Busbar for battery connection and method for manufacturing battery integrated body

Abstract

The invention provides a technology capable of connecting between batteries corresponding to connection paths of various patterns. A battery connection busbar is provided with: a laminated conductor in which a plurality of conductive tapes are laminated so as to be movable relative to each other over the entire longitudinal direction; first connection insertion holes which are formed at a first end portion in the longitudinal direction of the laminated conductor by overlapping first through-holes provided in each of the plurality of conductive tapes, and which penetrate in the lamination direction of the plurality of conductive tapes; and second insertion holes for connection, which are formed at a second end portion in the longitudinal direction of the laminated conductor by overlapping second through-holes provided in each of the plurality of conductive tapes, and which penetrate in the lamination direction of the plurality of conductive tapes. At least one of the plurality of second through holes is a long hole that is longer in the longitudinal direction of the conductive tape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bus bar for connecting batteries and a method for manufacturing a battery assembly. Background Art

[0002] A single cell, which is the smallest constituent unit of a battery, may sometimes be used alone, but in many cases, multiple single cells are integrated (assembled) and used as a battery module. In addition, in many cases, multiple battery modules are integrated and used as a battery pack. Further, multiple battery packs may sometimes be integrated for use.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a bus bar that connects adjacent single cells in a battery module formed by stacking multiple single cells. The bus bar disclosed herein is provided with a fragile portion having a relatively small compressive strength. When a compressive force is applied in the stacking direction of the single cells, the fragile portion of the bus bar deforms, thereby releasing the load applied to the single cells from the bus bar. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-216095 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The shapes and sizes of single cells, battery modules, and battery packs (hereinafter collectively referred to as "batteries") vary greatly. In addition, when multiple batteries are integrated, the number and layout of the integrated batteries are various. Therefore, there are countless patterns of connection paths between the batteries.

[0006] The bus bar disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a dedicated product designed to achieve a connection path of one pattern. Since the shape of such a dedicated bus bar is fixed, it cannot be reused for another product, that is, another product having a different pattern of connection path. In mass production of small quantities of various products, etc., it is sometimes inefficient to separately design and manufacture such a dedicated bus bar. Therefore, a technique for connecting batteries with a bus bar having versatility, that is, a general technique capable of connecting between batteries corresponding to various patterns of connection paths, is required.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for connecting between batteries corresponding to various patterns of connection paths. Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The bus bar for battery connection of the present invention includes: a laminated conductor formed by laminating a plurality of conductive bands so as to be movable relative to each other over the entire length in the long side direction; a first connection insertion through-hole formed at a first end in the long side direction of the laminated conductor by overlapping first through-holes provided in respective ones of the plurality of conductive bands, and penetrating in the lamination direction of the plurality of conductive bands; and a second connection insertion through-hole formed at a second end in the long side direction of the laminated conductor by overlapping second through-holes provided in respective ones of the plurality of conductive bands, and penetrating in the lamination direction of the plurality of conductive bands, at least one of the plurality of second through-holes being an elongated hole that is longer in the long side direction of the conductive band.

[0009] The method for manufacturing a battery assembly of the present invention includes: a first insertion step of inserting a terminal of a first battery into a first connection insertion through-hole, the first connection insertion through-hole being formed at a first end in the long side direction of a laminated conductor formed by laminating a plurality of conductive bands so as to be movable relative to each other over the entire length in the long side direction, by overlapping first through-holes provided in respective ones of the plurality of conductive bands over the entire length, and penetrating in the lamination direction of the plurality of conductive bands; a bending step of bending the laminated conductor at a middle portion in the long side direction while the terminal of the first battery is inserted into the first connection insertion through-hole; and a second insertion step of inserting a terminal of a second battery into a second connection insertion through-hole after the laminated conductor is bent, the second connection insertion through-hole being formed at a second end in the long side direction of the laminated conductor by at least partially overlapping second through-holes provided in respective ones of the plurality of conductive bands, and penetrating in the lamination direction of the plurality of conductive bands, each of the plurality of first through-holes being a round hole, and at least one of the plurality of second through-holes being an elongated hole that is longer in the long side direction of the conductive band. Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, connections can be made between batteries corresponding to connection paths of various patterns. Description of the Drawings

[0011] Figure 1 is a top view of the bus bar for battery connection according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a side view of the bus bar for battery connection. Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the battery assembly. Figure 4 is a view for explaining the method for manufacturing the battery assembly. Figure 5 is a top view of the bus bar for battery connection illustrating a state where the laminated conductor is bent. Figure 6It is a side view of a bus bar for battery connection showing a state where a laminated conductor is bent. Figure 7 It is a top view of a bus bar for battery connection which is a modified example. Detailed implementation mode

[0012] [Description of the implementation mode of the present invention] First, the implementation modes of the present invention will be listed and described.

[0013] The bus bar for battery connection of the present invention is as follows.

[0014] (1) A bus bar for battery connection, comprising: a laminated conductor formed by laminating a plurality of conductive bands in such a manner that they can move relative to each other over the entire length in the long side direction; a first connection insertion through-hole formed at a first end portion of the laminated conductor in the long side direction by overlapping first through-holes provided in respective ones of the plurality of conductive bands and penetrating in the lamination direction of the plurality of conductive bands; and a second connection insertion through-hole formed at a second end portion of the laminated conductor in the long side direction by overlapping second through-holes provided in respective ones of the plurality of conductive bands and penetrating in the lamination direction of the plurality of conductive bands, at least one of the plurality of second through-holes being an elongated hole that is longer in the long side direction of the conductive band.

