Power supply system and connection structure of connection terminals and busbars

Abstract

The busbar (10A1) is configured such that the surface of the first terminal portion (11) is indirectly in contact with the connecting terminal (811), and the surface of the second terminal portion (12) is directly in contact with the connecting terminal (821). The busbar (10B1) is configured such that the surface of the first terminal portion (11) is indirectly in contact with the connecting terminal (821), and the surface of the second terminal portion (12) of the busbar (10B1) is directly connected to the connecting terminal (831). In a direction parallel to the surfaces of the connecting terminals (811, 821, 831), the joint portion (13) of the busbar (10A1) and the joint portion (13) of the busbar (10B1) are configured at positions sandwiching the connecting terminals (811, 821, 831).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection structure between a bus bar and a terminal, and a power supply system including the connection structure. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a structure in which two types of bus bars are used to connect multiple power modules. The multiple power modules are arranged in a predetermined pattern, and the two types of bus bars are selectively used based on the shapes of the connection points in the arrangement pattern.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-5570 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, there are multiple types of bus bars having different structures and different mounting methods, so the connection work becomes complicated.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connection structure between a bus bar and a terminal, which facilitates connection workability.

[0009] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0010] The power supply system of the present invention comprises a plurality of power supply modules, a first power supply module, a second power supply module, and a third power supply module, arranged in sequence in a given direction, a first bus bar, and a second bus bar. The first bus bar connects the first power supply module and the second power supply module. The second bus bar connects the second power supply module and the third power supply module. The first power supply module comprises a first connection terminal having a first surface perpendicular to the given direction. The second power supply module comprises a second connection terminal having a second surface perpendicular to the given direction. The third power supply module comprises a third connection terminal having a third surface perpendicular to the given direction.

[0011] The first busbar and the second busbar each include a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion having a pair of opposing surfaces, and a joint portion connecting the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion so that the surface of the first terminal portion and the surface of the second terminal portion face each other. The first busbar is configured so that the surface of the first terminal portion of the first busbar is in contact with the first surface of the first connecting terminal, and the surface of the second terminal portion of the first busbar is directly or indirectly in contact with the second surface of the second connecting terminal. The second busbar is configured so that the surface of the first terminal portion of the second busbar is directly or indirectly in contact with the second surface of the second connecting terminal, and the surface of the second terminal portion of the second busbar is directly or indirectly in contact with the third surface of the third connecting terminal. In a direction parallel to the first surface, the joint portion of the first busbar and the joint portion of the second busbar are configured at a position sandwiching the first connecting terminal, the second connecting terminal, and the third connecting terminal.

[0012] In this configuration, a plurality of power modules are connected via a plurality of bus bars having the same positional relationship between the first terminal portions and the second terminal portions.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, the connection work between the bus bar and the terminal can be facilitated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 These are five views of the bus bar according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the bus bar according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a part of the configuration of the power supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a formation portion of a connection terminal in a battery module used in a power supply system.

[0019] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the connection structure between the bus bar and the connection terminal.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a part of another configuration of the power supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 These are five views of the bus bar according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a connection method of bus bars according to the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9These are five views of a bus bar according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] (First embodiment)

[0025] A power supply system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment uses the power supply system as an example. However, the following structure and effects can be applied not only to power supply systems, as long as a connection structure is provided that connects multiple power modules arranged at predetermined intervals using multiple bus bars.

[0026] (Structure of Bus Bar 10 )

[0027] Figure 1 These are five views of the bus bar according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 (A) is the first top view, Figure 1 (B) is the first side view, Figure 1 (C) is the second top view, Figure 1 (D) is the second side view, Figure 1 (E) is the third side view. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the bus bar according to the first embodiment.

[0028] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the bus bar 10 includes a first terminal portion 11, a second terminal portion 12, and a joint portion 13. The first terminal portion 11 and the second terminal portion 12 are connected by the joint portion 13. The first terminal portion 11, the second terminal portion 12, and the joint portion 13 are integrally formed.

[0029] The first terminal portion 11 is a rectangular flat plate having a flat plate surface 111 and a flat plate surface 112 parallel to the xb axis and the yb axis. The first terminal portion 11 has a thickness direction in the zb axis.

