Case support structure in holder

The support structure with engaged portions and elastic pieces addresses the issue of case displacement by securely engaging the case with the holder, ensuring stability and reducing assembly complexity and costs.

JP2026042206APending Publication Date: 2026-03-11CALSONIC KANSEI CORP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-27
Publication Date
2026-03-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The case in existing designs is susceptible to displacement due to external forces such as vibration, as it is only restricted in the width direction by elastically deformable fins, leading to potential detachment from the holder.

Method used

A support structure with a pair of engaged portions and elastic pieces that allow the case to be securely engaged with the holder, utilizing elastic displacement in multiple directions to prevent misalignment and detachment.

Benefits of technology

The support structure effectively restricts relative displacement and misalignment of the case in multiple directions, enhancing stability and reducing assembly complexity and costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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  • Figure 2026042206000001_ABST
    Figure 2026042206000001_ABST
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Abstract

Properly support the case. [Solution] A support structure for a case 10 of a battery controller 1 in a battery unit 9, wherein the case 10 has an elastic piece 24 provided at a portion facing the battery unit 9 and elastically deformable in the assembling direction of the battery unit 9 and the case 10 (Y direction), a support portion 23 inserted between a pair of engaged portions 92, 92, and an elastic engaging piece 25 provided on one side of the support portion 23 in a first direction (X direction) and elastically deformable in the first direction. The elastic engaging piece 25 has an engaging portion 255 that engages with one of the pair of engaged portions 92, 92 from the first direction. The engaging portion 255 engages with one of the engaged portions 92 in a state in which movement of the engaging portion 255 in a direction away from the battery unit 9 is restricted by the biasing force generated by the elastic piece 24.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a support structure for a case in a holder. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that the case of the control unit is fixed to an opening in the housing using a snap-fit ​​fixing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 217014 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The case in Patent Document 1 has elastically deformable fins on both sides in the width direction. The case is inserted into the opening while the fins are elastically deformed. When the case reaches a predetermined position in the opening, the elastic deformation of the fins is released and the fins are locked onto the periphery of the opening. This prevents the case from falling out of the opening.

[0005] The fins only restrict displacement of the case in the width direction, so there is a possibility that displacement may occur when an external force such as vibration acts on the case. Therefore, there is a need to provide adequate support for the case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides A support structure for a case in a holder, The holder is a pair of engaged portions provided at a portion facing the case and spaced apart in a first direction perpendicular to an assembly direction of the holder and the case, The case is a first elastic piece provided at a portion facing the holder and elastically displaceable in an assembly direction of the holder and the case; a support portion inserted between the pair of engaged portions; a second elastic piece that is provided on one side of the support portion in the first direction and is elastically displaceable in the first direction, the second elastic piece has an engaging portion that engages with one of the pair of engaged portions from the first direction, The support structure for the case in the holder is configured so that the engaging portion engages with one of the engaged portions while being restricted from moving away from the holder in the assembly direction by the spring force generated by the first elastic piece. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the case can be properly supported. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery controller. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery controller and a battery unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery controller assembled to a battery unit. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an engagement portion on the battery controller side. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9]3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a support structure for a battery controller in a battery unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a restricting portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a restricting portion. [Figure 12] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of assembling a battery controller to a battery unit. [Figure 13] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of assembling a battery controller to a battery unit. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an engagement portion according to a modified example. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an engagement portion according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the battery controller 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the battery controller 1 assembled to the battery unit 9. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the engagement portions 2 (2A, 2B) on the battery controller 1 side. 4 shows an enlarged view of the area around the engaging portion 2B attached to one side edge 112 in the longitudinal direction of the battery controller 1 and the area around the engaging portion 2A attached to the other side edge 111.

[0010] In the following explanation, the terms "Y direction," "X direction," and "Z direction" may be used to describe the positional relationship between the components of the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9. Here, the "Y direction" refers to the direction in which the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 are assembled. The "X direction" refers to the direction in which the elastic engagement pieces 25, the support portions 23, and the elastic engagement pieces 26 in the engagement portions 2A and 2B are aligned. The "Z direction" refers to the direction in which the engagement portions 2A and 2B, which are spaced apart in the battery controller 1, are aligned. The "Y direction," "X direction," and "Z direction" are perpendicular to one another. Furthermore, the explanation may be based on the "upper side" and "lower side" in Fig. 2. However, depending on the installation state of the battery unit 9 in the vehicle, even if it is described as "upper side", it may be located on the "lower side". The above "upper side" and "lower side" refer to positional relationships for the convenience of explanation.

[0011] 1, a resin case 10 of the battery controller 1 is formed by assembling an upper case 11 and a lower case 12. A printed circuit board 13 is housed inside the case 10. On the printed circuit board 13, a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), a storage device such as a memory (not shown), and connection terminals of a connector (not shown) are mounted. 2, the battery controller 1 has a connector connection port 16 opened on the side of the case 10. The battery controller 1 can exchange information with various sensors and other control devices via the connected connector.

[0012] As an example, the battery controller 1 has a function of controlling the charging and discharging of the battery, and is attached to a mounting surface 91 of the battery unit 9 (see FIG. 2). The side of the battery unit 9 facing the battery controller 1 serves as the mounting surface 91 for the battery controller 1. The mounting surface 91 is provided with engaged portions 92A and 92B to which engaging portions 2 (2A and 2B) on the battery controller 1 are engaged. An engaged portion 92A and an engaged portion 92B are provided at an interval in the Z direction on the mounting surface 91. The engaged portion 92A and the engaged portion 92B each have a pair of engaged portions 92, 92 arranged at an interval in the X direction.

[0013] 3 and 4, the engaged portion 92 has a plate-shaped locking portion 921 and support portions 922, 922 that support both sides in the width direction of the locking portion 921. The engaged portion 92 is integrally formed with the mounting surface 91 (see FIG. 2) on the battery unit 9 side. The locking portion 921 is disposed parallel to the mounting surface 91 with a gap between it and the mounting surface 91. When viewed from the Y direction, the locking portion 921 has a substantially rectangular shape. The locking portion 921 is disposed with its long side aligned along the Z direction. A space S1 (see FIG. 9) surrounded by the locking portion 921 and the support portions 922, 922 is provided on the mounting surface 91 side of the locking portion 921. This space S1 is open in the X direction.

[0014] The engaged portions 92, 92 are spaced apart in the X direction. When the battery controller 1 is assembled to the battery unit 9, the engaging portions 2 (2A, 2B) on the battery controller 1 side are assembled from the Y direction between the engaged portions 92, 92 in the X direction.

[0015] The upper case 11 is provided with engagement portions 2 (2A, 2B) on both sides in the longitudinal direction. 4, the engaging portions 2 (2A, 2B) have the same basic configuration, so the engaging portion 2A will be described below as a representative.

