolt 410A is not located within first recess 423.

[0066] 16, second recess 425 in this embodiment is recessed outward in the second direction. A cross section of second recess 425 perpendicular to the first direction is semicircular. Second recess 425 is located below conversion surface 424A in the up-down direction. Second recess 425 is located below first recess 423 in the up-down direction. The radius of curvature of the semicircular arc of the cross section of first recess 423 is larger than the radius of curvature of the semicircular arc of the cross section of second recess 425. Conversion surface 424A is located between first recess 423 and second recess 425 in the first direction. When bolt 410A is not fastened, a portion of second shaft portion 415 of bolt 410A is located within second recess 425. When bolt 410A is not fastened, truncated cone portion 414 of bolt 410A is not located within second recess 425. 14, when the bolt 410A is fastened, a part of the truncated cone portion 414 of the bolt 410A is located within the second recess 425. When the bolt 410A is fastened, the lower end of the truncated cone portion 414 of the bolt 410A is located below the upper end of the second recess 425.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 21, a hole 426A is formed in the first member 420A. The hole 426A penetrates the first member 420A in the first direction. As shown in Fig. 16, the shank 412A of the bolt 410A is inserted into the hole 426A.

[0068] 22, first member 420A has two protrusions 421. Pressing portion 422A is the outer end surface of protrusion 421 in the second direction.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 19, the first member 420A has two first member side spring receivers 428.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 17, each of the first-member-side spring receivers 428 in this embodiment is a plane perpendicular to the second direction. Each of the first-member-side spring receivers 428 faces outward in the second direction. With reference to Figs. 16 and 17, the first-member-side spring receiver 428 is located between the hole 426A and the pressing portion 422A in the second direction. The first-member-side spring receiver 428 is located outside the hole 426A in the second direction. The first-member-side spring receiver 428 is located inside the pressing portion 422A in the second direction.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 23, the first member 420A has a restricting portion 429.

[0072] 16, restricting portion 429 of the present embodiment is a plane perpendicular to the first direction. Restricting portion 429 is located near the lower end of first member 420A in the up-down direction. Restricting portion 429 faces upward in the up-down direction.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 18, a second member 430A of the present embodiment has a pressure applying portion 432A.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 16, the pressure applying portion 432A of the present embodiment is located near the center of the second member 430A in the first direction.

[0075] 26, a regulating member 500A of the present embodiment is made of an insulating material. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 16, the regulating member 500A is movable in the second direction. The regulating member 500A has a receiving portion 510A.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 16, the receiving portion 510A in this embodiment faces inward in the second direction. The receiving portion 510A is a plane perpendicular to the second direction. The receiving portion 510A is located near the outer end of the restricting member 500A in the second direction. The receiving portion 510A is located away from the pressing portion 422A in the second direction. That is, the receiving portion 510A is located away from the pressing portion 422A to the outside in the second direction.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the restricting member 500A further includes a main portion 520 and arm portions 530. As shown in FIG.

[0078] 16, the main portion 520 of this embodiment defines the inner end of the regulating member 500A in the second direction. The main portion 520 has opposing tapered portions 522 formed therein.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 16 , the opposing tapered portion 522 of this embodiment intersects both the first direction and the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. More specifically, the opposing tapered portion 522 is a curved surface that intersects obliquely with both the first direction and the second direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the opposing tapered portion 522 may be configured with a flat surface that intersects obliquely with both the first direction and the second direction. The opposing tapered portion 522 extends upward and inward in the second direction. The opposing tapered portion 522 is recessed inward in the second direction. The opposing tapered portion 522 has an arc-shaped cross section perpendicular to the first direction. The opposing tapered portion 522 is located on the inside of the conversion surface 424A in the second direction.

[0080] Referring to Figure 14, when bolt 410A is tightened, truncated cone portion 414 presses conversion surface 424A, causing pressing portion 422A to move toward receiving portion 510A, while truncated cone portion 414 presses opposing tapered portion 522, causing receiving portion 510A to move toward pressing portion 422A.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 24, the main portion 520 is further formed with a first receiving portion 521 and a second receiving portion 523.

[0082] 16, first receiving portion 521 in this embodiment is recessed inward in the second direction. First receiving portion 521 has a semicircular cross section perpendicular to the first direction. First receiving portion 521 is located above opposing tapered portion 522 in the up-down direction. First receiving portion 521 is located above second receiving portion 523 in the up-down direction. When bolt 410A is not fastened, a portion of first shaft portion 413 of bolt 410A is located within first receiving portion 521. When bolt 410A is not fastened, truncated cone portion 414 of bolt 410A is not located within first receiving portion 521.