[0030] A plurality of through holes 101 are formed in the first terminal portion 11. The plurality of through holes 101 are arranged in the xb-axis direction and the yb-axis direction. Three of the plurality of through holes 101 are arranged in the yb-axis direction, and two are arranged in the xb-axis direction. The plurality of through holes 101 are arranged at intervals PL in the yb-axis direction and at intervals PW in the xb-axis direction. Regarding the plurality of through holes 101, the first group and the second group of three through holes 101 arranged in the yb-axis direction are arranged in a line-symmetrical relationship with respect to a center line in the first terminal portion 11 parallel to the yb-axis direction. In addition, the number and arrangement of the through holes 101 are not limited thereto.

[0031] The second terminal portion 12 is a rectangular flat plate having a flat plate surface 121 and a flat plate surface 122 parallel to the xb axis and the yb axis.

[0032] A plurality of through-holes 102 are formed in the second terminal portion 12. The through-holes 102 are arranged in the xb-axis direction and the yb-axis direction. Three through-holes 102 are arranged in the yb-axis direction, and two are arranged in the xb-axis direction. The arrangement pattern of the through-holes 102 relative to the second terminal portion 12 is the same as the arrangement pattern of the through-holes 101 relative to the first terminal portion 11. The number and arrangement of the through-holes 102 are not limited to this, but are the same as the number and arrangement of the through-holes 101.

[0033] The connector portion 13 is a rectangular flat plate having a flat surface 131 and a flat surface 132 parallel to the xb-axis and the zb-axis. That is, the connector portion 13 has its thickness oriented in the yb-axis. Thus, the flat surfaces 131 and 132 of the connector portion 13 are orthogonal to the flat surfaces 111 and 112 of the first terminal portion 11 and the flat surfaces 121 and 122 of the second terminal portion 12.

[0034] The joint portion 13 is connected to one end of the first terminal portion 11 in the yb-axis direction, and is also connected to one end of the second terminal portion 12 in the yb-axis direction.

[0035] The first terminal portion 11 and the second terminal portion 12 overlap in a plan view. At this time, the plurality of through holes 101 and the plurality of through holes 102 are in the same position in a plan view.

[0036] The flat surface 112 of the first terminal portion 11 faces the flat surface 122 of the second terminal portion 12. The flat surface 132 of the connector portion 13 faces the first terminal portion 11 and the second terminal portion 12.

[0037] The bus bar 10 of this shape can be formed, for example, from a rectangular flat plate having a predetermined rigidity. The bus bar 10 can be formed by bending the flat plate at two locations in the middle of the long side thereof by approximately 90 degrees.

[0038] (Power supply system structure)

[0039] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a part of the configuration of the power supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This diagram shows the formation of connection terminals in a battery module used in a power supply system. The connection terminals are, for example, terminals for inputting or outputting voltage. Furthermore, the connection terminals are electrically connected to bus bars. Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the connection structure between the bus bar and the connection terminal.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the power supply system includes a power module 80, multiple battery modules, and multiple bus bars. The multiple battery modules correspond to the "power module" of the present invention. Here, an example is shown in which the multiple battery modules include battery module 81, battery module 82, and battery module 83, and the multiple bus bars include power supply bus bar 71, power supply bus bar 72, bus bar 10A1, bus bar 10A2, bus bar 10B1, and bus bar 10B2. Bus bars 10A1 and 10A2 correspond to the "first bus bar" of the present invention, and bus bars 10B1 and 10B2 correspond to the "second bus bar" of the present invention.

[0041] The power module 80, battery module 81, battery module 82, and battery module 83 each have a rectangular parallelepiped housing and are arranged side by side with respect to the bracket 90. More specifically, along the vertical direction (zs-axis direction), the power module 80, battery module 81, battery module 82, and battery module 83 are arranged in this order from the top, spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

[0042] The power module 80 includes a power supply circuit, etc. The battery module 81 , the battery module 82 , and the battery module 83 each include a capacitor for storing electricity, etc.

[0043] The power module 80 includes a flat-plate connection terminal 801 and a flat-plate connection terminal 802. The flat surfaces of the connection terminals 801 and 802 are perpendicular to the vertical direction (zs-axis direction). In other words, the connection terminals 801 and 802 are parallel to the xs-axis and ys-axis directions. The connection terminals 801 and 802 are located at different positions along the xs-axis direction. For example, the power module 80 includes an AC-DC power converter that converts AC power input from an AC power source into DC power for output, and a DC-DC power converter that converts the voltage of DC power input from a DC power source into another DC power source for output.

