US20180175535A1 - Conductor module - Google Patents
Conductor module Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180175535A1 US20180175535A1 US15/725,483 US201715725483A US2018175535A1 US 20180175535 A1 US20180175535 A1 US 20180175535A1 US 201715725483 A US201715725483 A US 201715725483A US 2018175535 A1 US2018175535 A1 US 2018175535A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fixing
- conductor
- holes
- busbar
- terminal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
- H01R13/405—Securing in non-demountable manner, e.g. moulding, riveting
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
- H01M10/48—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
- H01M10/482—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte for several batteries or cells simultaneously or sequentially
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
- H01M50/502—Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing
- H01M50/503—Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing characterised by the shape of the interconnectors
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
- H01M50/502—Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing
- H01M50/505—Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing comprising a single busbar
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
- H01M50/502—Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing
- H01M50/509—Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing characterised by the type of connection, e.g. mixed connections
- H01M50/51—Connection only in series
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
- H01M50/502—Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing
- H01M50/514—Methods for interconnecting adjacent batteries or cells
- H01M50/517—Methods for interconnecting adjacent batteries or cells by fixing means, e.g. screws, rivets or bolts
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
- H01M50/502—Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing
- H01M50/521—Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing characterised by the material
- H01M50/522—Inorganic material
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
- H01M50/569—Constructional details of current conducting connections for detecting conditions inside cells or batteries, e.g. details of voltage sensing terminals
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
- H01M2220/20—Batteries in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/218—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material
- H01M50/22—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material of the casings or racks
- H01M50/227—Organic material
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/289—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by spacing elements or positioning means within frames, racks or packs
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
- H01M50/543—Terminals
- H01M50/562—Terminals characterised by the material
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
- H01R11/11—End pieces or tapping pieces for wires, supported by the wire and for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal or conductive member
- H01R11/12—End pieces terminating in an eye, hook, or fork
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
- H01R11/11—End pieces or tapping pieces for wires, supported by the wire and for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal or conductive member
- H01R11/28—End pieces consisting of a ferrule or sleeve
- H01R11/281—End pieces consisting of a ferrule or sleeve for connections to batteries
- H01R11/283—Bolt, screw or threaded ferrule parallel to the battery post
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
- H01R11/11—End pieces or tapping pieces for wires, supported by the wire and for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal or conductive member
- H01R11/28—End pieces consisting of a ferrule or sleeve
- H01R11/281—End pieces consisting of a ferrule or sleeve for connections to batteries
- H01R11/287—Intermediate parts between battery post and cable end piece
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a conductor module.
- a conventional conductor module is applied to a battery module including a plurality of battery cells.
- the conductor module exemplarily includes a plurality of busbars and a status detector.
- the busbar is electrically connected with one of two electrode terminals of a battery cell and with electrode terminals of two battery cells that are adjacent to each other.
- the status detector includes a detection conductor to detect voltage of each battery cell (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5223607).
- the conductor module further includes a connection part that electrically connects each busbar with the detection conductor through, for example, soldering or welding of the detection conductor to the busbar on which the detection conductor is disposed.
- the busbar with which the detection conductor is connected is accommodated in an accommodation space defined in an accommodation case before being connected with the electrode terminal.
- a locking portion for locking the busbar is formed in a wall portion that defines the accommodation space in order to restrict the busbar from moving with respect to the accommodation case in a direction opposite to a direction in which the busbar is inserted into the accommodation space. Because the locking portion is elastically deformed when the busbar is inserted, the locking portion is extended in the direction in which the busbar is inserted to thereby make the locking portion elastically deformable.
- the foregoing necessity requires a length in the insertion direction, specifically, height of the accommodation case in order for the locking portion for locking the busbar to be formed. Specifically, the fixing of the busbar in the accommodation case has been a hindrance to reduction in height of the accommodation case.
- the present invention has been made in view of the foregoing situation and it is an object of the present invention to provide a conductor module capable of accomplishing miniaturization of a fixing body that fixes a connection conductor.
- a conductor module includes at least one connection conductor to be connected electrically with a connection target, a fixing body to which the at least one connection conductor is fixed, and a fixing member that fixes each of the at least one connection conductor to the fixing body, wherein the fixing body has two or more fixing holes that pass through a fixing body first surface and a fixing body second surface opposite to the fixing body first surface, the fixing member includes a main body having an opposed surface that faces the fixing body first surface and that clamps, with the fixing body first surface, part of the at least one connection conductor disposed between the opposed surface and the fixing body first surface, and fixing legs that protrude from the opposed surface, that are associated with the respective fixing holes, and that have the part of the at least one connection conductor interposed between the fixing legs, and the fixing legs are capable of plastic deformation by an external force, are inserted in the respective fixing holes from a side of the fixing body first surface to protrude from a side of the fixing body second surface, and
- the at least one connection conductor may include at least one connection conductor having through holes that pass through a conductor first surface and a conductor second surface opposite to the conductor first surface and that are associated with the respective fixing holes, and the fixing legs are inserted in the through holes and the fixing holes under the fixed condition.
- the at least one connection conductor may include a first connection conductor, and a second connection conductor different from the first connection conductor, and the second connection conductor is fixed, using the fixing member that fixes the first connection conductor, to the fixing body that is identical to the fixing body to which the first connection conductor is fixed.
- the connection target may be a battery cell
- the conductor module may further include a status detector including a detection conductor that electrically connects the second connection conductor with a status detection unit that detects a status of the battery cell with which the second connection conductor is electrically connected.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conductor module in an embodiment
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the conductor module in the embodiment
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the conductor module in the embodiment
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the conductor module in the embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the conductor module in the embodiment.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the conductor module according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the conductor module in the embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the conductor module in the embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the conductor module in the embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the conductor module in the embodiment. It is here noted that FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 1 .
- the X-direction extends in an array direction along which electrode terminals and connection conductors are arrayed in the embodiment.
- the Y-direction is a width direction of the conductor module in the embodiment and is orthogonal to the array direction.
- the Z-direction is a vertical direction in the conductor module and is orthogonal to the array direction and the width direction.
- the battery module 100 has a modular configuration that includes, for example, a plurality of battery cells 101 , such as secondary batteries, arrayed in the array direction.
- the battery module 100 is mounted on, for example, an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid vehicle (HV, PHV) and used for supplying an electric rotating machine as a drive source with electric power and storing (charging) the electric power generated by the electric rotating machine.
- the battery module 100 for example, includes a plurality of battery cells 101 connected in series with each other to thereby enable a high battery output corresponding with output requirements of the vehicle to be obtained.
- the battery cells 101 are composed of two rows of electrode terminal groups 103 that are spaced apart from each other in the width direction and that include electrode terminals 102 (a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal) disposed on respective ends in the width direction.
- the electrode terminal groups 103 are each composed of a plurality of electrode terminals 102 arrayed in the array direction in the battery module 100 .
- one conductor module 1 is associated and assembled with each of the electrode terminal groups 103 and the conductor module 1 connects the electrode terminals 102 (the positive electrode terminals and the negative electrode terminals) of the battery cells 101 in series with each other.
- the battery cells 101 in the embodiment are disposed such that the electrode terminal 102 of a first battery cell 101 has polarity opposite to polarity of the electrode terminal 102 of a second battery cell 101 adjacent to the first battery cell 101 in the array direction.
- the two electrode terminal groups 103 are configured as follows. Specifically, in a first electrode terminal group 103 , the electrode terminal 102 on a first end out of both ends in the array direction is defined as a terminating electrode terminal and, in a second electrode terminal group 103 , the electrode terminal 102 on a second end out of both ends in the array direction is defined as a terminating electrode terminal having polarity opposite to polarity of the terminating electrode terminal of the first electrode terminal group 103 .
- the two terminating electrode terminals are electrically connected with each other by, for example, an inverter. This establishes an electrical connection of the battery module 100 with an external device.
- the conductor module 1 is to connect at least a plurality of battery cells 101 in series with each other. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 , the conductor module 1 includes a busbar 2 , a power cable terminal 3 , an accommodation case 4 , a fixing member 5 , a fixing member 6 , a detection terminal 7 , a status detector 8 , and a power cable 9 . The conductor module 1 electrically connects the busbar 2 , the power cable terminal 3 , and the detection terminal 7 with the electrode terminal 102 as a connection target.
- the busbar 2 is a connection conductor. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 , the busbar 2 is electrically connected with a first one of the two electrode terminals 102 of the battery cell 101 . In the embodiment, the busbar 2 constitutes a first connection conductor. The busbar 2 is directly and electrically connected with two electrode terminals 102 that are adjacent to each other in the array direction and that have polarities opposite to each other in the two battery cells 101 that are adjacent to each other in the array direction of the electrode terminal group 103 in one row.
- the busbar 2 is formed of an electrically conductive material, such as metal, into a flat plate shape. In the embodiment, the busbar 2 is formed into a rectangular plate shape having a longitudinal direction extending in the array direction as viewed in the vertical direction.
- the busbar 2 has terminal holes 21 and through holes 22 .
- the electrode terminals 102 are inserted in the terminal holes 21 .
- the terminal holes 21 each pass through from a conductor first surface 2 a to a conductor second surface 2 b that are opposed to each other in the vertical direction.
- the busbar 2 has two terminal holes 21 associated with respective two electrode terminals 102 that are to be connected with the busbar 2 .
- the two terminal holes 21 are spaced apart from each other in the array direction. It is noted that the busbar 2 is fixed to the electrode terminals 102 as follows.
- nuts not illustrated are threadedly engaged with thread grooves in leading ends of the electrode terminals 102 protruding from the side of the conductor first surfaces 2 a of the terminal holes 21 .
- Fixing legs 52 to be described later of the fixing member 5 are inserted in the through holes 22 .
- the through holes 22 each pass through from the conductor first surface 2 a to the conductor second surface 2 b that are opposed to each other in the vertical direction.
- the busbar 2 has two through holes 22 associated with respective two fixing holes 43 to be described later.
