Connecting structure and assembly

Abstract

To provide a connection structure and an assembly that easily ensures contact pressure in a conductive portion.SOLUTION: In an embodiment, a connection structure includes a first conductive portion having a first contacted surface and including a first bus bar with a first stud protruding from the first contacted surface, a second conductive portion located at a position away from the first conductive portion, a third conductive portion capable of contacting the first contacted surface and the first stud and movable relative to the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion in a movement direction intersecting the first contacted surface, and a biasing portion capable of biasing the third conductive portion toward the first contacted surface and relaying conductivity between the second conductive portion and the third conductive portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a connection structure and an assembly.

Background Art

[0002] It is widely known that a battery pack as a power supply source 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 on 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, in such a connection structure using terminal portions, it may not be possible to ensure the contact pressure of the conduction portions of both units.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a connection structure and an assembly that easily ensure the contact pressure of the conduction portions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A connection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first conductive portion having a first contact surface and a first busbar having a first stud protruding from the first contact surface; a second conductive portion provided at a position away from the first conductive portion; a third conductive portion that can contact the first contact surface and the first stud and is movable relative to the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion in a direction of movement intersecting the first contact surface; and a biasing portion that can bias the third conductive portion toward the first contact surface and can relay conductivity between the second conductive portion and the third conductive portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connection structure and assembly make it easier to ensure contact pressure at the conductive portion. [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 an enlarged view of part II of Figure 1 of the assembly before fastening according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly before fastening according to the first embodiment, taken along the line III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a bottom view of the third conductive section and housing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly after fastening according to the first embodiment, taken along the line III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram of the current path in the assembly after fastening according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly before fastening, according to a modified example of the first embodiment, along the line VII-VII in Figure 1. [Figure 8] This is a modified view of the first embodiment, showing the third conductive section and the bottom view of the housing. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly before fastening according to the second embodiment, taken along the line III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 10]This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly after fastening according to the second embodiment, taken along the line III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 11] This is a front view of the assembly before fastening, showing a modified example according to each embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <First Embodiment> The following describes a connection structure and assembly of one embodiment with reference to the figures.

[0010] (Assembly structure) As shown in Figure 1, the assembly 9 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of connection structures 1, a device 91, a battery pack 92, and a fastening member 93. The device 91 and the battery pack 92 are fastened together with the fastening member 93, thereby unitizing the assembly 9. For example, the assembly 9 may be mounted on a mobility unit such as an electric vehicle.

[0011] (device) Device 91 receives and receives power from the battery pack 92. For example, device 91 may be high-voltage equipment such as a high-voltage J / B (junction box), OBC (onboard charger), or DC-DC converter. Device 91 has a second mounting surface 94 on the side facing the battery pack 92. Device 91 has a main surface 95 on the side opposite to the side facing the battery pack 92.

[0012] Hereafter, the direction parallel to the direction in which the second mounting surface 94 faces will be defined as the Z direction. Hereafter, the Z direction will also be referred to as the "direction of movement". 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 second mounting surface 94 may be a plane facing downwards. For example, the main surface 95 may be a plane facing upwards. For example, the second mounting surface 94 and the main surface 95 may be planes parallel to each other.

[0013] Each of the second mounting surface 94 and the main surface 95 is an insulating surface made of an insulator material. For example, each of the second mounting surface 94 and the main surface 95 may be an insulating housing, a cover having partial insulation, or the like.

[0014] The device 91 has flange portions 96 that project on both sides in the X direction. The flange portions 96 have a plurality of through holes 96h that extend in the Z direction. The device 91 and the battery pack 92 are fastened together with fastening members 93 inserted into the respective through holes 96h.

[0015] (Configuration of the battery pack) The battery pack 92 includes a plurality of battery cells. The battery pack 92 has a first mounting surface 97 on the side facing the device 91. The first mounting surface 97 faces the second mounting surface 94. For example, the first mounting surface 97 may be a flat surface facing upward.

[0016] The battery pack 92 has screw holes 92h in the first mounting surface 97. The fastening members 93 inserted into the through holes 96h are screwed into the screw holes 92h.

[0017] The first mounting surface 97 is an insulating surface made of an insulator material. For example, the first mounting surface 97 may be an insulating housing, a cover having partial insulation, or the like.

