Electrical connection unit

Abstract

One embodiment provides an electrical connection unit that can suppress busbar misalignment. [Solution] An electrical connection unit according to one embodiment comprises a first plate on which a first component is mounted, and a second plate on which a second component including a busbar is mounted, and which is stacked on one side of the first direction relative to the first plate, wherein the second plate faces the other side of the first direction and has a fixing surface to which the busbar is fixed, and the busbar includes a base portion provided along the fixing surface and fastened to the fixing surface by bolts, and a plate-shaped extension portion extending from the base portion to one side of the first direction and spreading along a surface including a direction intersecting the first direction, wherein at least one of the first plate and the second plate has a restricting portion facing the extension portion and restricting the rotation of the busbar about an axis intersecting the fixing surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electrical connection unit.

Background Art

[0002] An electrical connection unit is known in which a unit body on which electronic components are mounted is housed between an upper case and a lower case. Some unit bodies include an upper plate on which electronic components are mounted and a lower plate on which a bus bar or the like is mounted. In such an electrical connection unit, when connecting a bus bar to an upper plate or a lower plate using bolts, the bus bar may rotate together with the bolts.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, it is desired that the electrical connection unit suppresses displacement of the bus bar.

[0005] One embodiment provides an electrical connection unit capable of suppressing displacement of a bus bar.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An electrical connection unit according to one embodiment comprises a first plate on which a first component is mounted, and a second plate on which a second component including a busbar is mounted, and which is stacked on one side of the first direction relative to the first plate, wherein the second plate faces the other side of the first direction and has a fixing surface to which the busbar is fixed, and the busbar includes a base portion provided along the fixing surface and fastened to the fixing surface by bolts, and a plate-shaped extension portion extending from the base portion to one side of the first direction and spreading along a plane including a direction intersecting the first direction, and at least one of the first plate and the second plate has a restricting portion facing the extension portion and restricting the rotation of the busbar about an axis intersecting the fixing surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment, misalignment of the busbar of the electrical connection unit can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the electrical connection unit of the embodiment, seen from the other side in the first direction. [Figure 2] A perspective view of the electrical connection unit of the embodiment, seen from one side in the first direction. [Figure 3] A perspective view of the first plate of the embodiment, seen from one side in the first direction. [Figure 4] A perspective view of the second plate of the embodiment, seen from the other side in the first direction. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing a portion of the second plate on which the busbar of the embodiment is provided. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view showing the busbar and regulating section of the embodiment. [Figure 7] A perspective view showing the busbar and regulating section of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplication of these components may be omitted. Note that the components described below do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0010] In this disclosure, terms are defined as follows: “Connection” may include electrical connections, not just mechanical ones. That is, “Connection” may include cases where two elements to be connected are connected with another element in between, not just directly connected. “Accommodation” may include cases where only a portion of a part is accommodated (with the remaining portion of the part protruding), not just the entire part. “Parallel,” “orthogonal,” or “same” may include cases where they are “approximately parallel,” “approximately orthogonal,” or “approximately the same,” respectively.

[0011] In this disclosure, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are defined as follows: The first direction D1 is the direction in which the first plate 11 and the second plate 21, as described later, are stacked. One side D1a of the first direction D1 is the direction from the first plate 11 toward the second plate 21 in the first direction D1. The other side D1b of the first direction D1 is the direction from the second plate 21 toward the first plate 11. The second direction D2 is the direction that intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) the first direction D1. The third direction D3 is the direction that intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0012] In the following, one side D1a of the first direction D1 may be referred to as "downward," and the other side D1b of the first direction D1 may be referred to as "upward." However, these expressions are for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the direction of gravity of the electrical connection unit 1 (the installation orientation of the electrical connection unit 1).

[0013] (Embodiment) <1. Configuration of the electrical connection unit> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the electrical connection unit of the embodiment as viewed from the other side in the first direction. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electrical connection unit of the embodiment as viewed from one side in the first direction. The electrical connection unit 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is, for example, an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle such as an EV (Electric Vehicle), HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The electrical connection unit 1 may be referred to as, for example, an "electrical connection box" or a "junction box". However, the electrical connection unit 1 is not limited to a box-shaped device.

[0014] The electrical connection unit 1 is electrically connected to an external device. In the present disclosure, the "external device" is an electrical device existing outside the electrical connection unit 1. The external device is, for example, a battery unit mounted on a vehicle or an inverter for motor drive of a vehicle, but is not limited to these examples.

