Support structure of case in holder

Abstract

[Problem] To appropriately support a case.　[Solution] A support structure of a case 10 of a battery controller 1 for a battery unit 9, wherein the case 10 includes: an elastic piece 24 that is provided to a portion thereof facing the battery unit 9 and that can be elastically displaced in the direction (Y direction) in which the battery unit 9 and the case 10 are assembled; a support 23 that is inserted between a pair of engaged portions 92, 92; and an elastic engaging piece 25 that is provided on one side of the support 23 in a first direction (X direction) and that can be elastically displaced in the first direction. The elastic engaging piece 25 has an engaging portion 255 that engages with one of the pair of engaged portions 92, 92 from the first direction. The engaging portion 255 engages with one of the pair of engaged portions 92, 92 in a state where movement thereof in a direction away from the battery unit 9 is restricted by a biasing force generated by the elastic piece 24.

Description

Case support structure in holder

[0001] The present invention relates to a support structure for a case in a holder.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that the case of the control unit is fixed to an opening in the housing using a snap-fit ​​fixing device.

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 217014

[0004] The case in Patent Document 1 has elastically deformable fins on both sides in the width direction. The case is inserted into the opening while the fins are elastically deformed. When the case reaches a predetermined position within the opening, the elastic deformation of the fins is released and the fins are locked onto the periphery of the opening. This prevents the case from falling out of the opening.

[0005] The fins only restrict displacement of the case in the width direction. Therefore, when external forces such as vibrations act on the case, there is a possibility that it may become misaligned. Therefore, it is necessary to provide adequate support for the case.

[0006] The present invention provides a support structure for a case in a holder, wherein the holder is provided at a portion facing the case and has a pair of engaged portions spaced apart in a first direction perpendicular to the assembly direction of the holder and the case, and the case has: a first elastic piece provided at a portion facing the holder and elastically displaceable in the assembly direction of the holder and the case; a support portion inserted between the pair of engaged portions; and a second elastic piece provided on one side of the support portion in the first direction and elastically displaceable in the first direction, wherein the second elastic piece has an engaging portion that engages with one of the pair of engaged portions from the first direction, and the engaging portion engages with the one engaged portion in a state where movement in a direction away from the holder in the assembly direction is restricted by a spring force generated by the first elastic piece.

[0007] According to the present invention, the case can be properly supported.

[0008] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery controller; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery controller and a battery unit; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery controller assembled to a battery unit; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an engagement portion on the battery controller side; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the engagement portion; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the engagement portion; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the engagement portion; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the support structure of the battery controller in the battery unit; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a restricting portion; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the restricting portion; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of assembling the battery controller to the battery unit; FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a process of assembling the battery controller to the battery unit; FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an engagement portion according to a modified example; FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an engagement portion according to a modified example.

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery controller 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the battery controller 1 and a battery unit 9. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the battery controller 1 assembled to the battery unit 9. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the engaging portions 2 (2A, 2B) on the battery controller 1 side. Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of the engaging portion 2B attached to one longitudinal side edge 112 of the battery controller 1 and the engaging portion 2A attached to the other longitudinal side edge 111.

[0010] In the following description, the terms "Y direction," "X direction," and "Z direction" may be used to describe the positional relationship of the components of the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9. Here, the "Y direction" refers to the assembly direction of the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9. The "X direction" refers to the alignment direction of the elastic engagement pieces 25, the support portion 23, and the elastic engagement pieces 26 in the engagement portions 2A and 2B. The "Z direction" refers to the alignment direction of the engagement portions 2A and 2B spaced apart in the battery controller 1. The "Y direction," "X direction," and "Z direction" are perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the "upper side" and "lower side" in FIG. 2 may be used as references in the description. However, depending on the installation state of the battery unit 9 in the vehicle, even if the "upper side" is described, it may actually be located on the "lower side." The above terms "upper side" and "lower side" refer to positional relationships for convenience of explanation.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1 , a resin case 10 of the battery controller 1 is formed by assembling an upper case 11 and a lower case 12. A printed circuit board 13 is housed inside the case 10. The printed circuit board 13 is equipped with a processing device (not shown) such as a central processing unit (CPU), a storage device (not shown) such as a memory, and connector connection terminals (not shown). As shown in FIG. 2 , the battery controller 1 has a connector connection port 16 opening on the side of the case 10. The battery controller 1 can exchange information with various sensors and other control devices via the connected connector.

[0012] As an example, the battery controller 1 has a function of controlling the charging and discharging of the battery, and is attached to a mounting surface 91 of the battery unit 9 (see FIG. 2). The side of the battery unit 9 facing the battery controller 1 serves as the mounting surface 91 for the battery controller 1. The mounting surface 91 is provided with engaged portions 92A and 92B to which engaging portions 2 (2A, 2B) on the battery controller 1 are engaged. The engaged portion 92A and the engaged portion 92B are provided on the mounting surface 91 with a gap in the Z direction. The engaged portion 92A and the engaged portion 92B each have a pair of engaged portions 92, 92 arranged with a gap in the X direction.

[0013] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the engaged portion 92 has a plate-shaped locking portion 921 and support portions 922, 922 that support both sides of the locking portion 921 in the width direction (Z direction). The engaged portion 92 is integrally formed with the mounting surface 91 (see Figure 2) on the battery unit 9 side. The locking portion 921 is arranged parallel to the mounting surface 91 with a gap between it and the mounting surface 91. When viewed from the Y direction, the locking portion 921 has a substantially rectangular shape. The locking portion 921 is arranged with its long side aligned along the Z direction. A space S1 (see Figure 9) surrounded by the locking portion 921 and the support portions 922, 922 is provided on the mounting surface 91 side of the locking portion 921. This space S1 is open in the X direction.

[0014] The engaged portions 92 are spaced apart in the X direction. When the battery controller 1 is attached to the battery unit 9, the engaging portions 2 (2A, 2B) on the battery controller 1 side are attached from the Y direction between the engaged portions 92 in the X direction.

[0015] The upper case 11 has engagement portions 2 (2A, 2B) on both longitudinal sides. As shown in Fig. 4, the engagement portions 2 (2A, 2B) have the same basic configuration. Therefore, the following description will be given focusing on engagement portion 2A.

[0016] 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating the engaging portion 2A. Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of the region of the upper case 11 where the engaging portion 2A is provided, as viewed from the Y direction. Fig. 6 shows the region of the upper case 11 where the engaging portion 2A is provided, as viewed from diagonally above. In Figs. 5 and 6, the upper surfaces 23a, 21a of the support portion 23 and the base portion 21 are shown with cross-hatching to make the positions and areas of the upper surface 23a, 21a easier to understand.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 5 , the engaging portion 2A has a base 21 attached to the side edge 111 of the upper case 11. When viewed from the Y direction, the base 21 is provided along the side edge 111 of the upper case 11. At the side edge 111, the base 21 is located on the side of one side edge 114 of the upper case 11 in the X direction (on the right side in the figure). One end 21b of the base 21 in the X direction protrudes outward (on the right side in the figure) beyond the side edge 114 of the upper case 11. The other end 21c of the base 21 is offset from the other side edge 113 of the upper case 11 toward the one side edge 114 (on the right side in the figure). The base 21 has a thickness Z21 in the Z direction. When viewed from the Y direction, the Z-direction side edge 21d of the base 21 is located on a straight line L21 along the X direction. When viewed from the Y direction, the base portion 21 has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0018] A recess 22 is provided on the end portion 21b side of the base 21 (right side in the figure). When viewed from the Y direction, the recess 22 is a substantially rectangular region formed by recessing a region of the base 21 in the X and Z directions. The recess 22 has a first side edge 221 and a second side edge 222. When viewed from the Y direction, the first side edge 221 is offset in the X direction from the end portion 21b and is oriented along the Z direction. When viewed from the Y direction, the second side edge 222 is offset in the Z direction from the side edge 21d and is oriented along the X direction.