- the through holes 22 are spaced apart from each other in the array direction. It is noted that the two through holes 22 are formed across part of the detection terminal 7 disposed on the busbar 2 in the array direction. Additionally, the two through holes 22 are disposed, in the width direction, on the side closer to a third accommodation space 4 c to be described later than the terminal holes 21 are.
- the power cable terminal 3 is a connection conductor. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 , the power cable terminal 3 is electrically connected with a first one of the two electrode terminals 102 of the battery cell 101 . In the embodiment, the power cable terminal 3 constitutes a third connection conductor that is different from the busbar 2 as the first connection conductor and the detection terminal 7 as a second connection conductor. The power cable terminal 3 is directly and electrically connected with the terminating electrode terminal out of the electrode terminals 102 of the electrode terminal group 103 .
- the power cable terminal 3 is formed of an electrically conductive material, such as metal, into a flat plate shape. In the embodiment, the power cable terminal 3 is formed into a rectangular plate shape having a longitudinal direction extending in the width direction as viewed in the vertical direction. The power cable terminal 3 is attached to a first end of the power cable 9 .
- the power cable terminal 3 includes a contact portion 31 and a barrel portion 32 and has a terminal hole 33 .
- the contact portion 31 contacts the electrode terminal 102 as a terminating electrode terminal.
- the contact portion 31 has an end on the side adjacent to the power cable 9 in the width direction connected with the barrel portion 32 .
- the terminal hole 33 is formed at a position near an end of the contact portion 31 opposite to the barrel portion 32 .
- the barrel portion 32 is directly and electrically connected with the power cable 9 .
- the power cable 9 establishes an electrical connection between the battery module 100 and an external device.
- Power conductors 91 are electrically conductive and deformable.
- the power conductor 91 is composed of a plurality of wires formed of, for example, copper or aluminum, stranded together.
- An insulator 92 is electrically insulative and covers the power conductors 91 .
- the insulator 92 is elastically deformable and formed of, for example, a synthetic resin.
- the barrel portion 32 includes crimped portions 32 a and 32 b that protrude from both ends in the width direction to a side opposite in the vertical direction to the side of a bottom plate 41 to be described later of the accommodation case 4 .
- the barrel portion 32 is curved such that the crimped portions 32 a and 32 b have leading ends approaching each other to thereby crimp the power conductors 91 to the power cable terminal 3 .
- the terminal hole 33 receives the electrode terminal 102 as the terminating electrode terminal inserted therein.
- the terminal hole 33 passes through from a conductor first surface 3 a to a conductor second surface 3 b that are opposed to each other in the vertical direction.
- the power cable terminal 3 is fixed to the electrode terminal 102 as follows. Specifically, for example, under a condition in which the electrode terminal 102 is inserted in the terminal hole 33 in the power cable terminal 3 , a nut not illustrated is threadedly engaged with thread grooves in a leading end of the electrode terminal 102 protruding from the side of the conductor first surface 3 a of the terminal hole 33 .
- the accommodation case 4 is a fixing body to which the busbar 2 , the power cable terminal 3 , and the detection terminal 7 are fixed as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 . Specifically, the busbar 2 , the power cable terminal 3 , and the detection terminal 7 are fixed to the same accommodation case 4 by the fixing members 5 and 6 .
- the accommodation case 4 is electrically insulative and formed of, for example, a synthetic resin.
- the accommodation case 4 includes the bottom plate 41 and a frame plate 42 and has the fixing holes 43 and fixing holes 44 .
- the bottom plate 41 has a flat plate shape.
- the bottom plate 41 has a fixing body first surface 41 a and a fixing body second surface 41 b that are opposed to each other in the vertical direction. At least the busbar 2 , the power cable terminal 3 , and the detection terminal 7 are disposed on the fixing body first surface 41 a.
- the frame plate 42 defines a plurality of spaces in the accommodation case 4 and is erected from the fixing body first surface 41 a of the bottom plate 41 .
- the frame plate 42 is formed mainly along an outer periphery of the bottom plate 41 to thereby define a first accommodation space 4 a , a second accommodation space 4 b , and the third accommodation space 4 c in the accommodation case 4 .
- the first accommodation space 4 a accommodates the busbar 2 and the detection terminal 7 .
- the first accommodation space 4 a has an opening 4 d that passes through from the fixing body first surface 41 a to the fixing body second surface 41 b .
- the opening 4 d is formed so that the terminal holes 21 are exposed to the outside of the accommodation case 4 under a condition in which the busbar 2 is accommodated in the first accommodation space 4 a .
- the second accommodation space 4 b accommodates the power cable terminal 3 and is formed to be adjacent to the first accommodation space 4 a in the array direction.
- the second accommodation space 4 b has an opening 4 e that passes through from the fixing body first surface 41 a to the fixing body second surface 41 b .
- the opening 4 e is formed so that the terminal hole 33 is exposed to the outside of the accommodation case 4 under a condition in which the power cable terminal 3 is accommodated in the second accommodation space 4 b .
- the third accommodation space 4 c accommodates, for example, the status detector 8 and is formed to be adjacent to the first accommodation space 4 a and the second accommodation space 4 b in the width direction.
- the third accommodation space 4 c communicates with the first accommodation space 4 a and the second accommodation space 4 b in the width direction and communicates with the outside in the array direction.
- the fixing legs 52 are to be inserted in the fixing holes 43 .
- the fixing holes 43 pass through a portion constituting the first accommodation space 4 a of the bottom plate 41 from the fixing body first surface 41 a to the fixing body second surface 41 b .
- two fixing holes 43 are formed to be spaced apart in the array direction from each other in the first accommodation space 4 a . It is here noted that the two fixing holes 43 are formed across part of the detection terminal 7 disposed on the busbar 2 in the array direction. Additionally, the two fixing holes 43 are disposed, in the width direction, on the side closer to the third accommodation space 4 c than the opening 4 d is.
- Fixing legs 62 are to be inserted in the fixing holes 44 .
- the fixing holes 44 pass through a portion constituting the second accommodation space 4 b of the bottom plate 41 from the fixing body first surface 41 a to the fixing body second surface 41 b .
- two fixing holes 44 are formed to be spaced apart in the array direction from each other in the second accommodation space 4 b . It is here noted that the two fixing holes 44 are formed across part of the power cable terminal 3 , specifically in the embodiment, the contact portion 31 in the array direction. Additionally, the two fixing holes 44 are disposed, in the width direction, on the side closer to the third accommodation space 4 c than the opening 4 e is.
- the fixing member 5 integrally fixes the busbar 2 and the detection terminal 7 to the accommodation case 4 .
- the fixing member 5 is thermoplastic and formed of, for example, a synthetic resin. Specifically, the fixing member 5 is capable of plastic deformation by being heated and subjected to external force acting thereon.
- the fixing member 5 includes a main body 51 and the fixing legs 52 .
- the main body 51 has a substantially flat plate shape having a longitudinal direction extending in the array direction when viewed in the vertical direction.
- the main body 51 is formed into an arcuate shape curved toward the side of the third accommodation space 4 c in the width direction.
- the main body 51 has an opposed surface 51 a that faces the conductor first surface 2 a and a conductor first surface 7 a to be described later.
- the opposed surface 51 a is formed such that, under a fixed condition in which the fixing member 5 fixes the busbar 2 and the detection terminal 7 to the accommodation case 4 , portions thereof between respective both ends and a center in the array direction are in contact with the conductor first surface 7 a , resulting in the part of the busbar 2 and the detection terminal 7 being sandwiched between the opposed surface 51 a and the fixing body first surface 41 a .
- the main body 51 is formed to have the center in the array direction protruding toward a side opposite to the conductor first surface 7 a in the vertical direction and is formed such that a portion of the opposed surface 51 a facing the protruding portion in the vertical direction is spaced away from the conductor first surface 7 a .
- the main body 51 has a status detector inserting space 51 b (hereinafter referred to simply as a “space 51 b ”) defined by the opposed surface 51 a and the conductor first surface 7 a at the center in the array direction.
- the space 51 b is formed into a substantially semi-arcuate shape as viewed in the width direction and communicates with the outside in the width direction.
- the main body 51 is formed to cover part of the detection terminal 7 via the busbar 2 disposed on the fixing body first surface 41 a , specifically in the embodiment, part of a barrel portion 72 to be described later.
- the fixing legs 52 are inserted in the fixing holes 43 and, under the fixed condition, are restricted from being pulled out of the fixing holes 43 .
- the fixing legs 52 are formed to protrude from the opposed surface 51 a of the main body 51 toward the side of the fixing body first surface 41 a in the vertical direction.
- two fixing legs 52 are formed to be associated with the respective fixing holes 43 in the accommodation case 4 .
- the fixing legs 52 are formed to be spaced away from each other in the array direction. Under the fixed condition, part of the detection terminal 7 is disposed between the two fixing legs 52 .
- the fixing legs 52 are inserted in the through holes 22 in the busbar 2 from the side of the conductor first surface 2 a and further inserted in the fixing holes 43 from the side of the fixing body first surface 41 a , to thereby have leading ends 52 a protruding to the side of the fixing body second surface 41 b .
- the fixing legs 52 before being fixed in place, specifically, before the external force acts thereon with heat being applied at the same time, are formed into cylindrical shapes including the leading ends 52 a as illustrated in FIG. 3 .
- the fixing legs 52 each have a length in the vertical direction set to be longer than a total depth in the vertical direction of the through holes 22 and the fixing holes 43 .
- the fixing legs 52 are formed, under the fixed condition, so as to have the leading ends 52 a disposed on the outside in a radial direction with respect to the fixing holes 43 when viewed in an axial direction of the fixing holes 43 , specifically, when viewed in the vertical direction.
- the fixing legs 52 are each formed such that, under the fixed condition, the leading end 52 a is formed into a hemispherical shape having a circumference of a diameter greater than a diameter of the fixing hole 43 when viewed in the vertical direction as illustrated in FIG. 4 .
- each of the leading ends 52 a is disposed, when viewed in the vertical direction, so as to surround the circumference of the fixing hole 43 .
