Plate-shaped conductor

Abstract

To provide a plate-shaped conductor with high strength and a simple structure. [Solution] The plate-shaped conductor (21) physically or electrically connects the electrical components (15) and the electrical equipment (11). The plate-shaped conductor is provided with a main surface portion (22) extending from the electrical components to the electrical equipment, and a side portion (23) rising from at least one side edge of the main surface portion. The side portion extends from one end to the other end of the main surface portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plate-shaped conductor.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, battery terminals on the positive side and the negative side are provided on the upper surface of a battery, and terminal fittings at the tips of a positive cable and a negative cable are connected to each battery terminal. As this type of terminal fitting, one formed by bending a conductor plate is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). The terminal fitting described in Patent Document 1 is formed in a long flat plate shape protruding from each cable, and the tip side of the flat plate of each terminal fitting is overlapped on the flat plate of each battery terminal. The insertion holes of the flat plate of each terminal fitting and the flat plate of each battery terminal are aligned, and each terminal fitting and each battery terminal are bolted together.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the terminal fitting is formed in a flat plate shape, there is a risk that the terminal fitting may be damaged due to vehicle body vibration or cable attachment / detachment work. Although the strength can be ensured by increasing the plate thickness of the terminal fitting, there are problems such as an increase in cost, a decrease in die life, and shape restrictions. Further, the same problem occurs in other plate-shaped conductors such as bus bars other than the terminal fitting.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of this point, and an object thereof is to provide a plate-shaped conductor with a simple configuration and high strength.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A plate-shaped conductor according to one aspect of the present invention is a plate-shaped conductor that physically or electrically connects electrical components and electrical equipment, comprising a main surface portion extending from the electrical components to the electrical equipment, and a side portion rising from at least one side edge of the main surface portion, wherein the side portion extends from one end to the other end of the main surface portion, thereby solving the above problem. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the strength of the plate-shaped conductor is increased along its entire length by extending the side portion from one end to the other of the main surface portion. Therefore, even if thin sheet materials or aluminum are used for the plate-shaped conductor, breakage can be suppressed. Furthermore, cost reduction, improved mold durability, and increased design flexibility can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the battery set of this embodiment, seen from diagonally above. [Figure 2] This is a side view of the battery set in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a side view of the terminal fitting of the comparative example. [Figure 4] This is a side view of the terminal fitting in this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the terminal fitting in this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a busbar in another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A plate-shaped conductor according to one aspect of the present invention connects electrical components and electrical equipment physically or electrically. The main surface of the plate-shaped conductor extends from the electrical components to the electrical equipment, and a side surface rises from at least one side edge of this main surface. The side surface extends from one end to the other of the main surface, increasing the strength of the plate-shaped conductor along its entire length. As a result, breakage is suppressed even when thin sheet metal or aluminum is used for the plate-shaped conductor. Furthermore, cost reduction, improved mold durability, and increased design flexibility are achieved. [Examples]

[0010] The battery set mounted on the vehicle will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the battery set of this embodiment, seen from diagonally above. Figure 2 is a side view of the battery set of this embodiment. Figure 3 is a side view of the terminal fitting of a comparative example. In the following figures, arrow Fr indicates the front of the vehicle, arrow Re indicates the rear of the vehicle, arrow L indicates the left side of the vehicle, and arrow R indicates the right side of the vehicle.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the battery set 1 includes a battery (electrical equipment) 11 and battery cables (electrical components) 15 for vehicles such as saddle-type vehicles, and the power stored in the battery 11 is supplied to various on-board equipment through the battery cables 15. The exterior of the battery 11 is made of a resin with excellent durability and chemical resistance and is formed into a box shape. The inside of the battery 11 is filled with electrolyte, in which electrodes and separators are immersed. The left and right corners of the rear of the top cover 12 of the battery 11 are lowered, and the positive and negative battery terminals 13 are installed on the bottom surface of these steps.

[0012] The positive battery cable 15 is connected to the positive battery terminal 13 via a terminal fitting (plate-shaped conductor) 21, and the negative battery cable 15 is connected to the negative battery terminal 13 via a terminal fitting 21. The terminal fitting 21 is curved in an arc shape when viewed from the side, with one end of the terminal fitting 21 narrowed and the other end widened. One end of the terminal fitting 21 is crimped to the tip of the battery cable 15, and the other end of the terminal fitting 21 is screwed to the battery terminal 13 with a bolt 35. The battery cable 15 is physically and electrically connected to the battery 11 by the terminal fitting 21.

[0013] Incidentally, as shown in Figure 3, a typical terminal fitting 51 is formed by bending a long plate-shaped member. A crimping portion 52 for clamping the battery cable is formed on one end of the terminal fitting 51, and an anti-rotation portion 53 for restricting rotation relative to the battery terminal is formed on the other end of the terminal fitting 51. Since the area between the crimping portion 52 and the anti-rotation portion 53 is formed as a flat plate, if a thick plate material is not used, the flat plate portion 54 may break due to vehicle vibration or user removal work. Therefore, in this embodiment, the strength of the terminal fitting 21 is increased by forming the terminal fitting 21 as a concave shape in cross-section along its entire length.