[0016] 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating the engaging portion 2A. Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of the region of the upper case 11 where the engaging portion 2A is provided, as viewed from the Y direction. Fig. 6 shows an enlarged view of the region of the upper case 11 where the engaging portion 2A is provided, as viewed from diagonally above. 5 and 6, the upper surfaces 23a and 21a of the support portion 23 and the base portion 21 are shown with cross hatching to make the positions and ranges of the upper surface 23a and the upper surface 21a more clearly visible.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 5, the engagement portion 2A has a base portion 21 attached to the side edge 111 of the upper case 11. The base 21 is provided along the side edge 111 of the upper case 11 when viewed from the Y direction. At the side edge 111, the base 21 is located on one side edge 114 side of the upper case 11 in the X direction (right side in the drawing). One end 21b of the base 21 in the X direction protrudes outward (right side in the drawing) beyond the side edge 114 of the upper case 11. The other end 21c of the base 21 is offset from the other side edge 113 of the upper case 11 toward one side edge 114 (right side in the drawing). The base 21 has a thickness Z21 in the Z direction. When viewed from the Y direction, a side edge 21d in the Z direction of the base 21 is located on a straight line L21 that extends along the X direction. When viewed from the Y direction, the base 21 has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0018] A recess 22 is provided on the end portion 21b side (right side in the figure) of the base 21. When viewed from the Y direction, the recess 22 is a substantially rectangular region formed by recessing a region of the base 21 in the X and Z directions. The recess 22 has a first side edge 221 and a second side edge 222. When viewed from the Y direction, the first side edge 221 is offset in the X direction from the end 21b and is oriented along the Z direction. When viewed from the Y direction, the second side edge 222 is offset in the Z direction from the side edge 21d and is oriented along the X direction.

[0019] A support portion 23 is provided in the center of the base portion 21 in the X direction (left-right direction in the figure). When viewed from the Y direction, the support portion 23 has a generally rectangular shape with its long side oriented along the Z direction. The support portion 23 extends linearly in a direction away from the base portion 21. The support portion 23 has a length Z23 in the Z direction and a width X23 in the X direction.

[0020] A rib 14 is provided on the upper surface 23a of the support portion 23. The rib 14 is a plate-shaped portion provided across the upper surface 23a of the support portion 23, the upper surface 21a of the base portion 21, and the side edge 111 of the upper case 11. Three ribs 14 are provided at intervals in the X direction.

[0021] A rib 15 is provided on the upper surface 21a of the base 21. The rib 15 is a plate-shaped portion that straddles the upper surface 21a of the base 21 and the side edge 111 of the upper case 11. When viewed from the Y direction, the ribs 15 are provided on one side (right side in the drawing) and the other side (left side in the drawing) of the support part 23. Two ribs are provided at an interval on the side edge 113 side (left side in the drawing). One rib is provided on the side edge 114 side (right side in the drawing).

[0022] The ribs 14 increase the support rigidity of the support portion 23 in the upper case 11. The ribs 15 increase the support rigidity of the base portion 21 in the upper case 11.

[0023] Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating the engaging portion 2A. Figure 7 is a diagram that schematically shows a cross section of the engaging portion 2A taken along line AA in Figure 5. Figure 8 is a diagram that schematically shows a cross section of the engaging portion 2A taken along line AA in Figure 7. In Figure 8, the region that functions as a restricting portion 210, which will be described later, is indicated by cross-hatching. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the support structure 5 for the battery controller 1 (case 10) in the battery unit 9 (holder). Figure 9 schematically shows a cross section of the engaging portion 2A taken along line AA in Figure 5, together with a cross section of the engaged portion 92 on the battery unit 9 side. Figure 9 shows a state in which the elastic engaging pieces 25, 26 are engaged with the engaged portions 92, 92 while being compressed in the X direction.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 5, a through hole 230 is provided on the tip 23c side of the support portion 23 in the Z direction. The through hole 230 penetrates the support portion 23 in the Y direction. As shown in Fig. 8, when viewed from the Y direction, the through hole 230 is a substantially square-shaped opening surrounded by wall portions 231 and 232 that are arranged parallel to each other with a gap in the X direction, and wall portions 233 and 234 that connect the ends of the wall portions 231 and 232 to each other. When viewed from the Y direction, the elastic piece 24 is exposed inside the through-hole 230.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 7, the walls 231 and 232 are provided along straight lines Y1 and Y2. These straight lines Y1 and Y2 are straight lines along the Y direction and are parallel to each other. The elastic piece 24 is a strip-shaped member extending from the lower end 231 a of the wall portion 231 . The elastic piece 24 is bent midway along its length. The base end 24b side is a connection portion 242 with the wall portion 231 (support portion 23). The tip end 24a side from the bent portion 243 is an abutment portion 241 with the mounting surface 91 (see FIG. 9) on the battery unit 9 side. The connecting portion 242 is inclined in a direction approaching the wall portion 232 as it moves away from the lower end 231a of the wall portion 231 in the Y direction. The connecting portion 242 is provided along a straight line L24. The straight line L24 intersects with a straight line Y1 along the wall portion 231 at a predetermined angle θ1.

[0026] The tip 24a of the elastic piece 24 is approximately parallel to the upper surface 23a of the support portion 23. In a cross-sectional view, the tip 24a of the elastic piece 24 is located at a predetermined distance d24 in the X direction from the wall portion 232. The abutment portion 241 of the elastic piece 24 is located at a height h24 away from the lower surface 23b of the support portion 23. The elastic piece 24 is cantilevered by the wall portion 231 (support portion 23). The tip 24a side of the elastic piece 24 is elastically displaceable in the Y direction.

[0027] 8, when viewed from the Y direction, the elastic piece 24 is exposed inside the through-hole 230. The support portion 23 is provided with one elastic piece 24 having one bent portion 243. As shown in FIG. 8, the width Z24 of the elastic piece 24 in the Z direction is smaller than the opening width Z230 of the through-hole 230. Therefore, when resin-molding the case 10 having the elastic piece 24, a part of the mold can be inserted into the through-hole 230, so that the case 10 can be resin-molded using a pair of molds that are separated in the Y direction.

[0028] Here, as an example, if the elastic piece 24 is as follows, a slide mold is required in addition to the pair of molds, which increases the cost of the molds. (a) The width Z24 of the elastic piece 24 in the Z direction is larger than the opening width Z230 of the through-hole 230. (b) When the elastic piece 24 is folded back at the bend 243 between the connection portion 242 and the abutment portion 241, and is positioned so that the connection portion 242 and the abutment portion 241 overlap when viewed from the Y direction. (c) When viewed from the Y direction, the elastic piece 24 is arranged in a positional relationship that overlaps with the portion surrounding the through-hole 230 in the support portion 23 (wall portions 231, 232, 233, 234) and the elastic engagement pieces 25, 26. In contrast, in this embodiment, a slide mold is not required, and the mold is simple, which reduces the possibility of an increase in mold manufacturing costs due to an increase in the total number of molds or their complication.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, elastic engagement pieces 25 and 26 are provided on both sides of the support portion 23 in the X direction. 7, the elastic engagement piece 25 is a strip-shaped member extending from the lower end 232a of the wall portion 232. The elastic engagement piece 25 has two curved portions and one bent portion up to the tip 25a. Specifically, the elastic engagement piece 25 has, from the wall portion 232 side, a first curved portion 251, a first straight portion 252, a second curved portion 253, a second straight portion 254, a bent portion 256, and an engagement portion 255.

[0030] A first curved portion 251 of the elastic engagement piece 25 is connected to a lower end 232a of the wall portion 232. The first curved portion 251 is a portion that connects the lower end 232a of the wall portion 232 and the first straight portion 252. In the elastic engagement piece 25, the first curved portion 251 is an arc-shaped portion with a vertex P facing downward. The first straight portion 252 is provided on the side of the wall portion 232 with a gap between it and the wall portion 232. The first straight portion 252 is provided along a straight line Y3. The straight line Y3 is a straight line that extends in the Y direction.