[0015] The electrical connection unit 1 has, for example, a main body portion 10 and a cover (not shown). The main body portion 10 is housed within the cover.

[0016] <2. Main body portion> The main body portion 10 is a portion that performs the main functions of the electrical connection unit 1 (for example, switching of the electrical connection state or overcurrent protection). In the present embodiment, the main body portion 10 includes a first plate 11, a second plate 21, and a bus bar 201 (see FIG. 4).

[0017] (First plate) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first plate of the embodiment as viewed from one side in the first direction. The first plate 11 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin and has insulating properties. The first plate 11 may be referred to as, for example, an "upper plate". The first plate 11 has the first component 100 mounted thereon. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the first plate 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape as a whole when viewed from the first direction D1. The first plate 11 may be formed in other shapes, such as a polygon other than a rectangle, when viewed from the first direction D1. The first plate 11 integrally has a plate portion 13, a peripheral wall portion 14, and a first regulating portion 190 described later.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of first components 100 are mounted on the plate portion 13. In the present embodiment, the plurality of first components 100 are provided on the other side D1b in the first direction D1 of the plate portion 13. The plate portion 13 has a flat portion 13p and a wall portion 13w.

[0019] The flat portion 13p intersects the first direction D1 and extends along a plane including the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. A part of the flat portion 13p supports the plurality of first components 100 from below. The flat portion 13p may be provided in a stepped manner at a plurality of different positions in the first direction D1 according to the height dimension or the like of the first component 100 in the first direction D1. Holes (not shown) penetrating the flat portion 13p in the first direction D1 may be appropriately formed in the flat portion 13p for the purpose of avoiding interference with other parts, reducing weight, etc.

[0020] The wall portion 13w rises from the flat portion 13p to the other side D1b in the first direction D1. The wall portion 13w extends in the second direction D2 or the third direction D3 on the flat portion 13p. A part of the wall portion 13w is formed so as to surround the first component 100 described later when viewed from the first direction D1, and forms a housing portion 13s for the first component 100. The wall portion 13w also functions as a rib for reinforcing the flat portion 13p.

[0021] Reinforcing ribs (not shown) are appropriately provided on one side D1a and the other side D1b of the flat section 13p in the first direction D1. The reinforcing ribs rise from the flat section 13p on one side D1a and the other side D1b in the first direction D1, and extend along the flat section 13p in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the peripheral wall portion 14 is formed along the outer edge of the first plate 11 when the first plate 11 is viewed from a first direction D1. The peripheral wall portion 14 has a pair of side wall portions 14a and 14b and a pair of side wall portions 14c and 14d. The pair of side wall portions 14a and 14b are spaced apart in a third direction D3. The pair of side wall portions 14a and 14b extend in a second direction D2 when viewed from a first direction D1. The pair of side wall portions 14c and 14d are spaced apart in a second direction D2. The pair of side wall portions 14c and 14d extend in a third direction D3 when viewed from a first direction D1. The side wall portions 14a to 14d that constitute the peripheral wall portion 14 have a predetermined height in the first direction D1, and the entire peripheral wall portion 14 is cylindrical in shape extending in the first direction D1.

[0023] The peripheral wall portion 14 is provided with a plurality of outer peripheral engaging claws 16 for connecting the first plate 11 and the second plate 21. Each outer peripheral engaging claw 16 is formed between a pair of notches 16k formed in the peripheral wall portion 14, extending from one end D1a in the first direction D1 of the peripheral wall portion 14 to the other end D1b in the first direction D1. The tip of the outer peripheral engaging claw 16 on one side D1a in the first direction D1 is elastically deformable in a direction that moves toward and away from the second plate 21 when viewed from the first direction D1. As shown in Figure 3, the outer peripheral engaging claw 16 has an engaging rib 16r integrally formed thereon that can engage with the outer peripheral projection 26, which will be described later.

[0024] Note that the shapes and configurations of the parts of the first plate 11 shown in Figures 1 to 3 are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the first component 100 is mounted on the first plate 11 according to the function required of the main body 10 of the electrical connection unit 1. The first component 100 is, for example, a connector, a fuse, a relay (e.g., a mechanical relay or a semiconductor relay), a capacitor, a branching component, various sensors (e.g., a current sensor or a voltage sensor), an electronic control unit, or a component unit that combines two or more of these. The type of the first component 100 is not limited to the above examples.