[0083] 16, second receiving portion 523 of the present embodiment is recessed inward in the second direction. Second receiving portion 523 has a semicircular cross section perpendicular to the first direction. Second receiving portion 523 is located below opposing tapered portion 522 in the vertical direction. Second receiving portion 523 is located below first receiving portion 521 in the vertical direction. The radius of curvature of the semicircular cross section of first receiving portion 521 is larger than the radius of curvature of the semicircular cross section of second receiving portion 523. Opposing tapered portion 522 is located between first receiving portion 521 and second receiving portion 523 in the first direction. When bolt 410A is not fastened, a portion of second shaft portion 415 of bolt 410A is located within second receiving portion 523. When bolt 410A is not fastened, truncated cone portion 414 of bolt 410A is not located within second receiving portion 523. 14, when the bolt 410A is fastened, a part of the truncated cone portion 414 of the bolt 410A is located within the second receiving portion 523. When the bolt 410A is fastened, the lower end of the truncated cone portion 414 of the bolt 410A is located lower than the upper end of the second receiving portion 523.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 25, the main portion 520 has two restriction member side spring receivers 525 .

[0085] 17, each of the regulating member-side spring receivers 525 of the present embodiment is a plane perpendicular to the second direction. Each of the regulating member-side spring receivers 525 faces inward in the second direction. Each of the regulating member-side spring receivers 525 is located near the inner end of the regulating member 500A in the second direction.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 27, the main portion 520 has a restricted portion 526 .

[0087] As shown in FIG. 27, the regulated portion 526 of this embodiment is a plane perpendicular to the first direction. The regulated portion 526 faces downward in the up-down direction. As shown in FIG. 14, the regulated portion 526 is located near the lower end of the regulating member 500A in the up-down direction. The regulated portion 526 faces the regulating portion 429 in the first direction. The regulated portion 526 is located above the regulating portion 429 in the up-down direction.

[0088] 16, arm portion 530 in this embodiment extends from main portion 520. That is, arm portion 530 extends outward in the second direction from main portion 520. Arm portion 530 supports receiving portion 510A.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 12, the bus bar connector 100A has an accommodating space 110A that accommodates the first contact portion 210A and the second contact portion 310A.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 16, the accommodation space 110A in this embodiment is located between the pressing portion 422A and the receiving portion 510A. The accommodation space 110A is open in a first direction. The accommodation space 110A is open in a second direction. The accommodation space 110A extends in the first direction. The accommodation space 110A extends in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 13, the second contact portion 310A is accommodated in the accommodation space 110A along the first direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that at least one of the first contact portion 210A and the second contact portion 310A is accommodated in the accommodation space 110A along the first direction.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 5, the bus bar connector 100A further includes a nut 450A.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 14, the nut 450A is located below the first member 420A in the up-down direction. That is, the nut 450A is located directly below the first member 420A in the up-down direction. The nut 450A is located below the second member 430A in the up-down direction. That is, the nut 450A is located directly below the second member 430A in the up-down direction. The nut 450A is located below the restricting member 500A in the up-down direction. That is, the nut 450A is located directly below the restricting member 500A in the up-down direction. When the bolt 410A is fastened to the nut 450A, the first member 420A is sandwiched between the head 411A of the bolt 410A and the nut 450A.

[0093] 4, the busbar connector 100A further includes a first housing 600 and a second housing 700. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The busbar connector 100A does not necessarily have to include the first housing 600. Moreover, the busbar connector 100A does not necessarily have to include the second housing 700.

[0094] 5, first housing 600 of the present embodiment is made of an insulating material and holds first bus bar 200A, pressing mechanism 400A, and restricting member 500A.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 10, the first housing 600 has two insertion openings 610 .

[0096] 10, insertion openings 610 in this embodiment are located at the bottom end of first housing 600 in the up-down direction. Insertion openings 610 correspond to second bus bars 300A, respectively. Insertion openings 610 have narrow slit shapes extending in the third direction. This prevents an operator from accidentally inserting their fingers into insertion openings 610 when connecting first bus bar 200A and second bus bar 300A.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 10, the first housing 600 has two additional insertion openings 615 .

[0098] 10, the additional insertion openings 615 of this embodiment are located at the bottom end of the first housing 600 in the up-down direction. The additional insertion openings 615 have a narrow slit shape extending in the third direction. The additional insertion openings 615 correspond to the insertion openings 610, respectively. Each of the additional insertion openings 615 is located inside the corresponding insertion opening 610 in the second direction.

[0099] 5, second housing 700 of the present embodiment is made of an insulating material and holds second bus bar 300A.

[0100] 8 and 9, when the first housing 600 is fitted into the second housing 700 and the bolt 410A is tightened, the first contact portion 210A is pressed against the second contact portion 310A. That is, when the first housing 600 is fitted into the second housing 700 and the bolt 410A is tightened into the nut 450A, the first contact portion 210A is pressed against the second contact portion 310A.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 11, the second housing 700 has an outer wall 705 .

[0102] 11 , outer wall 705 of the present embodiment defines the outer end of second housing 700 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. Outer wall 705 defines both outer ends in the second direction. Outer wall 705 defines both outer ends in the third direction. Second contact portion 310A of second bus bar 300A is surrounded by outer wall 705 in a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. This prevents a worker from accidentally touching the outer surface of second contact portion 310A of second bus bar 300A in the second direction when handling bus bar connector 100A.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 11, the second housing 700 has two partitions 708 .