[0015] This bus bar for battery connection has a laminated conductor formed by laminating a plurality of conductive bands in such a manner that they can move relative to each other over the entire length in the long side direction. Such a laminated conductor is easier to bend compared to, for example, a conductor formed of a single metal plate having the same thickness as the laminated conductor, a conductor in which adjacent conductive bands in the lamination direction are fixed so as not to move relative to each other, etc. In addition, in this bus bar for battery connection, at least one of the plurality of second through-holes that overlap each other to form the second connection insertion through-hole is an elongated hole that is longer in the long side direction of the conductive band. Therefore, by bending the laminated conductor in the thickness direction, a path difference is generated between the laminated plurality of conductive bands. Thus, even if a misalignment in the long side direction occurs between the plurality of conductive bands at the second end portion, it is easy to maintain the second connection insertion through-hole. In this way, in this bus bar for battery connection, the laminated conductor is easy to bend, and even if the laminated conductor is bent, it is easy to maintain the connection insertion through-hole. Therefore, it can be connected between batteries corresponding to connection paths of various patterns.

[0016] (2) In the bus bar for battery connection according to (1), it may also be that each of the plurality of first through-holes is a round hole. In this case, by inserting a terminal of a battery or the like through the first connection insertion through-hole formed by overlapping the plurality of first through-holes that are each round holes, the first end portion of the laminated conductor can be positioned.

[0017] (3) In the bus bar for battery connection of (1) or (2), the stacked conductor may be bent in the middle in the long side direction. In this case, it is also possible to correspond to a connection path other than a straight line.

[0018] (4) In the bus bar for battery connection of (3), the plurality of first through holes may overlap with each other as a whole, and the plurality of second through holes are located at positions offset from each other in the long side direction of the conductive band and at least partially overlap with each other. In this case, even when the stacked conductor is bent, the plurality of first through holes overlap with each other as a whole, so it is not necessary to assume that the plurality of first through holes are arranged at positions offset from each other in the long side direction and define the shape of the first through holes. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the shape of the first through holes is high.

[0019] (5) In the bus bar for battery connection of any one of (1) to (4), an insulating coating portion may be further provided, and the insulating coating portion covers the plurality of conductive bands in a state where they can move relative to each other in the long side direction. In this case, since the plurality of stacked conductive bands are gathered together by the insulating coating portion, the handling becomes easy. In addition, the portion of the plurality of stacked conductive bands covered by the insulating coating portion can be protected while being insulated from the surroundings.

[0020] (6) In the bus bar for battery connection of any one of (1) to (5), an identifier for distinguishing the first end portion and the second end portion may be further provided. In this case, an operator or the like who performs an operation of connecting batteries using the bus bar for battery connection can easily distinguish the first end portion and the second end portion of the stacked conductor. Therefore, for example, an operator or the like can easily determine the following: which side is the side where the plurality of second through holes, at least one of which is a long hole, overlap with each other to form the second connection through hole, that is, the side that allows a displacement in the long side direction between the plurality of conductive bands.

[0021] The manufacturing method of the battery assembly of the present invention is as follows.

[0022] (7) A manufacturing method of a battery assembly, comprising: a first insertion step of inserting a terminal of a first battery into a first connection insertion hole, the first connection insertion hole being formed at a first end in the longitudinal direction of a laminated conductor formed by laminating a plurality of conductive bands in such a manner that they can move relative to each other over the entire longitudinal direction, and being formed by the overall overlap of first through holes provided in each of the plurality of conductive bands and penetrating in the lamination direction of the plurality of conductive bands; a bending step of bending the laminated conductor at a midpoint in the longitudinal direction while the terminal of the first battery is inserted into the first connection insertion hole; and a second insertion step of inserting a terminal of a second battery into a second connection insertion hole after the laminated conductor is bent, the second connection insertion hole being formed at a second end in the longitudinal direction of the laminated conductor and being formed by at least partial overlap of second through holes provided in each of the plurality of conductive bands and penetrating in the lamination direction of the plurality of conductive bands, each of the plurality of first through holes being a circular hole, and at least one of the plurality of second through holes being an elongated hole that is longer in the longitudinal direction of the conductive band.

[0023] For example, when a path difference is generated between the laminated conductive bands by bending the laminated conductor in the thickness direction, a misalignment in the longitudinal direction occurs between the plurality of conductive bands at one or both of the two ends in the longitudinal direction of the laminated conductor. In the manufacturing method of the battery assembly described above, the laminated conductor is bent while the terminals of the batteries are inserted into the first connection insertion hole formed by the overall overlap of the plurality of first through holes, each of which is a circular hole, that is, in a state where the first end is positioned. Therefore, the misalignment in the longitudinal direction between the plurality of conductive bands does not occur on the first end side, but only on the second end side. And at this second end, at least one of the plurality of second through holes that overlap each other to form the second connection insertion hole is an elongated hole that is longer in the longitudinal direction of the conductive band. Therefore, at the second end, even if a misalignment in the longitudinal direction occurs between the plurality of conductive bands, it is easy to maintain the second connection insertion hole. If the second connection insertion hole is maintained, the terminals can be smoothly inserted therein. Thus, in the manufacturing method of this battery assembly, the laminated conductor is bent, and the state where the terminals are inserted into the first and second connection insertion holes respectively is smoothly formed. Therefore, it is possible to connect between the batteries corresponding to connection paths of various patterns.