[0019] A support portion 23 is provided in the center of the base portion 21 in the X direction (left-right direction in the figure). When viewed from the Y direction, the support portion 23 has a generally rectangular shape with its long side oriented along the Z direction. The support portion 23 extends linearly in a direction away from the base portion 21. The support portion 23 has a length Z23 in the Z direction and a width X23 in the X direction.

[0020] Ribs 14 are provided on the upper surface 23a of the support portion 23. The ribs 14 are plate-shaped portions that are provided across the upper surface 23a of the support portion 23, the upper surface 21a of the base portion 21, and the side edge 111 of the upper case 11. Three ribs 14 are provided at intervals in the X direction.

[0021] A rib 15 is provided on the upper surface 21a of the base 21. The rib 15 is a plate-shaped portion that straddles the upper surface 21a of the base 21 and the side edge 111 of the upper case 11. When viewed from the Y direction, the rib 15 is provided on one side (right side in the figure) and the other side (left side in the figure) of the support portion 23. Two ribs are provided at an interval on the side edge 113 side (left side in the figure). One rib is provided on the side edge 114 side (right side in the figure).

[0022] The ribs 14 increase the support rigidity of the support portion 23 in the upper case 11. The ribs 15 increase the support rigidity of the base portion 21 in the upper case 11.

[0023] 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating the engaging portion 2A. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the engaging portion 2A taken along line A-A in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the engaging portion 2A taken along line A-A in FIG. 7. In FIG. 8, the area functioning as a restricting portion 210 (described later) is indicated by cross-hatching. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the support structure 5 for the battery controller 1 (case 10) in the battery unit 9 (holder). FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the engaging portion 2A taken along line A-A in FIG. 5, along with a cross-section of the engaged portion 92 on the battery unit 9 side. FIG. 9 shows the elastic engaging pieces 25, 26 engaged with the engaged portions 92, 92 while compressed in the X direction.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 5, a through hole 230 is provided on the tip 23c side of the support portion 23 in the Z direction. The through hole 230 penetrates the support portion 23 in the Y direction. As shown in Fig. 8, when viewed from the Y direction, the through hole 230 is a substantially square-shaped opening surrounded by wall portions 231 and 232 that are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the X direction, and wall portions 233 and 234 that connect the ends of the wall portions 231 and 232. When viewed from the Y direction, the elastic piece 24 is exposed inside the through hole 230.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 7 , the wall portions 231, 232 are arranged along straight lines Y1, Y2. These straight lines Y1, Y2 are parallel to each other and extend in the Y direction. The elastic piece 24 is a strip-shaped member extending from the lower end 231a of the wall portion 231. The elastic piece 24 is bent midway along its length. The base end 24b side is a connection portion 242 with the wall portion 231 (support portion 23). The portion closer to the tip 24a than the bent portion 243 is an abutment portion 241 with the mounting surface 91 (see FIG. 9 ) on the battery unit 9 side. The connection portion 242 is inclined toward the wall portion 232 as it moves away from the lower end 231a of the wall portion 231 in the Y direction. The connection portion 242 is arranged along a straight line L24. The straight line L24 intersects with the straight line Y1 along the wall portion 231 at a predetermined angle θ1.

[0026] The tip 24a of the elastic piece 24 is approximately parallel to the upper surface 23a of the support portion 23. In a cross-sectional view, the tip 24a of the elastic piece 24 is located a predetermined distance d24 away from the wall portion 232 in the X direction. The abutment portion 241 of the elastic piece 24 is located a height h24 away from the lower surface 23b of the support portion 23. The elastic piece 24 is cantilevered by the wall portion 231 (support portion 23). The tip 24a of the elastic piece 24 is elastically displaceable in the Y direction.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 8 , when viewed from the Y direction, the elastic piece 24 is exposed inside the through-hole 230. One elastic piece 24 having one bent portion 243 is provided on the support portion 23. As shown in Fig. 8 , the width Z24 of the elastic piece 24 in the Z direction is smaller than the opening width Z230 of the through-hole 230. Therefore, when molding the case 10 having the elastic piece 24 with resin, part of the mold can be inserted into the through-hole 230, and the case 10 can be molded with resin using a pair of molds that are separated in the Y direction.

[0028] Here, as an example, in the following cases, a slide mold is required in addition to a pair of molds, resulting in increased mold costs. (a) When the Z-direction width Z24 of the elastic piece 24 is greater than the opening width Z230 of the through-hole 230. (b) When the elastic piece 24 has a folded shape at the bent portion 243 between the connecting portion 242 and the abutting portion 241, and when viewed from the Y direction, the connecting portion 242 and the abutting portion 241 are positioned so as to overlap. (c) When viewed from the Y direction, the elastic piece 24 is positioned so as to overlap the portion surrounding the through-hole 230 in the support portion 23 (wall portions 231, 232, 233, 234) and the elastic engagement pieces 25 and 26. In contrast, in this embodiment, a slide mold is not required, resulting in a simple mold. This reduces the possibility of increased mold manufacturing costs due to an increase in the total number and complexity of molds.

[0029] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, elastic engagement pieces 25, 26 are provided on both sides of the support portion 23 in the X direction. As shown in Figure 7, the elastic engagement piece 25 is a strip-shaped member extending from the lower end 232a of the wall portion 232. The elastic engagement piece 25 has two curved portions and one bent portion up to the tip 25a. Specifically, the elastic engagement piece 25 has, from the wall portion 232 side, a first curved portion 251, a first linear portion 252, a second curved portion 253, a second linear portion 254, a bent portion 256, and an engagement portion 255.

[0030] A first curved portion 251 of the elastic engagement piece 25 is connected to the lower end 232a of the wall portion 232. The first curved portion 251 is a portion that connects the lower end 232a of the wall portion 232 and the first straight portion 252. In the elastic engagement piece 25, the first curved portion 251 is an arc-shaped portion with an apex P facing downward. The first straight portion 252 is provided on the side of the wall portion 232, with a gap between it and the wall portion 232. The first straight portion 252 is provided along a straight line Y3. The straight line Y3 is a straight line that extends in the Y direction.

[0031] The first curved portion 251 detours below the lower surface 23b of the support portion 23 and connects to the lower end of the first straight portion 252. The upper end of the first straight portion 252 connects to the second curved portion 253. The upper side of the first straight portion 252 (the second curved portion 253 side) is displaceable in the X direction.

[0032] The second curved portion 253 connects the first linear portion 252 and the second linear portion 254. In the elastic engagement piece 25, the second curved portion 253 is an arc-shaped portion with its apex P facing upward. The second linear portion 254 is provided along a straight line Y4. The straight line Y4 is inclined with respect to the straight line Y3. Therefore, the second linear portion 254 is inclined in a direction such that the separation distance X254 from the first linear portion 252 increases with increasing distance from the second curved portion 253. An engagement portion 255 is connected to the lower end of the second linear portion 254. The engagement portion 255 is connected to the second linear portion 254 above the lower end 232a of the wall portion 232. In the elastic engagement piece 25, the connection portion between the second linear portion 254 and the engagement portion 255 is a bent portion 256. The engagement portion 255 is provided in a direction perpendicular to the straight line Y4. The engaging portion 255 extends linearly along the straight line Xa. The engaging portion 255 is inclined toward the tip 25a so as to be positioned upward in the Y direction (the other side in the Y direction). The lower side (the engaging portion 255 side) of the second linear portion 254 is displaceable in the X direction.