[0044] Battery modules 81, 82, and 83 have the same structure. However, battery modules 81, 82, and 83 only need to have the same connection terminal structure. The battery modules include, for example, power supply modules that have internal batteries and output DC power.

[0045] The battery module 81 includes a flat connection terminal 811 and a connection terminal 812. More specifically, Figure 4As shown, the flat surfaces of connection terminals 811 and 812 are perpendicular to the vertical direction (zs-axis direction). Connection terminals 811 and 812 are arranged at different positions in the xs-axis direction and at approximately the same position in the ys-axis and zs-axis directions. Connection terminals 811 and 812 have approximately the same shape as the first terminal portion 11 and the second terminal portion 12 of busbar 10.

[0046] The connection terminal 811 is formed with a plurality of through-holes 891 that extend through the connection terminal 811 in the zs-axis direction. The connection terminal 812 is formed with a plurality of through-holes 892 that extend through the connection terminal 812 in the zs-axis direction. The pattern of the plurality of through-holes 891 and the plurality of through-holes 892 is the same as the pattern of the plurality of through-holes 101 and the plurality of through-holes 102 of the bus bar 10.

[0047] Battery module 82 includes two flat connection terminals 821 and 822. The flat surfaces of connection terminals 821 and 822 are perpendicular to the vertical direction (zs-axis direction). The structures of connection terminals 821 and 822 are identical to those of connection terminals 811 and 812, and their detailed description is omitted.

[0048] Battery module 83 includes two flat connection terminals 831 and 832. The flat surfaces of connection terminals 831 and 832 are perpendicular to the vertical direction (zs-axis direction). The structures of connection terminals 831 and 832 are identical to those of connection terminals 811 and 812, and their detailed description is omitted.

[0049] The connection terminals 811 of battery module 81, 821 of battery module 82, and 831 of battery module 83 overlap in a plan view (as viewed in the zs-axis direction). In other words, the connection terminals 811, 821, and 831 are positioned identically in the xs-axis and ys-axis directions.

[0050] The connection terminals 812 of battery module 81, 822 of battery module 82, and 832 of battery module 83 overlap in a plan view (as viewed in the zs-axis direction). In other words, the connection terminals 812, 822, and 832 are positioned identically in the xs-axis and ys-axis directions.

[0051] Furthermore, in power supply system 1, connection terminal 801 of power module 80 overlaps with connection terminal 811 in a plan view (as viewed in the zs-axis direction). In other words, connection terminal 801 and connection terminal 811 are positioned identically in the xs-axis and ys-axis directions. Furthermore, in power supply system 1, connection terminal 802 of power module 80 overlaps with connection terminal 812 in a plan view (as viewed in the zs-axis direction). In other words, connection terminal 802 and connection terminal 812 are positioned identically in the xs-axis and ys-axis directions. The positional relationship between the connection terminals of power module 80 and those of battery modules 81, 82, and 83 is not limited to this.

[0052] (Connection method of power module 80 and battery module 81)

[0053] ･Positive side

[0054] The connection terminal 801 of the power module 80 and the connection terminal 811 of the battery module 81 are connected via the power bus bar 71. More specifically, the power bus bar 71 has two terminal portions parallel to the xs-axis and ys-axis directions, and a joint portion connecting them and extending in the zs-axis direction. One terminal portion of the power bus bar 71 is opposite to and in contact with the surface of the connection terminal 801 and is fixed by a plurality of bolts 99 inserted into a plurality of through holes. The other terminal portion of the power bus bar 71 is opposite to the upper surface (the surface on the power module 80 side) of the connection terminal 811. Since the power bus bar 71 and the connection terminal 801 are in contact with each other, it is easy to fix the positional relationship between the two, and the operation of fixing the bolts 99 becomes easier.

[0055] ･Negative side

[0056] The connection terminals 802 of the power module 80 and the connection terminals 812 of the battery module 81 are connected via a power busbar 72. More specifically, the power busbar 72 includes two terminal portions parallel to the xs and ys axes, and a connector portion connecting them and extending in the zs axis. One terminal portion of the power busbar 72 faces and contacts the surface of the connection terminal 802 and is secured thereto by a plurality of bolts 99 inserted into a plurality of through-holes. The other terminal portion of the power busbar 72 faces the upper surface (the surface facing the power module 80) of the connection terminal 812.