[0026] Each of the multiple first components 100 is fixed to the flat portion 13p of the plate portion 13 by bolts or the like (not shown). At least some of the multiple first components 100 are housed in a housing portion 13s surrounded by a wall portion 13w. Here, the number and arrangement of the first components 100 mounted on the first plate 11 are not limited in any way to the configuration shown in Figure 1.

[0027] (Plate 2) Figure 4 is a perspective view of the second plate of the embodiment, seen from the other side in the first direction. The second plate 21 is positioned on one side D1a of the first plate 11 in the first direction D1. The second plate 21 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has insulating properties. The second plate 21 may be referred to as, for example, a "lower plate". As shown in Figure 4, the second plate 21 has a plurality of second components 200 attached to it. In Figure 4, however, only one of the multiple second components 200, which is a busbar 201, is shown. The second plate 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape as a whole when viewed from the first direction D1. The second plate 21 may be formed in a shape other than a rectangle, such as a polygon, when viewed from the first direction D1. The second plate 21 is housed inside the peripheral wall portion 14 of the first plate 11.

[0028] The second plate 21 is on which the second component 200 is mounted. In this embodiment, the multiple second component 200 is provided on the other side D1b of the second plate 21 in the first direction D1. The second plate 21 has a flat portion 22p and a plurality of raised portions 22s.

[0029] The flat portion 22p extends along a plane intersecting the first direction D1. The raised portion 22s rises from the flat portion 22p toward the other side D1b of the first direction D1. Multiple second components 200 are attached to the flat portion 22p and the raised portion 22s.

[0030] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a portion of the second plate on which the busbar of the embodiment is provided. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the busbar and the regulating portion of the embodiment. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in this embodiment, of the multiple raised portions 22s, one raised portion 22s1 to which the bus bar 201 is attached has a fixed surface 221 and a second restricting portion (restricting portion) 225.

[0031] The fixed surface 221 is a plane facing the other side D1b of the first direction D1. As shown in Figure 5, the fixed surface 221 has a first edge portion 221a extending in the second direction D2 and a second edge portion 221b extending in the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the first edge portion 221a and the second edge portion 221b are adjacent to each other with a corner portion 221c of the fixed surface 221 in between. However, the first edge portion 221a and the second edge portion 221b may not be adjacent with a corner portion 221c of the fixed surface 221, but may be formed separately.

[0032] As shown in Figure 6, the busbar 201 is fastened to the fixed surface 221 by bolts 205 extending in a direction intersecting the fixed surface 221. A nut 207 into which the bolts 205 are screwed is embedded in the center of the fixed surface 221.

[0033] The second restricting portion 225 restricts the rotation of the busbar 201 when the busbar 201 rotates around the bolt 205 due to friction with the bolt 205 when the bolt 205 is tightened onto the nut 207. In this embodiment, the second restricting portion 225 has a first restricting surface 225f and a second restricting surface 225g. The first restricting surface 225f extends from the first edge 221a to one side D1a in the first direction D1. The first restricting surface 225f spreads along a surface that intersects the third direction D3. The second restricting surface 225g extends from the second edge 221b to one side D1a in the first direction D1. The second restricting surface 225g spreads along a surface that intersects the second direction D2.

[0034] Reinforcing ribs (not shown) are appropriately provided on one side D1a and the other side D1b of the flat section 22p in the first direction D1. The reinforcing ribs rise from the flat section 22p to one side D1a and the other side D1b in the first direction D1, and extend along the flat section 22p in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. Furthermore, nuts (not shown) are held in the flat portion 22p and the raised portion 22s, to which bolts for fixing the second component 200 are fastened.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the outer circumference of the second plate 21 is provided with a plurality of outer circumferential protrusions 26 for connecting the first plate 11 and the second plate 21. Each of the plurality of outer circumferential protrusions 26 is positioned opposite the outer circumferential engaging claw 16. Each outer circumferential protrusion 26 protrudes outward from the outer circumferential side surface of the second plate 21. The first plate 11 and the second plate 21 are connected when the engaging rib 16r of the outer circumferential engaging claw 16 engages with the outer circumferential protrusion 26.

[0036] Note that the shapes and configurations of the parts of the second plate 21 shown in Figures 2 and 4 are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate.

