Assembly

Abstract

To provide an assembly that easily ensures contact pressure at connecting parts.SOLUTION: The assembly includes a device unit and a battery unit. The device unit includes a device having a first installation surface and a device bus bar including a first extension portion extending in contact with the first installation surface and a first connecting portion extending continuously from the first extension portion. The battery unit includes a battery pack having a second installation surface opposing the first installation surface and a battery bus bar including a second extension portion extending in contact with the second installation surface and a second connecting portion extending continuously from the second extension portion and capable of being connected to the first connecting portion. A gap is provided in at least one of spaces between the first installation surface and the first connecting portion and between the second installation surface and the second connecting portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an assembly.

Background Art

[0002] It is widely known that a battery unit as a power supply is connected to a device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a battery module is connected to a fuse contact unit of an electric vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the assembly disclosed in Patent Document 1, male power supply side terminal portions provided in a battery module are detachably attached to each of a plurality of female power receiving side terminal portions connected to a fuse contact unit. However, with such a connection structure using terminal portions, it may not be possible to ensure the contact pressure of the connection portion.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention provides an assembly that easily ensures the contact pressure of a connection portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an equipment unit comprising: equipment having a first mounting surface; equipment busbar having a first extension portion extending in contact with the first mounting surface and a first connecting portion extending continuously from the first extension portion; and a battery unit comprising: a battery pack having a second mounting surface facing the first mounting surface; a battery busbar having a second extension portion extending in contact with the second mounting surface and a second connecting portion extending continuously from the second extension portion and connectable to the first connecting portion, wherein there is a gap between the first mounting surface and the first connecting portion, and between the second mounting surface and the second connecting portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the assembly of one embodiment of the present invention, it is easy to ensure contact pressure at the connection part. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] These are front views of the assemblies before fastening according to each embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly before fastening according to the first embodiment, taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly after fastening according to the first embodiment, taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly before fastening, according to a modified example of the first embodiment, taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly before fastening according to the second embodiment, taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly after fastening according to the second embodiment, taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1, before fastening, relating to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the assembly before fastening, according to a modified example of each embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <First Embodiment> Below, an assembly of one embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0010] (Assembly structure) As shown in Figure 1, the assembly 9 of this embodiment comprises an equipment unit 1, a battery unit 2, and a fastening member 3. The assembly 9 is unitized by fastening the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 together with the fastening member 3. For example, the assembly 9 may be mounted on a mobility unit such as an electric vehicle.

[0011] (Configuration of the equipment unit) The equipment unit 1 comprises equipment 11, a plurality of equipment busbars 12, and a flange portion 13.

[0012] (device) Device 11 receives and receives power from the battery unit 2. For example, device 11 may be high-voltage equipment such as a high-voltage J / B (junction box), OBC (onboard charger), or DC-DC converter. Device 11 has a first mounting surface 111 on the side facing the battery unit 2.

[0013] Hereinafter, the direction parallel to the direction in which the first installation surface 111 faces will be defined as the Z direction. Furthermore, the directions that intersect each other within the plane facing the Z direction will be defined as the X direction and the Y direction. For example, the X direction, Y direction and Z direction may be mutually orthogonal directions. For example, the Z direction may be the "up and down direction". For example, the first installation surface 111 may be a plane facing downwards.

[0014] The first mounting surface 111 is an insulating surface made of an insulating material. For example, the first mounting surface 111 may be an insulating housing, a partially insulating cover, or the like.

[0015] (Equipment busbar) Multiple device busbars 12 are connected to the device 11. Specifically, the device busbars 12 are electrically connected to electrodes included in the device 11.

[0016] A plurality of device busbars 12 are provided side by side in the X direction on the first installation surface 111. As shown in FIG. 2, each device busbar 12 includes a first extension portion 121 and a first connection portion 122. The device busbar 12 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0017] For example, the first extension portion 121 and the first connection portion 122 are flat integral metal plates. For example, each device busbar 12 may have a constant thickness from the first extension portion 121 to the first connection portion 122. For example, each device busbar 12 may have a plate shape having a pair of plate surfaces facing in the Z direction and extending in the Y direction from the first extension portion 121 to the first connection portion 122.

[0018] The first extension portion 121 is in contact with the first installation surface 111 and extends in the Y direction. The first connection portion 122 is continuously in contact with the first installation surface 111 from the first extension portion 121 and further extends in the Y direction. The first connection portion 122 has a first contact surface 122a on the side facing the battery unit 2. For example, the first contact surface 122a may be a flat surface.