[0031] The first curved portion 251 detours below the lower surface 23b of the support portion 23 and connects to the lower end of the first straight portion 252. The upper end of the first straight portion 252 connects to the second curved portion 253. The upper side of the first straight portion 252 (the second curved portion 253 side) is displaceable in the X direction.

[0032] The second curved portion 253 connects the first straight portion 252 and the second straight portion 254 . In the elastic engagement piece 25, the second curved portion 253 is an arc-shaped portion with the apex P facing upward. The second straight portion 254 is provided along a straight line Y4. The straight line Y4 is inclined with respect to the straight line Y3. Therefore, the second straight portion 254 is inclined in a direction such that the separation distance X254 from the first straight portion 252 increases as the second straight portion 254 moves away from the second curved portion 253. An engagement portion 255 is connected to the lower end of the second straight portion 254. The engaging portion 255 is connected to the second straight portion 254 above the lower end 232a of the wall portion 232. In the elastic engaging piece 25, the connecting portion between the second straight portion 254 and the engaging portion 255 forms a bent portion 256. The engaging portion 255 is provided in a direction perpendicular to the straight line Y4. The engaging portion 255 extends linearly along the straight line Xa. The engaging portion 255 is inclined in a direction to be positioned upward in the Y direction (the other side in the Y direction) as it approaches the tip 25a. The lower side (the engaging portion 255 side) of the second straight portion 254 is displaceable in the X direction.

[0033] In this embodiment, the radius of curvature r251 of the first curved portion 251 is smaller than the radius of curvature r253 of the second curved portion 253 (r253>r251). Therefore, the second straight portion 254 is more likely to move around the second curved portion 253 as a fulcrum than the first straight portion 252 is more likely to move around the first curved portion 251 as a fulcrum. Therefore, when a stress that compresses the elastic engagement piece 25 in the X direction acts on the elastic engagement piece 25, the second straight portion 254 and the engagement portion 255 of the elastic engagement piece 25 can be displaced more in the X direction than the first straight portion 252.

[0034] 7, the elastic engagement piece 26 is a strip-shaped member extending from the wall portion 231. The elastic engagement piece 26 has two curved portions up to the tip 26a. Specifically, the elastic engagement piece 26 includes, from the wall portion 231 side, a first curved portion 261 , a first straight portion 262 , a second curved portion 263 , a second straight portion 264 , and an engagement claw 265 .

[0035] As described above, the connecting portion 242 of the elastic piece 24 is connected to the lower end 231a of the wall portion 231. The first curved portion 261 of the elastic engagement piece 26, which is the base end, is connected to the side surface 231b of the wall portion 231, in an area on the lower surface 23b side.

[0036] The first curved portion 261 is a portion that connects the side surface 231b of the wall portion 231 and the first straight portion 262. In the elastic engagement piece 26, the first curved portion 261 is an arc-shaped portion with a vertex P facing diagonally downward. The first straight portion 262 is provided on the side of the wall portion 231 with a gap between it and the wall portion 231. The first straight portion 262 is provided along a straight line Y5. The straight line Y5 is inclined with respect to the straight line Y1. Therefore, the first straight portion 262 is inclined in a direction such that the gap X262 between it and the wall portion 231 becomes wider as it goes upward.

[0037] The first curved portion 261 extends along the lower surface 23b of the support portion 23, and then connects to the lower end of the first straight portion 262. The upper end of the first straight portion 262 connects to the second curved portion 263. The upper side of the first straight portion 262 (the second curved portion 263 side) is displaceable in the X direction.

[0038] The second curved portion 263 connects the first straight portion 262 and the second straight portion 264 together. In the elastic engagement piece 26, the second curved portion 263 is an arc-shaped portion with the apex P facing upward. The second straight portion 264 is provided along the straight line Y6. The straight line Y6 is inclined with respect to the straight line Y5. Therefore, the second straight portion 264 is inclined in a direction such that the separation distance X264 from the first straight portion 262 increases with increasing distance from the second curved portion 263. An engagement claw 265 is provided on the outer periphery 264a of the second straight portion 264 on the tip 26a side of the elastic engagement piece 26. The engagement claw 265 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the straight line Y6. An engagement surface 265a of the engagement claw 265 is a flat surface perpendicular to the straight line Y6. The lower side (the engagement claw 265 side) of the second straight portion 264 is displaceable in the X direction.

[0039] In this embodiment, the radius of curvature r261 of the first curved portion 261 is smaller than the radius of curvature r263 of the second curved portion 263 (r263>r261). Therefore, the second straight portion 264, which uses the second curved portion 263 as a fulcrum, is more likely to move than the first straight portion 262, which uses the first curved portion 261 as a fulcrum. Therefore, when a compressive stress in the X direction acts on the elastic engagement piece 26, the second straight portion 264 and the engagement claw 265 can be displaced more in the X direction than the first straight portion 262.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, the elastic engagement piece 25, the elastic engagement piece 26, and the elastic piece 24 are aligned on a middle line C that passes through the middle of the elastic piece 24 in the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the radius of curvature r263 of the second curved portion 263 of the elastic engagement piece 26 is larger than the radius of curvature r253 of the second curved portion 253 of the elastic engagement piece 25 (r263>r253). Therefore, the second linear portion 264 of the elastic engagement piece 26 is more likely to be displaced in the X direction than the second linear portion 254 of the elastic engagement piece 25. However, the first curved portion 261 of the elastic engagement piece 26 is connected to the side surface 231 b of the wall portion 231 , and the first curved portion 251 of the elastic engagement piece 25 is connected to the lower end 232 a of the wall portion 232 . Therefore, the first linear portion 262 of the elastic engagement piece 26 is more difficult to displace in the X direction than the first linear portion 252 of the elastic engagement piece 25. 5, when viewed from the Y direction, the Z-direction width Z25 of the elastic engagement piece 25 is narrower than the Z-direction width Z26 of the elastic engagement piece 26. Therefore, the elastic engagement piece 25 is more susceptible to elastic displacement in the X direction than the elastic engagement piece 26.

[0041] In this embodiment, in a state where the battery controller 1 is assembled to the battery unit 9, the support portion 23 on the battery controller 1 side is disposed between the engaged portions 92, 92 on the battery unit 9 side. As shown in FIG. 5, the engaging portion 2A of the battery controller 1 has an X-direction width X2 from one elastic engaging piece 25 through the support portion 23 to the other elastic engaging piece 26, which is larger than the X-direction interval X92 (separation width) between the engaged portions 92, 92 (X2>X92). Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, the elastic engagement pieces 25, 26 extending from the support portion 23 of the engagement portion 2A are compressed in the X direction, and the engagement portion 255 and the engagement claw 265 are inserted into the spaces S1, S1 inside the engaged portions 92, 92. In this state, the elastic engaging pieces 25 and 26 have the outer peripheries 254a and 264a of the second linear portions 254 and 264 respectively abut against the locking portions 921 and 921 of the engaged portions 92 and 92 from the X direction.

[0042] As described above, the elastic piece 24 is provided on the lower part of the support part 23. The height h24 (see FIG. 7) of this elastic piece 24 from the lower surface 23b of the support part 23 is set so that the elastic piece 24 is in pressure contact with the mounting surface 91 on the battery unit 9 side when the engaging part 2A is assembled to the engaged part 92. Therefore, when the engaging part 2A is assembled to the engaged part 92, a biasing force acts on the engaging part 2A in a direction away from the mounting surface 91 due to a reaction force acting from the elastic piece 24. Therefore, the engaging part 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 and the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 press the engaging surfaces 255a and 265a, respectively, against the locking part 921 (support surface 921a) of the engaged part 92 (see FIG. 9).