[0024] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Invention] Hereinafter, specific examples of the bus bar for battery connection and the manufacturing method of the battery assembly of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0025] [Embodiment] [Bus Bar for Battery Connection] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery connecting bus bar 100 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 1 is a top view of the battery connecting bus bar 100 . Figure 2 It is a side view of the battery connecting bus bar 100 .

[0026] The battery connection bus bar 100 is a component for electrically connecting batteries and is a type of wiring component. The "battery" connected by the battery connection bus bar 100 may be a single battery, a battery module, or a battery pack.

[0027] The battery connection busbar 100 comprises: a stacked conductor 1; an insulating coating 2 covering the stacked conductor 1; a first connection insertion hole 3 provided at a first end 1a of the stacked conductor 1; and a second connection insertion hole 4 provided at a second end 1b of the stacked conductor 1.

[0028] (Laminated Conductor 1) The laminated conductor 1 includes a plurality of conductive strips 11. Each conductive strip 11 is formed of a material having conductivity. As the material for forming the conductive strips 11, for example, metals such as copper, copper alloys, aluminum, and aluminum alloys can be used.

[0029] Each conductive tape 11 is in the shape of a strip extending elongated with a certain width, and is in the shape of a plate with a certain thickness. A plurality of conductive tapes 11 are stacked in the thickness direction. The conductive tapes 11 adjacent to each other in the stacking direction are in contact with each other in at least a portion of the long side direction and are electrically connected. In addition, a plurality of conductive tapes 11 are stacked in a manner that they can move relative to each other in the long side direction as a whole. That is, the conductive tapes 11 adjacent to each other in the stacking direction are not fixed to each other. Therefore, the conductive tapes 11 adjacent to each other in the stacking direction can move relative to each other in the long side direction by rubbing against each other. Therefore, the stacked conductor 1 can be easily bent in the thickness direction at any position in the long side direction. That is, the stacked conductor 1 is easier to bend than a conductor formed by a metal plate having the same thickness as the stacked conductor 1, a conductor fixed in a manner that the conductive tapes adjacent to each other in the stacking direction do not move relative to each other, and the like.

[0030] The number of sheets of the stacked conductive bands 11, the thickness of each of the stacked conductive bands 11, the shape of each of the stacked conductive bands 11, etc. can be arbitrarily specified according to, for example, the allowable current value, ease of deformation, workability, etc. required for the stacked conductor 1. For example, the number of sheets of the stacked conductive bands 11 may be two or more, and can be several sheets, for example, it may also be 10 sheets or more. In addition, the thickness of each conductive band 11 only needs to be such that it can be easily bent in the thickness direction, and can be any value. As an example, the thickness of each conductive band 11 can be 1.0 mm or less, or can be 0.1 mm or less. In addition, the plurality of stacked conductive bands 11 may have the same thickness as each other, or may have different thicknesses from each other. In addition, the corner portions at the ends of each conductive band 11 may be right-angled shapes without rounding, or may be rounded corner shapes with rounding.

[0031] (Insulating coating portion 2) The insulating coating portion 2 is a coating portion that covers the stacked conductor 1. The insulating coating portion 2 is formed of a material having insulating properties, for example, a resin material having insulating properties. As the forming material of the insulating coating portion 2, for example, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, silicone rubber, etc. can be used. The insulating coating portion 2 covers the stacked conductor 1 substantially entirely in the long side direction. However, the respective end portions 1a, 1b in the long side direction of the stacked conductor 1 are connection ends connected to the battery, and the respective end portions 1a, 1b protrude from the insulating coating portion 2. That is, the insulating coating portion 2 covers the stacked conductor 1 while exposing the respective end portions 1a, 1b in the long side direction of the stacked conductor 1.

[0032] As described above, the stacked conductor 1 includes a plurality of stacked conductive bands 11, and the insulating coating portion 2 covers the plurality of stacked conductive bands 11 together. However, the binding force of the insulating coating portion 22 is sufficiently weak and does not prevent the plurality of stacked conductive bands 11 from moving relative to each other in the entire long side direction. That is, the insulating coating portion 2 covers the plurality of conductive bands 11 in a state where they can move relative to each other in the long side direction. In addition, the insulating coating portion 2 has flexibility and does not prevent the plurality of stacked conductive bands 11 from being bent.

[0033] (First connection through hole 3) The first connection through hole 3 is formed at one end portion (first end portion) 1a in the long side direction of the stacked conductor 1. The first connection through hole 3 is a through hole that penetrates the stacked conductor 1 in the thickness direction of the stacked conductor 1, that is, in the stacking direction of the plurality of conductive bands 11. Specifically, through holes (first through holes) 31 are provided in the plurality of stacked conductive bands 11 respectively, and the first connection through hole 3 is formed by the first through holes 31 provided in the respective conductive bands 11 overlapping each other.

[0034] The first through-holes 31 provided in each conductive strip 11 are all round holes. That is, each of the multiple first through-holes 31 that overlap each other to form the first connection through-hole 3 is a round hole. A "round hole" is a hole that appears circular when viewed from above. In addition, the multiple first through-holes 31 have the same size and are provided at the same positions in the conductive strip 11. Therefore, at the first end portion 1a, in a state where there is no misalignment in the long side direction between the multiple conductive strips 11, that is, in a state where the first end edges 11a of the multiple conductive strips 11 are aligned, the multiple first through-holes 31, each being a round hole, overlap each other as a whole to form the first connection through-hole 3 which is a round hole.