[0104] As shown in FIG. 11 , the partitions 708 in this embodiment correspond to the second bus bars 300A, respectively. Each partition 708 is located on the inner side of the corresponding second bus bar 300A in the second direction. This prevents an operator from accidentally touching the inner surface of the second contact portion 310A of the second bus bar 300A in the second direction when handling the bus bar connector 100A. With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 , the partitions 708 correspond to the additional insertion openings 615, respectively. When the first housing 600 and the second housing 700 are mated, each partition 708 is inserted into the corresponding additional insertion opening 615. As shown in FIG. 8 , the partitions 708 correspond to the first bus bars 200A, respectively. The partitions 708 correspond to the bolts 410A, respectively. The partitions 708 correspond to the first members 420A, respectively. The partitions 708 correspond to the second members 430A, respectively. The partitions 708 correspond to the restriction members 500A, respectively.

[0105] 11, the partition section 708 is composed of one first partition section 710 and two second partition sections 720. The first partition section 710 and the second partition sections 720 are aligned in the third direction. The first partition section 710 is located between the two second partition sections 720 in the third direction. The first partition section 710 and the second partition sections 720 are arranged with a space 750 between them.

[0106] As shown in Fig. 5, the bus bar connector 100A includes a first structure 850 and a second structure 870. Referring to Fig. 4 and Fig. 6, the first structure 850 and the second structure 870 can be fitted together along a first direction.

[0107] 5, first structure 850 of the present embodiment includes first housing 600, two first bus bars 200A, two pressing mechanisms 400A, and two regulating members 500A. Here, first structure 850 is referred to as structure 850. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and structure 850 may include first housing 600, one first bus bar 200A, one pressing mechanism 400A, and one regulating member 500A.

[0108] 5, second structure 870 of the present embodiment includes two second bus bars 300A, two nuts 450A, and second housing 700. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and second structure 870 may include one second bus bar 300A, one nut 450A, and second housing 700.

[0109] 9 and 11, when first structure 850 and second structure 870 are fitted together, convex portion 421 of first member 420A is positioned between first partition portion 710 and second partition portion 720 of the corresponding partition portion 708. In other words, when first structure 850 and second structure 870 are fitted together, at least a portion of convex portion 421 of first member 420A of the corresponding partition portion 708 is positioned within space 750.

[0110] 11, the second structure 870 has a receiving portion 872. The receiving portion 872 is a space recessed downward in the up-down direction.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 18, the bus bar connector 100A further includes a spring member 800.

[0112] 18, spring member 800 of the present embodiment is made of metal. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, spring member 800 sandwiches main portion 520 and first member 420A so that main portion 520 faces conversion surface 424A. Specifically, by sandwiching first member 420A and restriction member 500A between spring member 800A, first member 420A is pressed inward in the second direction, and restriction member 500A is pressed outward in the second direction.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 18 , the spring member 800 has a base 802 and four elastic pieces 804 and 806. The base 802 defines the lower end of the spring member 800 in the up-down direction. Each of the elastic pieces 804 and 806 is elastically deformable. Each of the elastic pieces 804 and 806 extends from the base 802 in the first direction. That is, each of the elastic pieces 804 and 806 extends upward in the up-down direction from the base 802. The elastic piece 804 is located on the outer side of the elastic pieces 806 in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 17 , the inner end of the elastic piece 804 in the second direction contacts the first-member-side spring receiver 428. The outer end of the elastic piece 806 in the second direction contacts the restriction-member-side spring receiver 525.

[0114] 15 and 17, the pressing mechanism 400A, the restricting member 500A, and the spring member 800 configure the connecting element 150. Referring to FIG. 8, the bus bar connector 100A includes two connecting elements 150.

[0115] The operation of connecting first bus bar 200A and second bus bar 300A will be described in detail below.

[0116] First, the first structure 850 and the second structure 870 are aligned in the first direction, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 4 . Next, the first structure 850 and the second structure 870 are moved closer to each other in the first direction. As a result, a portion of the first structure 850 is received in the receiving portion 872 of the second structure 870, the second contact portion 310A of the second structure 870 is received in the accommodation space 110A through the insertion opening 610 of the first structure 850, the partition portion 708 of the second structure 870 is received in the first housing 600 through the additional insertion opening 615 of the first structure 850, and the bolt 410A is inserted into the hole of the nut 450A. This state will be referred to hereinafter as the pre-fastening state. In this pre-fastening state, the second contact portion 310A is positioned between the first contact portion 210A and the receiving portion 510A within the accommodation space 110A.

[0117] In the pre-tightening state, bolt 410A is fastened to nut 450A. This causes pressure member 432A to press conversion surface 424A in the first direction. This pressure causes pressing member 422A to press first contact portion 210A against second contact portion 310A in the second direction, and receiving portion 510A receives second contact portion 310A. This connects first bus bar 200A and second bus bar 300A to each other, completing the connection operation.

[0118] More specifically, when bolt 410A is tightened to nut 450A in the pre-tightening state, bolt 410A moves downward, and pressure applying portion 432A of bolt 410A presses conversion surface 424A of first member 420A downward, while truncated cone portion 414 of bolt 410A presses opposing tapered portion 522 of regulating member 500A downward.