[0019] (Flange portion) The flange portion 13 is integrally formed with the device 11. The flange portion 13 projects from the device 11 to both outer sides of the device 11. The flange portion 13 has a plurality of through holes 13h extending in the Z direction. The device unit 1 and the battery unit 2 are unitized by co-fastening with a fastening material 3 inserted into each through hole 13h.

[0020] (Configuration of battery unit) The battery unit 2 includes a battery pack 21 and a plurality of battery busbars 22. In the present embodiment, a structure including a pair of each device busbar 12 and the associated battery busbar 22 is also referred to as a connection structure.

[0021] (Battery pack) The battery pack 21 includes multiple battery cells. The battery pack 21 has a second mounting surface 211 on the side facing the equipment unit 1. The second mounting surface 211 faces the first mounting surface 111. For example, the second mounting surface 211 may be a plane facing upwards.

[0022] The battery pack 21 has a screw hole 21h in the second mounting surface 211. The fastener 3 inserted into the through hole 13h is tightened into the screw hole 21h.

[0023] The second mounting surface 211 is an insulating surface made of an insulating material. For example, the second mounting surface 211 may be an insulating housing, a partially insulating cover, or the like.

[0024] (Battery bus) Multiple battery busbars 22 are electrically connected to the battery pack 21. Specifically, the multiple battery busbars 22 are electrically connected to the electrodes of multiple battery cells contained in the battery pack 21.

[0025] Multiple battery busbars 22 are arranged in the X direction on the second mounting surface 211. Each battery busbar 22 is positioned opposite the associated equipment busbar 12. Each battery busbar 22 includes a second extension portion 221 and a second connection portion 222. The battery busbars 22 are made of a conductive material such as metal.

[0026] For example, the second extension portion 221 and the second connecting portion 222 are a single metal plate having a shape in which a flat plate is bent in the middle. For example, each battery busbar 22 may have a constant thickness from the second extension portion 221 to the second connecting portion 222. For example, each battery busbar 22 may have a plate shape having a pair of plate surfaces facing in a direction parallel to the YZ plane, and the pair of plate surfaces extending from the second extension portion 221 to the second connecting portion 222 while bending in the YZ plane.

[0027] The second extension portion 221 extends in the Y direction, in contact with the second installation surface 211. The second connecting portion 222 extends further in the Y direction, continuously from the second extension portion 221. The second connecting portion 222 can be connected to the associated first connecting portion 122 by contacting it. The second connecting portion 222 is positioned to overlap with the associated first connecting portion 122 when viewed from the Z direction. A gap AA is provided between the second connecting portion 222 and the second installation surface 211.

[0028] The second connecting portion 222 has, in order from its tip toward the second extending portion 221, a second contact portion 2221 and a second deformable portion 2222. The second contact portion 2221 and the second deformable portion 2222 are continuous. In this embodiment, a gap AA is provided between the second connecting portion 222 and the second mounting surface 211, specifically between the second contact portion 2221 and the second mounting surface 211, extending from the tip of the second contact portion 2221 to the second deformable portion 2222.

[0029] The second contact portion 2221 has a second contact surface 2221a on the side facing the equipment unit 1 that is opposite to the associated first contact surface 122a. For example, the second contact surface 2221a may be a flat surface.

[0030] The second deformable portion 2222 connects the second extended portion 221 and the second contact portion 2221. The second deformable portion 2222 is elastically deformable in response to the pressing force that the second contact surface 2221a receives from the first contact surface 122a.

[0031] Hereinafter, the "second deformable portion" refers to "the portion that allows deformation in response to the pressing force received by the first contact surface on the second contact surface."

[0032] In this embodiment, the second deformed portion 2222 extends bent from the second extended portion 221 toward the second contact portion 2221. The second deformed portion 2222 extends bent diagonally upward at an acute angle with respect to the direction in which the second extended portion 221 extends toward the second contact portion 2221. With this second deformed portion 2222, each battery busbar 22 is configured such that the second connecting portion 222 extends further beyond the extended end of the second extended portion 221.

[0033] (Fastening material) Multiple fasteners 3 fasten the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 together. For example, each fastener 3 may be a bolt that is tightened through a through hole 13h into a screw hole 21h.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, when assembling the assembly 9, for example, by fastening the equipment unit 1 to the battery unit 2 with the fastener 3 so that the equipment unit 1 is brought closer to the battery unit 2, the second contact surface 2221a comes into contact with the first contact surface 122a. As the fastening continues, the second contact surface 2221a receives downward pressure from the first contact surface 122a.