- the fixing member 6 fixes the power cable terminal 3 to the accommodation case 4 .
- the fixing member 6 is thermoplastic and is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin. Specifically, the fixing member 6 is capable of plastic deformation by being heated and subjected to external force acting thereon.
- the fixing member 6 includes a main body 61 and the fixing legs 62 .
- the fixing member 6 has a basic configuration identical to a basic configuration of the fixing member 5 .
- Part of the power cable terminal 3 is sandwiched in the vertical direction between the main body 61 and the fixing body first surface 41 a .
- the power cable terminal 3 contacts the main body 61 .
- the main body 61 has a substantially flat plate shape. When viewed in the vertical direction, the main body 61 has a substantially rhombic shape having a longitudinal direction extending in the array direction.
- the main body 61 has an opposed surface 61 a that faces the conductor first surface 3 a .
- the opposed surface 61 a is formed such that, under a fixed condition in which the fixing member 6 fixes the power cable terminal 3 to the accommodation case 4 , portions thereof near respective both ends in the array direction are in contact with the conductor first surface 3 a , resulting in the part of the power cable terminal 3 being sandwiched between the opposed surface 61 a and the fixing body first surface 41 a .
- the main body 61 is formed to have a center in the array direction protruding toward a side opposite to the conductor first surface 3 a in the vertical direction and is formed such that a portion of the opposed surface 61 a facing the protruding portion in the vertical direction is spaced away from the conductor first surface 3 a .
- the main body 61 has a status detector inserting space 61 b (hereinafter referred to simply as a “space 61 b ”) defined by the opposed surface 61 a and the conductor first surface 3 a at the center in the array direction.
- the space 61 b is formed into a substantially semi-arcuate shape as viewed in the width direction and communicates with the outside in the width direction.
- the main body 61 is formed to cover part of the contact portion 31 of the power cable terminal 3 disposed on the fixing body first surface 41 a.
- the fixing legs 62 are inserted in the fixing holes 44 and, under the fixed condition, are restricted from being pulled out of the fixing holes 44 .
- the fixing legs 62 are formed to protrude from the opposed surface 61 a of the main body 61 toward the side of the fixing body first surface 41 a in the vertical direction.
- two fixing legs 62 are formed to be associated with the respective fixing holes 44 in the accommodation case 4 .
- the fixing legs 62 are formed to be spaced away from each other in the array direction. Under the fixed condition, part of the power cable terminal 3 is disposed between the two fixing legs 62 .
- the fixing legs 62 are inserted in the fixing holes 44 from the side of the fixing body first surface 41 a , to thereby have leading ends 62 a protruding to the side of the fixing body second surface 41 b .
- the fixing legs 62 before being fixed in place, specifically, before the external force acts thereon with heat being applied at the same time, are formed into cylindrical shapes including the leading ends 62 a as illustrated in FIG. 3 .
- the fixing legs 62 each have a length in the vertical direction set to be longer than a depth in the vertical direction of the fixing holes 44 .
- the fixing legs 62 are formed, under the fixed condition, so as to have the leading ends 62 a disposed on the outside in a radial direction with respect to the fixing holes 44 when viewed in an axial direction of the fixing holes 44 , specifically, when viewed in the vertical direction.
- the fixing legs 62 are each formed such that, under the fixed condition, the leading end 62 a is formed into a hemispherical shape having a circumference of a diameter greater than a diameter of the fixing hole 44 when viewed in the vertical direction as illustrated in FIG. 5 .
- each of the leading ends 62 a is disposed, when viewed in the vertical direction, so as to surround the circumference of the fixing hole 44 .
- the detection terminal 7 is a connection conductor. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 , the detection terminal 7 is electrically connected with one of the two electrode terminals 102 of the battery cell 101 . In the embodiment, the detection terminal 7 is a second connection conductor different from the busbar 2 as the first connection conductor. The detection terminal 7 is directly and electrically connected with one of the two electrode terminals 102 with which the busbar 2 is directly and electrically connected.
- the detection terminal 7 is formed of an electrically conductive material, such as metal, into a flat plate shape.
- the detection terminal 7 is formed, when viewed in the vertical direction, into a plate shape having a longitudinal direction extending in the width direction and having a width in the array direction narrower on the side of the third accommodation space 4 c than on the side of the first accommodation space 4 a .
- the detection terminal 7 is attached with a first end of the status detector 8 and includes a contact portion 71 and the barrel portion 72 and has a terminal hole 73 .
- the contact portion 71 contacts the electrode terminal 102 .
- the contact portion 71 has a first end in the width direction on the side of the power cable 9 connected with the barrel portion 72 .
- the terminal hole 73 is formed at a position near a second end opposite to the first end.
- the barrel portion 72 is directly and electrically connected with the status detector 8 .
- the barrel portion 72 includes a pair of insulator crimping portions 72 a and 72 b and a pair of conductor crimping portions 72 c and 72 d , the pairs formed on respective ends in the width direction.
- the pair of insulator crimping portions 72 a and 72 b and the pair of conductor crimping portions 72 c and 72 d protrude to the side opposite to the bottom plate 41 in the vertical direction.
- the pair of insulator crimping portions 72 a and 72 b is formed on the side closer to the third accommodation space 4 c in the width direction with respect to the pair of conductor crimping portions 72 c and 72 d .
- the insulator crimping portions 72 a and 72 b have leading ends curved to approach each other to thereby crimp an insulator 82 to be described later of the status detector 8 onto the detection terminal 7 and the conductor crimping portions 72 c and 72 d have leading ends curved to approach each other to thereby crimp a detection conductor 81 to be described later of the status detector 8 onto the detection terminal 7 .
- the terminal hole 73 receives the electrode terminal 102 as a terminating electrode terminal inserted therein.
- the terminal hole 73 passes through from the conductor first surface 7 a to a conductor second surface 7 b that are opposed to each other in the vertical direction.
- the detection terminal 7 is fixed to the electrode terminal 102 together with the busbar 2 as follows. Specifically, for example, under a condition in which the electrode terminal 102 is inserted in the terminal hole 73 , a nut not illustrated is threadedly engaged with thread grooves in the leading end of the electrode terminal 102 protruding from the side of the conductor first surface 7 a of the terminal hole 73 .
- the status detector 8 electrically connects the electrode terminal 102 with a battery module monitoring unit 200 via the detection terminal 7 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 .
- the conductor module 1 detects via the status detector 8 a status of the battery cell 101 connected with the detection terminal 7 , specifically in the embodiment, voltage information and outputs the voltage information to the battery module monitoring unit 200 .
- the battery module monitoring unit 200 represents a status detection device detecting the status of each battery cell 101 .
- the battery module monitoring unit 200 for example, monitors the status of each battery cell 101 using the voltage information and notifies an operator who detects a fault in the battery cell 101 of a fault. Additionally, the battery module monitoring unit 200 can output the acquired voltage information to a battery ECU that controls the battery module 100 .
- the battery ECU performs charge and discharge control of the battery module 100 on the basis of the voltage information.
- the status detector 8 includes the detection conductor 81 and the insulator 82 .
- the status detector 8 is a wire corresponding to the busbar 2 and is integrally molded so as to cover the detection conductor 81 in the insulator 82 .
- the detection conductor 81 electrically connects the detection terminal 7 with the battery module monitoring unit 200 .
- the detection conductor 81 is electrically conductive and deformable and is composed of a plurality of wires formed of, for example, copper or aluminum, stranded together.
- the detection conductor 81 has a first end directly and electrically connected with the conductor first surface 7 a and a second end electrically connected with the battery module monitoring unit 200 via a connector not illustrated.
- Part of the insulator 82 covering the first end of the detection conductor 81 is peeled off in advance to cause the first end of the detection conductor 81 to be exposed to the outside from a leading end of the insulator 82 .
- the insulator 82 covers the detection conductor 81 .
- the insulator 82 is electrically insulative and elastically deformable.
- the insulator 82 is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin.
- the insulator 82 is formed to extend in the array direction.
- the insulator 82 is bent from the array direction in the width direction and disposed on the conductor first surface 7 a.
- an assembly operator first disposes the busbar 2 with respect to the accommodation case 4 such that the conductor second surface 2 b faces the fixing body first surface 41 a in the first accommodation space 4 a and such that the through holes 22 in the busbar 2 are aligned with the respective fixing holes 43 in the vertical direction.
- the assembly operator brings the busbar 2 near to the accommodation case 4 , causing the conductor second surface 2 b to be in contact with the fixing body first surface 41 a .
- the through holes 22 communicate with the respective fixing holes 43 .
- the assembly operator next places the detection terminal 7 on the conductor first surface 2 a of the busbar 2 so that part of the detection terminal 7 is disposed between the through holes 22 .
- the detection terminal 7 is accommodated in the first accommodation space 4 a and the status detector 8 is accommodated in the third accommodation space 4 c .
- the assembly operator then disposes the fixing member 5 with respect to the busbar 2 such that the opposed surface 51 a faces the conductor first surface 2 a and such that the fixing legs 52 of the fixing member 5 are aligned with the respective through holes 22 in the busbar 2 in the vertical direction.
- the conductor first surface 7 a of the detection terminal 7 placed on the conductor first surface 2 a of the busbar 2 faces the opposed surface 51 a .
- the assembly operator then brings the fixing member 5 close to the busbar 2 in the vertical direction.
- the fixing legs 52 are inserted in the respective through holes 22 from the conductor first surface 2 a side and into the respective fixing holes 43 , thus protruding from the fixing body second surface 41 b side.
- the main body 51 contacts the detection terminal 7 under a condition in which the main body 51 presses the detection terminal 7 and the busbar 2 against the fixing body first surface 41 a .
- the power cable terminal 3 and the accommodation case 4 are disposed such that the power cable terminal 3 is disposed between the fixing holes 44 and such that the conductor second surface 3 b faces the fixing body first surface 41 a in the second accommodation space 4 b .