[0018] (Configuration of the connection structure) The plurality of connection structures 1 are structures for electrically connecting the device 91 and the battery pack 92. The plurality of connection structures 1 are provided side by side in the X direction. Each connection structure 1 is provided across from the second mounting surface 94 to the first mounting surface 97.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each connection structure 1 includes a device conduction portion 2 (second conduction portion), a battery conduction portion 3 (first conduction portion), a third conduction portion 4, a biasing portion 5, and a housing 6. Hereinafter, "conduction" means that a path for current flow is formed.

[0020] (Configuration of the battery conduction portion) The battery conductive section 3 is electrically connected to electrodes included in the battery pack 92. The battery conductive section 3 includes a battery busbar 31 (first busbar).

[0021] (Battery bus configuration) The battery busbar 31 extends in the Y direction to directly below the third conductive portion 4 while in contact with the first mounting surface 97.

[0022] The battery busbar 31 has a first contact surface 32 on the side facing the third conductive portion 4. The first contact surface 32 is flat.

[0023] The battery busbar 31 includes a first stud 33. The first stud 33 protrudes in the Z direction from the first contact surface 32 toward the third conductive portion 4. For example, the first stud 33 may have a cylindrical shape.

[0024] For example, the battery busbar 31 may have a certain thickness. For example, each battery busbar 31 may be a single flat plate having a pair of plate surfaces facing the Z direction and a pair of plate surfaces extending in the Y direction. The battery busbar 31 is made of a conductive material such as metal.

[0025] (Configuration of the equipment's electrical conductivity section) The equipment conductivity section 2 is electrically connected to the equipment 91. The equipment conductivity section 2 includes an equipment busbar 21 (second busbar). The equipment conductivity section 2 is located at a distance from the battery conductivity section 3.

[0026] (Configuration of equipment busbars) The equipment busbar 21 is electrically connected to electrodes included in the equipment 91. For example, the equipment busbar 21 may extend in the Y direction while in contact with the second mounting surface 94, and at its extended end, it may be in contact with the upper surface of the housing 6. For example, the equipment busbar 21 may have a certain thickness. For example, the equipment busbar 21 may be a single flat plate having a pair of plate surfaces facing the Z direction and a pair of plate surfaces extending in the Y direction. The equipment busbar 21 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0027] (Housing configuration) The housing 6 accommodates the biasing portion 5. The housing 6 has an inner circumferential surface 61 extending in the Z direction. For example, the housing 6 may have a cylindrical shape.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, for example, the housing 6 may have a plurality of grooves 62 that are recessed radially outward from the inner circumferential surface 61 of the housing 6. For example, the housing 6 may be formed of a conductive material such as metal and may be electrically connected to the lower surface of the equipment busbar 21 at the upper end of the housing 6. For example, the plurality of grooves 62 may be arranged at four positions on the inner circumferential surface 61, on both sides in the X direction and on both sides in the Y direction.

[0029] (Configuration of the third conductive section) The third conductive portion 4 is contactable to the first contacted surface 32 so as to electrically connect with the first contacted surface 32. The third conductive portion 4 is contactable to the first stud 33 so as to electrically connect with the first stud 33. The third conductive portion 4 is movable in the Z direction relative to the equipment conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3. The third conductive portion 4 is movable along the inner circumferential surface 61. For example, the third conductive portion 4 may have a first mating portion 41. For example, the third conductive portion 4 may comprise a cylindrical body portion 44 and a plurality of projections 45 projecting radially from the upper part of the body portion 44.

[0030] The first mating portion 41 allows the first stud 33 to be fitted into it by insertion. The first mating portion 41 is capable of contacting the first stud 33 so as to be electrically connected to it. For example, the first mating portion 41 may be a circular hole that penetrates in the Z direction. Furthermore, the first mating portion 41 may have a circular hole with a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical first stud 33, to the extent that the first stud 33 can be press-fitted into it. The third conductive portion 4 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0031] The lower surface of the body portion 44 is capable of contacting the first contact surface 32 so as to electrically connect with the first contact surface 32. For example, the lower surface of the body portion 44 may be flat. For example, the outer diameter of the body portion 44 may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 61 so as to allow the third conductive portion 4 to move along the inner circumferential surface 61. For example, the body portion 44 may be coaxial with the housing 6. For example, the first mating portion 41 may pass through the body portion 44 coaxially.