[0033] In this embodiment, the radius of curvature r251 of the first curved portion 251 is smaller than the radius of curvature r253 of the second curved portion 253 (r253 > r251). Therefore, the second straight portion 254, which uses the second curved portion 253 as a fulcrum, is more likely to be displaced than the first straight portion 252, which uses the first curved portion 251 as a fulcrum. Therefore, when a stress compressing the elastic engagement piece 25 in the X direction acts on the elastic engagement piece 25, the second straight portion 254 and the engagement portion 255 of the elastic engagement piece 25 can be displaced more in the X direction than the first straight portion 252.

[0034] 7, the elastic engagement piece 26 is a strip-shaped member extending from the wall portion 231. The elastic engagement piece 26 has two curved portions up to the tip 26a. Specifically, the elastic engagement piece 26 has, from the wall portion 231 side, a first curved portion 261, a first straight portion 262, a second curved portion 263, a second straight portion 264, and an engagement claw 265.

[0035] As described above, the connecting portion 242 of the elastic piece 24 is connected to the lower end 231a of the wall portion 231. The first curved portion 261 of the elastic engagement piece 26, which serves as the base end, is connected to the side surface 231b of the wall portion 231, in an area on the lower surface 23b side.

[0036] The first curved portion 261 is a portion that connects the side surface 231b of the wall portion 231 and the first straight portion 262. In the elastic engagement piece 26, the first curved portion 261 is an arc-shaped portion with a vertex P facing diagonally downward. The first straight portion 262 is provided on the side of the wall portion 231 with a gap between it and the wall portion 231. The first straight portion 262 is provided along a straight line Y5. The straight line Y5 is inclined with respect to the straight line Y1. Therefore, the first straight portion 262 is inclined in a direction such that the gap X262 between it and the wall portion 231 becomes wider as it goes upward.

[0037] The first curved portion 261 extends along the lower surface 23b of the support portion 23 and is connected to the lower end of the first straight portion 262. The upper end of the first straight portion 262 is connected to the second curved portion 263. The upper side of the first straight portion 262 (the second curved portion 263 side) is displaceable in the X direction.

[0038] The second curved portion 263 connects the first linear portion 262 and the second linear portion 264. The second curved portion 263 of the elastic engagement piece 26 is an arc-shaped portion with its apex P facing upward. The second linear portion 264 is provided along a line Y6. The line Y6 is inclined with respect to the line Y5. Therefore, the second linear portion 264 is inclined in a direction such that the separation distance X264 from the first linear portion 262 increases as the second linear portion 264 moves away from the second curved portion 263. An engagement claw 265 is provided on the outer periphery 264a of the second linear portion 264 on the tip 26a side of the elastic engagement piece 26. The engagement claw 265 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the line Y6. An engagement surface 265a of the engagement claw 265 is flat and perpendicular to the line Y6. The lower side of the second linear portion 264 (the engagement claw 265 side) is displaceable in the X direction.

[0039] In this embodiment, the radius of curvature r261 of the first curved portion 261 is smaller than the radius of curvature r263 of the second curved portion 263 (r263 > r261). Therefore, the second straight portion 264, which uses the second curved portion 263 as a fulcrum, is more likely to be displaced than the first straight portion 262, which uses the first curved portion 261 as a fulcrum. Therefore, when a compressive stress in the X direction acts on the elastic engagement piece 26, the second straight portion 264 and the engagement claw 265 can be displaced more in the X direction than the first straight portion 262.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5 , the elastic engagement piece 25, the elastic engagement piece 26, and the elastic piece 24 are aligned on a midline C that passes through the middle of the elastic piece 24 in the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 7 , the radius of curvature r263 of the second curved portion 263 of the elastic engagement piece 26 is larger than the radius of curvature r253 of the second curved portion 253 of the elastic engagement piece 25 (r263 > r253). Therefore, the second linear portion 264 of the elastic engagement piece 26 is more easily displaced in the X direction than the second linear portion 254 of the elastic engagement piece 25. However, the first curved portion 261 of the elastic engagement piece 26 is connected to the side surface 231b of the wall portion 231, and the first curved portion 251 of the elastic engagement piece 25 is connected to the lower end 232a of the wall portion 232. Therefore, the first linear portion 262 of the elastic engagement piece 26 is less likely to displace in the X direction than the first linear portion 252 of the elastic engagement piece 25. 5, when viewed from the Y direction, the Z-direction width Z25 of the elastic engagement piece 25 is narrower than the Z-direction width Z26 of the elastic engagement piece 26. Therefore, the elastic engagement piece 25 is more susceptible to elastic displacement in the X direction than the elastic engagement piece 26.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the battery controller 1 is assembled to the battery unit 9, the support portion 23 on the battery controller 1 side is disposed between the engaged portions 92, 92 on the battery unit 9 side. Here, as shown in Fig. 5 , the width X2 of the engaging portion 2A of the battery controller 1 from one elastic engaging piece 25 through the support portion 23 to the other elastic engaging piece 26 in the X direction is larger than the distance X92 (separation width) between the engaged portions 92, 92 in the X direction (X2 > X92). Therefore, as shown in Fig. 9 , the elastic engaging pieces 25, 26 extending from the support portion 23 of the engaging portion 2A are compressed in the X direction, with the engaging portion 255 and the engaging claw 265 inserted into the spaces S1, S1 inside the engaged portions 92, 92. In this state, the elastic engaging pieces 25 and 26 have the outer peripheries 254a and 264a of the second linear portions 254 and 264 respectively in contact with the locking portions 921 and 921 of the engaged portions 92 and 92 in the X direction.

[0042] As described above, the elastic piece 24 is provided on the lower part of the support part 23. The height h24 (see FIG. 7 ) of this elastic piece 24 from the lower surface 23b of the support part 23 is set so that this elastic piece 24 is in pressure contact with the mounting surface 91 on the battery unit 9 side when the engaging part 2A is assembled to the engaged part 92. Therefore, when the engaging part 2A is assembled to the engaged part 92, a biasing force acts on the engaging part 2A in a direction away from the mounting surface 91 due to a reaction force acting from the elastic piece 24. Therefore, the engaging part 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 and the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 press the engaging surfaces 255a, 265a, respectively, against the locking part 921 (support surface 921a) of the engaged part 92 (see FIG. 9 ).

[0043] In this state, even if stress acts on the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 and / or the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 in a direction that displaces them relative to the locking portion 921 of the engaged portion 92, a sliding resistance corresponding to the pressure force acts between the locking portion 921 (support surface 921 a) and the engaging portion 255 (engagement surface 255 a) and / or the engaging claw 265 (engagement surface 265 a), so that relative displacement in the X and Z directions between the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 and / or the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 and the engaged portion 92, 92 is restricted. In other words, the relative displacement in the X, Y, and Z directions between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 is restricted by the elastic piece 24, the engaging portion 255 that is in pressure contact with the locking portion 921, and the engaging claw 265.