- the assembly operator brings the power cable terminal 3 close to the accommodation case 4 so that the conductor second surface 3 b contacts the fixing body first surface 41 a .
- the assembly operator disposes the fixing member 6 with respect to the accommodation case 4 such that the opposed surface 61 a faces the fixing body first surface 41 a and such that the fixing legs 62 of the fixing member 6 are aligned with the respective fixing holes 44 in the vertical direction.
- the assembly operator brings the fixing member 6 close to the accommodation case 4 in the vertical direction.
- the fixing legs 62 are inserted in the respective fixing holes 44 from the fixing body first surface 41 a side and protrude from the fixing body second surface 41 b side. Additionally, the main body 61 contacts the power cable terminal 3 under a condition in which the main body 61 presses the power cable terminal 3 against the fixing body first surface 41 a . Then, the assembly operator applies external force toward the accommodation case 4 side in the vertical direction, while heating the fixing legs 52 and 62 protruding from the fixing body second surface 41 b of the accommodation case 4 .
- the assembly operator presses the leading ends 52 a and 62 a before the fixed condition toward the accommodation case 4 side in the vertical direction.
- the foregoing step causes the leading ends 52 a and 62 a of the fixing legs 52 and 62 to be elastically deformed so as to surround the circumferences of the fixing holes 43 and 44 .
- the leading ends 52 a and 62 a maintain the deformed conditions at room temperature.
- the electrode terminals 102 are then inserted in the terminal holes, 21 , 33 , and 73 exposed outside the accommodation case 4 through the openings 4 d , 4 e , and are electrically connected with the busbar 2 , the power cable terminal 3 , and the detection terminal 7 , respectively, to thereby assemble the conductor module 1 with the battery module 100 .
- the conductor module 1 in the embodiment incorporates the fixing members 5 and 6 to fix the busbar 2 , the power cable terminal 3 , and the detection terminal 7 to the accommodation case 4 under the fixed condition. Specifically, the conductor module 1 fixes the busbar 2 , the power cable terminal 3 , and the detection terminal 7 to the accommodation case 4 using another element instead of the accommodation case 4 .
- the accommodation case 4 does not require a function to fix the busbar 2 , the power cable terminal 3 , and the detection terminal 7 .
- the conductor module 1 is required only to form, in the accommodation case 4 , a space (the first accommodation space 4 a and the second accommodation space 4 b ) having a total length in the vertical direction of the connection conductors (the busbar 2 , the power cable terminal 3 , and the detection terminal 7 ) and the fixing members 5 and 6 , so that reduction in height of the accommodation case 4 can be promoted.
- the foregoing feature enables the conductor module 1 to achieve reduction in size.
- the busbar 2 is fixed by the fixing member 5 to the accommodation case 4 under a condition in which the fixing legs 52 are inserted in the respective through holes 22 in the busbar 2 .
- the conductor module 1 enables the busbar 2 to be reliably fixed to the accommodation case 4 , compared with a case in which the busbar 2 is fixed to the accommodation case 4 by the fixing member 5 through part of the busbar 2 being simply sandwiched between the fixing legs 52 .
- the busbar 2 can be restricted from moving relative to the accommodation case 4 in the array direction and the width direction, so that the busbar 2 can be reliably positioned with respect to the accommodation case 4 .
- the conductor module 1 in the embodiment the busbar 2 and the detection terminal 7 are simultaneously fixed to the accommodation case 4 by the fixing member 5 .
- the conductor module 1 enables a plurality of different connection conductors laminated one on top of another to be fixed to the accommodation case 4 by a single fixing member 5 .
- the conductor module 1 enables a greater number of connection conductors 2 , 3 , and 7 to be fixed to the accommodation case 4 by a smaller number of fixing members 5 and 6 .
- the busbar 2 and the detection terminal 7 to be fixed to a single electrode terminal 102 are fixed to the accommodation case 4 by a single fixing member 5 .
- This arrangement enables the busbar 2 and the detection terminal 7 fixed to the accommodation case 4 to establish an electrical connection with an adjacent electrode terminal 102 and to establish an electrical connection between the electrode terminal 102 and the battery module monitoring unit 200 .
- the conductor module 1 in the embodiment has been described for a case in which one set of the busbar 2 and the detection terminal 7 is accommodated in the accommodation case 4 .
- the case is nonetheless illustrative only and not limiting.
- the accommodation case 4 may include a plurality of first accommodation spaces 4 a defined therein and arrayed in the array direction. Each of the first accommodation spaces 4 a then may accommodate a busbar 2 and a detection terminal 7 , and the busbar 2 and the detection terminal 7 may then be fixed to the accommodation case 4 by the fixing member 5 .
- the conductor module 1 in the embodiment has been described for a case in which the busbar 2 and the detection terminal 7 are fixed to the accommodation case 4 by the fixing member 5 .
- the case is nonetheless illustrative only and not limiting.
- the first accommodation space 4 a may accommodate only the busbar 2 , and only the busbar 2 may then be fixed to the accommodation case 4 by the fixing member 5 .
- the opposed surface 51 a of the fixing member 5 contacts the conductor first surface 2 a of the busbar 2 .
- the fixing members 5 and 6 have been each described to be formed of a synthetic resin capable of plastic deformation by external force.
- the material is nonetheless illustrative only and not limiting.
- Metal capable of plastic deformation such as aluminum or iron having electrical conductivity, may be used to form the fixing members 5 and 6 .
- the fixing legs 52 and 62 are each bent in directions to approach each other as viewed in the width direction under the fixed condition, to thereby contact the fixing body second surface 41 b .
- the fixing legs 52 and 62 may have the respective leading ends 52 a and 62 a bent inwardly.
- the accommodation case 4 has been described as the fixing body.
- the arrangement is, however, illustrative only and not limiting, and a flexible flat cable (FFC) or a flexible printed wiring board (FPC) may be used.
- FFC flexible flat cable
- FPC flexible printed wiring board
- the conductor module in the aspect of the present embodiment includes the fixing member to fix the connection conductor to the fixing body.
- the fixing body does not require a function to fix the busbar.
- the aspect of the present embodiment can thus achieve an effect of promoting reduction in size.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Connection Of Batteries Or Terminals (AREA)
- Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
- Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
- Connection Or Junction Boxes (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present application claims priority to and incorporates by reference the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-245832 filed in Japan on Dec. 19, 2016.
- The present invention relates to a conductor module.
- A conventional conductor module is applied to a battery module including a plurality of battery cells. The conductor module exemplarily includes a plurality of busbars and a status detector. The busbar is electrically connected with one of two electrode terminals of a battery cell and with electrode terminals of two battery cells that are adjacent to each other. The status detector includes a detection conductor to detect voltage of each battery cell (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5223607).
- The conductor module further includes a connection part that electrically connects each busbar with the detection conductor through, for example, soldering or welding of the detection conductor to the busbar on which the detection conductor is disposed. In some conductor modules, the busbar with which the detection conductor is connected is accommodated in an accommodation space defined in an accommodation case before being connected with the electrode terminal.
- When the busbar is to be fixed in the accommodation case, a locking portion for locking the busbar is formed in a wall portion that defines the accommodation space in order to restrict the busbar from moving with respect to the accommodation case in a direction opposite to a direction in which the busbar is inserted into the accommodation space. Because the locking portion is elastically deformed when the busbar is inserted, the locking portion is extended in the direction in which the busbar is inserted to thereby make the locking portion elastically deformable. The foregoing necessity requires a length in the insertion direction, specifically, height of the accommodation case in order for the locking portion for locking the busbar to be formed. Specifically, the fixing of the busbar in the accommodation case has been a hindrance to reduction in height of the accommodation case.
- The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing situation and it is an object of the present invention to provide a conductor module capable of accomplishing miniaturization of a fixing body that fixes a connection conductor.
- In order to achieve the above mentioned object, a conductor module according to one aspect of the present invention includes at least one connection conductor to be connected electrically with a connection target, a fixing body to which the at least one connection conductor is fixed, and a fixing member that fixes each of the at least one connection conductor to the fixing body, wherein the fixing body has two or more fixing holes that pass through a fixing body first surface and a fixing body second surface opposite to the fixing body first surface, the fixing member includes a main body having an opposed surface that faces the fixing body first surface and that clamps, with the fixing body first surface, part of the at least one connection conductor disposed between the opposed surface and the fixing body first surface, and fixing legs that protrude from the opposed surface, that are associated with the respective fixing holes, and that have the part of the at least one connection conductor interposed between the fixing legs, and the fixing legs are capable of plastic deformation by an external force, are inserted in the respective fixing holes from a side of the fixing body first surface to protrude from a side of the fixing body second surface, and, under a fixed condition in which the at least one connection conductor is fixed to the fixing body by the fixing member, have leading ends disposed on an outside in a radial direction with respect to the fixing holes as viewed in an axial direction of the fixing holes.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, in the conductor module, the at least one connection conductor may include at least one connection conductor having through holes that pass through a conductor first surface and a conductor second surface opposite to the conductor first surface and that are associated with the respective fixing holes, and the fixing legs are inserted in the through holes and the fixing holes under the fixed condition.
- According to still another aspect of the present invention, in the conductor module, the at least one connection conductor may include a first connection conductor, and a second connection conductor different from the first connection conductor, and the second connection conductor is fixed, using the fixing member that fixes the first connection conductor, to the fixing body that is identical to the fixing body to which the first connection conductor is fixed.
- According to still another aspect of the present invention, in the conductor module, the connection target may be a battery cell, and the conductor module may further include a status detector including a detection conductor that electrically connects the second connection conductor with a status detection unit that detects a status of the battery cell with which the second connection conductor is electrically connected.
- The above and other objects, features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of this invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiment of the invention, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conductor module in an embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the conductor module in the embodiment; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the conductor module in the embodiment; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the conductor module in the embodiment; and -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the conductor module in the embodiment. - The following details a conductor module according to an embodiment. It is noted that the embodiment is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The elements of the embodiment include elements that can be replaced by, and readily apparent to, those skilled in the art, or elements that are substantially identical.