[0035] Because a gap AA is provided between the second connecting portion 222 and the second mounting surface 211, the second contact portion 2221, upon receiving this pressing force, elastically deforms the second deformable portion 2222 while reducing the gap AA. On the other hand, the elastically deformed second deformable portion 2222 can exert a biasing force toward the second contact portion 2221 toward the first contact surface 122a. Due to this deformation and biasing force, in the assembled assembly 9, the second connecting portion 222 can contact the first connecting portion 122 while absorbing the pressing force from the first connecting portion 122 through the gap AA.

[0036] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) According to the assembly 9 of this embodiment, the second connecting portion 222 can contact the first connecting portion 122 while absorbing the pressing force from the first connecting portion 122 through the gap AA. Through such contact, the assembly 9 can absorb manufacturing tolerances related to the connection between the first connecting portion 122 and the second connecting portion 222, which tend to occur during the assembly of the equipment unit and the battery pack. Therefore, the assembly 9 of this embodiment makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the first connecting portion 122 and the second connecting portion 222.

[0037] For example, assembly 9 can absorb tolerances related to dimensional errors, fastening pressure errors, etc., between lots of various structures related to the contact between the first connection part 122 and the second connection part 222, with respect to multiple assemblies 9 from different lots. For example, assembly 9 can absorb tolerances related to dimensional errors between multiple equipment busbars 12, dimensional errors between multiple battery busbars 22, etc., with respect to a single assembly 9. For example, assembly 9 can absorb tolerances related to variations in contact pressure resulting from uneven fastening pressure, which extend across multiple first connection parts 122 and multiple second connection parts 222, with respect to a single assembly 9.

[0038] As a comparative example, consider a structure in which the assembly has a connector on the battery pack, as shown in Patent Document 1, and the vehicle-side connector and the battery-side connector are connected when the battery pack is attached to the vehicle body. With such a comparative example structure, if there are multiple connection points, the mating state of each connector cannot be confirmed, there may be partially mated connectors, a very large insertion force may be required when connecting all at once, and the cost of parts may increase.

[0039] In contrast to this comparative example, in this embodiment, the structure of the assembly 9 is such that the second connecting portion 222 can contact the first connecting portion 122 while absorbing the pressing force from the first connecting portion 122 through the gap AA. Due to this structure, even when there are multiple connection points, it is easy to ensure contact pressure between each first connecting portion 122 and the associated second connecting portion 222 while suppressing fastening pressure and the number of parts.

[0040] In particular, when the equipment 11 is a high-voltage device, the electrical connection between the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 involves many busbar-to-busbar connections, so ensuring contact pressure with the first connection part 122 and the second connection part 222 as in this embodiment is effective.

[0041] Furthermore, in one example of the assembly 9 of this embodiment, the second connecting portion 222 has a second deformable portion 2222, so that the second deformable portion 2222 is more easily deformed than the second contact portion 2221. With such a structure, the second contact portion 2221 itself is difficult to deform, yet the second contact portion 2221 can apply a biasing force toward the first connecting portion 122. Therefore, the assembly 9 of this embodiment can stabilize the contact between the first connecting portion 122 and the second connecting portion 222.

[0042] Furthermore, according to one example of the assembly 9 of this embodiment, each battery busbar 22 is configured such that a second connecting portion 222 extends further from the end of the second extension portion 221. With this configuration, the second connecting portion 222 is easy to process, the second contact portion 2221 itself is resistant to deformation, and the second contact portion 2221 can apply a biasing force toward the first connecting portion 122.

[0043] (Variations in gap position) In this embodiment, a gap AA is provided between the second connection portion 222 and the second mounting surface 211. However, the gap AA is not limited to this position; it may be provided in any position that can absorb the pressing force between the second connection portion 222 and the first connection portion 122. As a modified example, the gap AA may be provided between the first connection portion and the first mounting surface. As a modified example, as shown in Figure 4, each device busbar 12 may be provided with a first connection portion 123 instead of the first connection portion 122. On the other hand, each battery busbar 22 may be provided with a second connection portion 223 instead of the second connection portion 222.

[0044] In other words, in this modified example, each battery busbar 22 includes a second extension portion 221 and a second connecting portion 223. The second connecting portion 223 extends further in the Y direction, continuous with the second installation surface 211 and in contact with it. The second connecting portion 223 has a second contact surface 223a on the side facing the equipment unit 1. For example, the second contact surface 223a may be a flat surface.