[0044] 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating the base 21. Fig. 10 shows a schematic cross section of the support portion 23 of the engaging portion 2A taken along line A-A in Fig. 8. Fig. 11 shows a schematic cross section of the base 21 of the engaging portion 2A taken along line B-B in Fig. 8, together with the battery unit 9.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 10 , a recess 22 is provided on the end 21b side (right side in the figure) of the base 21. In this embodiment, the range in the X direction from the end 21c of the base 21 to a first side edge 221 (inclined surface) of the recess 22 forms a restricting portion 210 (see FIG. 11 ) that is inserted between the engaged portions 92 when assembling the battery controller 1 to the battery unit 9. Legs 121 are provided on the base 21 at a portion facing the battery unit 9. The legs 121 are spaced apart in the X direction. One leg 121 has a side edge 121b on the end 21b side connected to the lower end of the first side edge 221 of the recess 22. The other leg 121 is provided at a position offset from the end 21c of the base 21 toward the end 21b side (right side in the figure).

[0046] The first side edge 221 is inclined such that its width X210 in the X direction (see FIG. 11 ) narrows toward the top surface 21 a of the base 21. The first side edge 221 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ221 (see FIG. 10 ) with respect to a straight line L211 along the side edge 121 b of the leg 121. The inclination of the first side edge 221 is provided to prevent the base 21 from interfering with the locking portion 921 on the engaged portion 92 side when the battery controller 1 is assembled to the battery unit 9. Therefore, when the battery controller 1 is assembled to the battery unit 9, the first side edge 221 faces the locking portion 92 on the engaged portion 92 side with a gap therebetween (see FIG. 11 ).

[0047] In this state, the second side edge 222 of the recess 22 is disposed close to the engaged portion 92 with a gap in the Z direction between them (see FIG. 5). The second side edge 222 faces the side surface of the engaged portion 92 in the Z direction.

[0048] 12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating the process of assembling the battery controller 1 (case 10) to the battery unit 9 (holder). Figures 12 and 13 schematically show the process of assembling the battery controller 1 to the battery unit 9, in which one engaging portion 2A on the battery controller 1 side is assembled to the engaged portions 92, 92 on the battery unit 9 side.

[0049] The process of assembling the battery controller 1 to the battery unit 9 will now be described. As described above, the engaging portion 2A of the battery controller 1 has an X-direction width X2 from one elastic engaging piece 25, passing through the support portion 23, to the other elastic engaging piece 26, which is greater than the X-direction spacing X92 between the engaged portions 92, 92 (X2 > X92) (see FIG. 5). Therefore, when assembling the battery controller 1 to the battery unit 9, the battery controller 1 is first tilted so that the elastic engaging piece 25 side is closer to the battery unit 9 than the elastic engaging piece 26 side (see FIG. 12(a)).

[0050] When the battery controller 1 is tilted relative to the battery unit 9, the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 is oriented substantially along the locking portion 921 on the engaged portion 92 side (see FIG. 12(b)). This makes it possible to easily insert the engaging portion 255 into the space S1 surrounded by the locking portion 921 and the support portions 922, 922 by moving the battery controller 1 in the X direction (to the right in the figure).

[0051] Then, after the elastic engagement piece 25 is brought into contact with one of the engaged portions 92 on the battery unit 9 side, it is further moved in the X direction (to the right in the figure) to compress the elastic engagement piece 25 in the X direction (see FIG. 12(c)). At this time, the first side edge 221 (inclined surface) is provided on the side surface of the base 21, so that the base 21 and the engaged portion 92 do not interfere with each other, preventing the compression of the elastic engagement piece 25.

[0052] When the first side edge 221 (inclined surface) reaches a position where it abuts against the engaged portion 92 (see (c) of Figure 12), the engagement claw 265 of the elastic engagement piece 26 is positioned above the other engaged portion 92 on the battery unit 9 side (left side in the figure) (see (c) of Figure 12).

[0053] In this state, the elastic engagement piece 26 of the battery controller 1 is displaced downward toward the battery unit 9 (see FIG. 13A). This causes the battery controller 1 to rotate around the contact point between one of the engaged portions 92 on the battery unit 9 side and the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engagement piece 25 as a fulcrum. As a result, the elastic engagement piece 26 is displaced downward toward the battery unit 9 while elastically displacing the second linear portion 264 carrying the engaging claw 265 in the X direction (to the right in the figure) (see FIG. 13B). When the engaging claw 265 crosses the locking portion 921 of the engaged portion 92 on the left side in the figure downward toward the mounting surface 91, the elastically displaced second linear portion 264 is displaced in the X direction (to the left in the figure) due to a restoring force, causing the engaging claw 265 to lock onto the support surface 921 a of the locking portion 921 (see FIG. 13C).

[0054] As the engaging claw 265 engages with the locking portion 921, the abutment portion 241 of the elastic piece 24 abuts against the mounting surface 91 and is ultimately pressed against the mounting surface 91. As a result, the repulsive force acting from the elastic piece 24 urges the battery controller 1 in a direction away from the mounting surface 91 (upward in the figure). In this state, the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 presses against the support surface 921a of the locking portion 921, and the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 presses against the support surface 921a of the locking portion 921. This restricts relative displacement between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 in the opposing direction (Y direction). In this state, the legs 121, 121 extending from the base 21 are disposed with a gap CL between them and the mounting surface 91. Therefore, the battery controller 1 (case 10 ) is supported by the battery unit 9 without being affected by the dimensional tolerances of the legs 121 , 121 .

[0055] Furthermore, the second linear portion 254 of the elastic engaging piece 25 resiliently presses against the end surface 921b of the locking portion 921. The second linear portion 264 of the elastic engaging piece 26 resiliently presses against the end surface 921b of the locking portion 921. This restricts relative displacement in the X direction between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9. Furthermore, the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 and the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 each press against the locking portion 921 (support surface 921a) of the engaged portion 92, generating sliding resistance against relative displacement in the X and Z directions between the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 and the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 and the engaged portions 92, 92. This also restricts relative displacement in the X and Z directions between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9.

[0056] Here, the legs 121, 121 of the battery controller 1 provided at the portion facing the battery unit 9 function as stoppers to prevent the battery controller 1 from being pushed too far when the battery controller 1 is pushed toward the battery unit 9 and the engaging claws 265 engage the locking portions 921 of the engaged portions 92 (see FIG. 13(c)). If excessive external force is applied to the battery controller 1 when assembling it to the battery unit 9, the engaging portions 2 (2A, 2B) may be excessively deformed, resulting in deformation of the elastic pieces 24. In such a case, the reaction force from the elastic pieces 24 may not act appropriately on the battery controller 1, and the relative displacement between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 may not be sufficiently suppressed. The provision of the legs 121, 121 functioning as stoppers effectively prevents such an event from occurring.

[0057] In this embodiment, the battery controller 1 is assembled as follows: (i) the elastic engagement pieces 25, 25 of the engagement portions 2 (2A, 2B) are tilted so that they are closer to the battery unit 9 than the elastic engagement piece 26. The elastic engagement piece 25 is then abutted against one of the engaged portions 92 on the battery unit 9 side and compressed. Then, the battery controller 1 is moved in the assembly direction until the first side edge 221 (inclined surface) on the battery controller 1 side abuts against the engaged portion 92 (see FIGS. 12(a) to 12(c)). Then, (ii) the elastic engagement piece 26 side of the battery controller 1 is displaced downward toward the battery unit 9, elastically displacing the second linear portion 264 of the elastic engagement piece 26 in the X direction (to the right in the figure), while the engagement claw 265 engages with the support surface 921a of the locking portion 921 (see FIG. 13(c)). This two-step operation allows the battery controller 1 to be assembled to the battery unit 9, resulting in a smooth assembly process.

