Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack (10) includes a first intermediate connecting member (54) that electrically connects: a harness (30a) which is electrically connected to a battery core pack (14); and a first connection terminal (44). The first intermediate connecting member (54) includes: a harness connection portion (86) to which an end (31) of the harness (30a) is connected; and a terminal connection portion (88) to which the first connection terminal (44) is connected. A body portion (84) of the first intermediate connecting member (54) includes an offset portion (94). The offset portion (94) connects: a first extension end (90) extending from the harness connection portion (86); to a second extension end (92) extending from the terminal connection portion (88).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack having a connection terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] In International Publication No. 2021 / 010433, the applicant proposes a battery pack having a connector connectable to a male connection terminal of an electric vehicle. When the female connection terminal of the connector is connected to the male connection terminal of the electric vehicle, power and information are exchanged between the battery pack and the electric vehicle via a battery management device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] B In a battery pack, an intermediate connecting member that connects a connector terminal to a harness is desired to have a structure that can prevent interference with surrounding components while suppressing an increase in electrical resistance.

[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery pack including a battery core pack having a plurality of battery cells, a case for accommodating the battery core pack, a connection terminal arranged at one end of the case and connectable to an external device, a support member held by the case and supporting the connection terminal, and an intermediate connection member held by the support member and electrically connecting the connection terminal to a harness electrically connected to the battery core pack, the intermediate connection member being formed from a metal plate material and having a main body portion extending in a first direction which is an extension direction of an end of the harness, and a connecting member formed at one end of the main body portion in the extension direction, the end of the harness being connected to and a terminal connection portion formed at the other end of the main body in the extension direction, offset from the end in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and connected to the connection terminal, wherein the main body has a flat shape along the second direction, and comprises a first extending end portion extending along the first direction from the harness connection portion toward the terminal connection portion, a second extending end portion extending in the first direction from the terminal connection portion toward the harness connection portion and offset in the second direction from the first extending end portion, and an offset portion connecting the first extending end portion and the second extending end portion.

[0006] According to the present invention, by providing an offset portion in the intermediate connection member to which the end of the harness is connected, the intermediate connection member can be electrically connected to a connection terminal that is offset in the second direction from the end via the terminal connection portion. By making the main body flat in the second direction to ensure a cross-sectional area that allows sufficient current to pass, power from the battery core pack can be reliably passed to the connection terminal via the intermediate connection member. In other words, the intermediate connection member can be reliably connected to the connection terminal while suppressing electrical resistance when current flows. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a support member in the battery pack of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is an enlarged plan view of the first intermediate connection member and its vicinity in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a corner portion of the first intermediate connection member of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the first seat of a support member according to a modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an external perspective view showing a first intermediate connecting member of the intermediate connecting portion. [Figure 8] 8 is a plan view of the first intermediate connection member shown in FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a side view of the first intermediate connection member shown in FIG. 7. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] As shown in Fig. 1, the battery pack 10 according to this embodiment can be applied as a portable battery pack that is detachably mounted on an electric vehicle (not shown), such as an electrically assisted bicycle or an electric motorcycle. The battery pack 10 can be applied to various external devices that require electric power. An example in which the battery pack 10 is mounted on an electric vehicle will be described below. The up-down direction of the battery pack 10 is the vertical direction when the battery pack 10 is mounted on the electric vehicle, or a direction inclined relative to the vertical direction.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack 10 includes a case 12, a battery core pack 14, and a connector structure 17.

[0010] The case 12 is formed of, for example, a metal material such as aluminum or a resin material. The case 12 houses a battery core pack 14 and a support member 18. The case 12 has a bottom case 20, an outer shell case 22, and a top case 24. Hereinafter, the axial direction of the case 12 shown in FIG. 1 will be referred to as the third direction (the direction of arrow Z).

[0011] The bottom case 20 is disposed at the bottom of the case 12. The bottom case 20 covers the bottom of the battery core pack 14. The outer shell case 22 is formed hollow and is attached to the upper end of the bottom case 20. The outer shell case 22 covers the side of the battery core pack 14. The top case 24 is attached to the upper end of the outer shell case 22. The top case 24 covers the top of the battery core pack 14. The top of the top case 24 is provided with a handle 26. The handle 26 can be gripped by a user when carrying the battery pack 10.