[0119] As described above, the conversion surface 424A of the first member 420A extends upward and outward in the second direction. Therefore, the pressing force of the pressure applying portion 432A is converted by the conversion surface 424A into a force that presses outward in the second direction. As a result, the first member 420A moves outward in the second direction, and the pressing portion 422A presses the first contact portion 210A outward in the second direction.

[0120] As described above, the opposing tapered portions 522 of the restricting member 500A extend upward and inward in the second direction. Therefore, the pressing force of the truncated cone portion 414 is converted into a force pressing inward in the second direction by the opposing tapered portions 522. As a result, the restricting member 500A moves inward in the second direction, and the receiving portion 510A presses the second contact portion 310A inward in the second direction.

[0121] As a result, first contact portion 210A and second contact portion 310A are pressed in a direction in which they approach each other in the second direction, and first bus bar 200A and second bus bar 300A are connected to each other.

[0122] In summary, when bolt 410A is fastened with second contact portion 310A positioned between first contact portion 210A and receiving portion 510A in accommodation space 110A, pressure portion 432A presses conversion surface 424A in at least the first direction. Furthermore, when pressure portion 432A presses conversion surface 424A, pressing portion 422A presses first contact portion 210A against second contact portion 310A in the second direction, while receiving portion 510A receives second contact portion 310A.

[0123] In the busbar connection body 100A of this preferred embodiment, a first direction, which is the direction in which the shank 412A of the bolt 410A for fastening the first busbar 200A and the second busbar 300A together, extends, is perpendicular to a second direction, which is the direction in which the first contact portion 210A is pressed against the second contact portion 310A. That is, in the busbar connection body 100A of this preferred embodiment, the direction in which the shank 412A of the bolt 410A extends coincides with the direction in which the second contact portion 310A extends. Therefore, in the busbar connection body 100A of this preferred embodiment, a working space for fastening the first busbar 200A and the second busbar 300A together with the bolt 410A is provided along the direction in which the second contact portion 310A extends, thereby preventing unnecessary restrictions on the arrangement of components around the busbar connection body 100A.

[0124] 14 and 16, before bolt 410A is fastened, distance Dt in the second direction between pressing portion 422A and receiving portion 510A is greater than the sum of thickness T1 of first contact portion 210A and thickness T2 of second contact portion 310A. This reduces the insertion force required to insert second bus bar 300A of second structure 870 into accommodation space 110A of first structure 850.

[0125] (Third embodiment) As shown in FIG. 36 , a busbar connection body 100B according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes two first busbars 200B, two second busbars 300B, two pressing mechanisms 400B, and two regulating members 500B. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The busbar connection body 100B may include one first busbar 200B, one second busbar 300B, one pressing mechanism 400B, and one regulating member 500B. The first busbar 200B and the second busbar 300B of this embodiment are the same as the first busbar 200A and the second busbar 300A of the second embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The busbar connection body 100B of this embodiment is used, for example, to connect busbars in an electric vehicle. Hereinafter, the same expressions as those in the first embodiment will be used to indicate orientations and directions in this embodiment.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 41, a pressing mechanism 400B of this embodiment includes a bolt 410B, a first member 420B, and a second member 430B.

[0127] 41, bolt 410B of the present embodiment is made of metal. Bolt 410B has a shaft portion 412B extending in the first direction. Bolt 410B also has a head portion 411B. Head portion 411B defines the upper end of bolt 410B in the up-down direction. As shown in FIG. 32, bolt 410B is located at the center of busbar connector 100B in the second direction.

[0128] With reference to FIG. 42, first member 420B of this embodiment is made of an insulator. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The material of first member 420B may be a conductive metal or the like, as long as it has sufficient strength. With reference to FIG. 40, first member 420B is movable in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 30, first member 420B has pressing portion 422B and conversion surface 424B.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 41, the pressing portion 422B of this embodiment is a plane perpendicular to the second direction. The pressing portion 422B faces outward in the second direction. The pressing portion 422B defines the outer end in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 30, the pressing portion 422B is located outside the conversion surface 424B in the second direction. The pressing portion 422B defines the outer end of the first member 420B in the second direction. The pressing portion 422B is not fixed to the first bus bar 200B. In other words, the first member 420B is not fixed to the first bus bar 200B.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 30, the conversion surface 424B of this embodiment intersects with both the first direction and the second direction. More specifically, the conversion surface 424B is a plane that intersects with both the first direction and the second direction at an angle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the conversion surface 424B may be configured as a curved surface that intersects with both the first direction and the second direction at an angle. The conversion surface 424B extends upward and outward in the second direction. The conversion surface 424B is located on the inside of the pressing portion 422B in the second direction.

[0131] 44, first member 420B has two protrusions 421B. Pressing portion 422B is the outer end surface of protrusions 421B in the second direction.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 42, the first member 420B has two first member side spring receivers 428B.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 44, each of the first-component-side spring receivers 428B in this embodiment is a plane perpendicular to the second direction. Each of the first-component-side spring receivers 428B faces outward in the second direction. The first-component-side spring receiver 428B is located between the pressing portion 422B and the conversion surface 424B in the second direction. The first-component-side spring receiver 428B is located outward from the conversion surface 424B in the second direction. The first-component-side spring receiver 428B is located inward from the pressing portion 422B in the second direction.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 44, the first member 420B has two guide walls 427.