[0035] (Second connection through-hole 4) The second connection through-hole 4 is formed at the other end portion (second end portion) 1b in the long side direction of the laminated conductor 1. The second connection through-hole 4 is common to the first connection through-hole 3 and is a through-hole that penetrates the laminated conductor 1 in the thickness direction of the laminated conductor 1, that is, in the lamination direction of the multiple conductive strips 11. Specifically, through-holes (second through-holes) 41 are provided in each of the multiple laminated conductive strips 11, and the second connection through-hole 4 is formed by the second through-holes 41 provided in each of the multiple conductive strips 11 overlapping each other.

[0036] The second through-holes 41 provided in each conductive strip 11 are all long holes that are longer in the long side direction of the conductive strip 1. That is, each of the multiple second through-holes 41 that overlap each other to form the second connection through-hole 4 is a long hole that is longer in the long side direction of the conductive strip 1. A "long hole" is a hole whose length in a certain direction is longer than the length in the direction orthogonal to that direction when viewed from above. As an example, a long hole is a hole that appears oval (a shape formed by connecting semi-circular arcs with a straight line) when viewed from above. In addition, the multiple second through-holes 41 have the same size and are provided at the same positions in the conductive strip 11. Therefore, at the second end portion 1b, in a state where there is no misalignment in the long side direction between the multiple conductive strips 11, that is, in a state where the second end edges 11b of the multiple conductive strips 11 are aligned, the multiple second through-holes 41, each being a long hole, overlap each other as a whole to form the second connection through-hole 4 which is a long hole.

[0037] <Manufacturing method of battery connection bus bar> When manufacturing the battery connection bus bar 100, first, prepare multiple conductive strips 11 and stack them in such a way that they can move relative to each other in the entire long side direction. Thus, the laminated conductor 1 is obtained.

[0038] Next, an insulating coating portion 2 is formed to cover the entire laminated conductor 1 in the longitudinal direction. The insulating coating portion 2 is formed, for example, by extruding and coating a softened and molten resin material around the laminated conductor 1. Next, the laminated conductor 1 covered by the insulating coating portion 2 over the entire longitudinal direction is cut into a predetermined size after adjusting the size in the longitudinal direction. Then, the insulating coating portion 2 covering each end portion 1a, 1b of the laminated conductor 1 cut into a predetermined size is peeled off.

[0039] After or before the insulating coating portion 2 covering the first end portion 1a is peeled off, the first end portion 1a of the laminated conductor 1 is punched, specifically, punched to form a first connection insertion through-hole 3. That is, at the first end portion 1a, a plurality of laminated conductive bands 11 are punched together, and first through-holes 31 are formed in each conductive band 11. A circular punching die is used for the punching process of the first end portion 1a. In addition, the punching process of the first end portion 1a is performed in a state where the first end edges 11a of the plurality of conductive bands 11 are aligned. Thus, circular holes of the same size, that is, the first through-holes 31, are formed at the same positions near the first end edges 11a of each conductive band 11.

[0040] Similarly, after or before the insulating coating portion 2 covering the second end portion 1b is peeled off, the second end portion 1b of the laminated conductor 1 is punched, specifically, punched to form a second connection insertion through-hole 4. That is, at the second end portion 1b, a plurality of laminated conductive bands 11 are punched together, and second through-holes 41 are formed in each conductive band 11. An oval-shaped punching die is used for the punching process of the second end portion 1b, and the long side direction of the oval of the punching die is aligned with the long side direction of the conductive band 11. In addition, the punching process of the second end portion 1b is performed in a state where the second end edges 11b of the plurality of conductive bands 11 are aligned. Thus, oval holes of the same size, that is, the second through-holes 41, are formed at the same positions near the second end edges 11b of each conductive band 11.

[0041] <Manufacturing Method of Battery Integrated Body> Next, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 to describe the battery integrated body 200 and its manufacturing method. Figure 3 FIG. is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the battery integrated body 200. Figure 4 FIG. is a diagram for explaining the manufacturing method of the battery integrated body 200.

[0042] The battery assembly 200 includes a set of batteries 20 arranged in a specified layout and a bus bar 100 for battery connection that is electrically connected between two batteries 20 (the first battery 20a and the second battery 20b) in the set of batteries 20. As described above, the batteries 20 connected by the bus bar 100 for battery connection can be single cells, battery modules, or battery packs. That is, the battery assembly 200 can be a battery module in which single cells are connected by the bus bar 100 for battery connection, a battery pack in which battery modules are connected by the bus bar 100 for battery connection, or a battery assembly in which battery packs are connected by the bus bar 100 for battery connection.

[0043] (Preparation process S1) When manufacturing the battery assembly 200, the bus bar 100 for battery connection is prepared. At this stage, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the laminated conductor 1 extends linearly in the long side direction. In this state, at the first end portion 1a of the laminated conductor 1, the first end edges 11a of the plurality of conductive bands 11 are aligned, and the plurality of first through holes 31 each being a round hole overlap with each other as a whole to form a first connection through hole 3 that is a round hole. In addition, at the second end portion 1b of the laminated conductor 1, the second end edges 11b of the plurality of conductive bands 11 also coincide, and the plurality of second through holes 41 each being a long hole also overlap with each other as a whole to form a second connection through hole 4 that is a long hole.