[0012] A battery management unit (BMU) 28 is housed inside the case 12. The battery management unit 28 controls charging and discharging of the battery core pack 14 and communicates with external devices such as an electric vehicle. The battery management unit 28 is connected to the battery cells (not shown) of the battery core pack 14.

[0013] The battery management unit 28 is electrically connected to the intermediate connection part 16 via a pair of harnesses 30a, 30b shown in Fig. 2. The battery management unit 28 can be electrically connected to an electric vehicle via the intermediate connection part 16 shown in Fig. 2. Hereinafter, the extension direction of the ends 31 of the harnesses 30a, 30b connected to the intermediate connection part 16 (first and second intermediate connection members 54, 56) shown in Fig. 2 will be referred to as the first direction (arrow X direction).

[0014] The battery core pack 14 shown in FIG. 1 is housed and held inside the case 12. The battery core pack 14 is covered by the case 12. The battery core pack 14 holds a plurality of battery cells via cell holders (not shown). The battery cells are, for example, lithium secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. The battery core pack 14 is electrically connected to a battery management device 28. A connector structure 17 is provided on the bottom case 20.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connector structure 17 includes a support member 18. The support member 18 is made of a resin material. The support member 18 is disposed along a width direction (direction of arrow Y, hereinafter referred to as the second direction) perpendicular to the axial direction of the case 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the support member 18 includes a support base 32 and a pair of first and second pedestals 34, 36. The support base 32 is disposed along the bottom 20a of the bottom case 20. The support base 32 is fixed to the bottom 20a of the bottom case 20 by a plurality of fixing bolts 38 (see FIG. 3). At this time, a sealing member (not shown) is sandwiched between the support base 32 and the bottom case 20. The sealing member prevents moisture and the like from entering the case 12 from the outside. The support member 18 is fixed to the case 12, for example, at a position where the fixing bolts 38 avoid the sealing member.

[0016] The connector structure 17 further has a power connection portion 40 and a signal connection portion 42. The support base 32 supports the power connection portion 40 and the signal connection portion 42. The power connection portion 40 has a pair of first and second connection terminals 44, 46. The first and second connection terminals 44, 46 are made of metal, and power is supplied from the battery cell via the intermediate connection portion 16, which will be described later.

[0017] 2, the first connection terminal 44 is disposed at one widthwise end of the support base 32. The second connection terminal 46 is disposed at the other widthwise end of the support base 32. The first connection terminal 44 and the second connection terminal 46 are symmetrical in shape in the second direction (arrow Y direction) of the support base 32. The configuration of the first connection terminal 44 will be described below, and a detailed description of the configuration of the second connection terminal 46 will be omitted.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the first connection terminal 44 has a contact portion 48 and a supported portion 50. The contact portion 48 has a contact surface 48a that comes into contact with the intermediate connection portion 16. The contact portion 48 is held by a fastening portion 58 of the first base 34, which will be described later. The supported portion 50 is bent at a right angle from the width direction end of the fastening portion 58 by bending. The supported portion 50 is held by a holding portion 60 of the first base 34, which will be described later. When viewed in the axial direction of the case 12 shown in FIG. 3, the first connection terminal 44 is L-shaped.

[0019] The supported portion 50 protrudes downward from the support base 32 (see FIG. 3). A lower portion 45 of the first connection terminal 44 is configured like a leaf spring and is housed in a housing space (not shown) formed in the lower portion of the support base 32. When the battery pack 10 is housed in a battery pack housing portion of an electric vehicle (not shown), the first connection terminal 44 is electrically connected to a connector on the electric vehicle side. Electric power from the battery pack 10 can be supplied to a drive motor of the electric vehicle via the first connection terminal 44.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the signal connection portion 42 has a plurality of third connection terminals 52. The third connection terminals 52 are made of metal and are connected to the battery management unit 28. The third connection terminals 52 are arranged between the first connection terminal 44 and the second connection terminal 46 at equal intervals in the width direction. The third connection terminals 52 extend in the up-down direction of the battery pack 10 shown in FIG. 1 (the direction of arrow Z in FIG. 1). When the battery pack 10 is accommodated in a battery pack accommodation portion of the electric vehicle, the third connection terminals 52 are electrically connected to connectors on the electric vehicle side. Vehicle information and the like are communicated between the electric vehicle and the battery pack 10 via the third connection terminals 52.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the first and second seats 34, 36 each protrude from the support base 32 toward the outer shell case 22 (see FIG. 1). The first seat 34 is disposed at one widthwise end of the support base 32. The first seat 34 holds a first connection terminal 44. A first intermediate connection member 54 of the intermediate connection part 16 is connected to the first seat 34. The second seat 36 is disposed at the other widthwise end of the support base 32. The second seat 36 holds a second connection terminal 46. A second intermediate connection member 56 of the intermediate connection part 16 is connected to the second seat 36.