[0057] (Connection method of battery module 81 and battery module 82)

[0058] ･Positive side

[0059] The connection terminal 811 of the battery module 81 (corresponding to the "first connection terminal" of the present invention) and the connection terminal 821 of the battery module 82 (corresponding to the "second connection terminal" of the present invention) are connected via the bus bar 10A1. Figure 5 More specifically, the flat surface 112 of the first terminal portion 11 of the busbar 10A1 faces and contacts the surface of the power busbar 71. Specifically, the other terminal portion of the power busbar 71 is placed in contact with the top surface of the connection terminal 811 (corresponding to the "first surface" in this disclosure), and the first terminal portion 11 of the busbar 10A1 is placed in contact with the other terminal portion of the power busbar 71. The connection terminal 811, the other terminal portion of the power busbar 71, and the first terminal portion 11 of the busbar 10A1 are then secured together using a plurality of bolts 99 inserted through a plurality of through-holes.

[0060] The flat surface 121 of the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10A1 faces and contacts the upper surface of the connecting terminal 821 (the surface facing the battery module 81 relative to the battery module 82 (corresponding to the "second surface" in the present invention)). In other words, the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10A1 directly contacts the connecting terminal 821. The flat surface 112 of the first terminal portion 11 of the bus bar 10B1, described later, faces and contacts the flat surface 122 of the second terminal portion 12. The connecting terminal 821, the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10A1, and the first terminal portion 11 of the bus bar 10B1 are then secured together using a plurality of bolts 99 inserted through a plurality of through-holes.

[0061] At this time, the bus bar 10A1 is arranged so that the joint portion 13 is located on the opposite side of the joint portion of the power supply bus bar 71 in the xs-axis direction with reference to the connection terminal 811 .

[0062] ･Negative side

[0063] The connection terminals 812 of the battery module 81 (corresponding to the "first connection terminal" in this disclosure) and the connection terminals 822 of the battery module 82 (corresponding to the "second connection terminal" in this disclosure) are connected via busbar 10A2. More specifically, the flat surface 112 of the first terminal portion 11 of busbar 10A2 faces and contacts the surface of the power busbar 72. The power busbar 72 contacts the top surface (corresponding to the "first surface" in this disclosure) of the connection terminal 812. The connection terminals 812, the other terminal portion of the power busbar 72, and the first terminal portion 11 of the busbar 10A2 are then secured together using a plurality of bolts 99 inserted through a plurality of through-holes.

[0064] The flat surface 121 of the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10A2 is opposed to and in contact with the upper surface of the connecting terminal 822 (the surface facing the battery module 81 relative to the battery module 82 (the "second surface" in the present invention)). In other words, the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10A2 is directly in contact with the connecting terminal 822. The flat surface 112 of the first terminal portion 11 of the bus bar 10B2, described later, is opposed to and in contact with the flat surface 122 of the second terminal portion 12. The connecting terminal 822, the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10A2, and the first terminal portion 11 of the bus bar 10B2 are then secured together by a plurality of bolts 99 inserted through a plurality of through-holes.

[0065] At this time, the bus bar 10A2 is arranged so that the joint portion 13 is located on the opposite side of the joint portion of the power supply bus bar 72 in the xs-axis direction with reference to the connection terminal 812 .

[0066] (Connection method of battery module 82 and battery module 83)

[0067] ･Positive side

[0068] The connection terminal 821 of the battery module 82 (corresponding to the "second connection terminal" in this disclosure) and the connection terminal 831 of the battery module 83 (corresponding to the "third connection terminal" in this disclosure) are connected via bus bar 10B1. More specifically, the flat surface 112 of the first terminal portion 11 of bus bar 10B1 faces the connection terminal 821 and the second terminal portion 12 of bus bar 10A1, and is in contact with the second terminal portion 12 of bus bar 10A1. Specifically, the second terminal portion 12 of bus bar 10A1 is disposed in contact with the upper surface (corresponding to the "second surface" in this disclosure) of the connection terminal 821, and the first terminal portion 11 of bus bar 10B1 is disposed in contact with the second terminal portion 12 of bus bar 10A1. In other words, the first terminal portion 11 of bus bar 10B1 is indirectly in contact with the connection terminal 821. Then, these connection terminals 821 , the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10A1 , and the first terminal portion 11 of the bus bar 10B1 are fixed by a plurality of bolts 99 inserted into a plurality of through holes.

