Bus bar and wiring module

Abstract

A bus bar (10) is configured by connecting a first member (10A) and a second member (10B) formed separately from the first member (10A), the first member (10A) and the second member (10B) each have a connection portion (11), the two connection portions (11) are arranged in a first direction (D1), the first member (10A) has an extension portion (13), the extension portion (13) is formed by extending from the connection portion (11) and is disposed at a position offset in the first direction (D1) with respect to the connection portion (11), and the extension portion (13) extends from the connection portion (11). The first member (10A) has an extending portion (13), the second member (10B) has an overlapping portion (14) disposed so as to overlap at least a part of the extending portion (13), the extending portion (13) and the overlapping portion (14) are electrically connected, and when the first member (10A) and the second member (10B) are not connected, the interval (SP1) between the two connecting portions (11) in the first direction (D1) can be adjusted by changing the position of the overlapping portion (14) in the second member (10B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to busbars and wiring modules. Background Technology

[0002] Electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and other similar vehicles use battery storage modules that have multiple stacked battery storage elements connected in series or parallel via a busbar. A previously known busbar is the one described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-6724 (Patent Document 1 below). This busbar is formed by processing a conductive metal plate. A pair of through holes are formed in the busbar for inserting battery electrodes. By inserting electrodes into the through holes and tightening nuts on the electrodes, the busbar and electrodes are electrically connected. The busbar electrically connects a pair of adjacent batteries. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-6724 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] In the above structure, for example, when the battery specifications change, the spacing between adjacent pairs of electrodes may sometimes change. In such cases, the busbar needs to be remade so that the portion of the busbar connecting to the pair of electrodes is positioned corresponding to the spacing between adjacent pairs of electrodes. Solution for solving the problem

[0005] The busbar of the present invention is constructed by connecting a first member and a second member separately formed from the first member. The first member and the second member each have a connecting portion, and the two connecting portions are arranged in a first direction. The first member has an extension portion that extends from the connecting portion and is disposed at a position offset relative to the connecting portion in the first direction. The second member has an overlapping portion that overlaps with at least a portion of the extension portion. The extension portion and the overlapping portion are electrically connected. When the first member and the second member are not connected, the interval between the two connecting portions in the first direction can be adjusted by changing the position of the overlapping portion in the second member in the first direction.

[0006] Furthermore, the wiring module of the present invention is installed on a plurality of energy storage elements each having electrode terminals, wherein the wiring module comprises: the aforementioned busbar, the connecting portion of the busbar being connected to the electrode terminals; a voltage detection line electrically connected to the busbar; and a protector for holding the busbar and the voltage detection line. Invention Effects

[0007] According to the present invention, a busbar with adjustable spacing between connecting parts can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the busbar in Implementation Method 1. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the busbar in Implementation Method 1. Figure 3 This is the front view of the busbar in Implementation Method 1. Figure 4 This is a top view of the busbar in Implementation Method 1. Figure 5 express Figure 4 The diagram is an AA sectional view and an explanatory diagram illustrating the spacing adjustment of the connecting parts. Figure 6 This is a top view of the energy storage module in Implementation Method 1. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage module according to Embodiment 1, showing a cross section along the arrangement direction of the busbars. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the busbar in Implementation Method 2. Figure 9 This is a top view of the busbar in Implementation Method 2. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 BB cross-sectional view. Figure 11 This is the front view of the busbar in Implementation Method 2. Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view of the busbar in Implementation Method 2. Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the first component of Embodiment 2. Figure 14 This is a top view of the busbar according to Embodiment 2, and an explanatory diagram illustrating the interval adjustment of the connecting parts. Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the busbar in implementation method 3. Figure 16 This is a top view of the busbar in embodiment 3. Figure 17 This is the front view of the busbar in Implementation Method 3. Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the first component of Embodiment 3. Figure 19 This is a top view of the busbar according to Embodiment 3, and an explanatory diagram illustrating the interval adjustment of the connecting parts. Figure 20 This is a perspective view of a busbar in other implementations. Detailed Implementation

[0009] (Description of embodiments of the present invention) First, embodiments of the present invention will be described. (1) The busbar of the present invention is constructed by connecting a first member and a second member separately formed from the first member, wherein the first member and the second member each have a connecting portion, the two connecting portions are arranged in a first direction, the first member has an extension portion that extends from the connecting portion and is disposed at a position offset relative to the connecting portion in the first direction, the second member has an overlapping portion that overlaps with at least a portion of the extension portion, the extension portion and the overlapping portion are electrically connected, and when the first member and the second member are not connected, the interval between the two connecting portions in the first direction can be adjusted by changing the position of the overlapping portion in the second member in the first direction.

[0010] With this structure, the spacing of the connecting parts of the busbar can be adjusted when connecting the first component and the second component.