[0043] In this state, even if stress acts on the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 and / or the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 in a direction that displaces them relative to the locking portion 921 of the engaged portion 92, a sliding resistance corresponding to the pressure force acts between the locking portion 921 (support surface 921a) and the engaging portion 255 (engagement surface 255a) and / or the engaging claw 265 (engagement surface 265a), so the relative displacement in the X direction and Z direction between the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 and / or the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 and the engaged portions 92, 92 is restricted. That is, the elastic piece 24, and the engaging portion 255 and engaging claw 265 that are pressed against the locking portion 921 restrict relative displacement between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0044] 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating the base 21. Fig. 10 schematically shows a cross section of the support portion 23 of the engagement portion 2A taken along line AA in Fig. 8. Fig. 11 schematically shows a cross section of the base 21 of the engagement portion 2A taken along line BB in Fig. 8, together with the battery unit 9.

[0045] 10, a recess 22 is provided on the end 21b side (right side in the figure) of the base 21. In this embodiment, the range in the X direction from the end 21c of the base 21 to the first side edge 221 (inclined surface) of the recess 22 forms a restricting portion 210 (see FIG. 11) that is inserted between the engaged portions 92, 92 when the battery controller 1 is assembled to the battery unit 9. Legs 121, 121 are provided on the base 21 at a portion facing the battery unit 9. The legs 121, 121 are provided at an interval in the X direction. One leg 121 has a side edge 121b on the end 21b side connected to the lower end of the first side edge 221 of the recess 22. The other leg 121 is provided at a position offset from the end 21c of the base 21 toward the end 21b side (to the right in the figure).

[0046] The first side edge 221 is inclined such that the width X210 in the X direction (see FIG. 11) narrows toward the upper surface 21a of the base 21. The first side edge 221 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ221 (see FIG. 10) with respect to a straight line L211 along the side edge 121b of the leg portion 121. The inclination of the first side edge 221 is provided to prevent the base 21 from interfering with the locking portion 921 on the engaged portion 92 side when the battery controller 1 is assembled to the battery unit 9. Therefore, when the battery controller 1 is assembled to the battery unit 9, the first side edge 211 faces the locking portion 92 on the engaged portion 92 side with a gap therebetween (see FIG. 11).

[0047] In this state, the second side edge 222 of the recess 22 is disposed close to the engaged portion 92 with a gap in the Z direction between it and the engaged portion 92 (see FIG. 5). The second side edge 222 faces the side surface of the engaged portion 92 in the Z direction.

[0048] 12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating the process of assembling the battery controller 1 (case 10) to the battery unit 9 (holder). 12 and 13 show a schematic diagram of the process of assembling the battery controller 1 to the battery unit 9, in which one engaging portion 2A on the battery controller 1 side is assembled to the engaged portions 92, 92 on the battery unit 9 side.

[0049] The process of assembling the battery controller 1 to the battery unit 9 will now be described. As described above, the engaging portion 2A of the battery controller 1 has a width X2 in the X direction from one elastic engaging piece 25 through the support portion 23 to the other elastic engaging piece 26 that is larger than the distance X92 in the X direction between the engaged portions 92, 92 (X2>X92) (see FIG. 5). Therefore, when assembling the battery controller 1 to the battery unit 9, first, the battery controller 1 is tilted so that the elastic engagement piece 25 side is closer to the battery unit 9 than the elastic engagement piece 26 side (see FIG. 12(a)).

[0050] When the battery controller 1 is tilted relative to the battery unit 9, the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 is oriented substantially along the locking portion 921 on the engaged portion 92 side (see FIG. 12(b)). This allows the battery controller 1 to be moved in the X direction (to the right in the drawing) and the engaging portion 255 to be easily inserted into the space S1 surrounded by the locking portion 921 and the support portions 922, 922.

[0051] Then, after the elastic engagement piece 25 is brought into contact with one of the engaged portions 92 on the battery unit 9 side, it is further moved in the X direction (to the right in the figure) to compress the elastic engagement piece 25 in the X direction (see (c) of Figure 12). At this time, since the first side edge 221 (inclined surface) is provided on the side surface of the base 21, the base 21 and the engaged portion 92 do not interfere with each other, and compression of the elastic engaging piece 25 is not hindered.

[0052] When the first side edge 221 (inclined surface) reaches a position where it abuts against the engaged portion 92 (see (c) of Figure 12), the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 is positioned above the other engaged portion 92 on the battery unit 9 side (left side in the figure) (see (c) of Figure 12).

[0053] In this state, the elastic engagement piece 26 side of the battery controller 1 is displaced downward toward the battery unit 9 (see FIG. 13(a)). Then, the battery controller 1 rotates around the contact point between one of the engaged portions 92 on the battery unit 9 side and the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engagement piece 25 as a fulcrum. As a result, the elastic engagement piece 26 is displaced downward toward the battery unit 9 while elastically displacing the second linear portion 264 having the engagement claw 265 in the X direction (to the right in the figure) (see FIG. 13(b)). Then, when the engaging claw 265 crosses the locking portion 921 of the engaged portion 92 on the left side in the figure, downward toward the mounting surface 91, the elastically deformed second straight portion 264 is displaced in the X direction (left side in the figure) due to its restoring force, and the engaging claw 265 is locked to the support surface 921a of the locking portion 921 (see (c) of Figure 13).

[0054] In the process of the engaging claw 265 being locked by the locking portion 921 , the abutting portion 241 of the elastic piece 24 abuts against the mounting surface 91 and is finally pressed against the mounting surface 91 . As a result, the battery controller 1 is urged in a direction (upward in the figure) away from the mounting surface 91 by the repulsive force acting from the elastic piece 24. In this state, the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 is pressed against the support surface 921a of the locking portion 921, and the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 is pressed against the support surface 921a of the locking portion 921. Therefore, relative displacement between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 in the opposing direction (Y direction) is restricted. In this state, the legs 121, 121 extending from the base 21 are arranged with a gap CL between them and the mounting surface 91. Therefore, the battery controller 1 (case 10) is supported by the battery unit 9 without being affected by the dimensional tolerances of the legs 121, 121.

[0055] Furthermore, the second linear portion 254 of the elastic engagement piece 25 is brought into elastic pressure contact with the end surface 921b of the locking portion 921. The second linear portion 264 of the elastic engagement piece 26 is brought into elastic pressure contact with the end surface 921b of the locking portion 921. This restricts the relative displacement between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 in the X direction. Furthermore, the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 and the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 are pressed against the locking portion 921 (support surface 921a) of the engaged portion 92, respectively, generating sliding resistance against relative displacement in the X and Z directions between the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 and the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 and the engaged portions 92, 92. This also suppresses the relative displacement between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 in the X and Z directions.

[0056] Here, the legs 121, 121 provided on the battery controller 1 at the portion facing the battery unit 9 function as stoppers to prevent the battery controller 1 from being pushed too far when the battery controller 1 is pushed toward the battery unit 9 and the engaging claws 265 are engaged with the engaging portions 921 of the engaged portions 92 (see (c) of Figure 13). When an excessive external force is applied to the battery controller 1 when assembling it to the battery unit 9, the engaging portions 2 (2A, 2B) may be excessively deformed, which may result in deformation of the elastic pieces 24. In such a case, the reaction force from the elastic pieces 24 may not act appropriately on the battery controller 1, which may result in insufficient suppression of relative displacement between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9. The provision of the legs 121, 121 that function as stoppers effectively prevents such an event from occurring.