[0069] The flat surface 121 of the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10B1 faces and contacts the upper surface of the connecting terminal 831 (the surface facing the battery module 82 relative to the battery module 83 (corresponding to the "third surface" in this disclosure)). In other words, the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10B1 is directly in contact with the connecting terminal 831. The connecting terminal 831 and the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10B1 are then secured together by a plurality of bolts 99 inserted through a plurality of through-holes.

[0070] At this time, the bus bar 10B1 is arranged so that the joint portion 13 is located on the opposite side of the joint portion of the bus bar 10A1 in the xs-axis direction with reference to the connection terminal 821 .

[0071] ･Negative side

[0072] The connection terminal 822 of the battery module 82 (corresponding to the "second connection terminal" in this disclosure) and the connection terminal 832 of the battery module 83 (corresponding to the "third connection terminal" in this disclosure) are connected via bus bar 10B2. More specifically, the flat surface 112 of the first terminal portion 11 of bus bar 10B2 faces the connection terminal 822 and the second terminal portion 12 of bus bar 10A2, and is in contact with the second terminal portion 12 of bus bar 10A2. Specifically, the second terminal portion 12 of bus bar 10A2 is disposed in contact with the upper surface (corresponding to the "second surface" in this disclosure) of the connection terminal 822, and the first terminal portion 11 of bus bar 10B2 is disposed in contact with the second terminal portion 12 of bus bar 10A2. In other words, the first terminal portion 11 of bus bar 10B2 is indirectly in contact with the connection terminal 822. Then, these connection terminals 822 , the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10A2 , and the first terminal portion 11 of the bus bar 10B2 are fixed by a plurality of bolts 99 inserted into a plurality of through holes.

[0073] The flat surface 121 of the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10B2 faces and contacts the upper surface of the connecting terminal 832 (the surface facing the battery module 82 relative to the battery module 83 (corresponding to the "third surface" in this disclosure)). In other words, the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10B2 is directly in contact with the connecting terminal 832. The connecting terminal 832 and the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10B2 are then secured together by a plurality of bolts 99 inserted through a plurality of through-holes.

[0074] At this time, the bus bar 10B2 is arranged so that the joint portion 13 is located on the opposite side of the joint portion of the bus bar 10A2 in the xs-axis direction with reference to the connection terminal 822 .

[0075] As described above, in the structure of this embodiment, multiple battery modules 81, 82, and 83, each comprising three or more, are connected via multiple bus bars 10A1, 10A2, 10B1, and 10B2. Furthermore, the multiple bus bars 10A1, 10A2, 10B1, and 10B2 have the same shape. This allows operators to easily connect the multiple battery modules 81, 82, and 83.

[0076] In particular, the bus bars 10A1 , 10A2 , 10B1 , and 10B2 have a concave shape formed by bending a flat plate at two locations. Therefore, by sequentially reversing the directions of the concave shapes, the multiple connection terminals arranged at equal intervals can be easily connected.

[0077] Furthermore, in this structure, the connection surfaces between the connecting portions of the bus bars 10A1, 10A2, 10B1, and 10B2 and the connection terminals of the battery modules 81, 82, and 83 are perpendicular to the vertical direction. Consequently, when fastening the bus bars 10A1, 10A2, 10B1, and 10B2 to the connection terminals of the battery modules 81, 82, and 83 using bolts 99, the operator simply inserts the bolts 99 into the through-holes from above. This facilitates the fastening operation and prevents the bolts 99 from falling during the fastening operation.

[0078] Furthermore, since the bus bar has a single shape, the cost of the power supply system 1 can be reduced, and the operator can easily perform the connection work without confusion.

[0079] Furthermore, in this structure, the busbars 10A1 and 10B1 are directly connected, and the busbars 10A2 and 10B2 are directly connected. This prevents the current path from becoming unnecessarily long, and thus reduces current transmission loss.

[0080] Furthermore, in this structure, the bus bars are fixed to the connection terminals in order from closest to the power module 80. Therefore, when a new battery module is added, the additional bus bars can be easily installed.

[0081] (Another way of connecting the power supply system)

[0082] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing a portion of another configuration of the power supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, the power supply system 1A according to the first embodiment differs from the power supply system 1 according to the first embodiment in the connection method on the negative electrode side. The rest of the configuration of the power supply system 1A is the same as that of the power supply system 1, and description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0083] In power supply system 1A, connection terminal 802 of power module 80 and battery module 81 are connected by power bus bar 72A. Power bus bar 72A is arranged so that the joint portion is opposite to the connection terminal 801 side with respect to connection terminal 802.