[0045] In this modified example, each equipment busbar 12 comprises a first extension portion 121 and a first connecting portion 123. The first connecting portion 123 extends further in the Y direction, continuously from the first extension portion 121. The first connecting portion 123 can be connected to the associated second connecting portion 223 by contacting the associated second connecting portion 223. The first connecting portion 123 is positioned to overlap with the associated second connecting portion 223 when viewed from the Z direction. A gap AA is provided between the first connecting portion 123 and the first mounting surface 111.

[0046] The first connecting portion 123 has a first contact portion 1231 and a first deformable portion 1232 in order from its tip toward the first extending portion 121. The first contact portion 1231 and the first deformable portion 1232 are continuous. In this modified example, a gap AA is provided between the first connecting portion 123 and the first installation surface 111, specifically between the first contact portion 1231 and the first installation surface 111, extending from the tip of the first contact portion 1231 to the first deformable portion 1232.

[0047] The first contact portion 1231 has a first contact surface 1231a on the side facing the battery unit 2 that is opposite to the associated second contact surface 223a. For example, the first contact surface 1231a may be a flat surface.

[0048] The first deformable portion 1232 connects the first extended portion 121 and the first contact portion 1231. The first deformable portion 1232 is elastically deformable in response to the pressing force that the first contact surface 1231a receives from the second contact surface 223a.

[0049] Hereinafter, "first deformable portion" refers to "the portion that allows deformation in response to the pressing force received by the first contact surface from the second contact surface."

[0050] In this modified example, the first deformed portion 1232 extends bent from the first extended portion 121 toward the first contact portion 1231. The first deformed portion 1232 extends bent diagonally downward at an acute angle with respect to the direction in which the first extended portion 121 extends toward the first contact portion 1231. With this first deformed portion 1232, each equipment busbar 12 is configured such that the first connecting portion 123 extends further beyond the extended end of the first extended portion 121.

[0051] In this modified assembly 9, the first connecting portion 123 can contact the second connecting portion 223 while absorbing the pressing force from the second connecting portion 223 through the gap AA. Through such contact, the assembly 9 can absorb manufacturing tolerances related to the connection between the first connecting portion 123 and the second connecting portion 223 that tend to occur during the assembly of the equipment unit and the battery pack. Therefore, the assembly 9 in this modified example makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the first connecting portion 123 and the second connecting portion 223.

[0052] Furthermore, in one example of the modified assembly 9, the first connecting portion 123 has a first deformable portion 1232, which makes the first deformable portion 1232 more easily deformed than the first contact portion 1231. With such a structure, the first contact portion 1231 itself is difficult to deform, yet the first contact portion 1231 can exert a biasing force toward the second connecting portion 223. Therefore, the contact between the first connecting portion 123 and the second connecting portion 223 can be stabilized.

[0053] Furthermore, according to one example of the modified assembly 9, each equipment busbar 12 is configured such that the first connecting portion 123 extends further from the end of the first extension portion 121. With this configuration, the first connecting portion 123 is easy to process, the first contact portion 1231 itself is resistant to deformation, and the first contact portion 1231 can apply a biasing force toward the second connecting portion 223.

[0054] <Second Embodiment> The assembly of one embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 5 to 7. The assembly of this embodiment has the same configuration as the assembly of the first embodiment, is assembled in the same way, and produces the same functions and effects, except for the points shown below.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, each battery busbar 22 comprises a second extension portion 221 and a second connection portion 224. For example, the second extension portion 221 and the second connection portion 224 are a single metal plate having a shape in which a flat plate is bent in the middle. For example, each battery busbar 22 may have a constant thickness from the second extension portion 221 to the second connection portion 224. For example, each battery busbar 22 may have a plate shape having a pair of plate surfaces facing in a direction parallel to the YZ plane, and the pair of plate surfaces extending from the second extension portion 221 to the second connection portion 224 while bending in the YZ plane.

[0056] The second connecting portion 224 can be connected to the associated first connecting portion 122 by contacting the first connecting portion 122. The second connecting portion 224 is positioned so as to overlap with the associated first connecting portion 122 when viewed from the Z direction. A gap AA is provided between the second connecting portion 224 and the second mounting surface 211.