[0037] (Bus bar) The second component 200 is electrically connected to the first component 100. The second component 200 is made of metal (e.g., copper or a copper alloy) and is conductive. The second component 200 includes a busbar 201. The second component 200 may be something other than a busbar 201, such as a wiring board. The second component 200 is formed to extend along the surface of the flat portion 22p and the raised portion 22s. In this embodiment, the busbar 201 has a predetermined shape set according to the arrangement of the first component 100 mounted on the first plate 11. If a plurality of busbars are provided as the second component 200, at least one of the plurality of busbars may be the busbar 201 having the configuration described later.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, the busbar 201 includes a base portion 202 and an extension portion 203. The base portion 202 is provided so as to follow the fixed surface 221. A through hole (not shown) is formed in the center of the base portion 202 through which a bolt 205 is inserted. The base portion 202 is fastened to 221 by the bolt 205.

[0039] The extension portion 203 extends from the base portion 202 to one side D1a in the first direction D1 and is formed in a plate shape that spreads along a plane including a direction intersecting the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the extension portion 203 has a first extension portion 203A and a second extension portion 203B.

[0040] The first extension 203A is formed by bending a metal plate that forms the busbar 201 at the first edge 221a, and extends from the base 202 to one side D1a in the first direction D1. The first extension 203A is formed in a plate shape that spreads along a plane including the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0041] The second extension 203B is formed by bending the metal plate that forms the busbar 201 at the second edge 221b, and extends from the base 202 to one side D1a in the first direction D1. The second extension 203B is formed in a plate shape that spreads along a plane including the first direction D1 and the third direction D3.

[0042] (Restriction of busbar rotation) With the base portion 202 of the busbar 201 fixed to the fixing surface 221 with bolts 205, the first extension portion 203A faces the first restricting surface 225f and the second extension portion 203B faces the second restricting surface 225g. Here, "facing" the first extension portion 203A and the second extension portion 203B with respect to the first regulating surface 225f and the second regulating surface 225g includes states in which the entire surface of the first extension portion 203A and the second extension portion 203B is in surface contact with the first regulating surface 225f and the second regulating surface 225g, states in which only a portion of the first extension portion 203A and the second extension portion 203B is in contact with the first regulating surface 225f and the second regulating surface 225g, and states in which the entire surface of the first extension portion 203A and the second extension portion 203B is positioned with a gap between them and the first regulating surface 225f and the second regulating surface 225g.

[0043] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the busbar and regulating section of the embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first plate 11 is provided with a first restricting portion 190 (restricting portion). In this embodiment, the first restricting portion 190 is an opening 13h that penetrates the flat portion 13p in a first direction D1. In this embodiment, the opening 13h forming the first restricting portion 190 exposes a raised portion 22s1 and a part of the bus bar 201 when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0044] The first restricting portion 190 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the opening 13h. The first restricting portion 190 is provided on the opposite side of the extension portion 203 from the second restricting portion 225. In this embodiment, the first restricting portion 190 has a first restricting surface 190A and a second restricting surface 190B.

[0045] The first restricting surface 190A is provided on the opposite side of the first restricting surface 225f, with the first extension 203A in between. The second restricting surface 190B is provided on the opposite side of the second restricting surface 225g, with the second extension 203B in between. Here, the first restricting surface 190A is provided opposite the first extension 203A. The second restricting surface 190B is provided opposite the second restricting surface 225g.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first extension portion 203A is positioned between the first restricting surface 225f and the first restricting surface 190A. The second extension portion 203B is positioned between the second restricting surface 225g and the second restricting surface 190B. With this configuration, when tightening the bolt 205, if the busbar 201 rotates around the axis of the bolt 205, the extension portions 203 (first extension portion 203A, second extension portion 203B) abut against the second restricting portion 225 (first restricting surface 225f, second restricting surface 225g) and the first restricting portion 190 (first restricting surface 190A, second restricting surface 190B), thereby restricting the rotation of the busbar 201.

[0047] <4. Advantages> In this embodiment, the first plate 11 and the second plate 21 have a first restricting portion 190 and a second restricting portion 225. With this configuration, when the bolt 205 is tightened, if the busbar 201 rotates around the bolt 205, the first restricting portion 190 and the second restricting portion 225 suppress that rotation. As a result, displacement of the busbar 201 can be suppressed.