[0014] The terminal fittings for the battery will be described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a side view of the terminal fittings in this embodiment. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the terminal fittings in this embodiment.

[0015] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the terminal fitting 21 extends in an arc shape when viewed from the side, and the cross-section of the terminal fitting 21 is concave, formed by the main surface portion 22 and a pair of side portions 23. The main surface portion 22 of the terminal fitting 21 extends from the battery cable 15 to the battery 11, and the pair of side portions 23 of the terminal fitting 21 rise from both side edges of the main surface portion 22. The width of the main surface portion 22 narrows toward one end, and a crimping portion 24 is formed by the pair of side portions 23 at that end. The width of the main surface portion 22 widens toward the other end, and an anti-rotation portion 26 is formed by the pair of side portions 23 at that end.

[0016] The caulking portion 24 is composed of two pairs of opposing plates 25 that extend the one ends of the pair of side faces 23 in the standing direction. The battery cable 15 is positioned inside the front and rear opposing plates 25 of the caulking portion 24, and the terminal fitting 21 is connected to the battery cable 15 by sandwiching the battery cable 15 between the front and rear opposing plates 25. The anti-rotation portion 26 is composed of an opposing plate 27 that extends the other ends of the pair of side faces 23 in the standing direction. The opposing plate 27 of the anti-rotation portion 26 faces both side surfaces of the battery terminal 13, and the rotation of the terminal fitting 21 with respect to the battery terminal 13 is restricted by the opposing plate 27 abutting against both side surfaces of the battery terminal 13.

[0017] The pair of side faces 23 extend from one end to the other end of the main face 22, that is, from the caulking portion 24 to the anti-rotation portion 26. The terminal fitting 21 is reinforced over the entire length by the pair of side faces 23. Also, one end side of the pair of side faces 23 can function as the caulking portion 24, and the other end side of the pair of side faces 23 can function as the anti-rotation portion 26. In other words, the terminal fitting 21 can be reinforced by extending the caulking portion 24 and the anti-rotation portion 26. An insertion hole 28 is formed on the other end side of the main face 22, and the insertion hole 28 of the main face 22 is aligned with the insertion hole (not shown) of the battery terminal 13 and screwed with a bolt 35.

[0018] The height of the pair of side faces 23 over the entire length of the terminal fitting 21 is at least twice the plate thickness of the main face 22. More specifically, the height H of the pair of side faces 23 with reference to the outer surface 31 of the main face 22 is at least twice the thickness T between the outer surface 31 and the inner surface 32 of the main face 22. The bending rigidity of the terminal fitting 21 is improved and the strength is increased by the pair of side faces 23 being higher. Also, the plate width of the main face 22 gradually widens from one end to the other end, suppressing stress concentration at a specific location of the terminal fitting 21 and increasing the strength. The strength of the terminal fitting 21 is most affected by one end of the main face 22 where the plate width is the narrowest, but sufficient strength is ensured by the caulking portion 24 making the pair of side faces 23 higher.

[0019] The battery terminal 13 is located at the rear side of the rear part of the upper lid 12, and the tip side of the battery cable 15 extends upward along the rear surface of the battery 11. Therefore, the main surface portion 22 of the terminal fitting 21 is curved along the outer surface (corner portion) of the battery 11, and the pair of side surface portions 23 stand up toward the inside in the bending radius direction of the main surface portion 22. The battery 11 is mounted on the vehicle with the upper lid 12 facing obliquely forward (see FIG. 2), and the pair of side surface portions 23 stand up downward. By directing the pair of side surface portions 23 downward, it becomes difficult for the terminal fitting 21 to contact other parts when attaching and detaching the terminal fitting 21, and the work safety is improved. It is difficult for dust and water droplets to accumulate on the terminal fitting 21.

[0020] As described above, according to the terminal fitting 21 of the present embodiment, since the pair of side surface portions 23 extend from one end to the other end of the main surface portion 22, the strength of the terminal fitting 21 is increased over the entire length. Therefore, even if a thin plate material, aluminum, or the like is used for the terminal fitting 21, breakage can be suppressed. Further, cost reduction, improvement of the durability of the mold, and improvement of the shape freedom can be achieved.

[0021] In the present embodiment, the terminal fitting 21 is exemplified as the plate-like conductor, but the plate-like conductor may be any one that physically or electrically connects electrical-related parts and electrical equipment. For example, as shown in another embodiment of FIG. 6, the plate-like conductor may be a bus bar 41 that physically or electrically connects two electrical devices. In this case, the cross section of the bus bar 41 is formed in a concave shape by the main surface portion 42 and the pair of side surface portions 43. The main surface portion 42 extends from one electrical device to the other electrical device, and the pair of side surface portions 43 stand up from both side edges of the main surface portion 42. Insertion holes 44 and 45 for screwing are formed at both end sides of the main surface portion 42. The strength of the bus bar 41 is increased over the entire length, and breakage can be suppressed even if a thin plate material or the like is used for the bus bar 41.