[0057] In the battery controller 1 of this embodiment, (i) the elastic engagement pieces 25, 25 of the engagement portions 2 (2A, 2B) are tilted so that they are closer to the battery unit 9 than the elastic engagement piece 26, and the elastic engagement piece 25 is abutted against one of the engaged portions 92 on the battery unit 9 side and compressed, and then the battery controller 1 is moved in the assembly direction until the first side edge 221 (inclined surface) on the battery controller 1 side abuts against the engaged portion 92 (see (a) to (c) of FIG. 12). Then, (ii) the elastic engagement piece 26 side of the battery controller 1 is displaced downward toward the battery unit 9, and the second linear portion 264 of the elastic engagement piece 26 is elastically displaced in the X direction (right side in the figure), while the engagement claw 265 is engaged with the support surface 921a of the locking portion 921 (see (c) of FIG. 13). The battery controller 1 can be assembled to the battery unit 9 through these two steps, so the assembly work can be carried out smoothly.

[0058] When assembling the battery controller 1 to the battery unit 9 with bolts, the layout constraints on the battery unit 9 (battery pack) limit the working area and working direction of tools used for tightening the bolts, resulting in an increase in the size of the battery unit 9 (battery pack). Furthermore, costs for the fastening bolts and costs (labor costs) associated with the tightening time are incurred, increasing the manufacturing cost of the battery unit 9 (battery pack).

[0059] As described above, by employing the support structure 5 according to the present invention, the battery controller 1 can be assembled to the battery unit 9 in two steps without using bolts. This not only reduces the size of the battery unit 9 (battery pack), but also reduces the labor costs and manufacturing costs of the battery unit 9 (battery pack).

[0060] The battery controller 1 is supported on the battery unit 9 using an elastic piece 24 that is elastically displaced in the Y direction and elastic engagement pieces 25 and 26 that are elastically displaced in the X direction. Specifically, the reaction force acting from the elastic piece 24 presses the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 and the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 against the locking portion 921 (support surface 921a) of the engaged portion 92. Therefore, the friction between the engaging portion 255 and the engaging claw 265 and the locking portion 921, and the friction between the abutting portion 241 of the elastic piece 24 and the mounting surface 91 of the battery unit 9, suppresses misalignment not only in the Y direction and the X direction but also in the Z direction. Since the frictional force is used to suppress misalignment by the elastic piece 24 and each of the two elastic engaging pieces 25, 26, a better suppression effect on misalignment can be expected compared to when there is only one elastic engaging piece. Furthermore, since the parts related to misalignment (elastic piece 24, elastic engagement pieces 25, 26) are concentrated in the engagement portion 2 (2A, 2B), improved operability can be expected when assembling the battery controller 1 to the battery unit 9 compared to when the parts related to misalignment are dispersed.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, the battery controller 1 (case 10) is made of resin. For example, at least a portion of the engaging portion 2 (2A, 2B), such as the elastic piece 24 and the elastic engaging pieces 25, 26, may be made of a metal material. In the above-described embodiment, the engaging portion 2 (2A, 2B) is illustrated as having the elastic engaging pieces 25, 26, respectively. It is sufficient that the engaging portion 2 (2A, 2B) has only one of the elastic engaging pieces 25, 26. Even when such a configuration is adopted, it is possible to restrict the relative displacement between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 in the X direction and the Y direction, and also to suppress positional deviation in the Z direction.

[0062] 14 and 15 are diagrams illustrating an engagement portion 2' (2A', 2B') according to a modified example. Fig. 14 shows a battery controller 1A according to a modified example as viewed obliquely from above, and Fig. 15 shows a battery controller 1A according to a modified example as viewed obliquely from below.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a case 10A of a battery controller 1A according to the modified example has a shorter length in the Z direction than the case 10 of the battery controller 1 described above. The case 10A also has engagement portions 2' (2A', 2B') provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction. The engaging portion 2' (2A', 2B') differs from the engaging portion 2 (2A, 2B) described above in that the supporting portion 23 does not have the elastic piece 24.

[0064] The elastic piece 24 is located on a middle line Cw of the width Wz in the Z direction of the case 10A (lower case 12A). When the battery controller 1A is assembled to the battery unit 9, the biasing force acting on the case 10A from the elastic pieces 24 acts evenly on the engagement portions 2' (2A', 2B') located on both sides of the case 10A.

[0065] This configuration also makes it possible to restrict relative displacement between the battery controller 1A (case 10A) and the battery unit 9 in the X and Y directions, and also to suppress positional deviation in the Z direction.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, the elastic engagement pieces 25 and 26 each have two curved portions, but the total number of curved portions can be changed as appropriate.

[0067] As described above, the support structure 5 according to this embodiment is a support structure for the battery controller 1 (case 10) in the battery unit 9 (holder), and has the following configuration. (1) The battery unit 9 has a pair of engaged portions 92, 92 on an attachment surface 91 that faces the case 10. The pair of engaged portions 92, 92 are arranged at an interval in a first direction (X direction) that is perpendicular to the assembly direction (Y direction) of the battery unit 9 and the battery controller 1. Case 10 is an elastic piece 24 (first elastic piece) that is provided at a portion facing the battery unit 9 and is elastically displaceable in the assembly direction (Y direction) of the battery unit 9 and the case 10; a support portion 23 inserted between the pair of engaged portions 92, 92; The elastic engagement piece 25 (second elastic piece) is provided on one side of the support portion 23 in the first direction (X direction) and is elastically displaceable in the first direction. The elastic engagement piece 25 has an engagement portion 255 that engages with one of the pair of engaged portions 92, 92 from a first direction (X direction). The engaging portion 255 is engaged with one of the engaged portions 92 in a state in which movement in a direction away from the battery unit 9 in the assembly direction (Y direction) is restricted by the biasing force generated by the elastic piece 24.

[0068] With this configuration, the relative displacement between the battery unit 9 and the battery controller 1 (case 10) in the first direction (X direction) is restricted by the elastic engaging piece 25, the support portion 23, and the pair of engaged portions 92, 92. Furthermore, the relative displacement between the battery unit 9 and the battery controller 1 (case 10) in the assembly direction (Y direction) is restricted by the engaging portion 255 engaged with one of the engaged portions 92. This allows the battery controller 1 (case 10) to be properly supported by the battery unit 9 (holder).

[0069] (2) In (1) above, It is provided on the other side of the support portion 23 in the first direction (X direction) and has an elastic engagement piece 26 (third elastic piece) that is elastically displaceable in the first direction (X direction). The elastic engagement piece 26 has an engagement claw 265 (engagement portion) that engages with the other of the pair of engaged portions 92, 92 (engaged portions) from the first direction (X direction). The engaging claw 265 is engaged with the other engaged portion 92 in a state in which movement in a direction away from the battery unit 9 in the assembling direction (Y direction) is restricted by the biasing force generated by the elastic piece 24.