[0057] The second connecting portion 224 has a second contact portion 2241 and a second deformable portion 2242 in order from its tip toward the second extending portion 221. The second contact portion 2241 and the second deformable portion 2242 are continuous. In this embodiment, a gap AA is provided between the second connecting portion 224 and the second installation surface 211, between the second contact portion 2241 and the second extending portion 221, extending from the tip of the second contact portion 2241 to the second deformable portion 2242.

[0058] The second contact portion 2241 has a second contact surface 2241a on the side facing the equipment unit 1 that is opposite to the associated first contact surface 122a. For example, the second contact surface 2241a may be a flat surface.

[0059] The second deformable portion 2242 connects the second extended portion 221 and the second contact portion 2241. The second deformable portion 2242 is elastically deformable in response to the pressing force that the second contact surface 2241a receives from the first contact surface 122a.

[0060] In this embodiment, the second deformed portion 2242 extends by bending from the second extended portion 221 toward the second contact portion 2241. The second deformed portion 2242 extends by bending diagonally upward at an obtuse angle with respect to the direction in which the second extended portion 221 extends toward the second contact portion 2241. With this second deformed portion 2242, each battery busbar 22 is configured such that the second connecting portion 224 extends by bending back from the extended end of the second extended portion 221.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6, when assembling the assembly 9, for example, by fastening the equipment unit 1 to the battery unit 2 with the fastener 3 so that the equipment unit 1 is brought closer to the battery unit 2, the second contact surface 2241a comes into contact with the first contact surface 122a. As the fastening continues, the second contact surface 2241a receives downward pressure from the first contact surface 122a.

[0062] Because a gap AA is provided between the second connecting portion 224 and the second extending portion 221, the second contact portion 2241, upon receiving this pressing force, elastically deforms the second deformable portion 2242 while reducing the gap AA. On the other hand, the elastically deformed second deformable portion 2242 can exert a biasing force toward the second contact portion 2241 toward the first contact surface 122a. Due to this deformation and biasing force, in the assembled assembly 9, the second connecting portion 224 can contact the first connecting portion 122 while absorbing the pressing force from the first connecting portion 122 through the gap AA.

[0063] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) According to the assembly 9 of this embodiment, the second connecting portion 224 can contact the first connecting portion 122 while absorbing the pressing force from the first connecting portion 122 through the gap AA. Through such contact, the assembly 9 can absorb manufacturing tolerances related to the connection between the first connecting portion 122 and the second connecting portion 224, which tend to occur during the assembly of the equipment unit and the battery pack. Therefore, the assembly 9 of this embodiment makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the first connecting portion 122 and the second connecting portion 224.

[0064] Furthermore, in one example of the assembly 9 of this embodiment, the second connecting portion 224 has a second deformable portion 2242, so that the second deformable portion 2242 is more easily deformed than the second contact portion 2241. With such a structure, the second contact portion 2241 itself is difficult to deform, yet the second contact portion 2241 can apply a biasing force toward the first connecting portion 122. Therefore, the assembly 9 of this embodiment can stabilize the contact between the first connecting portion 122 and the second connecting portion 224.

[0065] Furthermore, according to one example of the assembly 9 of this embodiment, each battery busbar 22 is configured such that the second connecting portion 224 extends by folding back from the extended end of the second extension portion 221. With this structure, the second connecting portion 224 fits compactly within the second extension portion 221, and the second contact portion 2241 itself is less prone to deformation, while the second contact portion 2241 can apply a biasing force toward the first connecting portion 122.

[0066] (Variations in gap position) In this embodiment, a gap AA is provided between the second connection portion 224 and the second extension portion 221. However, the gap AA is not limited to this position; it may be provided at any position that can absorb the pressing force between the second connection portion 224 and the first connection portion 122. As a modified example, the gap AA may be provided between the first connection portion and the first extension portion. As a modified example, as shown in Figure 7, each device busbar 12 may be provided with a first connection portion 125 instead of the first connection portion 122. On the other hand, each battery busbar 22 may be provided with a second connection portion 225 instead of the second connection portion 224.

[0067] In other words, in this modified example, each battery busbar 22 comprises a second extension portion 221 and a second connecting portion 225. For example, the second extension portion 221 and the second connecting portion 225 are flat, integral metal plates. For example, each battery busbar 22 may have a constant thickness from the second extension portion 221 to the second connecting portion 225. For example, each battery busbar 22 may have a plate shape having a pair of plate surfaces facing the Z direction and a pair of plate surfaces extending in the Y direction from the second extension portion 221 to the second connecting portion 225.

