Laminated bus bar, terminal block, and method of manufacturing laminated bus bar

Abstract

To enhance position error absorption performance of a laminated bus bar.SOLUTION: A laminated bus bar 10, which is formed in a long shape, comprises a plurality of laminated bus bars 22, 24, 26 and 28. A middle path part 19 between first and second ends 11 and 12 of the plurality of laminated bus bars is bent to eliminate path differences between the plurality of laminated bus bars.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a laminated bus bar, a terminal block, and a method for manufacturing a laminated bus bar. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal block including a laminate formed by laminating a plurality of thin plates and having conductivity and flexibility.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a busbar in which a plurality of metal plates are stacked and which includes a first joint portion where the plurality of metal plates are joined together, a second joint portion where the plurality of metal plates are joined together, and a non-joined portion between the second joint portions where the plurality of metal plates are not joined together, and the non-joined portion has at least one bent portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-24667 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-73544 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is desired to further improve the position error absorption performance of the laminated bus bar.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the position error absorption performance of a laminated bus bar. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The laminated bus bar of the present disclosure is a laminated bus bar formed in an elongated shape, and includes a plurality of stacked bus bars, and intermediate path portions between first and second ends of the plurality of bus bars are bent so as to eliminate path differences between the plurality of bus bars.

[0008] The terminal block of the present disclosure also includes a base body that is fixed to an apparatus, and a connection member that is supported by the base body, wherein the connection member connects a first component and a second component, and at least a portion of the connection member is the laminated bus bar.

[0009] This makes it easier to provide the connecting member with a position error absorbing function.

[0010] The present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a laminated bus bar, which includes preparing a laminate of multiple bus bars, joining the multiple bus bars together to form a first joint, joining the multiple bus bars together to form a second joint at a position away from the first joint, and bending portions of the multiple bus bars between the first joint and the second joint so as to eliminate path differences between the multiple bus bars. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, the position error absorption performance of the laminated bus bar can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a laminated bus bar according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the laminated bus bar. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a manufacturing method for a laminated bus bar. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a laminated bus bar according to a first modified example. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view showing the laminated bus bar. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a laminated bus bar according to a second modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a laminated bus bar according to a third modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a laminated bus bar according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial schematic diagram showing an electromechanical integrated unit to which a terminal block including a laminated bus bar is applied. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the terminal block is connected to the relay bus bar. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a terminal block according to a fifth modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a terminal block according to a sixth modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a terminal block according to a seventh modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0014] The laminated bus bar of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0015] (1) A laminated bus bar formed in a long shape, comprising a plurality of stacked bus bars, wherein an intermediate path portion between a first end and a second end of the plurality of bus bars is bent so as to eliminate path differences between the plurality of bus bars.

[0016] In this case, the intermediate path portions of the plurality of bus bars are bent so as to eliminate path differences between the plurality of bus bars, which allows the stacked bus bar to bend easily around the bent portion, thereby improving the ability to absorb positional errors.

[0017] (2) In the laminated bus bar of (1), the first end portion is a portion where one end of the plurality of bus bars is joined, the second end portion is a portion where the other end of the plurality of bus bars is joined, the intermediate path portion includes a non-joined portion where the plurality of bus bars are kept in a non-joined state, and the non-joined portion may be bent so as to eliminate path differences between the plurality of bus bars.

[0018] In this case, since the plurality of bus bars are joined in a stacked state at each of the first end and the second end, the first end and the second end can be easily connected to the connection object. The stacked bus bar can be easily bent at the non-jointed portion between the first end and the second end so as to absorb positional errors between the connection objects.

[0019] (3) In the laminated bus bar of (2), the non-jointed portion may include a first bent portion and a second bent portion, and the first bent portion and the second bent portion may be bent in opposite directions to each other in the stacking direction of the plurality of bus bars.

[0020] In this case, the first bent portion and the second bent portion that are bent in opposite directions from each other can easily cancel out the path differences of the plurality of bus bars.

[0021] (4) In the laminated bus bar of (3), the first bent portion and the second bent portion may be bent in the same shape.

[0022] In this case, the difference in path length can be more reliably cancelled out by the first bent portion and the second bent portion being bent in the same shape.

[0023] (5) In the laminated busbar of (4), the non-jointed portion may include a first end side laminated portion that is linearly connected to the first end side, a laminated middle portion that is linearly connected to the first end side laminated portion via the first bent portion, and a second end side laminated portion that is linearly connected to the second end side and via the second bent portion.

[0024] In this case, since the laminated intermediate portion is connected to the first end laminated portion and the second end laminated portion via the bent portion, the first end and the second end can be positioned at different positions in the thickness direction. The bending and deformation of the first bent portion and the second bent portion also makes it possible to easily absorb positional errors in the approach direction and thickness direction of the first end and the second end.

[0025] (6) In the laminated bus bar of (2), the non-jointed portion may include a twisted bent portion that is bent in a twisted manner.

[0026] In this case, the twisted portion bends in the thickness direction of the intermediate path portion at each portion in the extending direction, so that intersections in various directions can be easily absorbed.

[0027] (7) The laminated bus bar of any one of (3) to (6) may have rotational symmetry about an axis passing through the center of the laminated bus bar in the extension direction.