[0011] (2) In (1) above, preferably, the first member further includes a connecting portion, which is disposed between the connecting portion and the extension portion and is configured to be elastically deformable.

[0012] Based on this structure, the elastic deformation of the connecting parts allows for relative displacement of the two connecting parts when the first and second components are connected.

[0013] (3) In (2) above, preferably, the second member further includes an extension portion that extends from the connecting portion and is disposed at a position offset relative to the connecting portion in the first direction. The first member has an overlapping portion that overlaps with at least a portion of the extension portion of the second member. The extension portion of the second member and the overlapping portion of the first member are electrically connected. When the first member and the second member are not connected, the interval between the two connecting portions in the first direction can be adjusted by changing the position of the overlapping portion in the second member in the first direction and changing the position of the overlapping portion in the first member in the first direction. The second member further includes a connecting portion that is disposed between the connecting portion and the extension portion and is configured to be elastically deformable.

[0014] According to this structure, since both the first and second components have connecting parts, the two connecting parts can be allowed to shift relative to each other when the first and second components are connected by elastic deformation of the connecting parts.

[0015] (4) Preferably, the connecting portion is plate-shaped, and the connecting portion of the first member and the connecting portion of the second member have portions that overlap each other in the thickness direction of the connecting portion.

[0016] With this structure, compared to the case where the connecting portions of the first and second components do not overlap in the thickness direction of the connection, the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive path between the two connecting portions can be increased. Therefore, when a large current flows through the connecting portion, the heating of the connecting portion can be suppressed.

[0017] (5) In any of (1) to (3) above, preferably, the first member and the second member further have sidewall portions that rise from the connecting portion in a direction orthogonal to the first direction, the sidewall portion of the first member is continuous with the extension portion in the first direction, and the sidewall portion of the second member includes the overlapping portion.

[0018] Because of this structure, overlapping portions can be provided in the sidewalls, thus increasing the design freedom of the overlapping portions compared to, for example, providing overlapping portions in the connecting parts. For example, it is easier to increase the area of ​​the overlapping portions.

[0019] (6) In any of (1) to (5) above, it is preferred that the first member and the second member have the same shape.

[0020] Based on this structure, compared with cases where the first and second components have different shapes, it is easier to reduce the manufacturing cost of the busbar.

[0021] (7) The wiring module of the present invention is installed on a plurality of energy storage elements having electrode terminals respectively, wherein the wiring module comprises: a bus bar of any one of (1) to (6) above, the connecting portion of the bus bar being connected to the electrode terminals; a voltage detection line being electrically connected to the bus bar; and a protector for holding the bus bar and the voltage detection line.

[0022] (Details of embodiments of the present invention) The embodiments of the present invention will now be described. The present invention is not limited to these illustrations, but is shown through the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. In the accompanying drawings, for ease of description, parts of the structure are sometimes exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the various parts sometimes differ in the accompanying drawings. The term "orthogonal" in this specification includes not only strictly orthogonal cases, but also cases that are substantially orthogonal to the extent that they serve the function and effect in this embodiment.

[0023] Furthermore, in this specification, "opposite" refers to a position where surfaces or components are directly opposite each other, including not only positions where they are completely opposite each other, but also positions where they are partially opposite each other. Additionally, "opposite" in this specification includes both cases where a component independent of the two parts is introduced between the two parts, and cases where nothing is introduced between the two parts.

[0024] In each of the accompanying figures, three mutually perpendicular directions are shown, designated as direction D1, direction D2, and direction D3. Specifically, direction D1 and direction D2 are perpendicular, direction D1 and direction D3 are perpendicular, and direction D2 and direction D3 are perpendicular. Arrows are added on either side of the solid lines representing each direction, indicating not only the direction of the arrow on the side with the reference numerals but also the direction of the arrow on the side without reference numerals.

[0025] (Implementation Method 1) Reference Figures 1 to 7 Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. In the following description, for multiple identical components, sometimes only some components are labeled with reference numerals, and the reference numerals of other components are omitted.

[0026] (Bus line 10) like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the busbar 10 is constructed by connecting the first component 10A and the second component 10B. The first component 10A and the second component 10B are each formed by processing conductive metal sheets. The metals constituting the first component 10A and the second component 10B are, for example, copper, copper alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, etc. The busbar 10 has two connecting portions 11 and two connecting portions 12 connecting the two connecting portions 11. Hereinafter, the arrangement direction of the two connecting portions 11 (the direction of the long side of the busbar 10) will be defined as the first direction D1, the width direction (the direction of the short side) of the busbar 10 will be defined as the second direction D2, and the thickness direction of the connecting portions 11 will be defined as the third direction D3, and the structure of the busbar 10 will be described. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first component 10A and the second component 10B have the same shape, but for convenience, it is assumed that the connecting portion 11 arranged on the left side of the figure is provided in the first component 10A.