[0135] As shown in Fig. 44, each of the guide walls 427 in this embodiment protrudes inward in the second direction. Each of the guide walls 427 defines an inner end of the first member 420B in the second direction. As shown in Fig. 43, the conversion surface 424B is sandwiched between two guide walls 427 in the third direction. The two guide walls 427 are located on both sides of the conversion surface 424B in the third direction.

[0136] 33, second member 430B of the present embodiment is made of a composite material of metal and resin. As shown in Fig. 45, second member 430B has pressure member 432B.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 48, the pressure member 432B in this embodiment is located near the center of the second member 430B in the first direction. The pressure member 432B intersects with both the first direction and the second direction. More specifically, the pressure member 432B is a plane that intersects obliquely with both the first direction and the second direction. The pressure member 432B extends upward and outward in the second direction. Referring to FIG. 30, the angle that the pressure member 432B makes with the first direction is the same as the angle that the conversion surface 424B makes with the first direction. The angle that the pressure member 432B makes with the second direction is the same as the angle that the conversion surface 424B makes with the second direction. When the bolt 410B is not fastened, the pressure member 432B is located at the same position as the conversion surface 424B in the first direction. 34, when bolt 410B is fastened, second member 430B moves along the first direction, and pressure member 432B presses conversion surface 424B. With bolt 410B fastened, the lower end of pressure member 432B is positioned lower than the lower end of conversion surface 424B.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 41, the second member 430B further has a through-hole 436 and an extension 438.

[0139] As shown in Fig. 41, through-hole 436 in this embodiment is located near the upper end of second member 430B. As shown in Fig. 33, bolt 410B is inserted into through-hole 436. More specifically, shank 412B of bolt 410B is inserted into through-hole 436.

[0140] As shown in Fig. 48, the extension portion 438 of this embodiment extends along the first direction. That is, the extension portion 438 extends downward along the up-down direction. The pressure member 432B is provided on the extension portion 438. As shown in Fig. 34, the extension portion 438 and the first member 420B are located between the receiving portion 510B and the main portion 520B. With reference to Figs. 40 and 41, when the bolt 410B is fastened, the extension portion 438 of the second member 430B is located between the two guide walls 427 of the first member 420B.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 47, the extension 438 has an additional pressure portion 4382 formed thereon.

[0142] 48, the additional pressure portion 4382 is located near the center of the second member 430B in the first direction. The additional pressure portion 4382 intersects with both the first direction and the second direction. More specifically, the additional pressure portion 4382 is a plane that intersects with both the first direction and the second direction obliquely. The additional pressure portion 4382 extends upward and inward in the second direction.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 46, the second member 430B has a top plate portion 431.

[0144] 41, the top panel portion 431 of the present embodiment defines the upper end of the second member 430B in the up-down direction. The through-hole 436 penetrates the top panel portion 431 in the first direction.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 41, two second members 430B are connected to each other by a common top plate portion 431 to form a second member assembly 439.

[0146] Referring to Fig. 51, a regulating member 500B of the present embodiment is made of an insulating material. The regulating member 500B has a receiving portion 510B. The receiving portion 510B of the present embodiment is similar to the receiving portion 510A of the second embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Referring to Fig. 40, the regulating member 500B is movable in a second direction.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 51, the restricting member 500B further includes a main portion 520B and an arm portion 530B.

[0148] 51, main portion 520B of the present embodiment defines the inner end of restricting member 500B in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 49, main portion 520B is formed with opposing tapered portions 522B.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 30 , the opposing tapered portion 522B of this embodiment intersects with both the first direction and the second direction. More specifically, the opposing tapered portion 522B is a plane that intersects with both the first direction and the second direction at an angle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the opposing tapered portion 522B may be configured with a curved surface that intersects with both the first direction and the second direction at an angle. The opposing tapered portion 522B extends upward and inward in the second direction. The opposing tapered portion 522B is located inside the conversion surface 424B in the second direction. The angle that the additional pressure application portion 4382 makes with the first direction is the same as the angle that the opposing tapered portion 522B makes with the first direction. The angle that the additional pressure application portion 4382 makes with the second direction is the same as the angle that the opposing tapered portion 522B makes with the second direction. When bolt 410B is not fastened, additional pressure applying portion 4382 is located at the same position in the first direction as opposing tapered portion 522B. With reference to Fig. 34, when bolt 410B is fastened, additional pressure applying portion 4382 presses opposing tapered portion 522B, and receiving portion 510B moves toward pressing portion 422B. When bolt 410B is fastened, the lower end of additional pressure applying portion 4382 is located lower than the lower end of opposing tapered portion 522B.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 50, the main portion 520B has two restriction member-side spring receivers 525B.

[0151] 51, each of the restriction member-side spring receivers 525B of the present embodiment is a plane perpendicular to the second direction. Each of the restriction member-side spring receivers 525B faces inward in the second direction. Each of the restriction member-side spring receivers 525B is located near the inner end of the restriction member 500B in the second direction.