[0022] Also, in the present embodiment and other embodiments, the battery cable and the electrical equipment are exemplified and described as electrical-related parts, but the electrical-related parts may be any parts used in the electrical system. For example, the electrical-related parts may be a distribution board, a breaker, or the like.

[0023] Furthermore, although a battery was used as an example of electrical equipment in this embodiment, electrical equipment is not limited to devices that operate using electrical energy, but may also include advanced devices that involve electronic control, such as inverters, motors, and ECUs (Electronic Control Units).

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment and other embodiments, a pair of side portions rise from both side edges of the main surface, but it is sufficient if the side portions rise from at least one side edge of the main surface.

[0025] Furthermore, although the main surface is curved in this embodiment, the main surface may extend in a straight line.

[0026] Furthermore, although the plate-shaped conductor in this embodiment is used in a vehicle, the plate-shaped conductor may also be used in electrical systems other than vehicles.

[0027] As described above, the first embodiment is a plate-shaped conductor (terminal fitting 21) for physically or electrically connecting electrical components (battery cable 15) and electrical equipment (battery 11), comprising a main surface portion (22) extending from the electrical components to the electrical equipment, and a side portion (23) rising from at least one side edge of the main surface portion, wherein the side portion extends from one end to the other of the main surface portion. With this configuration, the strength of the plate-shaped conductor is increased along its entire length by the extension of the side portion from one end to the other of the main surface portion. Therefore, breakage is suppressed even if thin sheet material or aluminum is used for the plate-shaped conductor. In addition, cost reduction, improved mold durability, and increased freedom of shape are achieved.

[0028] In the second embodiment, the side portion is a pair of side portions that rise from both side edges of the main surface, and the rotation of the main surface relative to the terminals of the electrical equipment is restricted by the pair of side portions at the other end. With this configuration, the plate-shaped conductor is reinforced by the pair of side portions, and the other end of the pair of side portions can function as an anti-rotation part that restricts the rotation of the plate-shaped conductor relative to the terminals of the electrical equipment.

[0029] In the third embodiment, the height of the side portion is at least twice the thickness of the main surface portion, as in the first or second embodiment. With this configuration, the bending rigidity of the plate-shaped conductor is improved by increasing the height of the side portion, thereby increasing its strength.

[0030] The fourth embodiment is one of the first to third embodiments, in which the main surface is curved to conform to the outer surface of the electrical equipment, and the side surface is erected toward the inside in the direction of the bending radius of the main surface. With this configuration, the side surface is oriented toward the electrical equipment, making it less likely for the plate-shaped conductor to come into contact with other parts when attaching or detaching the plate-shaped conductor, thereby improving safety during work.

[0031] The fifth embodiment is one of the first to fourth embodiments in which the electrical equipment is mounted on a vehicle and the side portion is upright and facing downwards. With this configuration, the side portion is facing downwards, making it less likely for the plate-shaped conductor to come into contact with other parts when attaching or detaching the plate-shaped conductor, thus improving safety during work. In addition, sand, dust, and water droplets are less likely to accumulate on the plate-shaped conductor.

[0032] Although this embodiment has been described, other embodiments may include combinations of the above embodiment and its modifications, either entirely or partially.

[0033] Furthermore, the technology of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified, substituted, or transformed in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technical idea. Moreover, if the technical idea can be realized in a different way by advances in the technology or by other derived technologies, it may be implemented by that method. Accordingly, the claims cover all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the technical idea. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0034] 11: Batteries (for electrical equipment) 15: Battery cable (electrical component) 21: Terminal fittings (plate-shaped conductors) 41: Busbar (plate-shaped conductor) 22, 42: Main surface part 23, 43: Side part

Claims

1. A plate-shaped conductor that physically or electrically connects electrical components and electrical equipment, The main surface portion extending from the electrical components to the electrical equipment, It comprises a side portion that rises from at least one side edge of the main surface portion, A plate-shaped conductor characterized in that the side portion extends from one end to the other end of the main surface portion.

2. The aforementioned side portion is a pair of side portions that rise from both side edges of the main surface portion, The plate-shaped conductor according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotation of the terminal of the electrical device is restricted by the pair of side portions at the other end of the main surface portion.

3. The plate-shaped conductor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the height of the side portion is at least twice the thickness of the main surface portion.

4. The main surface portion is curved to conform to the outer surface of the electrical equipment. The plate-shaped conductor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the side portion is upright toward the inside in the bending radius direction of the main surface portion.

5. The plate-shaped conductor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the electrical equipment is mounted on a vehicle, the side portion is upright and facing downward.

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