[0022] The first seat 34 and the second seat 36 are disposed at positions avoiding a sealing member (not shown). As shown in Fig. 2, the first seat 34 and the second seat 36 are symmetrical in shape in the second direction (arrow Y direction) of the support base 32. The first seat 34 will be described below, and a detailed description of the second seat 36 will be omitted.

[0023] 3 and 4, the first seat 34 has a fastening portion 58, a holding portion 60, and a space portion 62. The first seat 34 holds the first connection terminal 44, and is connected to the first intermediate connection member 54 of the intermediate connection portion 16.

[0024] The fastening portion 58 is disposed at the tip of the first seat 34 in the first direction (arrow X direction). The fastening portion 58 has a fastening surface 58a to which the first intermediate connection member 54 is fastened. The fastening portion 58 extends from the support base 32 in the third direction (arrow Z direction). The fastening surface 58a is disposed at the tip of the fastening portion 58 in the first direction. The fastening surface 58a is formed flat in the second direction (arrow Y direction) and the third direction (arrow Z direction). As shown in FIG. 3, the fastening surface 58a has an accommodating portion 64 (see FIG. 5) recessed from the fastening surface 58a toward the harness 30a. The accommodating portion 64 accommodates the contact portion 48 of the first connection terminal 44.

[0025] 5, the fastening surface 58a of the fastening portion 58 in the first direction is flush with the contact surface 48a of the first connection terminal 44. That is, the contact surface 48a does not protrude from the fastening surface 58a in the first direction (the direction of the arrow X).

[0026] 4 and 5, a terminal connection portion 88 of the first intermediate connection member 54, which will be described later, abuts against the fastening surface 58a of the fastening portion 58. At this time, the first intermediate connection member 54 contacts the contact surface 48a of the first connection terminal 44 at the fastening portion 58.

[0027] The fastening portion 58 has a hole 66 inside that extends from the accommodating portion 64 further in the direction of the harness 30a. The hole 66 communicates with the space 62. A nut 68 is held in the hole 66 (see FIG. 5 ). When the first intermediate connection member 54 is fastened to the fastening portion 58, a threaded portion 72 of a fastening bolt 70, which is a fastening member, is threaded into the nut 68. The first intermediate connection member 54 is fastened to the fastening surface 58a of the fastening portion 58 by a head 74 of the fastening bolt 70.

[0028] 3 and 4, the holding portion 60 is provided on the upper part of the first pedestal 34. The holding portion 60 has a holding surface 60a that is formed flat along the second direction (the direction of arrow Y) and is parallel to the support base 32. The holding surface 60a of the holding portion 60 and the fastening surface 58a of the fastening portion 58 are perpendicular to each other (see FIG. 5). A main body portion 84 of the first intermediate connecting member 54, which will be described later, is placed in contact with the holding surface 60a.

[0029] The retaining portion 60 has a first retaining portion 76 and a second retaining portion 78. The first retaining portion 76 is arranged linearly with the fastening portion 58 along the first direction (the direction of the arrow X). The first retaining portion 76 is arranged in the direction of the harness 30a relative to the fastening portion 58 along the first direction. The second retaining portion 78 is arranged spaced apart from the fastening portion 58 relative to the first retaining portion 76. The second retaining portion 78 is arranged on the inner side in the width direction relative to the first retaining portion 76 (the direction of the second base 36 in FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 4, the first retaining portion 76 and the second retaining portion 78 are arranged offset in the second direction (the direction of the arrow Y).

[0030] The supported portion 50 of the first connection terminal 44 is held inside the first and second holding portions 76, 78. The supported portion 50 is held in the second holding portion 78 along the first direction.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5 , a corner 80 is provided at the boundary between the fastening portion 58 and the first holding portion 76. The outer surface of the corner 80 is formed to have an arc-shaped cross section. The corner 80 has a notch 82 cut inward from the outer surface. The notch 82 is a recess recessed radially inward from the outer surface of the corner 80. The cross section of the notch 82 is arc-shaped. When the first intermediate connecting member 54 is connected to the first base 34, the notch 82 faces a corner portion 98 of the first intermediate connecting member 54. The notch 82 functions as a relief that separates it from the corner portion 98.