[0048] In this embodiment, the first restricting portion 190 and the second restricting portion 225 restrict the rotation of the busbar 201 by abutting against the extension portion 203 when the busbar 201 rotates around the bolt 205. With this configuration, even if the busbar 201 tries to rotate around the bolt 205 when tightening the bolt 205, that rotation is suppressed. As a result, displacement of the busbar 201 can be suppressed.

[0049] In this embodiment, the restricting portion includes a first restricting portion 190 and a second restricting portion 225 provided on the opposite side of the extension portion 203 from the first restricting portion 190. With this configuration, the extension portion 203 is sandwiched between the first restricting portion 190 and the second restricting portion 225. As a result, displacement of the busbar 201 can be suppressed.

[0050] In this embodiment, the extension portion 203 includes a first extension portion 203A and a second extension portion 203B, and the first restricting portion 190 and the second restricting portion 225 have a first restricting surface 225f, 190A and a second restricting surface 225g, 190B. With this configuration, even if the busbar 201 attempts to rotate around the bolt 205 when the bolt 205 is tightened, the extension portion 203, with its first restricting portion 190 and second restricting portion 225, suppresses this rotation from two directions.

[0051] <5. Variation> Next, we will describe some variations. Note that, apart from the configurations described below, the configurations in each variation are the same as those of the embodiments described above.

[0052] In the above-described embodiment, the extension portion 203 includes a first extension portion 203A and a second extension portion 203B, and the first restricting portion 190 and the second restricting portion 225 include a first restricting surface 225f, 190A facing the first extension portion 203A and a second restricting surface 225g, 190B facing the second extension portion 203B, but the embodiment is not limited to this. Only one of the first extension portion 203A and the second extension portion 203B, the first restricting surface 225f, 190A, and the second restricting surface 225g, 190B may be provided. Furthermore, while the regulating section is provided as a first regulating section 190 and a second regulating section 225, it is not limited to this. It is also possible to provide only one of the first regulating section 190 provided on the first plate 11 and the second regulating section 225 provided on the second plate 21. Furthermore, although the extension portion 203 and the restricting portion (first restricting portion 190, second restricting portion 225) are configured to face each other with their planes, the configuration is not limited to this. As long as the rotation of the busbar 201 can be restricted by the extension portion 203 abutting against the restricting portion when the busbar 201 rotates, the shape can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first restricting portion 190 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the opening 13h, but is not limited to this. The first restricting portion 190 may also be formed on a wall surface such as a recess formed in the first plate 11.

[0053] In the above-described embodiment, the first component 100 and the second component are mounted on the other side D1b of the first plate 11 and the second plate 21 in the first direction D1. However, the first component 100 and the second component may also be mounted on one side D1a of the first plate 11 and the second plate 21 in the first direction D1.

[0054] Several embodiments and modifications have been described above. However, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the examples described above. For example, multiple embodiments may be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 1. Electrical connection unit 11 Plate 1 21 Second Plate 100 First part 190 First Regulatory Department (Regulatory Department) 190A First restricted area 190B 2nd regulatory surface 200 Second part 201 Bus Bar 202 Base section 203 Extension 203A 1st extension part 203B 2nd extension 205 volts 221 Fixed surface 225 Second Regulatory Department (Regulatory Department) 225f 1st regulation plane 225g 2nd regulation surface

Claims

1. A first plate on which the first component is attached, A second plate is provided stacked on one side in the first direction relative to the first plate, and a second component including a busbar is mounted on the second plate, The second plate faces the other side in the first direction and has a fixing surface to which the busbar is fixed. The aforementioned busbar is A base portion is provided along the aforementioned fixed surface and fastened to the aforementioned fixed surface by bolts, It includes a plate-shaped extension that extends from the base portion to one side in the first direction and spreads along a plane that includes a direction intersecting the first direction, At least one of the first plate and the second plate has a restricting portion that faces the extension and restricts the rotation of the busbar about an axis intersecting the fixed surface. Electrical connection unit.

2. The restricting portion restricts the rotation of the busbar by abutting against the extension portion when the busbar rotates around the bolt. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned regulatory body, The first regulating portion provided on the first plate, The second plate is provided with a second restricting portion which is located on the opposite side of the extension portion from the first restricting portion, The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The extension portion is, A first extension extending along a plane including the first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, It includes a second extension that extends along a plane including the first direction and a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, The aforementioned regulatory body, A first restricting surface facing the first extension, Having a second restricting surface facing the second extension, The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

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