[0058] When assembling the battery controller 1 to the battery unit 9 with bolts, the layout constraints on the battery unit 9 (battery pack) limit the working area and working direction of tools used for bolt tightening, etc., resulting in an increase in the size of the battery unit 9 (battery pack). Furthermore, costs for the fastening bolts and costs (labor costs) associated with the fastening time are incurred, increasing the manufacturing cost of the battery unit 9 (battery pack).

[0059] As described above, when the support structure 5 according to the present invention is employed, the battery controller 1 can be assembled to the battery unit 9 in two steps without using bolts. This not only reduces the size of the battery unit 9 (battery pack), but also reduces the labor costs and manufacturing costs of the battery unit 9 (battery pack).

[0060] The battery controller 1 is supported on the battery unit 9 using an elastic piece 24 that elastically displaces in the Y direction and elastic engagement pieces 25, 26 that elastically displace in the X direction. Specifically, a reaction force from the elastic piece 24 presses the engagement portion 255 of the elastic engagement piece 25 and the engagement claw 265 of the elastic engagement piece 26 against the locking portion 921 (support surface 921a) of the engaged portion 92. Therefore, friction between the engagement portion 255 and the engagement claw 265 and the locking portion 921, and friction between the abutment portion 241 of the elastic piece 24 and the mounting surface 91 of the battery unit 9, suppresses misalignment not only in the Y direction and the X direction but also in the Z direction. Because the frictional force of each of the two elastic engagement pieces 25, 26, in addition to the elastic piece 24, suppresses misalignment, an improved suppression of misalignment can be expected compared to a case where only one elastic engagement piece is used. Furthermore, since the parts related to misalignment (elastic piece 24, elastic engagement pieces 25, 26) are concentrated in the engagement portion 2 (2A, 2B), improved operability can be expected when assembling the battery controller 1 to the battery unit 9 compared to when the parts related to misalignment are dispersed.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, the battery controller 1 (case 10) is made of resin. For example, at least a portion of the engaging portion 2 (2A, 2B), such as the elastic piece 24 and the elastic engaging pieces 25, 26, may be made of a metal material. In the above-described embodiment, the engaging portion 2 (2A, 2B) is provided with the elastic engaging pieces 25, 26, respectively. It is sufficient for the engaging portion 2 (2A, 2B) to include at least one of the elastic engaging pieces 25, 26. Even when such a configuration is adopted, it is possible to restrict relative displacement between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 in the X and Y directions and also suppress positional misalignment in the Z direction.

[0062] 14 and 15 are diagrams illustrating an engaging portion 2' (2A', 2B') according to a modified example. Fig. 14 shows the battery controller 1A according to the modified example as viewed obliquely from above. Fig. 15 shows the battery controller 1A according to the modified example as viewed obliquely from below.

[0063] 14 and 15, the case 10A of the battery controller 1A according to the modified example is shorter in the Z direction than the case 10 of the battery controller 1 described above. The case 10A also has engagement portions 2' (2A', 2B') provided on both longitudinal sides. The engagement portions 2' (2A', 2B') differ from the engagement portions 2 (2A, 2B) described above in that the support portions 23 do not include elastic pieces 24.

[0064] The elastic piece 24 is located on the midline Cw of the width Wz of the case 10A (lower case 12A) in the Z direction. When the battery controller 1A is attached to the battery unit 9, the biasing force acting on the case 10A from the elastic piece 24 acts evenly on the engaging portions 2' (2A', 2B') located on both sides of the case 10A.

[0065] This configuration also makes it possible to restrict relative displacement between the battery controller 1A (case 10A) and the battery unit 9 in the X and Y directions, and also to suppress positional deviation in the Z direction.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, the elastic engagement pieces 25 and 26 each have two curved portions, but the total number of curved portions can be changed as appropriate.

[0067] As described above, the support structure 5 according to this embodiment is a support structure for the battery controller 1 (case 10) in the battery unit 9 (holder) and has the following configuration: (1) The battery unit 9 has a pair of engaged portions 92, 92 on the mounting surface 91, which faces the case 10. The pair of engaged portions 92, 92 are arranged at a distance from each other in a first direction (X direction) perpendicular to the assembling direction (Y direction) of the battery unit 9 and the battery controller 1. The case 10 has: an elastic piece 24 (first elastic piece) that is provided in a portion facing the battery unit 9 and is elastically deformable in the assembling direction (Y direction) of the battery unit 9 and the case 10; a support portion 23 that is inserted between the pair of engaged portions 92, 92; and an elastic engagement piece 25 (second elastic piece) that is provided on one side of the support portion 23 in the first direction (X direction) and is elastically deformable in the first direction. The elastic engaging piece 25 has an engaging portion 255 that engages with one of the pair of engaged portions 92, 92 from a first direction (X direction). The engaging portion 255 engages with one of the engaged portions 92 in a state in which movement of the engaging portion 255 in a direction away from the battery unit 9 in the assembly direction (Y direction) is restricted by the biasing force generated by the elastic piece 24.

[0068] With this configuration, the elastic engaging piece 25, the support portion 23, and the pair of engaged portions 92, 92 restrict relative displacement between the battery unit 9 and the battery controller 1 (case 10) in the first direction (X direction). Furthermore, the engaging portion 255 engaged with one of the engaged portions 92 restricts relative displacement between the battery unit 9 and the battery controller 1 (case 10) in the assembly direction (Y direction). This allows the battery controller 1 (case 10) to be properly supported by the battery unit 9 (holder).

[0069] (2) In the above (1), the battery unit 9 includes an elastic engagement piece 26 (third elastic piece) that is provided on the other side of the support portion 23 in the first direction (X direction) and is elastically displaceable in the first direction (X direction). The elastic engagement piece 26 has an engagement claw 265 (engagement portion) that engages with the other engaged portion 92 of the pair of engaged portions 92, 92 (engagement portions) from the first direction (X direction). The engagement claw 265 engages with the other engaged portion 92 in a state in which movement in a direction away from the battery unit 9 in the assembly direction (Y direction) is restricted by the biasing force generated by the elastic piece 24.

[0070] With this configuration, the elastic engagement pieces 25, 26, the support portion 23, and the pair of engaged portions 92, 92 restrict relative displacement between the battery unit 9 and the battery controller 1 (case 10) in the first direction (X direction). Furthermore, the engagement portion 255 of the elastic engagement piece 25 engages with one of the engaged portions 92 from the first direction (X direction), and the engagement claw 265 of the elastic engagement piece 26 engages with the other engaged portion 92 from the first direction (X direction), thereby restricting relative displacement between the battery unit 9 and the battery controller 1 (case 10) in the assembly direction (Y direction). Therefore, relative displacement between the battery unit 9 and the battery controller 1 can be restricted in the assembly direction (Y direction) of the battery unit 9 (holder) and the battery controller 1 (case 10) and in the first direction (X direction) perpendicular to the assembly direction.