[0032] The cross-sectional shape of the notch 82 is not limited to an arc shape, and may be a notch 82a that is an inclined surface cut inward from the outer surface of the corner 80, as in the first seat 34a according to a modified example shown in Fig. 6. The notch 82a is inclined in a direction away from the corner 98 of the first intermediate connecting member 54. The notch 82a is inclined downward from the holding surface 60a of the holding portion 60 toward the fastening surface 58a.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the space 62 is a space arranged in the direction of the harness 30a with respect to the fastening portion 58. The space 62 is provided between the first holding portion 76 and the second holding portion 78. The space 62 is a lightening portion formed to reduce the weight of the support member 18. The space 62 communicates with the hole 66 of the fastening portion 58. The thread portion 72 of the fastening bolt 70 fastened to the fastening portion 58 is housed in the space 62. The space 62 opens upward along the axial direction (third direction) of the case 12.

[0034] 2, the intermediate connection part 16 electrically connects the ends 31 of the harnesses 30a, 30b connected to the battery management unit 28 to the power connection part 40. The intermediate connection part 16 has a pair of first and second intermediate connection members 54, 56. The first and second intermediate connection members 54, 56 are each formed by processing a metal plate having a certain thickness.

[0035] The first and second intermediate connecting members 54, 56 are arranged along a first direction (arrow X direction) that is the extension direction of the ends 31 of the harnesses 30a, 30b. The first direction is perpendicular to a second direction (arrow Y direction) that is the extension direction of the support member 18.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2 , the first intermediate connecting member 54 is held by the first seat 34 of the support member 18. The first intermediate connecting member 54 electrically connects the end 31 of one harness 30a to the first connection terminal 44. The second intermediate connecting member 56 is held by the second seat 36 of the support member 18. The second intermediate connecting member 56 electrically connects the end 31 of the other harness 30b to the second connection terminal 46. The first intermediate connecting member 54 and the second intermediate connecting member 56 are symmetrical in the second direction (arrow Y direction) of the support member 18. The symmetrical shapes of the first intermediate connecting member 54 and the second intermediate connecting member 56 prevent incorrect assembly of the support member 18 to the first seat 34 and the second seat 36. The first intermediate connecting member 54 will be described below, and a detailed description of the second intermediate connecting member 56 will be omitted.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the first intermediate connecting member 54 has a main body portion 84, a harness connecting portion 86, and a terminal connecting portion 88.

[0038] The main body portion 84 extends in a first direction (arrow X direction), which is the extension direction of the end portion 31 of the harness 30a. The main body portion 84 has a flat shape along the width direction (second direction). The main body portion 84 has a constant thickness along a third direction (arrow Z direction). As shown in FIG. 4, a portion of the main body portion 84 faces the holding portion 60 of the first base 34 and is held by the holding surface 60a. The main body portion 84 is formed with a constant width in the second direction.

[0039] 4, 7, and 8, one end of the main body 84 in the extending direction along the first direction has a first extending end portion 90. The first extending end portion 90 extends in the first direction and is connected to a harness connecting portion 86. The first extending end portion 90 is held in contact with the holding surface 60a of the first holding portion 76 of the first pedestal 34 (see FIG. 3).

[0040] The other end of the main body 84 in the extending direction along the first direction has a second extending end portion 92. The second extending end portion 92 extends along the first direction and is connected to the terminal connecting portion 88.

[0041] The terminal connection portion 88 and the second extending end portion 92 are offset in the second direction (arrow Y direction) of the support base 32 relative to the harness connection portion 86 and the first extending end portion 90. The offset direction of the terminal connection portion 88 and the second extending end portion 92 is the direction away from the second intermediate connection member 56 (arrow Y1 direction in FIG. 2).

[0042] 4, the main body 84 has an offset portion 94 between the first extending end portion 90 and the second extending end portion 92. The offset portion 94 connects the first extending end portion 90 and the second extending end portion 92, which are offset in the second direction (the direction of the arrow Y), and is formed in an oblique shape that is inclined with respect to the first direction.

[0043] When the first intermediate connection member 54 is attached to the first base 34, most of the second extending end portion 92 and the offset portion 94 face the space 62. When viewed from the axial direction of the case 12 shown in FIG. 4 , parts of the second extending end portion 92 and the offset portion 94 on the inner side in the width direction, which face the second intermediate connection member 56, are held in contact with the holding surface 60 a of the second holding portion 78.