[0068] The second connecting portion 225 extends further in the Y direction, continuous with the second extension portion 221 and in contact with the second installation surface 211. The second connecting portion 225 has a second contact surface 225a on the side facing the equipment unit 1. For example, the second contact surface 225a may be a flat surface.

[0069] Furthermore, in this modified example, each equipment busbar 12 comprises a first extension portion 121 and a first connecting portion 125. For example, the first extension portion 121 and the first connecting portion 125 are a single metal plate having a shape in which a flat plate is bent in the middle. For example, each equipment busbar 12 may have a constant thickness from the first extension portion 121 to the first connecting portion 125. For example, each equipment busbar 12 may have a plate shape having a pair of plate surfaces facing in a direction parallel to the YZ plane, and the pair of plate surfaces extending from the first extension portion 121 to the first connecting portion 125 while bending in the YZ plane.

[0070] The first connecting portion 125 extends continuously from the first extension portion 121. The first connecting portion 125 can be connected to the associated second connecting portion 225 by contacting the associated second connecting portion 225. The first connecting portion 125 is positioned to overlap with the associated second connecting portion 225 when viewed from the Z direction. A gap AA is provided between the first connecting portion 125 and the first installation surface 111.

[0071] The first connecting portion 125 has a first contact portion 1251 and a first deformable portion 1252 in order from its tip toward the first extending portion 121. The first contact portion 1251 and the first deformable portion 1252 are continuous. In this modified example, a gap AA is provided between the first connecting portion 125 and the first installation surface 111, between the first contact portion 1251 and the first extending portion 121, extending from the tip of the first contact portion 1251 to the first deformable portion 1252.

[0072] The first contact portion 1251 has a first contact surface 1251a on the side facing the battery unit 2 that is opposite to the associated second contact surface 225a. For example, the first contact surface 1251a may be a flat surface.

[0073] The first deformable portion 1252 connects the first extended portion 121 and the first contact portion 1251. The first deformable portion 1252 is elastically deformable in response to the pressing force that the first contact surface 1251a receives from the second contact surface 225a.

[0074] In this modified example, the first deformed portion 1252 extends bent from the first extended portion 121 toward the first contact portion 1251. The first deformed portion 1252 extends bent diagonally downward at an obtuse angle with respect to the direction in which the first extended portion 121 extends toward the first contact portion 1251. With this first deformed portion 1252, each equipment busbar 12 is configured such that the first connecting portion 125 extends by folding back from the extended end of the first extended portion 121.

[0075] In this modified assembly 9, the first connecting portion 125 can contact the second connecting portion 225 while absorbing the pressing force from the second connecting portion 225 through the gap AA. Through such contact, the assembly 9 can absorb manufacturing tolerances related to the connection between the first connecting portion 125 and the second connecting portion 225, which tend to occur during the assembly of the equipment unit and the battery pack. Therefore, the assembly 9 in this modified example makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the first connecting portion 125 and the second connecting portion 225.

[0076] Furthermore, in one example of the modified assembly 9, the first connecting portion 125 has a first deformable portion 1252, which makes the first deformable portion 1252 more easily deformed than the first contact portion 1251. With such a structure, the first contact portion 1251 itself is difficult to deform, yet it can exert a biasing force toward the second connecting portion 225. Therefore, the contact between the first connecting portion 125 and the second connecting portion 225 can be stabilized.

[0077] Furthermore, according to one example of the modified assembly 9, each equipment busbar 12 is configured such that the first connecting portion 125 extends from the extended end of the first extension portion 121, folding back. With this structure, the first connecting portion 125 fits compactly within the first extension portion 121, and the first contact portion 1251 itself is resistant to deformation, while the first contact portion 1251 can apply a biasing force toward the second connecting portion 225.

[0078] <Other variations> In the first embodiment described above, the first connecting portion 122 is connectable to the associated second connecting portion 222 by contacting the second connecting portion 222. However, the assembly 9 may be configured in any way as long as the first connecting portion 122 is connectable to the second connecting portion 222. As a modified example, as shown in Figure 8, the assembly 9 may include a conductive member 4 (intermediate conductor). The conductive member 4 extends in the X direction across multiple pairs of first connecting portions 122 and second connecting portions. The conductive member 4 is inserted collectively between the first connecting portion 122 and the second connecting portion 222 across multiple pairs of first connecting portions 122 and second connecting portions 222. The conductive member 4 is made of a conductive material such as metal. With such a conductive member 4, the multiple first connecting portions 122 and the multiple second connecting portions 222 are connected via the conductive member 4, so that the multiple first connecting portions 122 and the multiple second connecting portions 222 can be connected collectively. In the modified version of the first embodiment, the assembly 9 may also include a similar conductive member 4 between the first connecting portion 123 and the second connecting portion 223. In the second embodiment, the assembly 9 may also include a similar conductive member 4 between the first connecting portion 122 and the second connecting portion 224. In the modified version of the second embodiment, the assembly 9 may also include a similar conductive member 4 between the first connecting portion 125 and the second connecting portion 225.