[0027] (Component 10A) The first component 10A includes a connecting portion 11, an extension portion 13 extending from the connecting portion 11, and a connecting portion 12 disposed between the connecting portion 11 and the extension portion 13. The connecting portion 11 is plate-shaped in the third direction D3. Figure 4As shown, viewed from the third direction D3, the connecting portion 11 is, for example, rectangular in shape. Two connecting portions 11 are arranged at a distance from each other in the first direction D1. A through hole 11A is formed in the center of the connecting portion 11. The through hole 11A penetrates the connecting portion 11 in the third direction D3. As described later, the connecting portion 11 is connected to the electrode terminal 2A of the energy storage element 2, for example, by welding (see reference). Figure 6 The through hole 11A is used to confirm the position of the electrode terminal 2A, which is disposed opposite to the connecting part 11, in the third direction D3. It should be noted that, unlike this embodiment, the connecting part may also have a through hole into which a bolt-shaped electrode terminal is inserted. Furthermore, the connecting part and the electrode terminal can be electrically connected by tightening a nut on the electrode terminal inserted into the through hole.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the extension portion 13 extends from the connecting portion 11 via a connecting portion 12, thus remaining continuous from the connecting portion 11 together with the connecting portion 12. The extension portion 13 is positioned offset relative to the connecting portion 11 in the first direction D1. The extension portion 13 has a portion that overlaps with and connects to the connecting portion 11 of the second member 10B in the third direction D3. The extension portion 13 and the connecting portion 11 are electrically connected, for example, by welding. The extension portion 13 is plate-shaped in the third direction D3. Figure 3 As shown, in the first member 10A, the extension portion 13 is located on the side closer to the third direction D3 than the connecting portion 11 (upper side of the figure). Furthermore, when the extension portion 13 and the connecting portion 11 of the second member 10B are connected, the two connecting portions 11 of the busbar 10 are aligned in the third direction D3.

[0029] The connecting portion 12 is, for example, plate-shaped, and bends relative to the connecting portion 11 and the extension portion 13 in a manner that protrudes in the third direction D3. The connecting portion 12 is formed in a mountain shape relative to the connecting portion 11 and the extension portion 13. As a result, the connecting portion 12 can be elastically deformed.

[0030] The elastic deformation of the connecting portion 12 allows for relative displacement of the two connecting portions 11 to a certain extent. The connecting portion 12 allows for relative displacement of the two connecting portions 11 in the arrangement direction (first direction D1). In addition, the connecting portion 12 allows for relative displacement of the two connecting portions 11 in the thickness direction (third direction D3).

[0031] (Component 2, 10B) like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the second member 10B has an overlapping portion 14, which overlaps with at least a portion of the extension portion 13 of the first member 10A in the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the overlapping portion 14 is included in the connecting portion 11. The overlapping portion 14 is connected to at least a portion of the extension portion 13 by welding or the like.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the second component 10B is constructed similarly to the first component 10A, and includes a connecting portion 11, an extension portion 13, and a connecting portion 12. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, the connecting portion 11 of the first component 10A has an overlapping portion 14, which overlaps with and is electrically connected to at least a portion of the extension portion 13 of the second component 10B. More specifically, in this embodiment, the first component 10A and the second component 10B have the same shape. Therefore, compared with the case where the first component and the second component have different shapes and constitute a busbar, the manufacturing cost of the busbar 10 can sometimes be reduced.

[0033] In the second component 10B, the extension portion 13 is disposed on the side opposite to the connecting portion 11 in the third direction D3. Figure 3 (See the lower side of the diagram). Furthermore, the connecting portion 12 of the second member 10B protrudes from the connecting portion 11 and the extension portion 13 in a direction consistent with the connecting portion 12 of the first member 10A. Figure 3 (Above the illustration) the opposite direction ( Figure 3 (Highlighted below the illustration).

[0034] In this embodiment, because the busbar 10 has two connecting portions 12, the elastic deformation of each connecting portion 12 allows for relative displacement of the two connecting portions 11 in each of the first component 10A and the second component 10B when they are connected. Furthermore, because the busbar 10 has two connecting extension portions 13 and overlapping portions 14, the strength of the busbar 10 can be improved.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 12 of the first member 10A and the connecting portion 12 of the second member 10B have portions that overlap each other in the thickness direction (third direction D3) of the connecting portion 11. Therefore, compared to the case where the connecting portions 12 of the first member 10A and the connecting portion 12 of the second member 10B do not overlap in the thickness direction of the connecting portion 11, the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive path between the two connecting portions 11 can be increased. Therefore, when a large current flows through the connecting portion 12, the heating of the connecting portion 12 can be suppressed.