[0032] Multiple protrusions 45 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the body portion 44. For example, the multiple protrusions 45 may include a first protrusion 46, a second protrusion 47, a third protrusion 48, and a fourth protrusion 49. The first protrusion 46 projects from one side of the body portion 44 in the X direction to the other side in the X direction. One side of the second protrusion 47 in the Y direction projects from the body portion 44 to the other side in the Y direction. The third protrusion 48 projects from the other side of the body portion 44 in the X direction to the other side in the X direction. The fourth protrusion 49 projects from the other side of the body portion 44 in the Y direction to the other side in the Y direction. Multiple grooves 62 are provided at positions corresponding to these multiple protrusions 45.

[0033] (Configuration of the biasing mechanism) The biasing portion 5 can bias the third conductive portion 4 toward the first contact surface 32. The biasing portion 5 can relay conductivity between the equipment conductive portion 2 and the third conductive portion 4. The biasing portion 5 is elastically deformable in the Z direction.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, for example, the biasing section 5 may include a coil spring 51. The coil spring 51 extends coaxially with the housing 6 in the Z direction. The coil spring 51 has a first end 52 on the equipment conductive section 2 side and a second end 53 on the third conductive section 4 side. For example, the first end 52 may be in contact with and fixed to the lower surface of the equipment busbar 21, thereby electrically connecting the coil spring 51 to the equipment conductive section 2. For example, the second end 53 may be in contact with and fixed to the upper surface of the third conductive section 4, thereby electrically connecting the coil spring 51 to the third conductive section 4. The coil spring 51 is made of a conductive material such as metal.

[0035] With this configuration, the coil spring 51 can relay electrical conductivity between the equipment busbar 21 and the third conductive part 4. For example, the coil spring 51 may be able to contact the inner circumferential surface 61 of the housing 6, which is made of a conductive material such as metal.

[0036] (Structure of fastening material) Multiple fasteners 93 fasten the device 91 and the battery pack 92 together. For example, each fastener 93 may be a bolt that is tightened through a through hole 96h into a screw hole 92h.

[0037] When assembling the assembly 9, for example, the device 91 is fastened to the battery pack 92 with the fastener 93, bringing the device 91 closer to the battery pack 92. As a result of this fastening, as shown in Figure 5, the first stud 33 fits into the first mating portion 41, and the third conductive portion 4 comes into contact with the first contact surface 32. As the fastening continues, the third conductive portion 4 receives an upward pressing force from the first contact surface 32.

[0038] As the third conductive portion 4 moves in the Z direction relative to the equipment conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3, the third conductive portion 4, receiving pressure from the first contact surface 32, elastically deforms the biasing portion 5. On the other hand, the elastically deformed biasing portion 5 imparts a biasing force to the third conductive portion 4 toward the first contact surface 32. Due to this deformation and biasing force, in the assembled assembly 9, the third conductive portion 4 contacts the first contact surface 32 while the biasing portion 5 absorbs the pressure from the first contact surface 32. In addition, the third conductive portion 4 contacts the first stud 33 at the first mating portion 41. Furthermore, the biasing portion 5 relays the conductivity between the third conductive portion 4, which is in contact with the battery conductive portion 3, and the equipment conductive portion 2. As a result of this contact, the connection structure 1 can be electrically connected to the equipment conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3, for example, so that current flows along the current path PC shown in Figure 6.

[0039] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) In this embodiment, the connection structure 1, through the configuration of the third conductive part 4 and the biasing part 5, can bring the third conductive part 4 into contact with the battery busbar 31 while applying a bias to the third conductive part 4 in the direction of movement. The third conductive part 4, when in contact in this manner, can maintain contact pressure with the battery busbar 31 while displacing its position in the direction of movement. Through this action, the connection structure 1 can absorb manufacturing tolerances related to the electrical connection between the equipment conductive part 2 and the battery conductive part 3, which tend to occur during the assembly of the equipment 91 and the battery pack 92. Therefore, the connection structure 1 of this embodiment makes it easy to maintain contact pressure between the equipment conductive part 2 and the battery conductive part 3.

[0040] For example, with respect to multiple assemblies 9 from different lots, tolerances related to dimensional errors, fastening pressure errors, etc., between lots of various structures related to the contact between the equipment conductive part 2 and the battery conductive part 3 can be absorbed. For example, in an assembly 9, multiple third conductive parts 4 spanning multiple connection structures 1 can be displaced independently in the vertical direction. Through such displacement, an assembly 9 can absorb tolerances related to dimensional errors between multiple equipment busbars 21 and multiple battery busbars 31 with respect to a single assembly 9. For example, an assembly 9 can absorb tolerances related to variations in contact pressure resulting from uneven fastening pressure, which spans multiple equipment conductive parts 2 and multiple battery conductive parts 3 with respect to a single assembly 9.