[0152] 51, the arm portion 530B in this embodiment extends from the main portion 520B. That is, the arm portion 530B extends outward in the second direction from the main portion 520B. The arm portion 530B supports the receiving portion 510B.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 35, the bus bar connector 100B has an accommodating space 110B formed therein to accommodate the first contact portion 210B and the second contact portion 310B.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 30, the accommodation space 110B in this embodiment is located between the pressing portion 422B and the receiving portion 510B. As shown in FIG. 36, the accommodation space 110B is open in a first direction. The accommodation space 110B is open in a second direction. The accommodation space 110B extends in the first direction. The accommodation space 110B extends in the second direction. The second contact portion 310B is accommodated in the accommodation space 110B along the first direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that at least one of the first contact portion 210B and the second contact portion 310B is accommodated in the accommodation space 110B along the first direction.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 39, the bus bar connector 100B further includes a nut 450B.

[0156] 33, the nut 450B in this embodiment is located below the top plate portion 431 of the second member 430B in the up-down direction. That is, the nut 450B is located directly below the top plate portion 431 in the up-down direction. The nut 450B is located above the conversion surface 424B of the first member 420B in the up-down direction. The nut 450B is located above the opposing tapered portion 522B of the restriction member 500B in the up-down direction.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 33, in a state in which the bolt 410B is fastened to the nut 450B, the top plate portion 431 of the second member 430B is sandwiched between the head portion 411B of the bolt 410B and the nut 450B.

[0158] 29, the busbar connector 100B further includes a first housing 600B and a second housing 700B. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The busbar connector 100B does not necessarily have to include the first housing 600B. Moreover, the busbar connector 100B does not necessarily have to include the second housing 700B.

[0159] 30, first housing 600B in this embodiment is made of an insulating material and holds first bus bar 200B, pressing mechanism 400B, and restricting member 500B.

[0160] 37, the first housing 600B has two insertion openings 610B. The insertion openings 610B are similar to the insertion openings 610 of the second embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 38, the first housing 600B has a boost member receiving portion 620.

[0162] 39, second housing 700B of the present embodiment is made of an insulating material and holds second bus bar 300B.

[0163] 33, when the first housing 600B is fitted into the second housing 700B and the bolt 410B is tightened, the first contact portion 210B is pressed against the second contact portion 310B. That is, when the first housing 600B is fitted into the second housing 700B and the bolt 410B is tightened into the nut 450B, the first contact portion 210B is pressed against the second contact portion 310B.

[0164] 39, the second housing 700B has an outer wall 705B. The outer wall 705B of this embodiment is similar to the outer wall 705 of the second embodiment described above, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0165] As shown in Fig. 39, the second housing 700B has two partitions 708B. The partitions 708B are composed of one first partition 710B and two second partitions 720B. The first partitions 710B and the second partitions 720B are arranged with a space 750B between them. The partitions 708B of this embodiment are similar to the partitions 708 of the second embodiment described above, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0166] As shown in Fig. 29, the bus bar connector 100B includes a first structure 850B and a second structure 870B. With reference to Fig. 29 and Fig. 31, the first structure 850B and the second structure 870B can be fitted together along a first direction.

[0167] 30, first structure 850B of the present embodiment includes first housing 600B, two first bus bars 200B, two pressing mechanisms 400B, and two regulating members 500B. Here, first structure 850B is referred to as structure 850B. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and structure 850B may include first housing 600B, one first bus bar 200B, one pressing mechanism 400B, and one regulating member 500B.

[0168] 39, second structure 870B of the present embodiment includes second housing 700B, two second bus bars 300B, and one nut 450B. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and second structure 870B may include only one second bus bar 300B.

[0169] 39, the second structure 870B has a receiving portion 872B. The receiving portion 872B is a space that is recessed downward in the up-down direction.

[0170] 41, the bus bar connector 100B further includes a spring member 800B. The spring member 800B has a base 802B and four elastic pieces 804B, 806B. The spring member 800B of this embodiment is similar to the spring member 800 of the second embodiment described above, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0171] 41, the pressing mechanism 400B, the restricting member 500B, and the spring member 800B constitute a connecting element 150B. As shown in Fig. 30, the bus bar connector 100B includes two connecting elements 150B that share a portion of the bolt 410B and the second member 430B.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 40, the bus bar connection body 100B further includes a push-up member 820.

[0173] 40, the boost member 820 of this embodiment is made of metal. Specifically, the boost member 820 is a spring. With reference to FIGS. 38 and 40, the boost member 820 is located between the top plate 431 of the second member 430B and the boost member receiving portion 620 of the first housing 600B in the first direction. The boost member 820 is sandwiched between the top plate 431 and the boost member receiving portion 620. The boost member 820 is located below the top plate 431 of the second member 430B in the up-down direction. The boost member 820 is located above the boost member receiving portion 620 of the first housing 600B in the up-down direction. The boost member 820 positions the second member combined body 439 above the first member 420B and the restricting member 500B in the up-down direction when the bolt 410B is not fastened.