[0036] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, a gap 15 is formed between the two connecting portions 12. The two connecting portions 12 are arranged separately from each other through the gap 15. The gap 15 is provided such that it is open in the second direction D2. In other words, the gap 15 is not defined in the second direction D2. By providing the gap 15, the two connecting portions 12 do not interfere with each other and can be elastically deformed independently.

[0037] In this embodiment, before the first member 10A and the second member 10B are connected, the connecting portion 11 and the extension portion 13 can be brought into surface contact and slid together. That is, the first member 10A can be moved a predetermined length relative to the second member 10B in the first direction D1. Therefore, the position of the overlapping portion 14 in the connecting portion 11 can be changed. In other words, by changing the position of the extension portion 13 relative to the connecting portion 11 in the first direction D1, the range of the overlapping portion 14 in the connecting portion 11 can be changed in the first direction D1. For example, in... Figure 5 The diagram shows cross-sections of three different busbars 10. The overlapping portion 14 is positioned differently within the connecting portion 11 among the three busbars 10, resulting in different intervals SP1 between the two connecting portions 11. Here, the interval SP1 between the two connecting portions 11 is, for example, the distance between the central portions of the connecting portions 11 in the first direction D1, where the central portion of the connecting portion 11 is, for example, the center of the through hole 11A. Thus, according to this embodiment, the interval SP1 between the two connecting portions 11 in the busbar 10 can be adjusted using the same first member 10A and second member 10B.

[0038] It should be noted that when determining the relative arrangement of the first component 10A and the second component 10B in the busbar 10, it is not necessary for the connecting portion 11 and the extension portion 13 to be in surface contact with each other and to slide in the first direction D1. For example, after determining the interval SP1 of the two connecting portions 11 by arranging the first component 10A and the second component 10B to be staggered by a predetermined length in the first direction D1, the second component 10B can be arranged to overlap with the first component 10A in the third direction D3, thereby determining the relative arrangement of the first component 10A and the second component 10B.

[0039] (Wiring Module 3) like Figure 6 As shown, the busbar 10 of this embodiment is included in the energy storage module 1, which is mounted in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The energy storage module 1 includes: a plurality of energy storage elements 2 each having an electrode terminal 2A; and a wiring module 3 mounted on the plurality of energy storage elements 2. The wiring module 3 includes the busbar 10, a flexible printed circuit board 20 (an example of a voltage detection line) electrically connected to the busbar 10, and a protector 30 that holds the busbar 10 and the flexible printed circuit board 20. For simplicity, the following will refer to... Figure 6Set the bottom of the icon to "front", the top of the icon to "back", and the left and right directions of the icon to "left and right". Figure 7 The diagram is shown with the vertical direction set to vertical, and the structure of the energy storage module 1 (energy storage element 2 and wiring module 3) is explained.

[0040] The energy storage element 2 is rectangular in shape. It is thinner in the left-right direction and longer in the front-back direction. Electrode terminals 2A are respectively provided at the front and rear ends of the upper surface of the energy storage element 2. One of the two electrode terminals 2A of the energy storage element 2 is the positive terminal, and the other is the negative terminal. The energy storage element 2 is not particularly limited and can be a secondary battery or a capacitor. In this embodiment, the energy storage element 2 is a secondary battery. Multiple energy storage elements 2 are stacked in the left-right direction via separators 4.

[0041] Wiring module 3 is installed on the front and rear portions of the upper surface of multiple energy storage elements 2. Figure 6 The diagram shows a wiring module 3 installed on the front portion of the upper surface of the multiple energy storage elements 2. Although not shown, the wiring module 3 installed on the rear portion of the upper surface of the multiple energy storage elements 2 is similar in nature. Figure 6 The wiring module 3 shown is constructed in the same way.

[0042] The protector 30 is made of insulating synthetic resin. The protector 30 includes a busbar storage section 31 for housing the busbar 10 and a substrate storage section 32 for housing the flexible printed circuit board 20. The busbar storage section 31 is frame-shaped and arranged in a left-right direction. Figure 7 As shown, a connection hole 31B is provided on the bottom wall of the busbar storage section 31. The connecting section 11 of the busbar 10 and the electrode terminal 2A are connected via the connection hole 31B. Figure 6 As shown, the substrate storage portion 32 is a groove extending in the left-right direction. The substrate storage portion 32 is disposed behind the busbar storage portion 31. A notch 31A is formed in the wall of the busbar storage portion 31 near the substrate storage portion 32. A small metal piece 40 for electrically connecting the busbar 10 and the flexible printed circuit board 20 is disposed in the notch 31A. The small metal piece 40 and the busbar 10 are connected, for example, by soldering. The small metal piece 40 and the flexible printed circuit board 20 are connected, for example, by soldering. The wiring module 3 may also have a cover (not shown) that covers the protector 30 that holds the busbar 10 and the flexible printed circuit board 20.