- The following describes a conductor module according to an embodiment.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the conductor module according to the embodiment.FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the conductor module in the embodiment.FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the conductor module in the embodiment.FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the conductor module in the embodiment.FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the conductor module in the embodiment. It is here noted thatFIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A inFIG. 1 andFIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B inFIG. 1 . It should further be noted that, in each of the drawings, the X-direction extends in an array direction along which electrode terminals and connection conductors are arrayed in the embodiment. The Y-direction is a width direction of the conductor module in the embodiment and is orthogonal to the array direction. The Z-direction is a vertical direction in the conductor module and is orthogonal to the array direction and the width direction. - This
conductor module 1 in the embodiment is to be assembled, as illustrated inFIG. 1 , with abattery module 100. Thebattery module 100 has a modular configuration that includes, for example, a plurality ofbattery cells 101, such as secondary batteries, arrayed in the array direction. Thebattery module 100 is mounted on, for example, an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid vehicle (HV, PHV) and used for supplying an electric rotating machine as a drive source with electric power and storing (charging) the electric power generated by the electric rotating machine. Thebattery module 100, for example, includes a plurality ofbattery cells 101 connected in series with each other to thereby enable a high battery output corresponding with output requirements of the vehicle to be obtained. Thebattery cells 101 are composed of two rows ofelectrode terminal groups 103 that are spaced apart from each other in the width direction and that include electrode terminals 102 (a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal) disposed on respective ends in the width direction. Theelectrode terminal groups 103 are each composed of a plurality ofelectrode terminals 102 arrayed in the array direction in thebattery module 100. In thebattery module 100, oneconductor module 1 is associated and assembled with each of theelectrode terminal groups 103 and theconductor module 1 connects the electrode terminals 102 (the positive electrode terminals and the negative electrode terminals) of thebattery cells 101 in series with each other. Thebattery cells 101 in the embodiment are disposed such that theelectrode terminal 102 of afirst battery cell 101 has polarity opposite to polarity of theelectrode terminal 102 of asecond battery cell 101 adjacent to thefirst battery cell 101 in the array direction. In addition, the twoelectrode terminal groups 103 are configured as follows. Specifically, in a firstelectrode terminal group 103, theelectrode terminal 102 on a first end out of both ends in the array direction is defined as a terminating electrode terminal and, in a secondelectrode terminal group 103, theelectrode terminal 102 on a second end out of both ends in the array direction is defined as a terminating electrode terminal having polarity opposite to polarity of the terminating electrode terminal of the firstelectrode terminal group 103. The two terminating electrode terminals are electrically connected with each other by, for example, an inverter. This establishes an electrical connection of thebattery module 100 with an external device. - The
conductor module 1 is to connect at least a plurality ofbattery cells 101 in series with each other. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5 , theconductor module 1 includes abusbar 2, apower cable terminal 3, anaccommodation case 4, afixing member 5, afixing member 6, adetection terminal 7, astatus detector 8, and apower cable 9. Theconductor module 1 electrically connects thebusbar 2, thepower cable terminal 3, and thedetection terminal 7 with theelectrode terminal 102 as a connection target. - The
busbar 2 is a connection conductor. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5 , thebusbar 2 is electrically connected with a first one of the twoelectrode terminals 102 of thebattery cell 101. In the embodiment, thebusbar 2 constitutes a first connection conductor. Thebusbar 2 is directly and electrically connected with twoelectrode terminals 102 that are adjacent to each other in the array direction and that have polarities opposite to each other in the twobattery cells 101 that are adjacent to each other in the array direction of theelectrode terminal group 103 in one row. Thebusbar 2 is formed of an electrically conductive material, such as metal, into a flat plate shape. In the embodiment, thebusbar 2 is formed into a rectangular plate shape having a longitudinal direction extending in the array direction as viewed in the vertical direction. Thebusbar 2 hasterminal holes 21 and throughholes 22. - The
electrode terminals 102 are inserted in the terminal holes 21. The terminal holes 21 each pass through from a conductorfirst surface 2 a to a conductorsecond surface 2 b that are opposed to each other in the vertical direction. In the embodiment, thebusbar 2 has twoterminal holes 21 associated with respective twoelectrode terminals 102 that are to be connected with thebusbar 2. The twoterminal holes 21 are spaced apart from each other in the array direction. It is noted that thebusbar 2 is fixed to theelectrode terminals 102 as follows. Specifically, for example, under a condition in which theelectrode terminals 102 are inserted in the terminal holes 21 in thebusbar 2, nuts not illustrated are threadedly engaged with thread grooves in leading ends of theelectrode terminals 102 protruding from the side of the conductor first surfaces 2 a of the terminal holes 21. - Fixing
legs 52 to be described later of the fixingmember 5 are inserted in the through holes 22. The through holes 22 each pass through from the conductorfirst surface 2 a to the conductorsecond surface 2 b that are opposed to each other in the vertical direction. In the embodiment, thebusbar 2 has two throughholes 22 associated with respective two fixingholes 43 to be described later. The through holes 22 are spaced apart from each other in the array direction. It is noted that the two throughholes 22 are formed across part of thedetection terminal 7 disposed on thebusbar 2 in the array direction. Additionally, the two throughholes 22 are disposed, in the width direction, on the side closer to athird accommodation space 4 c to be described later than the terminal holes 21 are. - The
power cable terminal 3 is a connection conductor. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5 , thepower cable terminal 3 is electrically connected with a first one of the twoelectrode terminals 102 of thebattery cell 101. In the embodiment, thepower cable terminal 3 constitutes a third connection conductor that is different from thebusbar 2 as the first connection conductor and thedetection terminal 7 as a second connection conductor. Thepower cable terminal 3 is directly and electrically connected with the terminating electrode terminal out of theelectrode terminals 102 of theelectrode terminal group 103. Thepower cable terminal 3 is formed of an electrically conductive material, such as metal, into a flat plate shape. In the embodiment, thepower cable terminal 3 is formed into a rectangular plate shape having a longitudinal direction extending in the width direction as viewed in the vertical direction. Thepower cable terminal 3 is attached to a first end of thepower cable 9. Thepower cable terminal 3 includes acontact portion 31 and abarrel portion 32 and has aterminal hole 33. - The
contact portion 31 contacts theelectrode terminal 102 as a terminating electrode terminal. Thecontact portion 31 has an end on the side adjacent to thepower cable 9 in the width direction connected with thebarrel portion 32. Theterminal hole 33 is formed at a position near an end of thecontact portion 31 opposite to thebarrel portion 32. - The
barrel portion 32 is directly and electrically connected with thepower cable 9. Thepower cable 9 establishes an electrical connection between thebattery module 100 and an external device.Power conductors 91 are electrically conductive and deformable. Thepower conductor 91 is composed of a plurality of wires formed of, for example, copper or aluminum, stranded together. Aninsulator 92 is electrically insulative and covers thepower conductors 91. Theinsulator 92 is elastically deformable and formed of, for example, a synthetic resin. Thebarrel portion 32 includes crimpedportions bottom plate 41 to be described later of theaccommodation case 4. Thebarrel portion 32 is curved such that thecrimped portions power conductors 91 to thepower cable terminal 3. - The
terminal hole 33 receives theelectrode terminal 102 as the terminating electrode terminal inserted therein. Theterminal hole 33 passes through from a conductorfirst surface 3 a to a conductorsecond surface 3 b that are opposed to each other in the vertical direction. It is noted that thepower cable terminal 3 is fixed to theelectrode terminal 102 as follows. Specifically, for example, under a condition in which theelectrode terminal 102 is inserted in theterminal hole 33 in thepower cable terminal 3, a nut not illustrated is threadedly engaged with thread grooves in a leading end of theelectrode terminal 102 protruding from the side of the conductorfirst surface 3 a of theterminal hole 33. - The
accommodation case 4 is a fixing body to which thebusbar 2, thepower cable terminal 3, and thedetection terminal 7 are fixed as illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5 . Specifically, thebusbar 2, thepower cable terminal 3, and thedetection terminal 7 are fixed to thesame accommodation case 4 by the fixingmembers accommodation case 4 is electrically insulative and formed of, for example, a synthetic resin. Theaccommodation case 4 includes thebottom plate 41 and aframe plate 42 and has the fixing holes 43 and fixingholes 44. - The
bottom plate 41 has a flat plate shape. Thebottom plate 41 has a fixing body first surface 41 a and a fixing bodysecond surface 41 b that are opposed to each other in the vertical direction. At least thebusbar 2, thepower cable terminal 3, and thedetection terminal 7 are disposed on the fixing body first surface 41 a. - The
frame plate 42 defines a plurality of spaces in theaccommodation case 4 and is erected from the fixing body first surface 41 a of thebottom plate 41. In the embodiment, theframe plate 42 is formed mainly along an outer periphery of thebottom plate 41 to thereby define afirst accommodation space 4 a, asecond accommodation space 4 b, and thethird accommodation space 4 c in theaccommodation case 4. Thefirst accommodation space 4 a accommodates thebusbar 2 and thedetection terminal 7. Thefirst accommodation space 4 a has anopening 4 d that passes through from the fixing body first surface 41 a to the fixing bodysecond surface 41 b. It is noted that theopening 4 d is formed so that the terminal holes 21 are exposed to the outside of theaccommodation case 4 under a condition in which thebusbar 2 is accommodated in thefirst accommodation space 4 a. Thesecond accommodation space 4 b accommodates thepower cable terminal 3 and is formed to be adjacent to thefirst accommodation space 4 a in the array direction. Thesecond accommodation space 4 b has anopening 4 e that passes through from the fixing body first surface 41 a to the fixing bodysecond surface 41 b. Theopening 4 e is formed so that theterminal hole 33 is exposed to the outside of theaccommodation case 4 under a condition in which thepower cable terminal 3 is accommodated in thesecond accommodation space 4 b. Thethird accommodation space 4 c accommodates, for example, thestatus detector 8 and is formed to be adjacent to thefirst accommodation space 4 a and thesecond accommodation space 4 b in the width direction. In the embodiment, thethird accommodation space 4 c communicates with thefirst accommodation space 4 a and thesecond accommodation space 4 b in the width direction and communicates with the outside in the array direction. - The fixing