[0044] That is, the first extending end 90 of the main body portion 84 is placed on the first holding portion 76 of the holding portion 60, and the second extending end 92 and a part of the offset portion 94 are placed on the second holding portion 78 of the holding portion 60 (see FIG. 4). As a result, the main body portion 84 of the first intermediate connecting member 54 is held along the holding surface 60a of the holding portion 60.

[0045] The harness connection portion 86 is formed in a cylindrical shape and extends along a first direction. When viewed from the axial direction of the case 12 shown in Fig. 4, the harness connection portion 86 is arranged parallel to the first direction (the direction of arrow X), which is the extension direction of the ends 31 of the harnesses 30a, 30b. The harness connection portion 86 and the end 31 of the harness 30a are arranged in a straight line. The position and direction in which the end 31 of the harness 30a is taken out are determined by the battery management unit 28 to which the harness 30a (30b) is connected.

[0046] The end 31 of the harness 30a is inserted into the harness connection portion 86, and the harness connection portion 86 and the end 31 of the harness 30a are electrically connected to each other. The harness connection portion 86 and the end 31 of the harness 30a are connected in a linear manner along the first direction (the direction of the arrow X).

[0047] 3 and 5, the terminal connection portion 88 is bent in a third direction (arrow Z direction) relative to the main body portion 84. That is, the terminal connection portion 88 is bent in the plate thickness direction of the main body portion 84. The terminal connection portion 88 is formed at a right angle downward from the second extending end portion 92 of the main body portion 84. The terminal connection portion 88 is offset in a second direction (arrow Y1 direction) away from the second intermediate connecting member 56 relative to the harness connection portion 86. The terminal connection portion 88 is disposed parallel to the contact surface 48a of the first connection terminal 44. The terminal connection portion 88 and the contact surface 48a of the first connection terminal 44 contact each other and are electrically connected.

[0048] 3 and 5, the terminal connection portion 88 has a bolt hole 96 at its center. The fastening bolt 70 is inserted into the bolt hole 96. The fastening bolt 70 is inserted into the bolt hole 96, and the terminal connection portion 88 is fixed to the fastening portion 58 of the first pedestal 34 from the first direction by the fastening bolt 70. At this time, the main body portion 84 is placed in contact with the holding surface 60a of the holding portion 60 (first and second holding portions 76, 78).

[0049] A curved corner portion 98 is provided between the terminal connection portion 88 and the main body portion 84. When viewed from the second direction shown in Figure 5, the cross section of the corner portion 98 is arc-shaped. When the first intermediate connection member 54 is attached to the first base 34, the corner portion 98 faces the angular portion 80. The inner surface of the corner portion 98 has a thin-walled portion 100 recessed in the plate thickness direction.

[0050] The thin-walled portions 100 are formed, for example, by striking when press-forming the first intermediate connection member 54. The thin-walled portions 100 make the plate thickness of the corner portions 98 thinner than the plate thicknesses of the terminal connection portions 88 and the main body portion 84. The thin-walled portions 100 may be formed by machining the inner surfaces of the corner portions 98, for example.

[0051] When attaching the first intermediate connecting member 54 to the first base 34, even if the inner surface of the corner portion 98 bulges inward due to bending, the thin-walled portion 100 and the cutout portion 82 prevent contact between the corner portion 98 and the angular portion 80 (see Figure 5).

[0052] As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the offset portions 94 are provided on the first and second intermediate connecting members 54, 56 to which the ends 31 of the harnesses 30a, 30b are connected. This allows the first and second intermediate connecting members 54, 56 to be reliably connected to the first and second connection terminals 44, 46 that are offset in the second direction relative to the ends 31 of the harnesses 30a, 30b and held by the first and second seats 34, 36. The main body portions 84 of the first and second intermediate connecting members 54, 56 are flat in the second direction, eliminating the need for cutouts, ensuring a sufficient cross-sectional area through which current can pass. This allows current to reliably flow from the battery core pack 14 through the harnesses 30a, 30b and the first and second intermediate connecting members 54, 56 to the first and second connection terminals 44, 46, reducing electrical resistance during current flow.

[0053] This makes it possible to connect the first and second intermediate connecting members 54, 56 to the first and second connecting terminals 44, 46 while ensuring the current passing cross-sectional area of ​​the first and second intermediate connecting members 54, 56.