[0084] In this case, the bus bar 10A2 is arranged so that the joint portion 13 is on the connection terminal 811 side with respect to the connection terminal 812. The bus bar 10B2 is arranged so that the joint portion 13 is on the opposite side to the connection terminal 821 side with respect to the connection terminal 822.

[0085] By using the structure of the present invention as described above, the arrangement of the multiple bus bars can be adjusted according to the arrangement of the power bus bars, making it easy to connect multiple battery modules 81, 82, and 83. In other words, multiple battery modules 81, 82, and 83 can be easily connected without changing the shape of the bus bars according to the arrangement of the power bus bars.

[0086] (Second embodiment)

[0087] The configuration of a bus bar in a power supply system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 7 These are five views of the bus bar according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 (A) is the first top view, Figure 7 (B) is the first side view, Figure 7 (C) is the second top view, Figure 7 (D) is the second side view, Figure 7 (E) is the third side view.

[0088] like Figure 7 As shown, the bus bar 10A according to the second embodiment differs from the bus bar 10 according to the first embodiment in the structure of the joint portion 13A. The rest of the structure of the bus bar 10A is the same as that of the bus bar 10, and description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0089] The joint portion 13A has multiple curved portions (CV). Specifically, the joint portion 13A has a so-called clamp shape, corresponding to the "adjustment portion" of the present invention. This structure allows the joint portion 13A to adjust the distance between the first terminal portion 11 and the second terminal portion 12 using an external force. This allows for more reliable connection between the connection terminals of adjacent battery modules, even if the distances between the connection terminals vary.

[0090] In bus bar 10A, connector 13A has multiple curved portions (CV) that are recessed toward first terminal portion 11 and second terminal portion 12 (surface 132A). However, connector 13A may also have a shape that is recessed toward surface 131A (bulging outward). However, by having a shape that is recessed toward surface 132A, a clamping shape can be achieved without changing the outer dimensions of bus bar 10A.

[0091] In the above description, the adjustment portion is realized by a jig shape. However, the configuration is not limited to a jig shape, and any configuration that can adjust the distance between the first terminal portion 11 and the second terminal portion 12 can be applied to the connector portion 13A.

[0092] Figure 8This is a diagram showing an example of a connection method of bus bars according to the second embodiment.

[0093] like Figure 8 As shown, the power supply system 1B according to the second embodiment is Figure 3 The power supply system 1 according to the first embodiment shown differs in that busbar 10A1 is replaced with busbar 10A11 and busbar 10A2 is replaced with busbar 10A21. The rest of the configuration of power supply system 1B is the same as that of power supply system 1, and description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0094] The bus bar 10A11 and the bus bar 10A21 have the structure of the bus bar 10A.

[0095] ･Positive side

[0096] The connection terminal 811 of the battery module 81 and the connection terminal 821 of the battery module 82 are connected by the bus bar 10A11. Figure 8 More specifically, the flat surface 112 of the first terminal portion 11 of the busbar 10A11 faces and contacts the surface of the power busbar 71. Specifically, the connecting terminal 811 is positioned against the other terminal portion of the power busbar 71, and the first terminal portion 11 of the busbar 10A11 is positioned against the other terminal portion of the power busbar 71. The connecting terminal 811, the other terminal portion of the power busbar 71, and the first terminal portion 11 of the busbar 10A11 are then secured together by a plurality of bolts 99 inserted through a plurality of through-holes.

[0097] The flat surface 121 of the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10A11 faces and contacts the upper surface of the connection terminal 821 (the surface facing the battery module 81 relative to the battery module 82). The flat surface 112 of the first terminal portion 11 of the bus bar 10B1, described later, faces and contacts the flat surface 122 of the second terminal portion 12. The connection terminal 821, the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10A11, and the first terminal portion 11 of the bus bar 10B1 are then secured together using a plurality of bolts 99 inserted through a plurality of through-holes.

[0098] At this time, the bus bar 10A11 is arranged so that the joint portion 13 is located on the opposite side of the joint portion of the power supply bus bar 71 in the xs-axis direction with reference to the connection terminal 811 .