[0041] 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.

[0042] In contrast to this comparative example, in this embodiment, the third conductive portion 4 is biased toward the first contacted surface 32 and can contact the first contacted surface 32 and the first stud 33. Due to this structure, even when there are multiple connection points, it is easy to ensure contact pressure between each device conductive portion 2 and the associated battery conductive portion 3 while suppressing fastening pressure and the number of parts.

[0043] In particular, when the device 91 is a high-voltage device, the electrical connection between the device 91 and the battery pack 92 will consist of many parts where the busbars are connected to each other. Therefore, ensuring contact pressure through the device conductive part 2 and the battery conductive part 3 as in this embodiment is effective.

[0044] Furthermore, according to one example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment, the third conductive portion 4 is movable along the inner circumferential surface 61 of the housing 6 that houses the biasing portion 5. With such a housing 6, the inclination of the third conductive portion 4 with respect to the first contact surface 32 is suppressed. Therefore, one example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the equipment conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3.

[0045] Furthermore, according to one example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment, the coil spring 51 can relay the conductivity between the equipment conductive part 2 and the third conductive part 4. Therefore, the coil spring 51 can ensure conductivity between the equipment conductive part 2 and the third conductive part 4, and can also bias the third conductive part 4, thus simplifying the structure of the biasing part 5. One example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment is easy to manufacture.

[0046] Furthermore, according to an example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment, the first stud 33 is inserted into the first mating portion 41. With this configuration, the inclination of the third conductive portion 4 with respect to the first contacted surface 32 is suppressed by insertion into the first mating portion 41, so that the third conductive portion 4 and the first contacted surface 32 can easily come into contact. On the other hand, insertion into the first mating portion 41 enables surface contact between the third conductive portion 4 and the first stud 33. Therefore, this example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment makes it easy to ensure electrical connectivity between the equipment conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3.

[0047] Furthermore, according to one example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment, the third conductive portion 4 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 45. With such a configuration, the contact area between the third conductive portion 4 and the inner circumferential surface 61 of the housing 6 can be reduced. This action reduces the dynamic friction of the third conductive portion 4 against the inner circumferential surface 61. Therefore, one example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the equipment conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3.

[0048] (modified version) In one example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment, the first mating portion 41 is configured so that the first stud 33 can be inserted. However, the third conductive portion 4 may be configured in any way as long as it can contact the first stud 33. As a modified example, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the third conductive portion 4 may be provided with an elastic conductor 42 instead of the first mating portion 41. The elastic conductor 42 can contact the first stud 33. The elastic conductor 42 is fitted into a recess 43 provided on the lower surface of the body portion 44. The elastic conductor 42 is in contact with the body portion 44 within the recess 43. The first stud 33 can be fitted into the elastic conductor 42. For example, the elastic conductor 42 may have an annular shape into which the first stud 33 can be fitted. For example, the elastic conductor 42 may be an annular diagonally wound coil spring. According to this modified connection structure 1, the elastic conductor 42 ensures conductivity between the third conductive portion 4 and the first stud 33. This modified elastic conductor 42 improves the electrical connectivity between the third conductive portion 4 and the first stud 33. In addition, this modified elastic conductor 42 reduces the insertion force compared to the case where the first stud 33 is press-fitted into the first mating portion 41 as in the above-described embodiment.

[0049] In one example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment, the first end 52 is electrically connected to the equipment conductive part 2 by being in contact with and fixed to the lower surface of the equipment busbar 21. However, this configuration can be any configuration as long as an electrical connection can be ensured. As a modified example, the first end 52 may be integrally molded with the equipment busbar 21.

[0050] In one example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment, the second end 53 is electrically connected to the third conductive part 4 by being in contact with and fixed to the upper surface of the third conductive part 4. However, this configuration can be any configuration as long as an electrical connection can be ensured. As a modified example, the second end 53 may be integrally molded with the third conductive part 4.