legs 52 are to be inserted in the fixing holes 43. The fixing holes 43 pass through a portion constituting thefirst accommodation space 4 a of thebottom plate 41 from the fixing body first surface 41 a to the fixing bodysecond surface 41 b. In the embodiment, two fixingholes 43 are formed to be spaced apart in the array direction from each other in thefirst accommodation space 4 a. It is here noted that the two fixingholes 43 are formed across part of thedetection terminal 7 disposed on thebusbar 2 in the array direction. Additionally, the two fixingholes 43 are disposed, in the width direction, on the side closer to thethird accommodation space 4 c than theopening 4 d is. - Fixing
legs 62 are to be inserted in the fixing holes 44. The fixing holes 44 pass through a portion constituting thesecond accommodation space 4 b of thebottom plate 41 from the fixing body first surface 41 a to the fixing bodysecond surface 41 b. In the embodiment, two fixingholes 44 are formed to be spaced apart in the array direction from each other in thesecond accommodation space 4 b. It is here noted that the two fixingholes 44 are formed across part of thepower cable terminal 3, specifically in the embodiment, thecontact portion 31 in the array direction. Additionally, the two fixingholes 44 are disposed, in the width direction, on the side closer to thethird accommodation space 4 c than theopening 4 e is. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1 to 5 , the fixingmember 5 integrally fixes thebusbar 2 and thedetection terminal 7 to theaccommodation case 4. The fixingmember 5 is thermoplastic and formed of, for example, a synthetic resin. Specifically, the fixingmember 5 is capable of plastic deformation by being heated and subjected to external force acting thereon. The fixingmember 5 includes amain body 51 and the fixinglegs 52. - Part of the
busbar 2 and thedetection terminal 7 are sandwiched in the vertical direction between themain body 51 and the fixing body first surface 41 a. Thedetection terminal 7 contacts themain body 51. In the embodiment, themain body 51 has a substantially flat plate shape having a longitudinal direction extending in the array direction when viewed in the vertical direction. Themain body 51 is formed into an arcuate shape curved toward the side of thethird accommodation space 4 c in the width direction. Themain body 51 has an opposedsurface 51 a that faces the conductorfirst surface 2 a and a conductorfirst surface 7 a to be described later. Theopposed surface 51 a is formed such that, under a fixed condition in which the fixingmember 5 fixes thebusbar 2 and thedetection terminal 7 to theaccommodation case 4, portions thereof between respective both ends and a center in the array direction are in contact with the conductorfirst surface 7 a, resulting in the part of thebusbar 2 and thedetection terminal 7 being sandwiched between theopposed surface 51 a and the fixing body first surface 41 a. Themain body 51 is formed to have the center in the array direction protruding toward a side opposite to the conductorfirst surface 7 a in the vertical direction and is formed such that a portion of theopposed surface 51 a facing the protruding portion in the vertical direction is spaced away from the conductorfirst surface 7 a. Specifically, themain body 51 has a statusdetector inserting space 51 b (hereinafter referred to simply as a “space 51 b”) defined by theopposed surface 51 a and the conductorfirst surface 7 a at the center in the array direction. Thespace 51 b is formed into a substantially semi-arcuate shape as viewed in the width direction and communicates with the outside in the width direction. When viewed in the vertical direction, themain body 51 is formed to cover part of thedetection terminal 7 via thebusbar 2 disposed on the fixing body first surface 41 a, specifically in the embodiment, part of abarrel portion 72 to be described later. - The fixing
legs 52 are inserted in the fixing holes 43 and, under the fixed condition, are restricted from being pulled out of the fixing holes 43. The fixinglegs 52 are formed to protrude from the opposedsurface 51 a of themain body 51 toward the side of the fixing body first surface 41 a in the vertical direction. In the embodiment, two fixinglegs 52 are formed to be associated with the respective fixing holes 43 in theaccommodation case 4. The fixinglegs 52 are formed to be spaced away from each other in the array direction. Under the fixed condition, part of thedetection terminal 7 is disposed between the two fixinglegs 52. The fixinglegs 52 are inserted in the throughholes 22 in thebusbar 2 from the side of the conductorfirst surface 2 a and further inserted in the fixing holes 43 from the side of the fixing body first surface 41 a, to thereby have leading ends 52 a protruding to the side of the fixing bodysecond surface 41 b. The fixinglegs 52, before being fixed in place, specifically, before the external force acts thereon with heat being applied at the same time, are formed into cylindrical shapes including the leading ends 52 a as illustrated inFIG. 3 . The fixinglegs 52 each have a length in the vertical direction set to be longer than a total depth in the vertical direction of the throughholes 22 and the fixing holes 43. The fixinglegs 52 are formed, under the fixed condition, so as to have the leading ends 52 a disposed on the outside in a radial direction with respect to the fixing holes 43 when viewed in an axial direction of the fixing holes 43, specifically, when viewed in the vertical direction. In the embodiment, the fixinglegs 52 are each formed such that, under the fixed condition, the leadingend 52 a is formed into a hemispherical shape having a circumference of a diameter greater than a diameter of the fixinghole 43 when viewed in the vertical direction as illustrated inFIG. 4 . Specifically, each of the leading ends 52 a is disposed, when viewed in the vertical direction, so as to surround the circumference of the fixinghole 43. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1 to 5 , the fixingmember 6 fixes thepower cable terminal 3 to theaccommodation case 4. The fixingmember 6 is thermoplastic and is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin. Specifically, the fixingmember 6 is capable of plastic deformation by being heated and subjected to external force acting thereon. The fixingmember 6 includes amain body 61 and the fixinglegs 62. The fixingmember 6 has a basic configuration identical to a basic configuration of the fixingmember 5. - Part of the
power cable terminal 3 is sandwiched in the vertical direction between themain body 61 and the fixing body first surface 41 a. Thepower cable terminal 3 contacts themain body 61. In the embodiment, themain body 61 has a substantially flat plate shape. When viewed in the vertical direction, themain body 61 has a substantially rhombic shape having a longitudinal direction extending in the array direction. Themain body 61 has an opposedsurface 61 a that faces the conductorfirst surface 3 a. Theopposed surface 61 a is formed such that, under a fixed condition in which the fixingmember 6 fixes thepower cable terminal 3 to theaccommodation case 4, portions thereof near respective both ends in the array direction are in contact with the conductorfirst surface 3 a, resulting in the part of thepower cable terminal 3 being sandwiched between theopposed surface 61 a and the fixing body first surface 41 a. Themain body 61 is formed to have a center in the array direction protruding toward a side opposite to the conductorfirst surface 3 a in the vertical direction and is formed such that a portion of theopposed surface 61 a facing the protruding portion in the vertical direction is spaced away from the conductorfirst surface 3 a. Specifically, themain body 61 has a statusdetector inserting space 61 b (hereinafter referred to simply as a “space 61 b”) defined by theopposed surface 61 a and the conductorfirst surface 3 a at the center in the array direction. Thespace 61 b is formed into a substantially semi-arcuate shape as viewed in the width direction and communicates with the outside in the width direction. When viewed in the vertical direction, themain body 61 is formed to cover part of thecontact portion 31 of thepower cable terminal 3 disposed on the fixing body first surface 41 a. - The fixing
legs 62 are inserted in the fixing holes 44 and, under the fixed condition, are restricted from being pulled out of the fixing holes 44. The fixinglegs 62 are formed to protrude from the opposedsurface 61 a of themain body 61 toward the side of the fixing body first surface 41 a in the vertical direction. In the embodiment, two fixinglegs 62 are formed to be associated with the respective fixing holes 44 in theaccommodation case 4. The fixinglegs 62 are formed to be spaced away from each other in the array direction. Under the fixed condition, part of thepower cable terminal 3 is disposed between the two fixinglegs 62. The fixinglegs 62 are inserted in the fixing holes 44 from the side of the fixing body first surface 41 a, to thereby have leading ends 62 a protruding to the side of the fixing bodysecond surface 41 b. The fixinglegs 62, before being fixed in place, specifically, before the external force acts thereon with heat being applied at the same time, are formed into cylindrical shapes including the leading ends 62 a as illustrated inFIG. 3 . The fixinglegs 62 each have a length in the vertical direction set to be longer than a depth in the vertical direction of the fixing holes 44. The fixinglegs 62 are formed, under the fixed condition, so as to have the leading ends 62 a disposed on the outside in a radial direction with respect to the fixing holes 44 when viewed in an axial direction of the fixing holes 44, specifically, when viewed in the vertical direction. In the embodiment, the fixinglegs 62 are each formed such that, under the fixed condition, the leadingend 62 a is formed into a hemispherical shape having a circumference of a diameter greater than a diameter of the fixinghole 44 when viewed in the vertical direction as illustrated inFIG. 5 . Specifically, each of the leading ends 62 a is disposed, when viewed in the vertical direction, so as to surround the circumference of the fixinghole 44. - The
detection terminal 7 is a connection conductor. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5 , thedetection terminal 7 is electrically connected with one of the twoelectrode terminals 102 of thebattery cell 101. In the embodiment, thedetection terminal 7 is a second connection conductor different from thebusbar 2 as the first connection conductor. Thedetection terminal 7 is directly and electrically connected with one of the twoelectrode terminals 102 with which thebusbar 2 is directly and electrically connected. Thedetection terminal 7 is formed of an electrically conductive material, such as metal, into a flat plate shape. In the embodiment, thedetection terminal 7 is formed, when viewed in the vertical direction, into a plate shape having a longitudinal direction extending in the width direction and having a width in the array direction narrower on the side of thethird accommodation space 4 c than on the side of thefirst accommodation space 4 a. Thedetection terminal 7 is attached with a first end of thestatus detector 8 and includes acontact portion 71 and thebarrel portion 72 and has aterminal hole 73. - The
contact portion 71 contacts theelectrode terminal 102. Thecontact portion 71 has a first end in the width direction on the side of thepower cable 9 connected with thebarrel portion 72. Theterminal hole 73 is formed at a position near a second end opposite to the first end. - The
barrel portion 72 is directly and electrically connected with thestatus detector 8. Thebarrel portion 72 includes a pair ofinsulator crimping portions conductor crimping portions insulator crimping portions conductor crimping portions bottom plate 41 in the vertical direction. The pair ofinsulator crimping portions third accommodation space 4 c in the width direction with respect to the pair ofconductor crimping portions barrel portion 72, theinsulator crimping portions insulator 82 to be described later of thestatus detector 8 onto thedetection terminal 7 and theconductor crimping portions detection conductor 81 to be described later of thestatus detector 8 onto thedetection terminal 7. - The