[0099] ･Negative side

[0100] The connection terminals 812 of the battery module 81 and the connection terminals 822 of the battery module 82 are connected via a bus bar 10A21. More specifically, the flat surface 112 of the first terminal portion 11 of the bus bar 10A21 faces and contacts the surface of the power bus bar 72. The connection terminals 812, the other terminal portion of the power bus bar 72, and the first terminal portion 11 of the bus bar 10A21 are then secured together using a plurality of bolts 99 inserted through a plurality of through-holes.

[0101] The flat surface 121 of the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10A21 faces and contacts the upper surface of the connection terminal 822 (the surface on the battery module 81 side relative to the battery module 82). The flat surface 112 of the first terminal portion 11 of the bus bar 10B2, described later, faces and contacts the flat surface 122 of the second terminal portion 12. The connection terminal 822, the second terminal portion 12 of the bus bar 10A21, and the first terminal portion 11 of the bus bar 10B2 are then secured together using a plurality of bolts 99 inserted through a plurality of through-holes.

[0102] At this time, the bus bar 10A21 is arranged so that the joint portion 13 is located on the opposite side of the joint portion of the power supply bus bar 72 in the xs-axis direction with reference to the connection terminal 812 .

[0103] Thus, in power supply system 1B, multiple battery modules 81 and 82 are connected using bus bars 10A11 and 10A21 having the shape of bus bar 10A, and multiple battery modules 82 and 83 are connected using bus bars 10B1 and 10B2 having the shape of bus bar 10.

[0104] Therefore, in the power supply system 1B, as long as there is a first terminal portion 11 and a second terminal portion 12, and the positional relationship between the first terminal portion 11 and the second terminal portion 12 is the same, even if the shape of the connector portion is different, it can be used as a similar bus bar to connect multiple battery modules 81, 82, and 83.

[0105] Furthermore, the power supply system 1B strictly speaking has a different shape, but by using the same type of bus bars under the above concept, more diverse connection methods can be achieved according to the arrangement of the plurality of battery modules 81 , 82 , 83 .

[0106] In addition, although this embodiment shows a mode in which bus bars of the same shape are used on the positive electrode side and the negative electrode side, bus bars of different shapes may be used on the positive electrode side and the negative electrode side.

[0107] (Third embodiment)

[0108] The configuration of a bus bar in a power supply system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 9These are five views of a bus bar according to a third embodiment. Figure 9 (A) is the first top view, Figure 9 (B) is the first side view, Figure 9 (C) is the second top view, Figure 9 (D) is the second side view, Figure 9 (E) is the third side view.

[0109] like Figure 9 As shown, the bus bar 10B according to the third embodiment differs from the bus bar 10 according to the first embodiment in that an insulating film 20 is added. The rest of the structure of the bus bar 10B is the same as that of the bus bar 10, and description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0110] The bus bar 10B includes an insulating film 20. The insulating film 20 covers the entire surface of the tab portion 13. Furthermore, the insulating film 20 covers the connection portion of the first terminal portion 11 to the tab portion 13 and the area near the connection portion, and the connection portion of the second terminal portion 12 to the tab portion 13 and the area near the connection portion.

[0111] With such a configuration, the bus bar 10B can suppress short circuits between the joint portion 13 and other circuit components or the joint portion 13 of another bus bar.

[0112] In addition, the insulating film 20 only needs to be formed on at least the flat surface 131 side of the joint portion 13. This can achieve at least a considerable effect of suppressing short circuits with external circuit components or other bus bars.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above description, the shape of the power busbar connecting the power module 80 and the battery module 81 is similar to the shape of the busbar connecting multiple battery modules. However, the shape of the power busbar can be appropriately determined based on the relationship between the configuration of the power module 80 and the battery module 81, the arrangement of the busbar relative to the bracket 90, and other factors. For example, the power busbar can be L-shaped or other shapes. By appropriately adjusting the orientation of the busbar based on the arrangement of the L-shaped power busbar, the power module 80 and multiple battery modules can be easily connected.

[0114] Furthermore, the configurations of the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate, and effects corresponding to the respective combinations can be exhibited.

[0115] Description of Reference Numerals

[0116] 1. 1A, 1B: power supply system;

[0117] 10, 10A, 10A1, 10A2, 10A11, 10A21, 10B, 10B1, 10B2: busbar;

[0118] 11: First terminal;

[0119] 12: Second terminal;

[0120] 13, 13A: connector;

[0121] 20: insulating film;

[0122] 71, 72, 72A: busbars for power supply;

[0123] 80: power module;

[0124] 81, 82, 83: battery module;

[0125] 90: bracket;

[0126] 99: bolt;

[0127] 101, 102: through holes;

[0128] 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132: flat surface;

[0129] 131A, 132A: surface;

[0130] 801, 802: connection terminals;

[0131] 811, 812, 821, 822, 831, 832: connection terminals;

[0132] 891, 892: through holes;

[0133] CV: curved part.