[0051] In one example of the connection structure 1 of this embodiment, the housing 6 is made of a conductive material such as metal and is electrically connected to the lower surface of the equipment busbar 21 at the upper end of the housing 6. However, the housing 6 may be configured in any way as long as the inclination of the third conductive portion 4 with respect to the first contact surface 32 is suppressed. As a modified example, the housing 6 may be made of an insulating material such as resin. As another modified example, the housing 6 does not need to be electrically connected to the lower surface of the equipment busbar 21 at the upper end of the housing 6. However, on the other hand, if the connection structure 1 of the above embodiment is configured as described above, the contact between the coil spring 51 and the housing 6 can form a current path through the housing 6 in addition to the current path PC. If such a current path can be formed, the electrical resistance between the equipment 91 and the battery pack 92 can be reduced.

[0052] <Second Embodiment> The connection structure of one embodiment will be described below with reference to the figures. The connection structure 101 of this embodiment has a structure in which the structure between the equipment busbar 21 and the coil spring 51 of the connection structure 1 is replaced with a structure similar to the structure between the battery busbar 31 and the coil spring 51. Each component of the connection structure 101 has the same configuration as each component of the connection structure 1 of the first embodiment, is connected in the same way, and produces the same function and effect, except for the points shown below.

[0053] (Connection structure configuration) As shown in Figure 9, the connection structure 101 comprises an equipment conductive part 2 (second conductive part), a battery conductive part 3 (first conductive part), a third conductive part 4, a biasing part 5, a housing 6, and a fourth conductive part 7.

[0054] (Configuration of the equipment's electrical conductivity section) The equipment conductive section 2 includes an equipment busbar 21 (second busbar). The equipment busbar 21 has a second contact surface 22 on the side facing the fourth conductive section 7. The second contact surface 22 is flat. The equipment busbar 21 includes a second stud 23. The second stud 23 protrudes in the Z direction from the second contact surface 22 toward the fourth conductive section 7. For example, the second stud 23 may have a cylindrical shape.

[0055] (Configuration of the fourth conductive section) The fourth conductive portion 7 is contactable to the second contacted surface 22 so as to electrically connect with the second contacted surface 22. The fourth conductive portion 7 is contactable to the second stud 23 so as to electrically connect with the second stud 23. The fourth conductive portion 7 is movable in the Z direction relative to the equipment conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3. The fourth conductive portion 7 is movable along the inner circumferential surface 61. For example, the fourth conductive portion 7 may have a second mating portion 71. For example, the fourth conductive portion 7 may comprise a cylindrical body portion 74 and a plurality of projections 75 protruding radially from the lower part of the body portion 74.

[0056] The second stud 23 can be fitted into the second mating portion 71. The second stud 23 is press-fitted into the second mating portion 71. The second mating portion 71 is capable of contacting the second stud 23 so as to be electrically connected to it. For example, the second mating portion 71 may be a circular hole that penetrates in the Z direction. Furthermore, as such a circular hole, the second mating portion 71 may have a circular hole with a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical second stud 23, to the extent that the second stud 23 can be press-fitted into it. The fourth conductive portion 7 is formed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0057] The upper surface of the body portion 74 is capable of contacting the second contact surface 22 so as to electrically connect with the second contact surface 22. For example, the outer diameter of the body portion 74 may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 61. For example, the upper surface of the body portion 74 may be flat. For example, the outer diameter of the body portion 74 may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 61 so as to allow the fourth conductive portion 7 to move along the inner circumferential surface 61. For example, the body portion 74 may be coaxial with the housing 6. For example, the second mating portion 71 may pass through the body portion 74 coaxially.

[0058] (Configuration of the biasing mechanism) The biasing unit 5 can bias the fourth conductive unit 7 toward the second contact surface 22. The biasing unit 5 can relay the conductivity between the third conductive unit 4 and the fourth conductive unit 7. The biasing unit 5 is equipped with a coil spring 81.

[0059] The coil spring 81 has a first end 82 on the fourth conductive portion 7 side and a second end 83 on the third conductive portion 4 side. The first end 82 is electrically connected to the fourth conductive portion 7 by being in contact and fixed to the lower surface of the fourth conductive portion 7. The second end 83 is electrically connected to the third conductive portion 4 by being in contact and fixed to the upper surface of the third conductive portion 4. The coil spring 81 is made of a conductive material such as metal. With this configuration, the coil spring 81 can relay conductivity between the third conductive portion 4 and the fourth conductive portion 7. That is, the coil spring 81 can relay conductivity between the equipment conductive portion 2 and the third conductive portion 4 via the fourth conductive portion 7.