[0054] When a rotational force is applied to the harness connection portion 86 from the harnesses 30a, 30b and a rotational moment is generated in the first and second intermediate connecting members 54, 56, the first and second connecting terminals 44, 46 connected to the first and second intermediate connecting members 54, 56 are prevented from shifting in the rotational direction.

[0055] When viewed from the axial direction (third direction) of the case 12, a portion of the offset portion 94 of the first and second intermediate connecting members 54, 56 is positioned offset in the second direction (direction of arrow Y) relative to the space 62 and is held by the second holding portion 78 of the holding portion 60. As a result, by placing the offset portion 94 on the second holding portion 78 of the holding portion 60, the main body portion 84 facing the space 62 can be stably held in the third direction by the first holding portion 76 and the second holding portion 78 to the first and second pedestals 34, 36.

[0056] When the first and second intermediate connecting members 54, 56 are viewed from the third direction, the harness connecting portion 86 is formed parallel to the first direction, which is the extension direction of the ends 31 of the harnesses 30a, 30b. Therefore, when the ends 31 of the harnesses 30a, 30b are connected to the harness connecting portion 86, the ends 31 of the harnesses 30a, 30b extending along the first direction can be smoothly connected to and removed from the harness connecting portion 86 without any difficulty.

[0057] In the first and second intermediate connecting members 54, 56, by providing a thin-walled portion 100, the thickness of the corner portion 98 is made thinner than the thickness of the terminal connection portion 88 and the main body portion 84, so that the end of the main body portion 84 can be easily bent to form the terminal connection portion 88.

[0058] In the first and second intermediate connecting members 54, 56, the terminal connecting portion 88 can be easily and reliably formed by bending the terminal connecting portion 88 relative to the main body portion 84 in the thickness direction of the main body portion 84 (third direction, arrow Z direction).

[0059] The corner portions 80 of the first and second pedestals 34, 36 have outer surfaces facing the corner portions 98 of the first and second intermediate connecting members 54, 56, and the outer surfaces have notches 82 cut out in a direction away from the corner portions 98. As a result, when connecting the terminal connecting portions 88 of the first and second intermediate connecting members 54, 56 to the first and second pedestals 34, 36 of the support member 18, respectively, the notches 82 prevent the inner surfaces of the corner portions 98 from contacting the outer surfaces of the corner portions 80, even if the inner surfaces of the corner portions 98 bulge inward when the terminal connecting portions 88 are bent.

[0060] As a result, the bulging corner portion 98 prevents the terminal connection portion 88 from floating up from the fastening portion 58 of the first and second bases 34, 36, and the terminal connection portion 88 can be securely fastened to the fastening surface 58a of the fastening portion 58.

[0061] In the first direction, which is the extension direction of the ends 31 of the harnesses 30a, 30b, the fastening surfaces 58a of the first and second seats 34, 36 and the contact surfaces 48a of the first and second connection terminals 44, 46 held by the fastening portions 58 are arranged to be flush with each other. This allows the terminal connection portions 88 of the first and second intermediate connection members 54, 56 to abut against the fastening surfaces 58a, thereby abutting against the contact surfaces 48a of the first and second connection terminals 44, 46. This allows the terminal connection portions 88 and the first and second connection terminals 44, 46 to be reliably and stably connected and fastened to each other.

[0062] The above embodiment can be summarized as follows.

[0063] The above embodiment includes a battery core pack (14) having a plurality of battery cells; a case (12) for accommodating the battery core pack; connection terminals (44, 46) disposed at one end of the case and connectable to an external device; a support member (18) that is held by the case and supports the connection terminal; intermediate connection members (54, 56) that are held by the support member and electrically connect harnesses (30a, 30b) that are electrically connected to the battery core pack to the connection terminals; In a battery pack (10) comprising: The intermediate connection member is formed from a metal plate material and includes a main body portion (84) extending in a first direction, which is the extension direction of the end portion (31) of the harness; a harness connection portion (86) formed at one end of the main body in the extending direction, to which the end of the harness is connected; a terminal connection portion (88) formed at the other end of the body portion in the extension direction, offset from the end portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and connected to the connection terminal; Equipped with the main body portion has a flat shape along the second direction, a first extending end portion (90) extending along the first direction from the harness connecting portion toward the terminal connecting portion; a second extending end portion (92) extending in the first direction from the terminal connecting portion toward the harness connecting portion and offset in the second direction from the first extending end portion; an offset portion (94) connecting the first extending end portion and the second extending end portion; Equipped with.