[0071] (I) In the above (1) or (2), the engaged portion 92 has a locking portion 921 (first restricting portion) that restricts movement of the engaging portion 255 (engagement claw 265) in a direction away from the battery unit 9 in the assembly direction (Y direction), and a support portion 922 (second restricting portion) that restricts movement of the engaging portion 255 (engagement claw 265) in a second direction (Z direction) that is perpendicular to the assembly direction (Y direction) and the first direction (X direction). The support portion 922 is provided at an interval in the second direction (Z direction) and holds the locking portion 921 at a position spaced apart from the mounting surface 91 of the battery unit 9 in the assembly direction (Y direction).

[0072] With this configuration, the biasing force generated by the elastic piece 24 presses the engagement portion 255 of the elastic engagement piece 25 against the support surface 921a on the mounting surface 91 side of the locking portion 921. Furthermore, the engagement claw 265 of the elastic engagement piece 26 presses against the support surface 921a on the mounting surface 91 side of the locking portion 921. In this state, the movement of the elastic engagement piece 25 (engagement portion 255) and the elastic engagement piece 26 (engagement claw 265) in the assembly direction (Y direction) away from the battery unit 9 is restricted by the locking portion 921. Furthermore, the movement of the elastic engagement piece 25 (engagement portion 255) and the elastic engagement piece 26 (engagement claw 265) in the second direction (Z direction) is restricted by the support portions 922, 922 provided at an interval in the second direction (Z direction). Furthermore, since sliding resistance corresponding to the pressure contact force acts between the locking portion 921 (support surface 921 a) and the engaging portion 255 (engaging surface 255 a) and the engaging claw 265 (engaging surface 265 a), relative displacement in the X and Z directions between the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 and the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 and the engaged portions 92, 92 is restricted. This makes it possible to appropriately restrict relative displacement in the Y, X, and Z directions between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9.

[0073] (3) In any one of the above (1), (2), and (I), the elastic engagement piece 25 (second elastic piece) has a lower elastic modulus than the elastic engagement piece 26 (third elastic piece).

[0074] With this configuration, when assembling the battery controller 1 (case 10) to the battery unit 9 (holder), the resistance experienced by the worker performing the assembly work can be reduced by displacing the elastic engagement piece 25 (second elastic piece), which is more easily elastically displaced. This allows for smooth assembly work. Furthermore, the elastic engagement piece 26 (third elastic piece), which is less easily elastically displaced, restricts the relative displacement between the battery controller 1 (case 10) and the battery unit 9 (holder) in the first direction (X direction), thereby appropriately holding the battery controller 1 (case 10) and the battery unit 9 (holder) in the desired position. In other words, the elastic engagement piece 25 (second elastic piece), which displaces during assembly, and the elastic engagement piece 26 (third elastic piece), which bears the external force of vehicle vibration / impact through reaction force, can be classified, thereby improving assembly reliability and product reliability. A lower rigidity elastic engagement piece (spring) on ​​the side that first engages during assembly allows for greater displacement of the entire elastic engagement piece (clip), making assembly easier.

[0075] (4) In any one of (1) to (3) and (I) above, the elastic engagement piece 25 is a strip-shaped member extending in the X direction from the support portion 23. When viewed from the Z direction, the elastic engagement piece 25 has curved portions (a first curved portion 251 and a second curved portion 253) between the tip 25a and the elastic engagement piece 25, the curved portions having a curved portion that reverses its extending direction in the assembly direction (Y direction). The radius of curvature of the second curved portion 253, which is located farther from the support portion 23, is larger than that of the first curved portion 251, which is located closer to the support portion 23 than the second curved portion 253.

[0076] With this configuration, the elastic engagement piece 25 can have the desired displacement characteristics without increasing its size in the X direction.

[0077] (II) The engaging portion 255 on the elastic engaging piece 25 side is a region beyond the bent portion 256 on the tip 25 a side of the elastic engaging piece 25. When viewed from the Z direction, the engaging portion 255 extends linearly in a direction away from the support portion 23, and is inclined in a direction away from the mounting surface 91 on the battery unit 9 side as it moves away from the support portion 23.

[0078] With this configuration, when the battery controller 1 is tilted relative to the battery unit 9, the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 is oriented along the locking portion 921 on the engaged portion 92 side. This makes it easy to insert the engaging portion 255 into the space surrounded by the locking portion 921 and the support portions 922, 922.

[0079] (III) The elastic engagement piece 25 (second elastic piece) is a strip-shaped member extending from one surface (lower end 232a) of the support portion 23 in the assembly direction (Y direction). The elastic engagement piece 25 (second elastic piece) has: a first curved portion 251 that connects a lower end 232 a of the support portion 23 (wall portion 232) to a first straight portion 252 that extends along the assembly direction (Y direction) and changes the extension direction of the elastic engagement piece 25 from one side to the other side in the Y direction; a second curved portion 253 that connects the first straight portion 252 to a second straight portion 254 that extends along the assembly direction (Y direction) and changes the extension direction of the elastic engagement piece 25 from the other side to one side in the Y direction; and a bent portion 256 that connects the second straight portion 254 to an engagement portion 255 that extends in a first direction (X direction) and changes the extension direction of the elastic engagement piece 25 from the direction along the assembly direction (Y direction) to the first direction (X direction). The radius of curvature r251 of the first curved portion 251 is smaller than the radius of curvature r253 of the second curved portion 253.

[0080] With this configuration, the elastic engagement piece 25 functions as a spring member that elastically displaces in the X direction more on the tip end 25a side than on the base end 25b side from the second curved portion 253. The elastic engagement piece 25 can be appropriately elastically displaced while preventing the length range of the elastic engagement piece 25 in the X direction from expanding.

[0081] (5) In any one of (1) to (4) and (I) to (III) above, the elastic engagement piece 26 is a strip-shaped member extending in the X direction from the support portion 23. When viewed from the Z direction, the elastic engagement piece 26 has curved portions (a first curved portion 261 and a second curved portion 263) between the tip 26a and the elastic engagement piece 26, the curved portions having a curved portion that reverses its extending direction in the assembly direction (Y direction). The radius of curvature of the second curved portion 263, which is located farther from the support portion 23, is larger than that of the first curved portion 261, which is located closer to the support portion 23 than the second curved portion 263.

[0082] With this configuration, the elastic engagement piece 26 can have the desired displacement characteristics without increasing its size in the X direction.

[0083] (IV) The engaging portion of the elastic engaging piece 26 (third elastic piece) is an engaging claw 265 that protrudes from the outer periphery on the tip 26a side of the elastic engaging piece 26. The engaging claw 265 has an engaging surface 265a that is perpendicular to the second linear portion 264.

[0084] With this configuration, the engaging claw 265 can be easily inserted into the space surrounded by the locking portion 921 and the support portions 922, 922. Furthermore, the engaging surface 265a of the engaging claw 265 can be reliably locked onto the support surface 921a of the locking portion 921.

[0085] (V) The elastic engagement piece 26 has a first curved portion 261 that connects the side surface 231b of the support portion 23 with a first straight portion 262 that extends along the assembly direction (Y direction) and changes the extension direction of the elastic engagement piece 26 from the other side in the first direction (X direction) to the other side in the assembly direction (Y direction), a second curved portion 263 that connects the first straight portion 262 with a second straight portion 264 that extends along the assembly direction (Y direction) and changes the extension direction of the elastic engagement piece 26 from the other side in the Y direction to one side, and an engagement claw 265 that protrudes from the outer periphery of the second straight portion 264. The radius of curvature r261 of the first curved portion 261 is smaller than the radius of curvature r263 of the second curved portion 263.