[0060] When assembling the assembly 9, for example, the device 91 is fastened to the battery pack 92 with the fastener 93, bringing the device 91 closer to the battery pack 92. With this fastening, as shown in Figure 10, the first stud 33 fits into the first mating portion 41 and the third conductive portion 4 makes contact with the first contact surface 32. At the same time, the second stud 23 fits into the second mating portion 71 and the fourth conductive portion 7 makes contact with the first contact surface 32. As the fastening continues, the third conductive portion 4 receives an upward pressure from the first contact surface 32. The fourth conductive portion 7 also receives a downward pressure from the second contact surface 22.

[0061] As the third conductive portion 4 moves in the Z direction relative to the equipment conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3, the third conductive portion 4, receiving pressure from the first contacted surface 32, elastically deforms the biasing portion 5. On the other hand, the elastically deformed biasing portion 5 imparts a biasing force to the third conductive portion 4 toward the first contacted surface 32. Due to these deformations and biasing forces, in the assembled assembly 9, the third conductive portion 4 contacts the first contacted surface 32 while the biasing portion 5 absorbs the pressure from the first contacted surface 32. In addition, the third conductive portion 4 contacts the first stud 33 at the first mating portion 41. Furthermore, the biasing portion 5 relays the conductivity between the third conductive portion 4, which is in contact with the battery conductive portion 3, and the equipment conductive portion 2.

[0062] Furthermore, as the fourth conductive portion 7 moves in the Z direction relative to the equipment conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3, the fourth conductive portion 7, receiving pressure from the second contact surface 22, elastically deforms the biasing portion 5. On the other hand, the elastically deformed biasing portion 5 imparts a biasing force to the fourth conductive portion 7 toward the second contact surface 22. Due to these deformations and biasing forces, in the assembled assembly 9, the fourth conductive portion 7 contacts the second contact surface 22 while the biasing portion 5 absorbs the pressure from the second contact surface 22. In addition, the fourth conductive portion 7 contacts the second stud 23 at the second mating portion 71. Furthermore, the biasing portion 5 relays the conductivity between the fourth conductive portion 7, which is in contact with the equipment conductive portion 2, and the third conductive portion 4.

[0063] As a result of these contacts, the connection structure 1 can be electrically connected to the equipment conductive part 2 and the battery conductive part 3.

[0064] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) The connection structure 101 of this embodiment, through the configuration of the fourth conductive portion 7 and the biasing portion 5, can bring the fourth conductive portion 7 into contact with the equipment busbar 21 while applying a bias to the fourth conductive portion 7 in the direction of movement. The fourth conductive portion 7, when in contact in this manner, can maintain contact pressure with the equipment busbar 21 while displacing its position in the direction of movement. Through this action, the connection structure 101 can absorb manufacturing tolerances related to the electrical connection between the equipment conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3, which tend to occur during the assembly of the equipment 91 and the battery pack 92. Therefore, the connection structure 1 of this embodiment makes it easy to maintain contact pressure between the equipment conductive portion 2 and the battery conductive portion 3.

[0065] In addition, according to this embodiment, the connection structure 101 has the same effects as the connection structure 1 of the first embodiment.

[0066] (modified version) In one example of the connection structure 101 of this embodiment, the second mating portion 71 is configured to allow the insertion of the second stud 23. However, the fourth conductive portion 7 may be configured in any way as long as it can contact the second stud 23. As a modified example, similar to the modified example of the third conductive portion 4, the fourth conductive portion 7 may be equipped with an elastic conductor that fits into a recess provided on the upper surface of the body portion 74, instead of the second mating portion 71. Such an elastic conductor can improve the electrical connectivity between the fourth conductive portion 7 and the second stud 23. In addition, such an elastic conductor reduces the insertion force compared to the case where the second stud 23 is press-fitted into the second mating portion 71.

[0067] In one example of the connection structure 101 of this embodiment, the first end 82 is electrically connected to the fourth conductive portion 7 by being in contact with and fixed to the lower surface of the fourth conductive portion 7. However, this configuration can be any configuration as long as an electrical connection can be ensured. As a modified example, the first end 82 may be integrally molded with the fourth conductive portion 7.

[0068] In one example of the connection structure 101 of this embodiment, the second end 83 is electrically connected to the third conductive part 4 by being in contact with and fixed to the upper surface of the third conductive part 4. However, this configuration can be any configuration as long as an electrical connection can be ensured. As a modified example, the second end 83 may be integrally molded with the third conductive part 4.