[0064] the terminal connection portion is fixed in the first direction to the base (34, 36) of the support member by a fastening member (70); the base includes a fastening portion (58) having a fastening surface (58a) to which the terminal connection portion abuts and is fastened in the first direction; a holding portion (60) that is perpendicular to the fastening surface of the fastening portion, extends along the first direction, and faces the main body portion; a space portion (62) disposed in a direction of the harness connection portion relative to the fastening portion and opening in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction and along the axial direction of the case; and When viewed from the third direction, a part of the offset portion is placed on the holding portion and is disposed offset in the second direction with respect to the space portion.

[0065] When the intermediate connection member is viewed from the third direction, the harness connection portion is formed parallel to the first direction.

[0066] the terminal connection portion is bent in the third direction relative to the main body portion, A corner portion (98) curved as viewed from the second direction is formed between the terminal connection portion and the main body portion, The corner portion has a thickness smaller than that of the terminal connection portion and the main body portion.

[0067] the main body portion has the plate thickness in the third direction, The terminal connection portion is bent in the third direction relative to the main body portion.

[0068] The base of the support member has an outer surface (80) facing the corner portion, and the outer surface has notches (82, 82a) cut in a direction away from the corner portion.

[0069] In the first direction, the fastening surface of the fastening portion to which the terminal connecting portion is fastened and the contact surface (48a) of the connection terminal arranged on the fastening portion are arranged to be flush with each other.

[0070] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Claims

1. a battery core pack (14) having a plurality of battery cells; a case (12) for accommodating the battery core pack; connection terminals (44, 46) that are arranged at one end of the case and can be connected to an external device; a support member (18) that is held by the case and supports the connection terminal; intermediate connection members (54, 56) that are held by the support member and electrically connect harnesses (30a, 30b) that are electrically connected to the battery core pack to the connection terminals; In a battery pack (10) comprising: The intermediate connection member is formed from a metal plate material and has a main body portion (84) extending in a first direction, which is the extension direction of the end portion (31) of the harness; a harness connection portion (86) formed at one end of the main body portion in the extension direction, to which the end portion of the harness is connected; a terminal connection portion (88) formed at the other end of the body portion in the extension direction, offset from the end portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and connected to the connection terminal; Equipped with the main body portion has a flat shape along the second direction, a first extending end portion (90) extending from the harness connecting portion toward the terminal connecting portion along the first direction; a second extending end portion (92) extending in the first direction from the terminal connection portion toward the harness connection portion and offset in the second direction from the first extending end portion; an offset portion (94) connecting the first extension end portion and the second extension end portion; Equipped with The terminal connection portion is fixed in the first direction to the base (34, 36) of the support member by a fastening member (70); The base includes a fastening portion (58) having a fastening surface (58a) to which the terminal connection portion abuts and is fastened in the first direction; a holding portion (60) that is perpendicular to the fastening surface of the fastening portion, extends along the first direction, and faces the main body portion; A battery pack having:

2. 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, a space portion (62) disposed in a direction of the harness connection portion relative to the fastening portion and opening in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction and along the axial direction of the case; and When viewed from the third direction, a portion of the offset portion is positioned offset in the second direction relative to the space portion and is placed on the holding portion.

3. 3. The battery pack according to claim 2, When the intermediate connection member is viewed from the third direction, the harness connection portion is formed parallel to the first direction.

4. 4. The battery pack according to claim 2, the terminal connection portion is bent in the third direction relative to the main body portion, A corner portion (98) curved as viewed from the second direction is formed between the terminal connection portion and the main body portion, The corner portion has a thickness smaller than that of the terminal connection portion and the main body portion.

5. 5. The battery pack according to claim 4, the main body portion has the plate thickness in the third direction, The terminal connection portion is bent in the third direction relative to the main body portion.

6. 6. The battery pack according to claim 5, The base of the support member has an outer surface (80) facing the corner portion, and the outer surface has a notch (82, 82a) cut in a direction away from the corner portion.

7. 7. The battery pack according to claim 6, The battery pack is arranged so that, in the first direction, the fastening surface of the fastening portion to which the terminal connection portion is fastened and the contact surface (48a) of the connection terminal arranged in the fastening portion are flush with each other.

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