[0079] In each of the embodiments described above, the first extension extends in the Y direction. However, the first extension is not limited to this direction; it may extend in any direction as long as it is in contact with the first installation surface and extends continuously with the first connecting portion. As a modified example, the first extension may extend in the X direction.

[0080] In each of the embodiments described above, the second extension extends in the Y direction. However, the second extension is not limited to this direction; it may extend in any direction as long as it is in contact with the second installation surface and extends continuously with the second connection part. As a modified example, the second extension may extend in the X direction.

[0081] In the assemblies 9 of the embodiments described above, the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 may be exposed, or they may have covers. As a modification, if each of the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 has a cover, the cover on the equipment unit 1 side may be provided with a flange having a hole for fastening the equipment unit 1 to the battery unit 2. Furthermore, a gasket may be attached to the flange, and the waterproofing of the connection structure may be ensured by this gasket and the cover on the high-voltage equipment side. As another modification, if neither of the equipment unit 1 nor the battery unit 2 has a cover, after combining the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2, the entire equipment unit 1 and battery unit 2 may be covered with a cover.

[0082] In the assemblies 9 of the embodiments described above, the positioning of the equipment unit 1 relative to the battery unit 2 (or the battery unit 2 relative to the equipment unit 1) in the XY plane is performed by a plurality of fasteners 3, but other positioning mechanisms may be used. As a modification, a positioning through-hole may be provided in the flange portion 13, and a positioning projection may be provided at a corresponding position on the second mounting surface 211 of the battery unit 2. The use of the positioning through-hole and positioning projection for positioning improves assembly. Conversely, a positioning projection may be provided in the flange portion 13, and a positioning through-hole may be provided at a corresponding position on the second mounting surface 211 of the battery unit 2. As another modification, a positioning protrusion may be provided on one of the first contact surface of the equipment busbar 12 and the second contact surface of the battery busbar 22, and a positioning recess may be provided on one of the first contact surface of the equipment busbar 12 and the second contact surface of the battery busbar 22.

[0083] In the assemblies 9 of the embodiments described above, the first deformable portion extends bent from the first extended portion toward the first contact portion. However, the first deformable portion can be configured in any way as long as it is elastically deformable in response to the pressing force received by the first contact surface from the second contact surface, and the deformation can be identified rather than the entire equipment busbar deforming. As a modification, the first deformable portion may have a locally convex shape. As another modification, the first deformable portion may be a laminated busbar in which thinner busbars are laminated compared to the first extended portion and the first contact portion. As yet another modification, the first deformable portion may be a part made of a material that is easily deformable or a part that is thinner than the first extended portion and the first connection portion. For example, if the material of the first extended portion and the first connection portion is aluminum, the material of the first deformable portion may be copper as a material that is easily deformable.

[0084] In the assemblies 9 of the embodiments described above, the second deformable portion extends bent from the second extended portion toward the second contact portion. However, the second deformable portion may be configured in any way as long as it is elastically deformable in response to the pressing force received by the second contact surface from the first contact surface, and the deformation is not uniform across the entire battery busbar, but rather the deformation can be identified. As a modification, the second deformable portion may have a locally undulating shape. As another modification, the second deformable portion may have a laminated busbar structure in which thinner busbars are stacked compared to the second extended portion and the second contact portion. As yet another modification, the second deformable portion may be made of a material that is easily deformable or is thinner than the second extended portion and the second connection portion. For example, if the material of the first extended portion and the first connection portion is aluminum, the material of the first deformable portion may be copper, which is a material that is easily deformable.

[0085] In the assembly 9 of each of the embodiments described above, the first contact surface and the second contact surface are in contact, but one of them may be larger than the other. If one is larger than the other, it is easier to secure the contact area necessary for electrical conductivity even if there is a misalignment during assembly.

[0086] In the example of the assembly 9 in each of the embodiments described above, the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 are fastened together with fasteners 3, which are bolts. However, the assembly 9 can be configured in any way as long as the equipment unit 1 and the battery unit 2 can be fixed to each other. As a modification, the metal cases of both units may be welded together, or the resin cases of both units may be fused together, with the equipment unit 1 being pressed against the battery unit 2.