[0086] With this configuration, the elastic engagement piece 26 functions as a spring member that elastically displaces in the X direction more on the tip 26a side than on the base end side of the first curved portion 261 from the second curved portion 263. The elastic engagement piece 26 can be appropriately elastically displaced while preventing the length range of the elastic engagement piece 26 in the X direction from expanding.

[0087] (6) In any one of (1) to (5) and (I) to (V) above, the elastic piece 24 (first elastic piece) is a strip-shaped member cantilevered on the wall 231 side (other side) of the support part 23 in the X direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the elastic piece 24 is inclined in a direction approaching the wall 232 side (one side) of the support part 23 in the X direction from the wall 231 (other side) of the support part 23 in the X direction as it approaches the battery unit 9 (holder) in the Y direction. The elastic piece 24 has a bent portion 243 between the elastic piece 24 and the tip 24a, which changes the extension direction from the direction approaching the battery unit 9 to a direction along the X direction. The part of the elastic piece 24 beyond the bent portion 243 forms an abutment portion 241 that resiliently abuts against the battery unit 9.

[0088] With this configuration, when the battery controller 1 is assembled to the battery unit 9, the elastic pieces 24 are pressed against the mounting surface 91 on the battery unit 9 side. In this state, a reaction force from the elastic pieces 24 acts on the engaging portions 2A, 2B that have the elastic pieces 24, causing a biasing force in a direction away from the mounting surface 91. The biasing force acting from the elastic pieces 24 causes the engaging portions 255 of the elastic engaging pieces 25 and the engaging claws 265 of the elastic engaging pieces 26 to press the engaging surfaces 255 a, 265 a against the locking portions 921 (support surfaces 921 a) of the engaged portions 92, respectively. As a result, movement of the battery controller 1 in the Y direction away from the battery unit 9 is restricted by the engaging portions 255 and the engaging claws 265 that are locked with the locking portions 921 of the engaged portions 92. Furthermore, the elastic engagement pieces 25 and 26 are strip-shaped members having widths Z25 and Z26, and the engagement portion 255 and the engagement claw 265 each have a certain contact area and are pressed against the locking portion 921. Therefore, the relative displacement in the X direction between the elastic engagement pieces 25 and 26 and the engaged portion 92 (locking portion 921) is also restricted. This allows the relative displacement in the X direction between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 to be appropriately restricted.

[0089] (7) In any one of (1) to (6) and (I) to (V) above, the device has a restricting portion 210 (insertion portion) that is inserted between the pair of engaged portions 92, 92 together with the support portion 23. The width X210 of the restricting portion 210 in the first direction (X direction) is wider than the width X23 of the support portion 23 in the first direction (X direction) and narrower than the separation width X92 of the pair of engaged portions 92, 92 in the first direction (X direction).

[0090] With this configuration, the range of relative movement between the case 10 and the battery unit 9 in the first direction (X direction) can be adjusted according to the gap in the first direction (X direction) between the restricting portion 210 and the pair of engaged portions 92, 92. When excessive external force is applied to the case 10 when assembling the battery controller 1 to the battery unit 9 or excessive external force due to vehicle vibration / impact, the restricting portion 210 contacts the engaged portions 92 to restrict movement in the X direction, thereby suppressing excessive displacement of the engaging portions 2 (2A, 2B). This makes it possible to prevent damage to the engaging portions 2 (2A, 2B) and improve product reliability.

[0091] (8) In any one of (1) to (7) and (I) to (V) above, the width X2 in the first direction (X direction) from the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 (second elastic piece) to the engaging claw 265 (engaging portion) of the elastic engaging piece 26 (third elastic piece) before the battery controller 1 (case 10) is assembled to the battery unit 9 (holder) is set to be wider than the separation width (spacing X92) in the first direction (X direction) between the pair of engaged portions 92, 92. The insertion portion has a first side edge 221 (inclined surface) on one side edge in the first direction (X direction) such that the width X210 in the first direction (X direction) narrows as it moves away from the battery unit 9 in the assembly direction (Y direction).

[0092] When assembling the battery controller 1 (case 10) to the battery unit 9 (holder), the elastic engagement piece 25 is first tilted so that it is closer to the battery unit 9 (holder) than the elastic engagement piece 26, and the elastic engagement piece 25 is abutted against one of the engaged portions 92 on the battery unit 9 side and compressed. If the first side edge 221 of the restricting portion 210 on the engaged portion 92 side is not an inclined surface, interference between the side edge and one of the engaged portions 92 may occur, hindering assembly of the battery controller 1 (case 10) to the battery unit 9 (holder). Providing the first side edge 221 (inclined surface) increases the amount of displacement of the elastic engagement piece 25 before interference between the first side edge 221 of the restricting portion 210 and the engaged portion 92, making it easier to displace the elastic engagement piece 25. This improves assembly of the battery controller 1 (case 10) to the battery unit 9 (holder).

[0093] (9) In any one of (1) to (8) and (I) to (V) above, when the regulating portion 210 (insertion portion) is inserted between a pair of engaged portions 92, 92, it has a second side edge 222 (opposing portion) that is positioned close to the engaged portions 92, 92 (support portion 922) with a gap in the second direction (Z direction).

[0094] With this configuration, when the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 attempt to move significantly relative to each other in the second direction (Z direction), the second side edge 222 abuts against the engaged portion 92, restricting movement in the second direction (Z direction). This makes it possible to adjust the range of relative movement between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 in the second direction (Z direction) according to the gap in the second direction (Z direction) between the second side edge 222 (opposing portion) and the engaged portion 92 (support portion 922). When excessive external forces such as vehicle vibrations / impacts act on the case 10, damage to the engaging portions 2 (2A, 2B) and the case 10 can be prevented, thereby improving product reliability.

[0095] (10) In any one of (1) to (9) and (I) to (V) above, when viewed from the assembly direction (Y direction), the case 10 has long side edges 113 and 114 spaced apart in a first direction (X direction) and short side edges 111 and 112 spaced apart in a second direction (Z direction). Engagement portions 2A and 2B including support portions 23, elastic engagement pieces 25, and elastic engagement pieces 26 are provided on the short side edges 111 and 112.

[0096] With this configuration, relative displacement between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9 in the X, Y, and Z directions can be restricted. Furthermore, the engaging portions 2A and 2B are located on both sides in the second direction (Z direction), and these engaging portions 2A and 2B can also be used as handles for the battery controller 1. Therefore, when assembling the battery controller 1 to the battery unit 9, the worker can grasp the engaging portions 2A and 2B on both sides of the battery controller 1, which serve as handles, and tilt the battery controller 1 while pushing it into the battery unit 9, all in one step. This is expected to improve the efficiency of the assembly work.

[0097] (11) In the above (10), the elastic piece 24 is provided at the portion of the support portion 23 facing the battery unit 9 .

[0098] With this configuration, the biasing force generated by the elastic piece 24 causes the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engagement piece 25 to press against the support surface 921a on the mounting surface 91 side of the locking portion 921. Furthermore, the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engagement piece 26 presses against the support surface 921a on the mounting surface 91 side of the locking portion 921. In this state, the movement of the elastic engagement piece 25 (engaging portion 255) and the elastic engagement piece 26 (engaging claw 265) in the assembly direction (Y direction) away from the battery unit 9 is restricted by the locking portion 921. Furthermore, the movement of the elastic engagement piece 25 (engaging portion 255) and the elastic engagement piece 26 (engaging claw 265) in the second direction (Z direction) is restricted by the support portions 922, 922 provided at an interval in the second direction (Z direction). Furthermore, because sliding resistance corresponding to the pressure contact force acts between the locking portion 921 (support surface 921a) and the engaging portion 255 (engaging surface 255a) and the engaging claw 265 (engaging surface 265a), relative displacement in the X and Z directions between the engaging portion 255 of the elastic engaging piece 25 and the engaging claw 265 of the elastic engaging piece 26 and the engaged portions 92, 92 is restricted. This allows the engaging portions 2A, 2B to appropriately restrict relative displacement in the Y, X, and Z directions between the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9.