terminal hole 73 receives theelectrode terminal 102 as a terminating electrode terminal inserted therein. Theterminal hole 73 passes through from the conductorfirst surface 7 a to a conductorsecond surface 7 b that are opposed to each other in the vertical direction. It is noted that thedetection terminal 7 is fixed to theelectrode terminal 102 together with thebusbar 2 as follows. Specifically, for example, under a condition in which theelectrode terminal 102 is inserted in theterminal hole 73, a nut not illustrated is threadedly engaged with thread grooves in the leading end of theelectrode terminal 102 protruding from the side of the conductorfirst surface 7 a of theterminal hole 73. - The
status detector 8 electrically connects theelectrode terminal 102 with a batterymodule monitoring unit 200 via thedetection terminal 7 as illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5 . Specifically, theconductor module 1 detects via the status detector 8 a status of thebattery cell 101 connected with thedetection terminal 7, specifically in the embodiment, voltage information and outputs the voltage information to the batterymodule monitoring unit 200. The batterymodule monitoring unit 200 represents a status detection device detecting the status of eachbattery cell 101. The batterymodule monitoring unit 200, for example, monitors the status of eachbattery cell 101 using the voltage information and notifies an operator who detects a fault in thebattery cell 101 of a fault. Additionally, the batterymodule monitoring unit 200 can output the acquired voltage information to a battery ECU that controls thebattery module 100. The battery ECU performs charge and discharge control of thebattery module 100 on the basis of the voltage information. Thestatus detector 8 includes thedetection conductor 81 and theinsulator 82. In the embodiment, thestatus detector 8 is a wire corresponding to thebusbar 2 and is integrally molded so as to cover thedetection conductor 81 in theinsulator 82. - The
detection conductor 81 electrically connects thedetection terminal 7 with the batterymodule monitoring unit 200. Thedetection conductor 81 is electrically conductive and deformable and is composed of a plurality of wires formed of, for example, copper or aluminum, stranded together. Thedetection conductor 81 has a first end directly and electrically connected with the conductorfirst surface 7 a and a second end electrically connected with the batterymodule monitoring unit 200 via a connector not illustrated. Part of theinsulator 82 covering the first end of thedetection conductor 81 is peeled off in advance to cause the first end of thedetection conductor 81 to be exposed to the outside from a leading end of theinsulator 82. - The
insulator 82 covers thedetection conductor 81. Theinsulator 82 is electrically insulative and elastically deformable. Theinsulator 82 is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin. Theinsulator 82 is formed to extend in the array direction. Theinsulator 82 is bent from the array direction in the width direction and disposed on the conductorfirst surface 7 a. - The following describes an assembly procedure for the
conductor module 1. It is noted that the following assembly procedure assumes that thepower cable 9 is electrically connected with thepower cable terminal 3 in advance and that thedetection terminal 7 is electrically connected with thestatus detector 8 in advance. As illustrated inFIG. 3 , an assembly operator first disposes thebusbar 2 with respect to theaccommodation case 4 such that the conductorsecond surface 2 b faces the fixing body first surface 41 a in thefirst accommodation space 4 a and such that the throughholes 22 in thebusbar 2 are aligned with the respective fixing holes 43 in the vertical direction. The assembly operator brings thebusbar 2 near to theaccommodation case 4, causing the conductorsecond surface 2 b to be in contact with the fixing body first surface 41 a. At this time, the throughholes 22 communicate with the respective fixing holes 43. The assembly operator next places thedetection terminal 7 on the conductorfirst surface 2 a of thebusbar 2 so that part of thedetection terminal 7 is disposed between the through holes 22. At this time, thedetection terminal 7 is accommodated in thefirst accommodation space 4 a and thestatus detector 8 is accommodated in thethird accommodation space 4 c. The assembly operator then disposes the fixingmember 5 with respect to thebusbar 2 such that theopposed surface 51 a faces the conductorfirst surface 2 a and such that the fixinglegs 52 of the fixingmember 5 are aligned with the respective throughholes 22 in thebusbar 2 in the vertical direction. At this time, the conductorfirst surface 7 a of thedetection terminal 7 placed on the conductorfirst surface 2 a of thebusbar 2 faces theopposed surface 51 a. The assembly operator then brings the fixingmember 5 close to thebusbar 2 in the vertical direction. At this time, the fixinglegs 52 are inserted in the respective throughholes 22 from the conductorfirst surface 2 a side and into the respective fixing holes 43, thus protruding from the fixing bodysecond surface 41 b side. Additionally, themain body 51 contacts thedetection terminal 7 under a condition in which themain body 51 presses thedetection terminal 7 and thebusbar 2 against the fixing body first surface 41 a. Next, thepower cable terminal 3 and theaccommodation case 4 are disposed such that thepower cable terminal 3 is disposed between the fixingholes 44 and such that the conductorsecond surface 3 b faces the fixing body first surface 41 a in thesecond accommodation space 4 b. Next, the assembly operator brings thepower cable terminal 3 close to theaccommodation case 4 so that the conductorsecond surface 3 b contacts the fixing body first surface 41 a. Then, the assembly operator disposes the fixingmember 6 with respect to theaccommodation case 4 such that theopposed surface 61 a faces the fixing body first surface 41 a and such that the fixinglegs 62 of the fixingmember 6 are aligned with the respective fixing holes 44 in the vertical direction. Then, the assembly operator brings the fixingmember 6 close to theaccommodation case 4 in the vertical direction. At this time, the fixinglegs 62 are inserted in the respective fixing holes 44 from the fixing body first surface 41 a side and protrude from the fixing bodysecond surface 41 b side. Additionally, themain body 61 contacts thepower cable terminal 3 under a condition in which themain body 61 presses thepower cable terminal 3 against the fixing body first surface 41 a. Then, the assembly operator applies external force toward theaccommodation case 4 side in the vertical direction, while heating the fixinglegs second surface 41 b of theaccommodation case 4. For example, under a condition in which a mold having formed therein in advance a transfer surface identical to shapes of the leading ends 52 a and 62 a under the fixed condition is heated, the assembly operator presses the leading ends 52 a and 62 a before the fixed condition toward theaccommodation case 4 side in the vertical direction. The foregoing step causes the leading ends 52 a and 62 a of the fixinglegs electrode terminals 102 are then inserted in the terminal holes, 21, 33, and 73 exposed outside theaccommodation case 4 through theopenings busbar 2, thepower cable terminal 3, and thedetection terminal 7, respectively, to thereby assemble theconductor module 1 with thebattery module 100. This completes the assembly of theconductor module 1 and the fixed condition is achieved in which thebusbar 2, thepower cable terminal 3, and thedetection terminal 7 are fixed to theaccommodation case 4 by the fixingmembers - As described above, the
conductor module 1 in the embodiment incorporates the fixingmembers busbar 2, thepower cable terminal 3, and thedetection terminal 7 to theaccommodation case 4 under the fixed condition. Specifically, theconductor module 1 fixes thebusbar 2, thepower cable terminal 3, and thedetection terminal 7 to theaccommodation case 4 using another element instead of theaccommodation case 4. Thus, when thebusbar 2, thepower cable terminal 3, and thedetection terminal 7 are to be fixed by theaccommodation case 4, theaccommodation case 4 does not require a function to fix thebusbar 2, thepower cable terminal 3, and thedetection terminal 7. Thus, theconductor module 1 is required only to form, in theaccommodation case 4, a space (thefirst accommodation space 4 a and thesecond accommodation space 4 b) having a total length in the vertical direction of the connection conductors (thebusbar 2, thepower cable terminal 3, and the detection terminal 7) and the fixingmembers accommodation case 4 can be promoted. The foregoing feature enables theconductor module 1 to achieve reduction in size. - In the
conductor module 1 in the embodiment, thebusbar 2 is fixed by the fixingmember 5 to theaccommodation case 4 under a condition in which the fixinglegs 52 are inserted in the respective throughholes 22 in thebusbar 2. Thus, theconductor module 1 enables thebusbar 2 to be reliably fixed to theaccommodation case 4, compared with a case in which thebusbar 2 is fixed to theaccommodation case 4 by the fixingmember 5 through part of thebusbar 2 being simply sandwiched between the fixinglegs 52. In addition, thebusbar 2 can be restricted from moving relative to theaccommodation case 4 in the array direction and the width direction, so that thebusbar 2 can be reliably positioned with respect to theaccommodation case 4. - In the
conductor module 1 in the embodiment, thebusbar 2 and thedetection terminal 7 are simultaneously fixed to theaccommodation case 4 by the fixingmember 5. Thus, theconductor module 1 enables a plurality of different connection conductors laminated one on top of another to be fixed to theaccommodation case 4 by asingle fixing member 5. Thus, theconductor module 1 enables a greater number ofconnection conductors accommodation case 4 by a smaller number of fixingmembers - In the
conductor module 1 in the embodiment, thebusbar 2 and thedetection terminal 7 to be fixed to asingle electrode terminal 102 are fixed to theaccommodation case 4 by asingle fixing member 5. This arrangement enables thebusbar 2 and thedetection terminal 7 fixed to theaccommodation case 4 to establish an electrical connection with anadjacent electrode terminal 102 and to establish an electrical connection between theelectrode terminal 102 and the batterymodule monitoring unit 200. - The
conductor module 1 in the embodiment has been described for a case in which one set of thebusbar 2 and thedetection terminal 7 is accommodated in theaccommodation case 4. The case is nonetheless illustrative only and not limiting. Theaccommodation case 4 may include a plurality offirst accommodation spaces 4 a defined therein and arrayed in the array direction. Each of thefirst accommodation spaces 4 a then may accommodate abusbar 2 and adetection terminal 7, and thebusbar 2 and thedetection terminal 7 may then be fixed to theaccommodation case 4 by the fixingmember 5. - The
conductor module 1 in the embodiment has been described for a case in which thebusbar 2 and thedetection terminal 7 are fixed to theaccommodation case 4 by the fixingmember 5. The case is nonetheless illustrative only and not limiting. Thefirst accommodation space 4 a may accommodate only thebusbar 2, and only thebusbar 2 may then be fixed to theaccommodation case 4 by the fixingmember 5. In this case, theopposed surface 51 a of the fixingmember 5 contacts the conductorfirst surface 2 a of thebusbar 2. - In the
conductor module 1 in the embodiment, the fixingmembers members legs second surface 41 b. Specifically, the fixinglegs - In the
conductor module 1 in the embodiment, theaccommodation case 4 has been described as the fixing body. The arrangement is, however, illustrative only and not limiting, and a flexible flat cable (FFC) or a flexible printed wiring board (FPC) may be used. - The conductor module in the aspect of the present embodiment includes the fixing member to fix the connection conductor to the fixing body. Thus, the fixing body does not require a function to fix the busbar. The aspect of the present embodiment can thus achieve an effect of promoting reduction in size.