[0043] The flexible printed circuit board 20 has a sheet-like component made of insulating synthetic resin and multiple conductive circuits protected by the sheet-like component. One end of the conductive circuit is electrically connected to the busbar 10 via a small metal piece 40. The other end of the conductive circuit is connected to an external ECU (Electronic Control Unit) or the like via a connector not shown. The ECU is equipped with a microcomputer, components, etc., and is a known structure with functions for detecting the voltage, current, temperature, etc. of each energy storage element 2, and controlling the charging and discharging of each energy storage element 2.

[0044] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of wiring module 3 (and energy storage module 1) is shown. It should be noted that... Figure 7 In the diagram, the flexible printed circuit board 20 and the metal sheet 40 are omitted, and only the main part of the protector 30 is shown. The wiring module 3 can also be configured as a connecting portion 12 of the second member 10B of the busbar 10 arranged between adjacent energy storage elements 2 along the first direction D1. The protector 30 can also have a receiving recess 31C that can accommodate the connecting portion 12. In the energy storage module 1, space can be ensured between the two energy storage elements 2 in the first direction D1 to accommodate the receiving recess 31C, and a separator 4 can be provided.

[0045] In the wiring module 3, the connecting portion 11 of the busbar 10 is arranged opposite to the electrode terminal 2A, and the connecting portion 11 and the electrode terminal 2A are connected by welding. The busbar 10 is connected between the electrode terminals 2A of adjacent energy storage elements 2. That is, the interval SP1 between the two connecting portions 11 of the busbar 10 corresponds to the interval between adjacent electrode terminals 2A in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the interval SP1 of the connecting portions 11 of the busbar 10 can be adjusted when connecting the first component 10A and the second component 10B, so it can be applied to multiple energy storage elements 2 with various intervals of electrode terminals 2A.

[0046] In the energy storage module 1, the connecting portion 12 forms a conductive path between the two connecting portions 11. Therefore, when the vehicle is in use, a large current flows through the connecting portion 12. In this embodiment, the busbar 10 has two connecting portions 12, and the two connecting portions 12 have portions that overlap each other in the third direction D3, so it is easy to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive path formed between the connecting portions 11. Therefore, it is easy to suppress the heat generation of the connecting portion 12.

[0047] In this embodiment, because a gap 15 is formed between the two connecting portions 12, the heat generated in the two connecting portions 12 during vehicle use is transferred to the air disposed in the gap 15. As a result, the heat dissipation of the two connecting portions 12 can be further improved.

[0048] In this embodiment, the busbar 10, through the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 12, allows the connecting portion 11 to shift in the arrangement direction. Therefore, according to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 This configuration, via the connecting portion 12, allows the connecting portion 11 to shift in the left-right direction. Therefore, it can absorb manufacturing and assembly tolerances of the energy storage element 2 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, even if adjacent energy storage elements 2 dynamically shift in the left-right direction due to vehicle vibrations, the connection between the connecting portion 11 and the electrode terminal 2A is less prone to damage due to the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 12. Similarly, the connecting portion 12 also allows the connecting portion 11 to shift in the thickness direction of the connecting portion 11. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The configuration shown also allows for tolerances and variations in the vertical direction of the energy storage element 2.

[0049] (Effects of Implementation Method 1) (1-1) The busbar 10 of Embodiment 1 is constructed by connecting a first member 10A and a second member 10B formed separately from the first member 10A. The first member 10A and the second member 10B each have a connecting portion 11. The two connecting portions 11 are arranged in the first direction D1. The first member 10A has an extension portion 13. The extension portion 13 is formed by extending from the connecting portion 11 and is disposed at a position offset relative to the connecting portion 11 in the first direction D1. The second member 10B has an overlapping portion 14 disposed overlapping at least a portion of the extension portion 13. The extension portion 13 and the overlapping portion 14 are electrically connected. When the first member 10A and the second member 10B are not connected, the interval SP1 of the two connecting portions 11 in the first direction D1 can be adjusted by changing the position of the overlapping portion 14 in the second member 10B in the first direction D1.

[0050] With this structure, when connecting the first component 10A and the second component 10B, the spacing SP1 of the connecting portion 11 of the busbar 10 can be adjusted.

[0051] (1-2) In embodiment 1, the first member 10A further includes a connecting portion 12, which is disposed between the connecting portion 11 and the extension portion 13 and is configured to be elastically deformable.

[0052] According to this structure, the elastic deformation of the connecting part 12 allows the two connecting parts 11 to shift relative to each other when the first member 10A and the second member 10B are connected.