Claims

1. A power supply system comprising: A plurality of power modules, a first power module, a second power module, and a third power module are sequentially arranged in a given direction; a first bus bar connecting the first power module and the second power module; and The second bus bar connects the second power module and the third power module. The first power module includes: a first connection terminal having a first surface perpendicular to the given direction; The second power module includes: a second connection terminal having a second surface perpendicular to the given direction; The third power module includes: a third connection terminal having a third surface perpendicular to the given direction; The first bus bar and the second bus bar each include: The first terminal portion and the second terminal portion have a pair of opposing surfaces; and a connector portion connecting the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion so that a surface of the first terminal portion and a surface of the second terminal portion face each other, The first bus bar is configured such that a surface of a first terminal portion of the first bus bar contacts the first surface of the first connection terminal, and a surface of a second terminal portion of the first bus bar contacts the second surface of the second connection terminal directly or indirectly. The second bus bar is configured so that the surface of the first terminal portion of the second bus bar is directly or indirectly in contact with the second surface of the second connection terminal, and the surface of the second terminal portion of the second bus bar is directly or indirectly connected to the third surface of the third connection terminal. The joint portion of the first bus bar and the joint portion of the second bus bar are arranged at positions sandwiching the first connection terminal, the second connection terminal, and the third connection terminal in a direction parallel to the first surface.

2. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein: The surface of the second terminal portion of the first bus bar and the surface of the first terminal portion of the second bus bar face each other.

3. The power supply system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The given direction is the vertical direction, The surface of the first terminal portion and the surface of the second terminal portion are perpendicular to the vertical direction.

4. The power supply system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The lengths of the joint portion of the first bus bar and the joint portion of the second bus bar connecting the plurality of power modules in the given direction are the same, The surface of the first terminal portion is in direct contact with the connection terminals of the plurality of power modules, and the surface of the second terminal portion is in indirect contact with the connection terminals of the plurality of power modules.

5. The power supply system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: have: a plurality of battery modules, comprising the first power module, the second power module, and the third power module; a power module arranged in the given direction and disposed next to the first power module or the third power module; and A bus bar for a power module connects the power module and one of the plurality of battery modules. The lengths of the joint portions of the first bus bar and the second bus bar in the given direction are different from the length of the joint portion of the power module bus bar in the given direction.

6. The power supply system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The joint portion includes an adjustment portion capable of adjusting a distance between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion.

7. The power supply system according to claim 6, wherein: The adjustment portion is in the shape of a clamp formed on the joint portion.

8. The power supply system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The invention includes an insulating film disposed on a surface of the joint portion.

9. The power supply system according to claim 8, wherein: The insulating film has a shape that covers at least the entire surface of the joint portion on the side opposite to the side where the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are arranged.

10. A connection structure between a connection terminal and a bus bar, comprising: A plurality of connection terminals, wherein a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, and a third connection terminal are sequentially arranged in a given direction; a first bus bar connecting the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal; and a second bus bar connecting the second connection terminal and the third connection terminal; The first connection terminal has a first surface perpendicular to the given direction. The second connection terminal has a second surface perpendicular to the given direction, The third connection terminal has a third surface perpendicular to the given direction. The first bus bar and the second bus bar each include: The first terminal portion and the second terminal portion have a pair of opposing surfaces; and a connector portion connecting the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion so that a surface of the first terminal portion and a surface of the second terminal portion face each other, The first bus bar is configured such that a surface of a first terminal portion of the first bus bar contacts the first surface of the first connection terminal, and a surface of a second terminal portion of the first bus bar contacts the second surface of the second connection terminal directly or indirectly. The second bus bar is configured so that the surface of the first terminal portion of the second bus bar is directly or indirectly in contact with the second surface of the second connection terminal, and the surface of the second terminal portion of the second bus bar is directly or indirectly connected to the third surface of the third connection terminal. The joint portion of the first bus bar and the joint portion of the second bus bar are arranged at positions sandwiching the first connection terminal, the second connection terminal, and the third connection terminal in a direction parallel to the first surface.

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