[0070] With this configuration, the relative displacement between the battery unit 9 and the battery controller 1 (case 10) in the first direction (X direction) is restricted by the elastic engagement pieces 25, 26, the support portion 23, and the pair of engaged portions 92, 92. Furthermore, the engagement portion 255 of the elastic engagement piece 25 engages with one of the engaged portions 92 from the first direction (X direction), and the engagement claw 265 of the elastic engagement piece 26 engages with the other engaged portion 92 from the first direction (X direction), thereby restricting the relative displacement between the battery unit 9 and the battery controller 1 (case 10) in the assembly direction (Y direction). Therefore, relative displacement between the battery unit 9 (holder) and the battery controller 1 (case 10) can be restricted in the assembling direction (Y direction) of the battery unit 9 (holder) and the battery controller 1 (case 10) and in a first direction (X direction) perpendicular to the assembling direction.

[0071] (I) In (1) or (2) above, The engaged portion 92 is a locking portion 921 (first restricting portion) that restricts movement of the engaging portion 255 (engaging claw 265) in a direction away from the battery unit 9 in the assembling direction (Y direction); and a support portion 922 (second restricting portion) that restricts movement of the engaging portion 255 (engaging claw 265) in a second direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the assembly direction (Y direction) and the first direction (X direction). The support portions 922 are provided at intervals in the second direction (Z direction) and hold the locking portion 921 at a position spaced apart from the mounting surface 91 of the battery unit 9 in the assembly direction (Y direction).

[0072] With this configuration, the biasing force generated by the elastic piece 24 causes the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 to be pressed against the support surface 921a on the mounting surface 91 side of the locking portion 921. Furthermore, the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 25 is pressed against the support surface 921a on the mounting surface 91 side of the locking portion 921. In this state, the elastic engagement piece 25 (engagement portion 255) and the elastic engagement piece 26 (engagement claw 265) are restricted by the locking portion 921 from moving in a direction away from the battery unit 9 in the assembly direction (Y direction). Furthermore, support portions 922, 922 provided at intervals in the second direction (Z direction) restrict movement of the elastic engagement piece 25 (engagement portion 255) and the elastic engagement piece 26 (engagement claw 265) in the second direction (Z direction). Furthermore, since sliding resistance corresponding to the pressure contact force acts between the locking portion 921 (support surface 921a) and the engaging portion 255 (engaging surface 255a) and the engaging claw 265 (engaging surface 265a), relative displacement in the X direction and Z direction between the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 and the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 and the engaged portions 92, 92 is regulated. This makes it possible to appropriately regulate the relative displacement between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 in the Y direction, X direction, and Z direction.

[0073] (3) In any one of (1), (2), or (I) above, The elastic engagement piece 25 (second elastic piece) has a lower elastic modulus than the elastic engagement piece 26 (third elastic piece).

[0074] With this configuration, when assembling the battery controller 1 (case 10) to the battery unit 9 (holder), the resistance experienced by the worker performing the assembling work can be reduced by displacing the elastic engagement piece 25 (second elastic piece), which is more easily elastically displaced, thereby enabling the assembling work to be performed smoothly. Furthermore, the elastic engagement piece 26 (third elastic piece), which is less susceptible to elastic deformation, regulates the relative displacement between the battery controller 1 (case 10) and the battery unit 9 (holder) in the first direction (X direction), thereby allowing the battery controller 1 (case 10) and the battery unit 9 (holder) to be properly held in the desired position. In other words, it is classified into an elastic engagement piece 25 (second elastic piece) that is displaced during assembly and an elastic engagement piece 26 (third elastic piece) that bears the external force of vehicle vibration / impact through a reaction force, thereby improving assembly reliability and product reliability. When assembling, if the rigidity of the elastic engagement piece (spring) on ​​the side that first engages is low, the displacement of the entire elastic engagement piece (clip) becomes larger, making assembly easier.

[0075] (4) In any one of (1) to (3) and (I) above, The elastic engagement piece 25 is a strip-shaped member extending from the support portion 23 in the X direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the elastic engagement piece 25 has, up to the tip 25a, curved portions (first curved portion 251, second curved portion 253) that reverse the extending direction in the assembling direction (Y direction). The radius of curvature of the curved portion is larger in the second curved portion 253 located away from the support portion 23 than in the first curved portion 251 located closer to the support portion 23 than the second curved portion 253.

[0076] With this configuration, the elastic engagement piece 25 can have the desired displacement characteristics without increasing its size in the X direction.

[0077] (II) The engaging portion 255 on the elastic engaging piece 25 side is a region beyond the bent portion 256 on the tip 25a side of the elastic engaging piece 25. When viewed from the Z direction, the engaging portion 255 extends linearly in a direction away from the support portion 23, and is inclined in a direction away from the mounting surface 91 on the battery unit 9 side as it moves away from the support portion 23.

[0078] With this configuration, when the battery controller 1 is tilted relative to the battery unit 9, the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 is oriented along the locking portion 921 on the engaged portion 92 side. This makes it easy to insert the engaging portion 255 into the space surrounded by the locking portion 921 and the support portions 922, 922.

[0079] (III) The elastic engagement piece 25 (second elastic piece) is a strip-shaped member extending from one surface (lower end 232a) of the support part 23 in the assembly direction (Y direction). The elastic engagement piece 25 (second elastic piece) is a first curved portion 251 that connects a lower end 232a of the support portion 23 (wall portion 232) and a first linear portion 252 along the assembly direction (Y direction) and changes the extending direction of the elastic engagement piece 25 from one side to the other side in the Y direction; a second curved portion 253 that connects the first straight portion 252 and a second straight portion 254 that is aligned with the assembly direction (Y direction) and changes the extending direction of the elastic engagement piece 25 from the other side to one side in the Y direction; a bent portion 256 that connects the second linear portion 254 and the engaging portion 255 extending in the first direction (X direction) and changes the extending direction of the elastic engaging piece 25 from a direction along the assembling direction (Y direction) to the first direction (X direction), The radius of curvature r251 of the first curved portion 251 is smaller than the radius of curvature r253 of the second curved portion 253.

[0080] With this configuration, the elastic engagement piece 25 functions as a spring member that elastically displaces in the X direction more on the tip 25a side than on the base end 25b side of the second curved portion 253. The elastic engagement pieces 25 can be appropriately elastically displaced while preventing the length range of the elastic engagement pieces 25 in the X direction from increasing.

[0081] (5) In any one of the above (1) to (4), (I) to (III), The elastic engagement piece 26 is a strip-shaped member extending from the support portion 23 in the X direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the elastic engagement piece 26 has, up to the tip 26a, curved portions (first curved portion 261, second curved portion 263) that reverse the extending direction in the assembling direction (Y direction). The radius of curvature of the curved portion is larger in the second curved portion 263 located away from the support portion 23 than in the first curved portion 261 located closer to the support portion 23 than the second curved portion 263.

[0082] With this configuration, the elastic engagement piece 26 can have the desired displacement characteristics without increasing its size in the X direction.

[0083] (IV) The engaging portion of the elastic engaging piece 26 (third elastic piece) is an engaging claw 265 that protrudes from the outer periphery of the tip 26a side of the elastic engaging piece 26. The engaging claw 265 has an engaging surface 265a that is perpendicular to the second linear portion 264.

[0084] With this configuration, the engagement claw 265 can be easily inserted into the space surrounded by the locking portion 921 and the support portions 922, 922. Furthermore, the engagement surface 265a of the engagement claw 265 can be reliably locked onto the support surface 921a of the locking portion 921.