[0053] (1-3) In embodiment 1, the second member 10B further includes an extension portion 13, which extends from the connecting portion 11 and is disposed at a position offset relative to the connecting portion 11 in the first direction D1. The first member 10A has an overlapping portion 14 disposed overlapping at least a portion of the extension portion 13 of the second member 10B. The extension portion 13 of the second member 10B and the overlapping portion 14 of the first member 10A are electrically connected. When the first member 10A and the second member 10B are not connected, the distance SP1 between the two connecting portions 11 in the first direction D1 can be adjusted by changing the position of the overlapping portion 14 in the second member 10B in the first direction D1 and changing the position of the overlapping portion 14 in the first member 10A in the first direction D1. The second member 10B further includes a connecting portion 12, which is disposed between the connecting portion 11 and the extension portion 13 and is configured to be elastically deformable.

[0054] According to this structure, since both the first component 10A and the second component 10B have connecting portions 12, the two connecting portions 11 can be relatively displaced in each other when the first component 10A and the second component 10B are connected, by the elastic deformation of each connecting portion 12.

[0055] (1-4) In embodiment 1, the connecting portion 11 is plate-shaped, and the connecting portion 12 of the first member 10A and the connecting portion 12 of the second member 10B have portions that overlap each other in the thickness direction (third direction D3) of the connecting portion 11.

[0056] With this structure, compared to the case where the connecting portions 12 of the first member 10A and the second member 10B do not overlap in the thickness direction of the connecting portions 11, the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive path between the two connecting portions 11 can be increased. Therefore, when a large current flows through the connecting portion 12, the heating of the connecting portion 12 can be suppressed.

[0057] (1-5) In Embodiment 1, the first component 10A and the second component 10B have the same shape.

[0058] Based on this structure, compared with cases where the first component 10A and the second component 10B have different shapes, it is easier to reduce the manufacturing cost of the busbar 10.

[0059] (1-6) A wiring module 3 is installed on a plurality of energy storage elements 2 each having an electrode terminal 2A. The wiring module 3 includes: a bus bar 10, a connecting part 11 connected to the electrode terminal 2A; a voltage detection line (flexible printed circuit board 20) electrically connected to the bus bar 10; and a protector 30 for holding the bus bar 10 and the voltage detection line.

[0060] (Implementation Method 2) Reference Figures 8 to 14 Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below. Hereinafter, descriptions of components and effects that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 will sometimes be omitted.

[0061] like Figures 8 to 12 As shown, the busbar 110 of this embodiment is constructed by connecting the first component 110A and the second component 110B by welding or the like. The first component 110A and the second component 110B have the same shape.

[0062] like Figure 13 As shown, the first member 110A includes a connecting portion 11, a first sidewall portion 112A (an example of a sidewall portion), a second sidewall portion 112B (an example of a sidewall portion), a first connecting portion 113A (an example of a connecting portion), a second connecting portion 113B (an example of a connecting portion), a first extension portion 114A (an example of an extension portion), and a second extension portion 114B (an example of an extension portion). The connecting portion 11 is plate-shaped in the third direction D3.

[0063] (First side wall portion 112A, second side wall portion 112B) The first sidewall portion 112A extends from one side edge (upper side in the figure) of the connecting portion 11 in the second direction D2 toward the third direction D3. The second sidewall portion 112B extends from the other side edge (lower side in the figure) of the connecting portion 11 in the second direction D2 toward the third direction D3. The first connecting portion 113A and the first extension portion 114A are formed by extending from the first sidewall portion 112A toward the first direction D1. The first connecting portion 113A is disposed between the first extension portion 114A and the first sidewall portion 112A. The second connecting portion 113B and the second extension portion 114B are formed by extending from the second sidewall portion 112B toward the first direction D1. The second connecting portion 113B is disposed between the second extension portion 114B and the second sidewall portion 112B.

[0064] The first connecting portion 113A is bent relative to the first sidewall portion 112A and the first extension portion 114A, protruding towards the other side (lower side in the diagram) in the second direction D2. The second connecting portion 113B is bent relative to the second sidewall portion 112B and the second extension portion 114B, protruding towards one side (upper side in the diagram) in the second direction D2. Figure 9 As shown, the first connecting portion 113A has a recess 115 on the side opposite to the portion protruding from the first sidewall portion 112A and the first extension portion 114A. The second connecting portion 113B is formed to be narrower than the first connecting portion 113A in the first direction D1.