[0044] (First insertion process S2) Next, the terminal 21 of the first battery 20a is inserted into the first connection through hole 3. The terminal 21 is a cylindrical conductive member provided on the battery 20 and is connected to the positive electrode or the negative electrode of the battery 20. The terminal 21 is also referred to as a terminal, an external terminal, etc. As an example, the terminal 21 is a stud bolt erected from one surface of the battery 20, but it is not limited thereto. By inserting the terminal 21 of the first battery 20a into the first connection through hole 3, that is, the first connection through hole 3 formed by the plurality of first through holes 31 each being a round hole overlapping with each other as a whole, the first end portion 1a of the laminated conductor 1 is positioned in a state where the first end edges 11a of the laminated plurality of conductive bands 11 are aligned.

[0045] After the terminal 21 of the first battery 20a is inserted into the first connection through hole 3, a nut (not shown) as a fastening member is inserted into the terminal 21 and screwed and fastened. Thereby, the first end portion 1a as a connection end and the terminal 21 of the first battery 20a are fixed in an electrically connected state.

[0046] (Bending process S3) Next, in a state where the terminal 21 of the first battery 20a is inserted into the first connection insertion hole 3, the laminated conductor 1 is bent in the middle of the long side direction. That is, by bending the laminated conductor 1 in an appropriate position in an appropriate direction, the laminated conductor 1 is deformed into a shape corresponding to the required connection path, that is, the connection path connecting the terminal 21 of the first battery 20a and the terminal 21 of the second battery 20b. As described above, the laminated conductor 1 has a structure in which a plurality of conductive strips 11 thinner than its own thickness are stacked. In addition, in the laminated conductor 1, the plurality of conductive strips 11 are stacked in a manner that can move relative to each other in the overall long side direction. Therefore, the laminated conductor 1 can be easily bent.

[0047] The laminated conductor 1 may be bent in any manner. For example, the laminated conductor 1 may be bent in the thickness direction, i.e., the stacking direction of the conductive strip 11. Bending in the thickness direction means bending in a manner that changes in the thickness direction. For example, the laminated conductor 1 may be bent 90 degrees in the thickness direction with a fold line orthogonal to the long side direction as a boundary, thereby forming a bent portion D1 that is L-shaped when viewed from the side. In this case, the thickness direction changes by 90 degrees. In addition, for example, the laminated conductor 1 may be bent 180 degrees in the thickness direction with a fold line that is 45 degrees to the long side direction as a boundary, thereby forming a bent portion D2 that is L-shaped when viewed from the top. In this case, the thickness direction changes by 180 degrees. In addition, for example, the laminated conductor 1 may be bent 180 degrees while drawing an arc in the middle of the long side direction, thereby forming a bent portion that is U-shaped when viewed from the side. In this case, the thickness direction also changes by 180 degrees. In addition, for example, the laminated conductor 1 may be bent in a twisted manner. That is, the laminated conductor 1 may also be rotated around an axis along the long side direction. For example, when the laminated conductor 1 is rotated 90 degrees around an axis along the longitudinal direction, the thickness direction changes by 90 degrees.

[0048] When the stacked conductor 1 is bent in the thickness direction, a path difference is generated between the stacked plurality of conductive strips 11. When a path difference is generated (more precisely, when the sum of the path differences generated at each of more than one bending portion formed in the stacked conductor 1 is not zero), a misalignment in the longitudinal direction is generated between the plurality of conductive strips 11 at one or both of the two end portions 1a, 1b in the longitudinal direction of the stacked conductor 1. However, here, the stacked conductor 1 is bent in a state where the terminal 21 of the first battery 20a is inserted into the first connection insertion hole 3, that is, in a state where the first end portion 1a is positioned. In this case, the misalignment in the longitudinal direction between the plurality of conductive strips 11 does not occur on the first end portion 1a side, but only on the second end portion 1b side. That is, the first end edges 11a of each conductive strip 11 are still maintained in alignment, and the second end edges 11b of each conductive strip 11 are arranged at mutually offset positions.

[0049] exist Figure 5 andFigure 6 In the figure, the bus bar 100 for battery connection when the laminated conductor 1 is bent in a state where the first end portion 1a is positioned is illustrated.

[0050] As described above, when the laminated conductor 1 is bent in a state where the first end portion 1a is positioned, even if a path difference is generated between the plurality of conductive bands 11, no misalignment occurs in the longitudinal direction between the plurality of conductive bands 11 at the first end portion 1a. Therefore, at the first end portion 1a, the state where the plurality of first through holes 31 overlap each other as a whole to form the first connection through hole 3 is maintained.

[0051] On the other hand, when the laminated conductor 1 is bent in a state where the first end portion 1a is positioned, if a path difference is generated between the plurality of conductive bands 11, misalignment occurs in the longitudinal direction between the plurality of conductive bands 11 at the second end portion 1b. Here, the second through hole 41 is an elongated hole that is long in the longitudinal direction of the conductive band 11. Therefore, due to the misalignment in the longitudinal direction between the plurality of conductive bands 11 at the second end portion 1b, even if the plurality of second through holes 41 are arranged at positions offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the conductive band 11, there is a high possibility of maintaining the second connection through hole 4 by partial overlap of the plurality of second through holes 41. Here, "maintaining the second connection through hole 4" means that the second connection through hole 4 maintains its function as a connection through hole for inserting a terminal 21 or the like to be connected. For example, when the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the second connection through hole 4 formed by overlapping the plurality of second through holes 41 is larger than the outer diameter of the terminal 21 to be connected, it can be said that the second connection through hole 4 is maintained.