[0174] The operation of connecting first bus bar 200B and second bus bar 300B will be described in detail below.

[0175] First, first structure 850B and second structure 870B are aligned in the first direction to achieve the state shown in FIG. 29 . Next, first structure 850B and second structure 870B are brought closer to each other in the first direction. As a result, a portion of first structure 850B is received in receiving portion 872B of second structure 870B, second contact portion 310B of second structure 870B is received in accommodation space 110B via insertion opening 610B of first structure 850B, partition portion 708B of second structure 870B is received in first housing 600B via additional insertion opening 615B of first structure 850B, and bolt 410B is inserted into the hole of nut 450B. This state will be referred to hereinafter as the pre-fastening state. In this pre-fastening state, the second contact portion 310B is located between the first contact portion 210B and the receiving portion 510B in the accommodation space 110B.

[0176] In the pre-tightening state, bolt 410B is fastened to nut 450B. This causes pressure member 432B to press conversion surface 424B in the first direction. This pressure causes pressing member 422B to press first contact portion 210B against second contact portion 310B in the second direction, and receiving portion 510B receives second contact portion 310B. This connects first bus bar 200B and second bus bar 300B to each other, completing the connection operation.

[0177] More specifically, when bolt 410B is tightened into nut 450B in the pre-tightening state, bolt 410B moves downward, moving second member assembly 439 downward against push-up member 820. As a result, pressure applying portion 432B of second member 430B presses conversion surface 424B of first member 420B downward, and additional pressure applying portion 4382 of second member 430B presses opposing tapered portion 522B of restriction member 500B downward.

[0178] As described above, the conversion surface 424B of the first member 420B extends upward and outward in the second direction. Therefore, the pressing force of the pressure applying portion 432B is converted by the conversion surface 424B into a force that presses outward in the second direction. As a result, the first member 420B moves outward in the second direction, and the pressing portion 422B presses the first contact portion 210B outward in the second direction.

[0179] As described above, the opposing tapered portion 522B of the regulating member 500B extends upward and inward in the second direction. Therefore, the pressing force of the additional pressure applying portion 4382 is converted by the opposing tapered portion 522B into a force pressing inward in the second direction. As a result, the regulating member 500B moves inward in the second direction, and the receiving portion 510B presses the second contact portion 310B inward in the second direction.

[0180] As a result, first contact portion 210B and second contact portion 310B are pressed in a direction in which they approach each other in the second direction, and first bus bar 200B and second bus bar 300B are connected to each other.

[0181] In summary, when the bolt 410B is fastened with the second contact portion 310B positioned between the first contact portion 210B and the receiving portion 510B in the accommodation space 110B, the pressure portion 432B presses the conversion surface 424B in at least the first direction. Furthermore, when the pressure portion 432B presses the conversion surface 424B, the pressing portion 422B presses the first contact portion 210B against the second contact portion 310B in the second direction, while the receiving portion 510B receives the second contact portion 310B.

[0182] In the busbar connection body 100B of this preferred embodiment, a first direction, which is the direction in which the shank 412B of the bolt 410B for fastening the first busbar 200B and the second busbar 300B, extends, is perpendicular to a second direction, which is the direction in which the first contact portion 210B is pressed against the second contact portion 310B. That is, in the busbar connection body 100B of this preferred embodiment, the direction in which the shank 412B of the bolt 410B extends coincides with the direction in which the second contact portion 310B extends. Therefore, in the busbar connection body 100B of this preferred embodiment, a working space for fastening the first busbar 200B and the second busbar 300B with the bolt 410B is provided along the direction in which the second contact portion 310B extends, thereby preventing unnecessary restrictions on the arrangement of components around the busbar connection body 100B.

[0183] 30 and 34, before bolt 410B is fastened, distance Dt in the second direction between pressing portion 422B and receiving portion 510B is greater than the sum of thickness T1 of first contact portion 210B and thickness T2 of second contact portion 310B. This reduces the insertion force required to insert second bus bar 300B of second structure 870B into accommodation space 110B of first structure 850B.

[0184] In the present embodiment, the extension portion 438 is formed with the additional pressure applying portion 4382, and the main portion 520B of the regulating member 500B is formed with the opposing tapered portion 522B, allowing the regulating member 500B to move in the second direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. The busbar connector 100B may be configured so that the extension portion 438 does not have the additional pressure applying portion 4382, the main portion 520B does not have the opposing tapered portion 522B, and the regulating member 500B is not movable in the second direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0185] 100, 100A, 100B busbar connector 110, 110A, 110B Storage space 150,150B Connection element 151 first connecting element 152 Second connecting element 200, 200A, 200B 1st bus bar 210,210A,210B 1st contact part 300, 300A, 300B Second bus bar 310,310A,310B 2nd contact part 400,400A,400B Pressing mechanism 410, 410A, 410B bolts 411,411A,411B Head 412,412A,412B Shaft 413 First shaft section 414 Cone truncated part 415 Second shaft part 420, 420A, 420B First member 421,421B convex part 422,422A,422B Pressing part 423 First Recess 424, 424A, 424B conversion surface 425 Second recess 426 First Through Hole 426A hole 427 Guide Wall 428, 428B First component side spring holder 429 Regulatory Department 430, 430A, 430B Second member 431 Top plate 432, 432A, 432B pressure section 434 Second Through Hole 436 Through hole 438 Nobube 4382 Additional pressure section 439 Second member assembly 450, 450A, 450B Nut 500, 500A, 500B Regulatory Materials 502 Regulatory Department 503 Slit 505 Connection part 510,510A,510B Receiving part 520,520B Main section 521 First Receptor 522,522B Opposing tapered section 523 Second Receptor 525,525B Restriction member side spring holder 526 Regulated part 530,530B Arm 600,600B 1st housing 610,610B insertion slot 615,615B Additional insertion port 620 Push-up member receiving part 700,700B Second Housing 705,705B exterior wall 708,708B Partition 710,710B First partition 720,720B Second partition 750,750B space 800,800B spring material 802,802B base 804,804B Elastic piece 806,806B Elastic piece 820 Push-up member 850,850B 1st structure (structure) 870,870B 2nd structure 872,872B Receptor Dt distance T1 Thickness T2 Thickness