- Although the invention has been described with respect to the specific embodiment for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art that fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.
Claims (4)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2016245832A JP6612207B2 (en) | 2016-12-19 | 2016-12-19 | Conductor module |
JP2016-245832 | 2016-12-19 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US10003151B1 US10003151B1 (en) | 2018-06-19 |
US20180175535A1 true US20180175535A1 (en) | 2018-06-21 |
Family
ID=62251802
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/725,483 Active US10003151B1 (en) | 2016-12-19 | 2017-10-05 | Conductor module |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US10003151B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6612207B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN108281600B (en) |
DE (1) | DE102017220078B4 (en) |
FR (1) | FR3060858B1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11271330B2 (en) | 2019-01-21 | 2022-03-08 | Royal Precision Products, Llc | Power distribution assembly with boltless busbar system |
US11488742B2 (en) | 2019-09-09 | 2022-11-01 | Eaton Intelligent Power Limited | Electrical busbar and method of fabricating the same |
EP4050736A4 (en) * | 2020-01-23 | 2022-12-14 | LG Energy Solution, Ltd. | Battery pack including ring terminal to be coupled without regard to direction |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP6469062B2 (en) * | 2016-09-30 | 2019-02-13 | 株式会社オートネットワーク技術研究所 | Connection module |
CN109768417B (en) * | 2018-12-27 | 2021-06-04 | 华为技术有限公司 | Connector seat, connector, back plate and communication equipment |
JP6824361B1 (en) * | 2019-10-25 | 2021-02-03 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Inverter device |
US20220394855A1 (en) * | 2019-10-31 | 2022-12-08 | Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd. | Flexible printed circuit board, wiring module, flexible printed circuit board including terminal, and power storage module |
Family Cites Families (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5223607A (en) | 1975-08-19 | 1977-02-22 | Japanese National Railways<Jnr> | Magnetic railway for thyristor linear motor |
GB2095924B (en) | 1981-03-19 | 1984-12-19 | Bicc Plc | An electric plug |
JPH05223607A (en) | 1992-02-07 | 1993-08-31 | Toshiba Corp | Electromagnetic flowmeter |
JP4869571B2 (en) * | 2004-07-29 | 2012-02-08 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Connection terminal structure |
JP4639819B2 (en) * | 2005-01-21 | 2011-02-23 | ソニー株式会社 | Battery pack |
JP5044934B2 (en) * | 2005-01-21 | 2012-10-10 | ソニー株式会社 | Battery pack |
JP4379467B2 (en) * | 2006-12-11 | 2009-12-09 | 日産自動車株式会社 | Battery module |
DE102008020511A1 (en) * | 2008-04-23 | 2009-11-05 | Mc Technology Gmbh | Contact element for a connection terminal, connection terminal and jumper for a contact element |
JP5223607B2 (en) | 2008-11-10 | 2013-06-26 | 株式会社デンソー | High voltage detection module device for battery pack |
JP5443097B2 (en) * | 2009-08-18 | 2014-03-19 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Power supply |
JP2012059658A (en) * | 2010-09-13 | 2012-03-22 | Auto Network Gijutsu Kenkyusho:Kk | Bus bar |
JP5810697B2 (en) * | 2011-07-19 | 2015-11-11 | 株式会社オートネットワーク技術研究所 | Battery wiring module |
JP5803630B2 (en) * | 2011-12-06 | 2015-11-04 | 株式会社オートネットワーク技術研究所 | Battery wiring module |
JP6134196B2 (en) * | 2013-05-07 | 2017-05-24 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Bus bar module and power supply |
CN203415641U (en) * | 2013-06-08 | 2014-01-29 | 天津力神电池股份有限公司 | Connection structure for sampling lines of bus bar in battery pack |
KR101720614B1 (en) * | 2013-08-30 | 2017-03-28 | 삼성에스디아이 주식회사 | Battery pack |
KR102084098B1 (en) * | 2013-09-23 | 2020-03-04 | 삼성에스디아이 주식회사 | Battery module having holder |
JP2015069772A (en) * | 2013-09-27 | 2015-04-13 | オムロン株式会社 | Connection structure of lead wire and electronic apparatus using the same |
US9461377B2 (en) * | 2014-10-27 | 2016-10-04 | Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd. | Battery tap electrical connector |
JP6085589B2 (en) * | 2014-12-15 | 2017-02-22 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Battery wiring module |
JP6390441B2 (en) * | 2015-01-21 | 2018-09-19 | 株式会社オートネットワーク技術研究所 | Connection module |
JP6488179B2 (en) * | 2015-04-24 | 2019-03-20 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Flat cable with plate conductor |
JP6639112B2 (en) * | 2015-06-05 | 2020-02-05 | アロイ工業株式会社 | Lead tab connection structure and connector for laminated battery |
JP6782136B2 (en) * | 2016-09-26 | 2020-11-11 | 株式会社エンビジョンAescジャパン | Spacer and battery pack |
-
2016
- 2016-12-19 JP JP2016245832A patent/JP6612207B2/en active Active
-
2017
- 2017-10-05 US US15/725,483 patent/US10003151B1/en active Active
- 2017-11-10 DE DE102017220078.2A patent/DE102017220078B4/en active Active
- 2017-12-13 FR FR1762025A patent/FR3060858B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2017-12-18 CN CN201711364983.7A patent/CN108281600B/en active Active
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11271330B2 (en) | 2019-01-21 | 2022-03-08 | Royal Precision Products, Llc | Power distribution assembly with boltless busbar system |
US11990720B2 (en) | 2019-01-21 | 2024-05-21 | Eaton Intelligent Power Limited | Power distribution assembly with boltless busbar system |
US11488742B2 (en) | 2019-09-09 | 2022-11-01 | Eaton Intelligent Power Limited | Electrical busbar and method of fabricating the same |
US11862358B2 (en) | 2019-09-09 | 2024-01-02 | Eaton Intelligent Power Limited | Electrical busbar and method of fabricating the same |
EP4050736A4 (en) * | 2020-01-23 | 2022-12-14 | LG Energy Solution, Ltd. | Battery pack including ring terminal to be coupled without regard to direction |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2018101513A (en) | 2018-06-28 |
DE102017220078A1 (en) | 2018-06-21 |
CN108281600A (en) | 2018-07-13 |
JP6612207B2 (en) | 2019-11-27 |
FR3060858A1 (en) | 2018-06-22 |
FR3060858B1 (en) | 2020-10-02 |
US10003151B1 (en) | 2018-06-19 |
DE102017220078B4 (en) | 2022-09-29 |
CN108281600B (en) | 2020-10-16 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10003151B1 (en) | Conductor module | |
CN110024176B (en) | Conductor module for terminal | |
EP2899809B1 (en) | Connecting structure for bus bar and electrical wire | |
US7611384B2 (en) | Battery terminal connector | |
US20160126601A1 (en) | Attachment structure for temperature detector | |
US10601017B2 (en) | Conductor module | |
US9853280B2 (en) | Terminal assembly with a multi-wire planar cable | |
EP3109922B1 (en) | Battery cell interconnection and voltage sensing assembly, and battery module | |
JP2012226969A (en) | Battery module harness and battery module | |
US10347895B2 (en) | Conductive member module and battery pack | |
US20150380699A1 (en) | Power supply apparatus | |
KR102327042B1 (en) | Connection arrangement for connecting at least one voltage source and/or voltage sink which is in the form of a cell to an external electrical component and electrical arrangement comprising a connection arrangement | |
JP2019520686A (en) | Connector assembly for battery system | |
KR102589964B1 (en) | Connector for battery pack and battery pack including the same | |
JP2019204597A (en) | Wiring module | |
US11095003B2 (en) | Energy storage apparatus | |
JP2023060405A (en) | Bus bar | |
KR20230057270A (en) | Battery system comprising cylindrical battery cells and a temperature sensor and method of installing the same | |
JP2021140865A (en) | Conductive module |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: YAZAKI CORPORATION, JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SATO, KATSUNORI;GOTO, TAKUTO;YANAGIHARA, SHINICHI;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20170918 TO 20170921;REEL/FRAME:043793/0587 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: YAZAKI CORPORATION, JAPAN Free format text: CHANGE OF ADDRESS;ASSIGNOR:YAZAKI CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:063845/0802 Effective date: 20230331 |