[0065] like Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the first extension portion 114A and the second sidewall portion 112B are arranged overlapping in the second direction D2. The second extension portion 114B and the first sidewall portion 112A are arranged overlapping in the second direction D2. Figure 10 As shown, the first sidewall portion 112A includes an overlapping portion 116 that overlaps with and is electrically connected to the second extension portion 114B. The second sidewall portion 112B includes an overlapping portion 116 that overlaps with and is electrically connected to the first extension portion 114A. Figure 9 As shown, the protruding part of the second connecting part 113B is accommodated in the recess 115.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 113A and the second connecting portion 113B allow the two connecting portions 11 to be displaced relative to each other in the second direction D2. In addition, the first connecting portion 113A and the second connecting portion 113B allow the two connecting portions 11 to be displaced relative to each other in the first direction D1.

[0067] In this embodiment, unlike Embodiment 1, the overlapping portion 116 is formed on the first sidewall portion 112A and the second sidewall portion 112B, which are portions different from the connecting portion 11. Therefore, compared to Embodiment 1, the design freedom of the overlapping portion 116 can be increased. For example, when the overlapping portion 14 is provided on the connecting portion 11 as in Embodiment 1, it is necessary to provide the overlapping portion 14 on the connecting portion 11 while ensuring the function of the connecting portion 11 that connects the busbar 10 and the electrode terminal 2A, so it is sometimes not easy to increase the area of ​​the overlapping portion 14. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the overlapping portion 116 is provided on a portion different from the connecting portion 11, it is easy to increase the area of ​​the overlapping portion 116.

[0068] In this embodiment, the second connecting portion 113B is formed to be smaller than the internal space of the recess 115. A remaining space extending in the first direction D1 is provided between the recess 115 and the second connecting portion 113B. Therefore, as... Figure 14 As shown, with the first extension portion 114A and the second sidewall portion 112B able to slide together, and the second extension portion 114B and the first sidewall portion 112A able to slide together, the first member 110A and the second member 110B can be arranged offset by a predetermined length in the first direction D1 until the second connecting portion 113B and the recess 115 (the first connecting portion 113A) abut against each other in the first direction D1. Therefore, the interval SP2 between the two connecting portions 11 of the busbar 110 can be adjusted.

[0069] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, when the first component 110A and the second component 110B are connected, the first connecting portion 113A and the second connecting portion 113B are elastically deformed, which allows the two connecting portions 11 to shift relative to each other in the second direction D2.

[0070] (Effects of Implementation Method 2) (2-1) In the busbar 110 of Embodiment 2, the first member 110A and the second member 110B are respectively provided with side wall portions (first side wall portion 112A and second side wall portion 112B) that rise from the connecting portion 11 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction D1 (the third direction D3). The side wall portion of the first member 110A and the extension portion (first extension portion 114A and second extension portion 114B) are continuous in the first direction D1, and the side wall portion of the second member 110B includes an overlapping portion 116.

[0071] With this structure, since the overlapping portion 116 can be provided in the sidewall portion, the design freedom of the overlapping portion 116 can be increased compared to the case where the overlapping portion is provided in the connecting portion. For example, it is easier to increase the area of ​​the overlapping portion 116.

[0072] (Implementation Method 3) Reference Figures 15 to 19 Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described below. Hereinafter, the same components and effects as in Embodiment 1 will sometimes be omitted from the description.

[0073] like Figures 15 to 17 As shown, the busbar 210 of this embodiment is constructed by connecting the first component 210A and the second component 210B by welding or the like. The first component 210A and the second component 210B have the same shape.

[0074] like Figure 16 and Figure 18 As shown, the first component 210A includes a connecting portion 11, a connecting portion 212, and an extension portion 213. The width dimension (dimension in the second direction D2) of the connecting portion 212 and the extension portion 213 is set to be slightly smaller than half the width dimension of the connecting portion 11, and one end edge of the connecting portion 212 and the extension portion 213 in the second direction D2 coincides with one end edge of the connecting portion 11 in the second direction D2. Figure 17 As shown, the extension portion 213 overlaps with and is electrically connected to the overlapping portion 214 provided on the connecting portion 11. Figure 16 As shown, the two connecting parts 212 of the busbar 210 are arranged in the second direction D2.

[0075] In Embodiment 1, the width of the connecting portion 12 is the same as the width of the connecting portion 11. However, in this embodiment, the width of the connecting portion 212 is smaller than the width of the connecting portion 11, and the two connecting portions 212 are arranged in the width direction (second direction D2). Therefore, in this embodiment, compared with Embodiment 1, it is easier to allow relative displacement of the two connecting portions 11 in the second direction D2.

[0076] According to this embodiment, such as Figure 19 As shown, by changing the relative positions of the first component 210A and the second component 210B in the first direction D1, the spacing SP3 between the two connecting parts 11 of the busbar 210 can be adjusted.

[0077] (Other implementation methods) The above embodiments 1 to 3 can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiments 1 to 3 and the following variations can be combined with each other within the scope of technical non-contradiction.