[0069] <Other variations> In the examples of the embodiments described above, the connection structures 1 and 101 are provided extending from the second mounting surface 94 to the first mounting surface 97. The equipment busbar 21 is in contact with the second mounting surface 94 of the equipment 91. However, the connection structures 1 and 101 may be applied to any equipment busbar 21 as long as it can electrically connect the equipment 91 and the battery pack 92. As a modified example, as shown in the connection structure 102 in Figure 11, the equipment busbar 21 may be in contact with the main surface 95 of the equipment 91. In this modified configuration, the connection structure 102 is provided extending from the main surface 95 to the first mounting surface 97. In this configuration, for example, the housing 6 may be provided so as to penetrate the equipment 91 from the main surface 95 to the first mounting surface 97.

[0070] In the examples of the embodiments described above, the second conductive section 2, which includes the second busbar 21, is connected to the device 91, and the first conductive section 3, which includes the first busbar 31, is connected to the battery pack 92. However, in the connection structure 1, the device conductive section 2 and the battery conductive section 3 may be configured in reverse. As a modified example, the connection structure 1 may be configured such that the first conductive section 3, which includes the first busbar 31, is connected to the device 91, and the second conductive section 2, which includes the second busbar 21, is connected to the battery pack 92.

[0071] In the examples of the embodiments described above, the biasing section 5 includes coil springs 51 and 81. However, the biasing section 5 may be equipped with any configuration other than the coil springs 51 and 81, as long as it is capable of biasing and relaying electrical conductivity. As a modification, the biasing section 5 may be equipped with a leaf spring, disc spring, etc., made of a conductive material such as metal, instead of, or in addition to, the coil springs 51 and 81. Note that if the distance to be relayed in the Z direction is long, the example of the embodiment described above can be constructed with a simpler structure than these modifications because it utilizes coil springs 51 and 81 that have a shape that extends in one direction.

[0072] 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]

[0073] 1. Connection structure 2 Equipment continuity section (second continuity section) 3. Battery conductive section (first conductive section) 4 Third conduction part 5. Biasing section 6 Housing 7 Fourth conduction part 9 Assembly 21. Equipment busbar (second busbar) 22 Second contact surface 23 Second Stud 31 Battery Bus Bar (First Bus Bar) 32 First contact surface 33 First Stud 41 First fitting part 42 Elastic Conductors 43 Recess 44 Torso 45 Protrusion 46 First protrusion 47 Second protrusion 48 Third protrusion 49 Fourth protrusion 51 Coil Springs 52 First end 53 Second end 61 Inner surface 62 Groove 71 Second mating part 74 Torso 75 Protrusion 81 Coil Spring 82 First end 83 Second end 91 Equipment 92 Battery Pack 92h screw hole 93 Fastening materials 94 Second installation surface 95 Main surface 96 Flange section 96h through hole 97 First installation surface 101 Connection Structure 102 Connection Structure PC current path

Claims

1. A first conductive portion comprising a first busbar having a first contact surface and a first stud protruding from the first contact surface, A second conductive portion is provided at a location separate from the first conductive portion, A third conductive portion is capable of contacting the first contact surface and the first stud, and is movable relative to the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion in a direction of movement intersecting the first contact surface. A biasing portion that can bias the third conductive portion toward the first contact surface and can relay the conductivity between the second conductive portion and the third conductive portion, Equipped with, Connection structure.

2. The device further comprises a housing having an inner circumferential surface and housing the biasing portion, The third conductive portion is movable along the inner circumferential surface. The connection structure according to claim 1.

3. The biasing portion comprises a coil spring having a first end electrically connected to the second conductive portion and a second end electrically connected to the third conductive portion. The connection structure according to claim 1.

4. The third conductive portion further comprises a first mating portion into which the first stud is inserted. The connection structure according to claim 1.

5. The third conductive portion further comprises an elastic conductor that can contact the first stud, The connection structure according to claim 1.

6. The second conductive portion comprises a second busbar having a second contact surface and a second stud protruding from the second contact surface, The system further comprises a fourth conductive portion that is capable of contacting the second contact surface and the second stud, and is movable relative to the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion in the direction of movement, The biasing portion is capable of biasing the fourth conductive portion toward the second contact surface, and is also capable of relaying conductivity between the third conductive portion and the fourth conductive portion. The connection structure according to claim 1.

7. A connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A battery pack connected to one of the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion, The equipment connected to the other of the first conductive part and the second conductive part, An assembly comprising the components.

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