[0085] (V) The elastic engagement piece 26 has a first curved portion 261 that connects the side surface 231b of the support portion 23 and a first linear portion 262 along the assembly direction (Y direction) and changes the extension direction of the elastic engagement piece 26 from the other side in the first direction (X direction) to the other side in the assembly direction (Y direction); a second curved portion 263 that connects the first straight portion 262 and a second straight portion 264 that is aligned with the assembly direction (Y direction) and changes the extending direction of the elastic engagement piece 26 from the other side to one side in the Y direction; and an engaging claw 265 protruding from the outer periphery of the second straight portion 264. The radius of curvature r261 of the first curved portion 261 is smaller than the radius of curvature r263 of the second curved portion 263.

[0086] With this configuration, the elastic engagement piece 26 functions as a spring member that elastically displaces more in the X direction on the tip 26a side than on the second curved portion 263 side than on the first curved portion 261 side, which is the base end. The elastic engagement pieces 26 can be appropriately elastically displaced while preventing the length range of the elastic engagement pieces 26 in the X direction from increasing.

[0087] (6) In any one of (1) to (5), (I) to (V) above, The elastic piece 24 (first elastic piece) is a strip-shaped member cantilevered on the wall portion 231 side (other side) of the support portion 23 in the X direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the elastic piece 24 is inclined in a direction approaching the wall 232 (one side) of the support part 23 in the X direction from the wall 231 (other side) as it approaches the battery unit 9 (holder) in the Y direction. The elastic piece 24 has a bent portion 243 between the tip 24a and the elastic piece 24, which changes the extending direction from the direction approaching the battery unit 9 to the direction along the X direction. The elastic piece 24 has a contact portion 241 that resiliently contacts the battery unit 9 beyond the bent portion 243 .

[0088] With this configuration, when the battery controller 1 is assembled to the battery unit 9, the elastic pieces 24 are pressed against the mounting surface 91 on the battery unit 9 side. In this state, a reaction force from the elastic pieces 24 acts on the engaging portions 2A and 2B having the elastic pieces 24, causing an urging force in a direction away from the mounting surface 91. The urging force acting from the elastic pieces 24 causes the engaging portions 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 and the engaging claws 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 to press the engaging surfaces 255a and 265a against the locking portions 921 (support surfaces 921a) of the engaged portions 92, respectively. As a result, movement of the battery controller 1 in the Y direction away from the battery unit 9 is restricted by the engaging portion 255 and the engaging claw 265 that are engaged with the locking portion 921 of the engaged portion 92. Furthermore, the elastic engagement pieces 25 and 26 are strip-shaped members having widths Z25 and Z26, and the engagement portion 255 and the engagement claw 265 each have a certain contact area and are pressed against the locking portion 921. Therefore, the relative displacement in the X direction between the elastic engagement pieces 25 and 26 and the engaged portion 92 (locking portion 921) is also restricted. This allows the relative displacement in the X direction between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 to be appropriately restricted.

[0089] (7) In any one of (1) to (6), (I) to (V) above, The support portion 23 has a restricting portion 210 (insertion portion) that is inserted between the pair of engaged portions 92, 92. The width X210 of the restricting portion 210 in the first direction (X direction) is wider than the width X23 of the support portion 23 in the first direction (X direction) and narrower than the separation width X92 of the pair of engaged portions 92, 92 in the first direction (X direction).

[0090] With this configuration, the range of relative movement between the case 10 and the battery unit 9 in the first direction (X direction) can be adjusted according to the gap in the first direction (X direction) between the restricting portion 210 and the pair of engaged portions 92, 92. When excessive external force is applied to the case 10 when assembling the battery controller 1 to the battery unit 9 or excessive external force due to vehicle vibration / impact, the restricting portion 210 comes into contact with the engaged portions 92 to restrict movement in the X direction, thereby suppressing excessive displacement of the engaging portions 2 (2A, 2B). This makes it possible to prevent damage to the engaging portions 2 (2A, 2B) and improve product reliability.

[0091] (8) In any one of (1) to (7), (I) to (V) above, The width X2 in the first direction (X direction) from the engagement portion 255 of the elastic engagement piece 25 (second elastic piece) to the engagement claw 265 (engagement portion) of the elastic engagement piece 26 (third elastic piece) before the battery controller 1 (case 10) is assembled to the battery unit 9 (holder) is set to a width wider than the separation width (spacing X92) between the pair of engaged portions 92, 92 in the first direction (X direction). The insertion portion has a first side edge 221 (inclined surface) on one side edge in the first direction (X direction) such that the width X210 in the first direction (X direction) narrows as it moves away from the battery unit 9 in the assembly direction (Y direction).

[0092] When assembling the battery controller 1 (case 10) to the battery unit 9 (holder), first tilt the elastic engagement piece 25 side closer to the battery unit 9 (holder) than the elastic engagement piece 26 side, and then abut the elastic engagement piece 25 against one of the engaged portions 92 on the battery unit 9 side and compress it. In this case, if the first side edge 221 on the side of one of the engaged portions 92 of the regulating portion 210 is not an inclined surface, the side edge and one of the engaged portions 92 may interfere with each other, which may cause problems in assembling the battery controller 1 (case 10) to the battery unit 9 (holder). By providing the first side edge 221 (inclined surface), it is possible to increase the amount of displacement of the elastic engaging piece 25 until the first side edge 221 of the restricting portion 210 interferes with the engaged portion 92, while also facilitating displacement of the elastic engaging piece 25. This improves the ease of assembling the battery controller 1 (case 10) to the battery unit 9 (holder).

[0093] (9) In any one of the above (1) to (8), (I) to (V), When the regulating portion 210 (insertion portion) is inserted between a pair of engaged portions 92, 92, it has a second side edge 222 (opposing portion) that is positioned close to the engaged portions 92, 92 (support portion 922) with a gap in the second direction (Z direction).

[0094] With this configuration, when the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 attempt to move significantly relative to each other in the second direction (Z direction), the second side edge 222 abuts against the engaged portion 92, restricting the movement in the second direction (Z direction). This makes it possible to adjust the range of relative movement between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 in the second direction (Z direction) according to the gap in the second direction (Z direction) between the second side edge 222 (opposing portion) and the engaged portion 92 (support portion 922). When excessive external force such as vehicle vibration / impact acts on the case 10, damage to the engaging portions 2 (2A, 2B) and the case 10 can be prevented, thereby improving product reliability.

[0095] (10) In any one of (1) to (9) and (I) to (V) above, When viewed from the assembly direction (Y direction), the case 10 has long side edges 113, 114 spaced apart in a first direction (X direction) and short side edges 111, 112 spaced apart in a second direction (Z direction). At the side edges 111 and 112 on the short side, Engagement portions 2A and 2B including a support portion 23, an elastic engagement piece 25, and an elastic engagement piece 26 are provided.

[0096] With this configuration, the relative displacement between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 in the X, Y, and Z directions can be restricted. Furthermore, engaging portions 2A and 2B are located on both sides in the second direction (Z direction), and these engaging portions 2A and 2B can also be used as handles for holding the battery controller 1. Therefore, when assembling the battery controller 1 to the battery unit 9, the worker can grasp the engaging portions 2A and 2B on both sides of the battery controller 1, which serve as handles, and tilt the battery controller 1 while pushing it into the battery unit 9 to assemble it, all in one step. This is expected to improve the efficiency of the assembly work.

[0097] (11) In (10) above, The elastic piece 24 is provided at a portion of the support portion 23 facing the battery unit 9.