[0052] (Second insertion process S4) When the laminated conductor 1 is bent and deformed into a shape corresponding to the required connection path, then, the terminal 21 of the second battery 20b is inserted into the second connection through hole 4. As described above, when a path difference is generated between the plurality of conductive bands 11 by bending the laminated conductor 1 in the thickness direction, misalignment occurs in the longitudinal direction between the plurality of conductive bands 11 at the second end portion 1b. Even in such a case, since the plurality of second through holes 41 are located at positions offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the conductive band 11 and partially overlap each other, there is a high possibility of maintaining the second connection through hole 4. If the second connection through hole 4 is maintained, the terminal 21 can be smoothly inserted here.

[0053] In particular, when the path difference generated between the plurality of conductive bands 11 is relatively small, the second connection insertion through-holes 4 formed by partially overlapping the plurality of second through-holes 41 are shorter than the respective second through-holes 41, but there is still a high possibility of maintaining a long hole that is long in the long side direction of the conductive band 11. If the second connection insertion through-hole 4 is maintained as a long hole, an operation allowance of its length is ensured, so the terminal 21 can be easily inserted into the second connection insertion through-hole 4.

[0054] The terminal 21 of the second battery 20b is inserted into the second connection insertion through-hole 4, or a nut (not shown) as a fastening member is inserted into the terminal 21 and screwed and fastened. Thus, the second end portion 1b as a connection end and the terminal 21 of the second battery 20b are fixed in an electrically connected state.

[0055] Based on the above, the first battery 20a and the second battery 20b are electrically connected by the battery connection bus bar 100 to obtain the battery assembly 200.

[0056] <Effects, etc.> The battery connection bus bar 100 configured as described above includes the laminated conductor 1, and the laminated conductor 1 is formed by laminating a plurality of conductive bands 11 so as to be able to move relative to each other over the entire long side direction. Such a laminated conductor 1 is, for example, easier to bend compared to a conductor formed of a single metal plate having the same thickness as the laminated conductor 1, a conductor in which adjacent conductive bands in the lamination direction are fixed so as not to move relative to each other, etc. In addition, in the battery connection bus bar 100, at least one of the plurality of second through-holes 41 that overlap each other to form the second connection insertion through-hole 4 is a long hole that is long in the long side direction of the conductive band 11. Therefore, by bending the laminated conductor 1 in the thickness direction, a path difference is generated between the laminated plurality of conductive bands 11. Thus, even if the second end portion 1b is misaligned in the long side direction between the plurality of conductive bands 11, it is easy to maintain the second connection insertion through-hole 4. In this way, in the battery connection bus bar 100, the laminated conductor 1 is easy to bend, and even if the laminated conductor 1 is bent, it is easy to maintain the second connection insertion through-hole 4. Therefore, by deforming the laminated conductor 1 into a shape corresponding to the connection paths of various patterns, the batteries 20 can be connected with the connection paths of various patterns. That is, the batteries 20 can be connected corresponding to the connection paths of various patterns.

[0057] For example, the battery assemblies 200 used in vehicles, trucks, trams, houses, infrastructure equipment, etc. are mostly multi-variety and small-batch products. Therefore, if the connection between the batteries 20 in the battery assembly 200 used in these fields (typically, for example, the connection between battery modules) uses the battery connection bus bar 100, compared with the case of using a specially designed bus bar, the development man-hours and manufacturing costs can be effectively reduced.

[0058] In addition, in the battery connection bus bar 100, each of the plurality of second through holes 41 is an elongated hole. In this case, for example, compared with the case where round holes and elongated holes are mixedly present in the plurality of second through holes 41, the maximum misalignment amount in the long side direction allowed between the plurality of conductive bands 11, that is, the maximum misalignment amount that can maintain the second connection insertion through hole 4 becomes larger. That is, it is easier to maintain the second connection insertion through hole 4. In addition, if each of the plurality of second through holes 41 is an elongated hole, even if a misalignment occurs in the long side direction between the plurality of conductive bands 11, the second connection insertion through hole 4 can be maintained as an elongated hole. If the second connection insertion through hole 4 is maintained as an elongated hole, the terminal 21 can be easily inserted into the second connection insertion through hole 4.

[0059] In addition, in the battery connection bus bar 100, each of the plurality of first through holes 31 is a round hole. In this case, by inserting the terminal 21 of the battery 20 etc. into the first connection insertion through hole 3 formed by the overall overlap of the plurality of first through holes 31 each being a round hole, the first end portion 1a of the laminated conductor 1 can be positioned.

[0060] The processing cost for forming a round hole is lower than the processing cost for forming an elongated hole. Therefore, the battery connection bus bar 100 in which each of the plurality of first through holes 31 is a round hole and each of the plurality of second through holes 41 is an elongated hole can be manufactured at a lower cost, for example, compared with a battery connection bus bar in which each of the plurality of first through holes 31 is an elongated hole and each of the plurality of second through holes 41 is also an elongated hole.

[0061] In addition, in the battery connection bus bar 100, if the laminated conductor 1 is bent in the middle of the long side direction, it can correspond to a connection path other than a straight line. Further, in the case where the laminated conductor 1 is bent, if the state where the plurality of first through holes 31 overlap with each other as a whole is maintained, it is not necessary to assume that the plurality of first through holes 31 are arranged at positions offset from each other in the long side direction and define the shape of the first through hole 31. For example, it is not necessary to assume that the plurality of first through holes 31 are arranged at positions offset from each other in the long side direction and make the first through hole 31 an elongated hole. For example, the first through hole 31 can be made a round hole that can be formed at a lower cost than an elongated hole.