[0087] In the assemblies 9 of the embodiments described above, a gap AA is provided by the bending of the first deformed portion of each equipment busbar 12 or the second deformed portion of each battery busbar 22. However, the assembly 9 may be configured in any way as long as a gap AA is provided. As a modification, a gap AA may be provided by the first mounting surface 111 of each equipment busbar 12 being curved away from or recessed away from. As another modification, a gap AA may be provided by the second mounting surface 211 of each battery busbar 22 being curved away from or recessed away from. Furthermore, if each equipment busbar 12 can absorb the pressing force in the entire portion where such a gap AA is provided, each equipment busbar 12 does not need to have a first deformed portion. Similarly, if each battery busbar 22 can absorb the pressing force in the entire portion where such a gap AA is provided, each battery busbar 22 does not need to have a second deformed portion.

[0088] The assembly 9 of each of the embodiments described above has a gap AA between the first mounting surface and the first connecting part, and between the second mounting surface and the second connecting part, but it may also have a gap AA between the first mounting surface and the first connecting part, and between the second mounting surface and the second connecting part.

[0089] The assembly 9 of each of the embodiments described above has a gap AA between the first mounting surface and the first connecting part, and between the second mounting surface and the second connecting part. However, in the assembly 9, an insulating elastic member may be inserted into at least a portion of the gap AA. By inserting the elastic member, the assembly 9 can ensure appropriate contact pressure.

[0090] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1 Equipment Unit 2 Battery Units 3 Fasteners 4. Conductive components (intermediate conductors) 9 Assembly 11 Equipment 12 Equipment busbar 13 Flange section 13h Through hole 21 Battery Packs 21h screw hole 22 Battery Bus 111 First installation surface 121 First extension section 122 First connection section 122a First contact surface 123 First connection section 125 First connection section 211 Second installation surface 221 Second extension section 222 Second connection section 223 Second connection section 223a Second contact surface 224 Second connection section 225 Second connection section 225a Second contact surface 1231 First contact part 1231a First contact surface 1232 First deformation section 1251 First contact part 1251a First contact surface 1252 First deformation section 2221 Second contact part 2221a Second contact surface 2222 Second deformation section 2241 Second contact part 2241a Second contact surface 2242 Second deformation section AA gap

Claims

1. A device unit comprising a device having a first mounting surface and a device busbar, A battery unit comprising a battery pack having a second mounting surface opposite to the first mounting surface, and a battery busbar, Equipped with, The equipment busbar comprises a first extension portion extending in contact with the first installation surface and a first connecting portion extending continuously from the first extension portion. The battery bus bar comprises a second extension portion extending in contact with the second mounting surface, and a second connection portion extending continuously from the second extension portion and connectable to the first connection portion. There is a gap between the first installation surface and the first connecting portion, and between the second installation surface and the second connecting portion, The system comprises multiple pairs of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The plurality of pairs of first connecting portions and second connecting portions are further provided with a conductive member that is inserted collectively between the first connecting portions and the second connecting portions, The conductor member connects the plurality of pairs of first connection parts and the second connection parts together. assembly.

2. There is a gap between the second installation surface and the second connection part, The second connecting portion has a second contact portion and a second deformed portion that connects the second extended portion and the second contact portion. The assembly according to claim 1.

3. The second connecting portion extends further from the extended end of the second extension portion, and the second deformable portion connects the second contact portion and the second extension portion such that the gap is provided between the second installation surface and the second connecting portion. The assembly according to claim 2.

4. The second deformed portion connects the second contact portion and the second extended portion, with the second connecting portion extending by folding back from the extended end of the second extended portion, and the gap between the second extended portion and the second connecting portion being provided. The assembly according to claim 2.

5. There is a gap between the first installation surface and the first connection part, The first connecting portion has a first contact portion and a first deformed portion that connects the first extended portion and the first contact portion. The assembly according to claim 1.

6. The first connecting portion extends further from the extended end of the first extending portion, and the first deformable portion connects the first contact portion and the first extending portion such that the gap is provided between the first installation surface and the first connecting portion. The assembly according to claim 5.

7. The first deformed portion connects the first contact portion and the first extended portion, with the first connecting portion extending by folding back from the extended end of the first extended portion, and the gap between the first extended portion and the first connecting portion being provided. The assembly according to claim 5.

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