Claims

1. A bus bar connector including a first bus bar, a second bus bar, a pressing mechanism, and a restricting member, the first bus bar has a first contact portion; the second bus bar has a second contact portion; the pressing mechanism includes a bolt, a first member, and a second member; The bolt has a shaft portion extending in a first direction, The first member has a pressing portion and a converting surface, the conversion surface intersects both the first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the second member has a pressure portion, The restricting member has a receiving portion, the receiving portion is located away from the pressing portion in the second direction, before the bolt is tightened, a distance between the pressing portion and the receiving portion in the second direction is greater than a sum of a thickness of the first contact portion and a thickness of the second contact portion, an accommodation space for accommodating the first contact portion and the second contact portion is formed in the bus bar connector; The accommodation space is located between the pressing portion and the receiving portion, When the bolt is fastened in a state in which the second contact portion is positioned between the first contact portion and the receiving portion in the accommodation space, the pressure portion presses the conversion surface in at least the first direction, When the pressure applying portion presses the converting surface, the pressing portion presses the first contact portion against the second contact portion in the second direction, while the receiving portion receives the second contact portion. Busbar connector.

2. 2. The bus bar connector according to claim 1, The accommodation space is open in the first direction, At least one of the first contact portion and the second contact portion is accommodated in the accommodation space along the first direction. Busbar connector.

3. 2. The bus bar connector according to claim 1, The first member has a first through hole formed therein, a second through hole is formed in the second member, the shank of the bolt is inserted into the first through hole and the second through hole, The restricting member is a band that holds the first member and the second member together when the bolt is fastened. Busbar connector.

4. 2. The bus bar connector according to claim 1, The bolt also serves as the second member, The bolt has a truncated cone portion formed thereon, The truncated cone portion functions as the pressure applying portion, The restricting member further includes a main portion and an arm portion, The main portion has opposing tapered portions formed thereon, the arm portion extends from the main portion and supports the receiving portion; When the bolt is fastened, the truncated cone portion presses the conversion surface, causing the pressing portion to move toward the receiving portion, while the truncated cone portion presses the opposing tapered portion, causing the receiving portion to move toward the pressing portion. Busbar connector.

5. 5. The bus bar connector according to claim 4, the bus bar connector further includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing holds the first bus bar, the pressing mechanism, and the regulating member; The restricting member and the first member are each movable in the second direction, the second housing holds the second bus bar, When the first housing is fitted to the second housing and the bolt is fastened, the first contact portion is pressed against the second contact portion. Busbar connector.

6. 2. The bus bar connector according to claim 1, The second member further includes a through hole and an extension portion, The bolt is inserted into the through hole, The extension portion extends along the first direction, The pressure applying portion is provided on the extension portion, The restricting member further includes a main portion and an arm portion, the arm portion extends from the main portion and supports the receiving portion; the extension portion and the first member are located between the receiving portion and the main portion, When the bolt is fastened, the second member moves along the first direction, and the pressure member presses the conversion surface. Busbar connector.

7. 7. The bus bar connector according to claim 6, The extension portion has an additional pressure portion formed thereon, The main portion has opposing tapered portions formed thereon, When the bolt is tightened, the additional pressure portion presses the opposing tapered portion, and the receiving portion moves toward the pressing portion. Busbar connector.

8. The bus bar connector according to claim 7, the bus bar connector further includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing holds the first bus bar, the pressing mechanism, and the regulating member; The restricting member and the first member are each movable in the second direction, the second housing holds the second bus bar, When the first housing is fitted to the second housing and the bolt is fastened, the first contact portion is pressed against the second contact portion. Busbar connector.

9. The bus bar connector according to claim 4 or 6, the bus bar connector further includes a spring member, The spring member sandwiches the main portion and the first member so that the main portion faces the conversion surface. Busbar connector.

10. A structure comprising: the first housing according to claim 5; the first bus bar; the pressing mechanism; and the restricting member.

11. A structure comprising: the first housing according to claim 8; the first bus bar; the pressing mechanism; and the restricting member.

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