[0062] In addition, the battery connection bus bar 100 includes an insulating coating portion 2 that covers the plurality of conductive bands 11 in a state where they can move relative to each other in the long side direction. In this case, since the plurality of laminated conductive bands 11 are gathered together by the insulating coating portion 2, the handling becomes easy. In addition, the portion of the plurality of laminated conductive bands 11 covered by the insulating coating portion 2 can be protected while being insulated from the surroundings.

[0063] In addition, in the method for manufacturing the battery assembly 200 described above, in a state where the terminal 21 of the battery 20 is inserted through the first connection insertion hole 3 formed by overlapping a plurality of first through holes 31 each of which is a round hole in an overall manner, that is, in a state where the first end portion 1a is positioned, the laminated conductor 1 is bent. Therefore, the misalignment in the longitudinal direction between the plurality of conductive bands 11 does not occur on the side of the first end portion 1a, but only occurs on the side of the second end portion 1b. And, at this second end portion 1b, at least one of the plurality of second through holes 41 that overlap each other to form the second connection insertion hole 4 is an elongated hole that is longer in the longitudinal direction of the conductive band 11. Therefore, at the second end portion 1b, even if a misalignment in the longitudinal direction occurs between the plurality of conductive bands 11, it is easy to maintain the second connection insertion hole 4. If the second connection insertion hole 4 is maintained, the terminal 21 can be smoothly inserted therein. In this way, in the method for manufacturing the battery assembly 200, the laminated conductor 1 is bent, and the state where the terminal 21 is inserted through each of the first and second connection insertion holes 3 and 4 is smoothly formed. Therefore, by deforming the laminated conductor 1 into a shape corresponding to the connection paths of various patterns, the batteries 20 can be connected with the connection paths of various patterns. That is, the batteries 20 can be connected corresponding to the connection paths of various patterns.

[0064] In order to avoid the situation where a misalignment in the longitudinal direction occurs between the plurality of conductive bands due to the laminated conductor being bent in the thickness direction, and the connection insertion hole is blocked, a scheme of forming the connection insertion hole after bending the laminated conductor can also be considered. That is, after adjusting the size and cutting the laminated conductor covered with the insulating covering portion, the cut laminated conductor is bent and deformed into a shape corresponding to the required connection path. Then, that is, in a state where a misalignment in the longitudinal direction occurs between the plurality of conductive bands in one or both of the longitudinal ends, peeling and punching processes are performed on each end portion of the laminated conductor. However, according to this scheme, the size adjustment and cutting and the peeling and punching processes cannot be performed continuously (for example, using the same production line). In addition, for example, at the assembly site of the battery assembly, if the punching process is performed after bending the laminated conductor, the burden on the operator at the assembly site becomes large. In the above-described battery connection bus bar 100, the size adjustment and cutting and the peeling and punching processes can be performed continuously. In addition, since it is not necessary to perform the punching process at the assembly site of the battery assembly 200, the burden on the operator at the assembly site does not become large.

[0065] [Modification Example] An identifier 6 for distinguishing the first end portion 1a and the second end portion 1b of the laminated conductor 1 may also be provided in the battery connection bus bar 100 of the above-described embodiment. The specific form of the identifier 6 can be any form. For example, as Figure 7As illustrated, the identifier 6 may be provided by printing "1" at the end of the insulating coating 2 on the first end 1a side and printing "2" at the end of the insulating coating 2 on the second end 1b side. Alternatively, the identifier 6 may be provided by printing a description "Please fix this side first" at the end of the insulating coating 2 on the first end 1a side.

[0066] When the identifier 6 is provided, an operator or the like who performs the operation of connecting the batteries 20 using the battery connection busbar 100 can easily distinguish between the first end 1a and the second end 1b of the laminated conductor 1. Therefore, for example, the operator or the like can easily determine which side is the side where the plurality of second through holes 41, at least one of which is a long hole, overlap to form the second connection insertion hole 4, that is, which side is the side where the displacement in the longitudinal direction between the plurality of conductive strips 11 is allowed.

[0067] As described above, when connecting between batteries 20 using the battery connection busbar 100, it is preferred that the terminal 21 be inserted into the first connection insertion hole 3 provided at the first end 1a before the terminal 21 is inserted into the second connection insertion hole 4 provided at the second end 1b. If the identifier 6 not only provides identification information for distinguishing the first end 1a from the second end 1b but also indicates the insertion order, the operator can perform the operation in the preferred insertion order without hesitation.

[0068] In the battery connection busbar 100 of the above-mentioned embodiment, the plurality of second through holes 41 that overlap each other to form the second connection insertion hole 4 are each a long hole that is longer in the long side direction of the conductive tape 11. That is, all of the plurality of second through holes 41 are long holes. However, at least one of the plurality of second through holes 41 may be a long hole that is longer in the long side direction of the conductive tape 11, and the remaining second through holes 41 may be round holes. Even with such a structure, when the second end portion 1b is misaligned in the long side direction between the plurality of conductive tapes 11, the plurality of second through holes 41 are located at positions that are offset from each other in the long side direction of the conductive tape 11 and at least partially overlap each other, thereby making it easy to maintain the second connection insertion hole 4. However, when a plurality of second through holes 41 include a mixture of round holes and long holes, “the plurality of second through holes 41 are located at positions offset from each other in the long side direction of the conductive tape 11” means a state in which the centers of the second through holes 41 are located at positions offset from each other in the long side direction of the conductive tape 11.