[0099] (12) In any one of (1) to (5) and (I) to (V) above, when viewed from the assembly direction (Y direction), the case 10A has long-side side edges 113 and 114 spaced apart in a first direction (X direction) and short-side side edges 111 and 112 spaced apart in a second direction (Z direction). The short-side side edges 111 and 112 are provided with engaging portions 2A' and 2B', each including a support portion 23, an elastic engaging piece 25, and an elastic engaging piece 26. The elastic piece 24 is provided at a portion of the case 10A facing the battery unit 9. When viewed from the Y direction, the elastic piece 24 is provided midway between the engaging portions 2A' and 2B', which are spaced apart in the Z direction.

[0100] With this configuration, even in the case 10A with a short length in the Z direction, the engagement portions 2A', 2B' can appropriately restrict relative displacement between the battery controller 1A and the battery unit 9 in the Y, X, and Z directions. Furthermore, because the battery controller 1A (case 10A) is provided with only one elastic piece 24, the amount of resin used can be reduced compared to a battery controller 1 (case 10) with two elastic pieces 24. This is expected to contribute to reducing the weight and cost of the battery controller 1A (case 10A).

[0101] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications. Appropriate modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the invention.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, the "case" and "holder" in the invention are the battery controller 1 and the battery unit 9, respectively. The "case" may be a case that houses a vehicle-side control device. In this case, the mounting bracket provided on the vehicle body corresponds to the "holder."

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, the elastic engagement piece 25 (second elastic piece) and the elastic engagement piece 26 (third elastic piece) have different elastic moduli, thereby differentiating the ease of elastic displacement between the elastic engagement piece 25 and the elastic engagement piece 26. The ease of elastic displacement may also be different by differentiating the thickness of the strip-shaped elastic engagement piece 25 and the strip-shaped elastic engagement piece 26.

[0104] 1, 1A: battery controller, 10: case, 11: upper case, 111, 112, 113, 114: side edge, 12: lower case, 13: printed circuit board, 14, 15: rib, 16: connection, 2, 2', 2A, 2B: engagement portion, 21: base, 210: restriction portion, 22: recess, 221: first side edge (inclined surface), 222: second side edge (opposing portion), 23: support portion, 230: through hole, 231, 232, 233, 234: wall portion, 24: elastic piece (first elastic piece), 241: abutment portion, 242: connection portion, 243: Bent portion, 25: Elastic engagement piece (second elastic piece), 251: First curved portion, 252: First straight portion, 253: Second curved portion, 254: Second straight portion, 255: Joint portion, 256: Bent portion, 26: Elastic engagement piece (third elastic piece), 261: First curved portion, 262: First straight portion, 263: Second curved portion, 264: Second straight portion, 265: Engaging claw (engaging portion), 5: Support structure, 9: Battery unit, 91: Mounting surface, 92, 92A, 92B: Engaged portion, 921: Locking portion, 921a: Support surface, 922: Support portion

Claims

1. A support structure for a case in a holder, wherein the holder is provided at a portion facing the case and has a pair of engaged portions spaced apart in a first direction perpendicular to the assembly direction of the holder and the case, and the case has: a first elastic piece provided at a portion facing the holder and elastically displaceable in the assembly direction of the holder and the case; a support portion inserted between the pair of engaged portions; and a second elastic piece provided on one side of the support portion in the first direction and elastically displaceable in the first direction, wherein the second elastic piece has an engaging portion that engages with one of the pair of engaged portions from the first direction, and the engaging portion engages with the one engaged portion in a state where movement in a direction away from the holder in the assembly direction is restricted by a biasing force generated by the first elastic piece.

2. A support structure for a case in a holder as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a third elastic piece provided on the other side of the support part in the first direction and elastically displaceable in the first direction, wherein the third elastic piece has an engaging part that engages with the other of the pair of engaged parts from the first direction, and the engaging part engages with the other engaged part in a state in which movement in a direction away from the holder in the assembly direction is restricted by the biasing force generated by the first elastic piece.

3. A support structure for a case in a holder according to claim 2, wherein the second elastic piece has a lower modulus of elasticity than the third elastic piece.

4. A support structure for a case in a holder according to claim 3, wherein the second elastic piece is a strip-shaped member extending in the first direction from the support portion, and when viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the assembly direction of the holder and the case and the first direction, the second elastic piece has at least two curved portions up to its tip that reverse the extension direction in the assembly direction, and the radius of curvature of the curved portions increases as the curved portions are positioned farther away from the support portion.

5. A support structure for a case in a holder as set forth in claim 4, wherein the third elastic piece is a strip-shaped member extending from the support portion in the first direction, and when viewed from the second direction, the third elastic piece has at least two curved portions between its tip and the end that reverse the direction of extension in the assembly direction, and the radius of curvature of the curved portions increases as the curved portions are positioned farther away from the support portion.

6. A support structure for a case in a holder according to claim 5, wherein the first elastic piece is a strip-shaped member cantilevered on the other side of the support part in the first direction, and when viewed from the second direction, the first elastic piece is inclined in a direction approaching one side of the support part in the first direction as it approaches the holder in the assembly direction, and the first elastic piece has a bent part between the tip and the tip that changes the extension direction from the direction approaching the holder to a direction along the first direction, and the part of the first elastic piece beyond the bent part forms an abutment part that resiliently abuts against the holder.

7. A support structure for a case in a holder as set forth in claim 6, which has an insertion portion that is inserted between the pair of engaged portions together with the support portion, and the width of the insertion portion in the first direction is wider than the width of the support portion in the first direction and narrower than the separation width in the first direction of the pair of engaged portions.

8. A support structure for a case in a holder according to claim 7, wherein the width from the engaging portion of the second elastic piece to the engaging portion of the third elastic piece in the first direction is set to be wider than the separation width in the first direction of the pair of engaged portions, and the insertion portion has an inclined surface on one side edge in the first direction such that the width of the insertion portion in the first direction narrows as it moves away from the holder in the assembly direction.

9. A support structure for a case in a holder according to claim 8, which has an opposing portion that is positioned adjacent to the engaged portion with a gap in the second direction when the insertion portion is inserted between the pair of engaged portions.

10. A support structure for a case in a holder according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein, when viewed from the assembly direction, the case has long side portions spaced apart in a first direction and short side portions spaced apart in the second direction, and an engaging portion including the support portion, the second elastic piece, and the third elastic piece is provided on the short side portion.

11. A support structure for a case in a holder according to claim 10, wherein the first elastic piece is provided at a portion of the support part that faces the holder.

12. A support structure for a case in a holder according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, when viewed from the assembly direction, the case has long side portions spaced apart in a first direction and short side portions spaced apart in the second direction, the short side portions are provided with an engaging portion including the support portion, the second elastic piece, and the third elastic piece, and the first elastic piece is provided at a portion of the case facing the holder.

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