[0098] With this configuration, the biasing force generated by the elastic piece 24 causes the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 to be pressed against the support surface 921a on the mounting surface 91 side of the locking portion 921. Furthermore, the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 is pressed against the support surface 921a on the mounting surface 91 side of the locking portion 921. In this state, the elastic engagement piece 25 (engagement portion 255) and the elastic engagement piece 26 (engagement claw 265) are restricted by the locking portion 921 from moving in a direction away from the battery unit 9 in the assembly direction (Y direction). Furthermore, support portions 922, 922 arranged at intervals in the second direction (Z direction) restrict movement of the elastic engagement piece 25 (engagement portion 255) and the elastic engagement piece 26 (engagement claw 265) in the second direction (Z direction) by the support portions 922, 922. Furthermore, since sliding resistance corresponding to the pressure contact force acts between the locking portion 921 (support surface 921a) and the engaging portion 255 (engaging surface 255a) and the engaging claw 265 (engaging surface 265a), relative displacement in the X direction and Z direction between the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 and the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 and the engaged portions 92, 92 is regulated. This allows the engagement portions 2A and 2B to appropriately regulate the relative displacement between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 in the Y direction, X direction, and Z direction.

[0099] (12) In (10) above, The elastic piece 24 is provided at a portion of the case 10A facing the battery unit 9. When viewed from the Y direction, the elastic piece 24 is provided midway between the engaging portion 2A' and the engaging portion 2B' that are spaced apart in the Z direction.

[0100] With this configuration, even in the case of a case 10A with a short length in the Z direction, each of the engagement portions 2A', 2B' can appropriately regulate the relative displacement between the battery controller 1A and the battery unit 9 in the Y direction, X direction, and Z direction. Furthermore, since the battery controller 1A (case 10A) is provided with only one elastic piece 24, the amount of resin used can be reduced compared to the battery controller 1 (case 10) that is provided with two elastic pieces 24. This is expected to contribute to reducing the weight and cost of the battery controller 1A (case 10A).

[0101] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications. Appropriate modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the invention.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, the "case" and "holder" in the invention are the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9, respectively. The "case" may be a case that houses a control device on the vehicle side. In this case, the mounting bracket provided on the vehicle body side corresponds to the "holder."

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, the elastic engagement piece 25 (second elastic piece) and the elastic engagement piece 26 (third elastic piece) have different elastic moduli, thereby differentiating the ease of elastic displacement between the elastic engagement piece 25 and the elastic engagement piece 26. The ease of elastic displacement may also be different by differentiating the thickness of the strip-shaped elastic engagement piece 25 and the strip-shaped elastic engagement piece 26. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1, 1A battery controller 10 cases 11 Upper Case 111, 112, 113, 114 side edges 12 Lower case 13 Printed circuit board 14, 15 Ribs 16 Connection port 2, 2', 2A, 2B engaging part 21 Base 210 Regulatory Department 22 recess 221 1st side edge (slanted surface) 222 Second side edge (opposing part) 23 Support part 230 Through hole 231, 232, 233, 234 Wall section 24 Elastic piece (first elastic piece) 241 Contact part 242 Connection 243 Bend 25 Elastic engagement piece (second elastic piece) 251 First curve 252 1st straight section 253 Second curved section 254 2nd straight section 255 Engagement part 256 Bend 26 Elastic engagement piece (third elastic piece) 261 First curve 262 1st straight section 263 Second curved section 264 2nd straight section 265 Engagement claw 5 Support structure 9 Battery Unit 91 Mounting surface 92, 92A, 92B Engaged part 921 Locking part 921a Support surface 922 Support part

Claims

1. A support structure for a case in a holder, The holder is a pair of engaged portions provided at a portion facing the case and spaced apart in a first direction perpendicular to an assembly direction of the holder and the case, The case is a first elastic piece provided at a portion facing the holder and elastically displaceable in an assembly direction of the holder and the case; a support portion inserted between the pair of engaged portions; a second elastic piece that is provided on one side of the support portion in the first direction and is elastically displaceable in the first direction, the second elastic piece has an engaging portion that engages with one of the pair of engaged portions from the first direction, A support structure for a case in a holder, wherein the engaging portion engages with one of the engaged portions while being restricted from moving in a direction away from the holder in the assembly direction by the spring force generated by the first elastic piece.

2. In claim 1, a third elastic piece that is provided on the other side of the support portion in the first direction and is elastically displaceable in the first direction, the third elastic piece has an engaging portion that engages with the other of the pair of engaged portions from the first direction, A support structure for a case in a holder, wherein the engaging portion engages with the other engaged portion while being restricted from moving in a direction away from the holder in the assembly direction by the spring force generated by the first elastic piece.

3. In claim 2, The second elastic piece has a lower modulus of elasticity than the third elastic piece.

4. In claim 3, the second elastic piece is a strip-shaped member extending from the support portion in the first direction, the second elastic piece has at least two curved portions, the curved portions having an extension direction that is reversed in the assembling direction of the holder and the case, between the second elastic piece and a tip end thereof, when viewed from a second direction that is perpendicular to the assembling direction of the holder and the case and the first direction; A support structure for a case in a holder, wherein the radius of curvature of the curved portion increases as the curved portion is positioned farther away from the support portion.

5. In claim 4, the third elastic piece is a strip-shaped member extending from the support portion in the first direction, the third elastic piece has at least two curved portions, the curved portions having an extending direction reversed in the assembling direction, between the third elastic piece and the tip end when viewed from the second direction, A support structure for a case in a holder, wherein the radius of curvature of the curved portion increases as the curved portion is positioned farther away from the support portion.

6. In claim 5, the first elastic piece is a strip-shaped member cantilevered on the other side of the support part in the first direction, When viewed from the second direction, the first elastic piece is inclined in a direction from the other side of the support portion in the first direction toward the one side thereof as the first elastic piece approaches the holder in the assembling direction, the first elastic piece has a bent portion between the tip and the tip, the bent portion changing the extending direction from a direction approaching the holder to a direction along the first direction, A support structure for a case in a holder, wherein a portion of the first elastic piece beyond the bent portion forms an abutment portion that resiliently abuts against the holder.

7. In claim 6, an insertion portion that is inserted between the pair of engaged portions together with the support portion, A support structure for a case in a holder, wherein the width of the insertion portion in the first direction is wider than the width of the support portion in the first direction and narrower than the separation width in the first direction between the pair of engaged portions.

8. In claim 7, a width from the engaging portion of the second elastic piece to the engaging portion of the third elastic piece in the first direction is set to be wider than a separation width in the first direction between the pair of engaged portions, A support structure for a case in a holder, wherein the insertion portion has an inclined surface on one side edge in the first direction such that the width of the insertion portion in the first direction narrows as it moves away from the holder in the assembly direction.

9. In claim 8, A support structure for a case in a holder, having an opposing portion that is positioned close to the engaged portion with a gap in the second direction when the insertion portion is inserted between the pair of engaged portions.

10. In any one of claims 2 to 9, When viewed from the assembly direction, the case has long side portions spaced apart in a first direction and short side portions spaced apart in the second direction, On the short side portion, A support structure for a case in a holder, comprising an engaging portion including the support portion, the second elastic piece, and the third elastic piece.

11. In claim 10, The first elastic piece is provided at a portion of the support portion facing the holder, in a support structure for a case in a holder.

12. In claim 10, The first elastic piece is provided at a portion of the case facing the holder, in a support structure for the case in the holder.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Battery with control unit integrated in a structural beam

    WO2020217014A1