[0069] In the bus bar 100 for battery connection of the above-described embodiment, each of the plurality of first through holes 31 that overlap each other to form the first connection insertion through hole 3 is a circular hole. That is, all of the plurality of first through holes 31 are circular holes. However, at least one of the plurality of first through holes 31 may be a circular hole, and the remaining first through holes 31 may be long holes that are longer in the long side direction of the conductive strip 11. Alternatively, all of the plurality of first through holes 31 may be long holes. In the case of these structures, when a displacement in the long side direction occurs between the plurality of conductive strips 11 at the first end portion 1a, the first connection insertion through hole 3 is easily maintained because the plurality of first through holes 31 are located at positions offset from each other in the long side direction of the conductive strip 11 and at least partially overlap each other. That is, a displacement in the long side direction is allowed not only at the second end portion 1b but also at the first end portion 1a.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, the first and second connection insertion through holes 3 and 4 are formed by punching the respective end portions 1a and 1b of the laminated conductor 1. However, the first and second connection insertion through holes 3 and 4 may also be formed by methods other than punching, such as drilling or processing using a punching jig. The first connection insertion through hole 3 and the second connection insertion through hole 4 may be formed simultaneously or sequentially. When forming the first connection insertion through hole 3, the plurality of first through holes 31 do not have to be formed all at once and may be formed sequentially. Even when forming the second connection insertion through hole 4, the plurality of second through holes 41 do not have to be formed all at once and may be formed sequentially.

[0071] The bus bar 100 for battery connection can be manufactured, for example, as follows. First, a plurality of conductive strips 11 that are pre-cut to a predetermined size are prepared and laminated. Thereby, a laminated conductor 1 of a specified size is obtained. Then, the first and second connection insertion through holes 3 and 4 are formed by punching or the like the respective end portions 1a and 1b of the laminated conductor 1. After or before forming the first and second connection insertion through holes 3 and 4, the insulating coating portion 2 is formed by injection molding using a mold. Specifically, for example, by injecting a softened and molten resin material into a mold in which the laminated conductor 1 is embedded, the insulating coating portion 2 that exposes the respective end portions 1a and 1b and covers the laminated conductor 1 is formed. That is, the insulating coating portion 2 that covers the laminated conductor 1 is formed by insert molding.

[0072] In addition, the respective structures described in the above-described embodiment and each modification can be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other. Description of Reference Numerals

[0073] 1 Laminated Conductor 1a First End Portion of the Laminated Conductor 1b Second End Portion of the Laminated Conductor 11 Conductive strip 11a First edge of the conductive strip 11b Second edge of the conductive strip 2 Insulating coating 3 First insertion through-hole for connection 31 First through-hole 4 Second insertion through-hole for connection 41 Second through-hole 6 Identifier 20 Battery 20a First battery 20b Second battery 21 Terminal 100 Bus bar for battery connection 200 Battery assembly S1 Preparation process S2 First insertion process S3 Bending process S4 Second insertion process

Claims

1. A bus bar for battery connection, comprising: A laminated conductor formed by laminating a plurality of conductive bands in a manner that allows them to move relative to each other in the entire longitudinal direction; A first connection insertion through-hole formed at a first end in the longitudinal direction of the laminated conductor by overlapping first through-holes provided in respective ones of the plurality of conductive bands, and penetrating in the lamination direction of the plurality of conductive bands; and A second connection insertion through-hole formed at a second end in the longitudinal direction of the laminated conductor by overlapping second through-holes provided in respective ones of the plurality of conductive bands, and penetrating in the lamination direction of the plurality of conductive bands, At least one of the plurality of second through-holes being an elongated hole that is longer in the longitudinal direction of the conductive band.

2. The bus bar for battery connection according to claim 1, wherein Each of the plurality of first through-holes is a round hole.

3. The bus bar for battery connection according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein The laminated conductor is bent midway in the longitudinal direction.

4. The bus bar for battery connection according to claim 3, wherein The plurality of first through-holes overlap with each other as a whole, The plurality of second through-holes are located at positions offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the conductive band and at least partially overlap with each other.

5. The bus bar for battery connection according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein An insulating coating portion is further provided, which covers the plurality of conductive bands in a state where they can move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction.

6. The bus bar for battery connection according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein An identifier for distinguishing the first end and the second end is further provided.

7. A method for manufacturing a battery assembly, comprising: A first insertion step of inserting a terminal of a first battery into a first connection insertion through-hole, the first connection insertion through-hole being formed at a first end in the longitudinal direction of a laminated conductor formed by laminating a plurality of conductive bands in a manner that allows them to move relative to each other in the entire longitudinal direction, by overlapping first through-holes provided in respective ones of the plurality of conductive bands as a whole, and penetrating in the lamination direction of the plurality of conductive bands; A bending step of bending the laminated conductor midway in the longitudinal direction while the terminal of the first battery is inserted into the first connection insertion through-hole; and A second insertion step of inserting a terminal of a second battery into a second connection insertion through-hole after the laminated conductor is bent, the second connection insertion through-hole being formed at a second end in the longitudinal direction of the laminated conductor by at least partially overlapping second through-holes provided in respective ones of the plurality of conductive bands, and penetrating in the lamination direction of the plurality of conductive bands, Each of the plurality of first through-holes is a round hole, At least one of the plurality of second through-holes being an elongated hole that is longer in the longitudinal direction of the conductive band.

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