[0078] In embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the first components 10A, 110A, 210A and the second components 10B, 110B, 210B each have the same shape, but the first and second components may also have different shapes. For example, the busbar of the present invention includes... Figure 20 The busbar 310 shown is composed of a first component 10A and a flat second component 310B as described in Embodiment 1. The second component 310B has a connecting portion 11, but does not have the connecting portion 12 and the extension portion 13 included in the second component 10B of Embodiment 1.

[0079] In embodiments 1 and 3 described above, connecting parts 12 and 212 are provided. In embodiment 2 described above, a first connecting part 113A and a second connecting part 113B are provided, but the connecting parts may be omitted.

[0080] In the above embodiments 1 to 3, the busbars 10, 110, and 210 have through holes 11A, but the through holes may be omitted.

[0081] In the above embodiment 1, a flexible printed circuit board 20 is exemplified as a voltage detection line, but the voltage detection line may also be an electric wire, a flexible flat cable, etc.

[0082] In the above embodiment 1, the busbar 10 and the flexible printed circuit board 20 are indirectly connected via a metal piece 40, but the busbar and the flexible printed circuit board can also be directly connected.

[0083] In the above embodiment 1, the first sidewall portion 112A and the second sidewall portion 112B are shown as examples of sidewall portions, but the sidewall portion provided on the first member and the second member may be a single portion. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0084] 1: Energy Storage Module 2: Energy storage components 2A: Electrode terminal 3: Wiring module 4: Isolation material 10: Busbar 10A: Component 1 10B: Component 2 11: Connecting part 11A: Through hole 12: Connecting parts 13: Extension Department 14: Overlapping parts 15: Gap 20: Flexible printed circuit board (an example of a voltage detection line) 30: Protector 31: Busbar Storage Section 31A: Notch 31B: Connecting hole 31C: Storage recess 32: Substrate storage section 40: Small metal piece 110: Busbar 110A: Component 1 110B: Component 2 112A: First sidewall portion (an example of a sidewall portion) 112B: Second sidewall portion (an example of a sidewall portion) 113A: First connecting part (an example of a connecting part) 113B: Second connecting part (an example of a connecting part) 114A: First Extension Section (An Example of an Extension Section) 114B: Second Extension Section (An Example of an Extension Section) 115: concave part 116: Overlapping part 210: Busbar 210A: Component 1 210B: Component 2 212: Connecting Part 213: Extension Department 214: Overlapping part 310: Busbar 310B: Component 2 D1: Direction 1 D2: Second Direction D3: 3rd direction SP1: Spacing of the connecting portion 11 in Embodiment 1 SP2: Spacing of the connecting portion 11 in Embodiment 2 SP3: Spacing of the connecting portion 11 in Embodiment 3

Claims

1. A busbar, comprising connecting a first component and a second component formed separately from the first component, wherein, The first component and the second component each have a connecting portion. The two connecting parts are arranged in the first direction. The first member includes an extension portion that extends from the connecting portion and is positioned at a location offset relative to the connecting portion in the first direction. The second member has an overlapping portion that overlaps with at least a portion of the extension portion. The extension portion and the overlapping portion are electrically connected. When the first component and the second component are not connected, the interval between the two connecting parts in the first direction can be adjusted by changing the position of the overlapping part in the second component in the first direction.

2. The busbar according to claim 1, wherein, The first component further includes a connecting portion, which is disposed between the connecting portion and the extension portion and is configured to be elastically deformable.

3. The busbar according to claim 2, wherein, The second component further includes an extension portion that extends from the connecting portion and is positioned offset relative to the connecting portion in the first direction. The first member has an overlapping portion that overlaps with at least a portion of the extension portion of the second member. The extension portion of the second component and the overlapping portion of the first component are electrically connected. When the first component and the second component are not connected, the interval between the two connecting portions in the first direction can be adjusted by changing the position of the overlapping portion in the second component in the first direction and by changing the position of the overlapping portion in the first component in the first direction. The second component further includes a connecting portion, which is disposed between the connecting portion and the extension portion and is configured to be elastically deformable.

4. The busbar according to claim 3, wherein, The connecting part is plate-shaped. The connecting portion of the first component and the connecting portion of the second component have portions that overlap each other in the thickness direction of the connecting portion.

5. The busbar according to claim 1, wherein, The first component and the second component also each have a sidewall portion that rises from the connecting portion in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The sidewall portion and the extension portion of the first component are continuous in the first direction. The sidewall portion of the second component includes the overlapping portion.

6. The busbar according to claim 1, wherein, The first component and the second component have the same shape.

7. A wiring module, installed on a plurality of energy storage elements, each having electrode terminals, wherein, The wiring module includes: The busbar according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connecting portion of the busbar is connected to the electrode terminal; The voltage detection line is electrically connected to the busbar; as well as The protector maintains the busbar and the voltage detection line.

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