[0028] In this case, it is easy to configure the connector so that it can be connected to a connection object without distinguishing between the first end and the second end.

[0029] (8) In the laminated bus bar of (2), the non-jointed portion may include a large bend portion, a first small bend portion, and a second small bend portion, and the bending paths of the first small bend portion and the second small bend portion may be shorter than the bending path of the large bend portion, and the first small bend portion and the second small bend portion may be bent in the opposite direction to the large bend portion in the stacking direction of the multiple bus bars.

[0030] In this case, the path differences between the plurality of bus bars can be cancelled out by combining the first small bent portion, the second small bent portion, and the large bent portion.

[0031] (9) In the laminated busbar of (8), the large bend portion may be arc-shaped, the first small bend portion may be connected to one end of the large bend portion and bend toward the outer periphery of the large bend portion, and the second small bend portion may be connected to the other end of the large bend portion and bend toward the outer periphery of the large bend portion in the opposite direction to the first small bend portion.

[0032] In this case, the position error can be absorbed by deformation of the arc-shaped large bent portion and the first and second small bent portions connected to the large bent portion.

[0033] (10) The laminated bus bar of any one of (1) to (9) may further include a joint bent portion where the plurality of bus bars are joined together and where the plurality of bus bars are bent in the stacking direction.

[0034] In this way, the bent portion that does not contribute to absorbing the path difference can be a joint bent portion where the bus bars are joined and the bus bars are bent in the stacking direction, which makes it easy to realize a configuration in which the stacked portion of the bus bars is bent so as to eliminate the path difference between the bus bars.

[0035] The terminal block of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0036] (11) A terminal block comprising a base body fixed to a device and a connecting member supported by the base body, the connecting member connecting a first component and a second component, and at least a portion of the connecting member being any one of the laminated bus bars (1) to (10).

[0037] This makes it easier to provide the connecting member with a position error absorbing function.

[0038] (12) In the terminal block of (11), the connection member may include a terminal and the laminated bus bar, the terminal may be held in a penetrating state in the base body, and the laminated bus bar may relay the connection between the terminal and the first component.

[0039] This allows the laminated bus bar to absorb any positional error between the terminal and the first component. Also, by using a terminal with a single-layer structure, it is easier to improve watertightness at the point where the terminal penetrates the base body.

[0040] (13) In the terminal block of (11), the entire connecting member may be the laminated bus bar, a portion of the laminated bus bar may be supported in a penetrating state on the base body, and a portion of the laminated bus bar that is bent to eliminate path differences between the multiple bus bars may be located closer to the first component than the base body.

[0041] This makes it possible to absorb positional errors between the table main body and the first component while reducing the number of components.

[0042] The manufacturing method of the laminated bus bar of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0043] A method for manufacturing a laminated bus bar includes preparing a laminate of multiple bus bars, joining the multiple bus bars together to form a first joint, joining the multiple bus bars together to form a second joint at a position away from the first joint, and bending portions of the multiple bus bars between the first joint and the second joint so as to eliminate path differences between the multiple bus bars.

[0044] After the first and second joint portions are formed, the plurality of bus bars can be bent. This allows the first and second joint portions to be processed simultaneously or consecutively, facilitating the manufacture of laminated bus bars.

[0045] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the laminated bus bar, connection unit, and manufacturing method of the laminated bus bar according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0046] [Embodiment 1] The laminated bus bar and the method for manufacturing the laminated bus bar according to embodiment 1 will be described below. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the laminated bus bar 10. Fig. 2 is a side view of the laminated bus bar 10.

[0047] The laminated bus bar 10 is a conductive member formed in an elongated shape. "Elongated" means that the laminated bus bar 10 is formed in a shape that is long and narrow in any direction, and includes cases where the laminated bus bar 10 is curved in the thickness direction. The laminated bus bar 10 may also be curved in the width direction.

[0048] The laminated busbar 10 includes a plurality of stacked busbars 22, 24, 26, and 28. The busbars 22, 24, 26, and 28 are thinner than the overall thickness of the laminated busbar 10. For example, the busbars 22, 24, 26, and 28 may be 0.3 mm to 1 mm thick. The busbars 22, 24, 26, and 28 are made of metal plates such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, and aluminum alloy. The busbars 22, 24, 26, and 28 are formed in the shape of elongated plates. The laminated busbar 10 is formed by stacking the plurality of busbars 22, 24, 26, and 28 with their extension directions aligned, and therefore the laminated busbar 10 is also formed in the shape of an elongated plate.

[0049] The laminated bus bar 10 includes a first end 11, a second end 12, and an intermediate path portion 19.

[0050] The first end 11 is a portion where one ends of the plurality of bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 are joined together. The second end 12 is a portion where the other ends of the plurality of bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 are joined together.

[0051] The term "joining" refers to maintaining the multiple bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28, which are the objects to be joined, in a stacked state. The joined state may be a state achieved by, for example, welding, solid-state welding, brazing, or press working. A state achieved by welding refers to a state in which the objects to be joined are melted and joined, such as a state achieved by resistance welding or laser welding. A state achieved by solid-state welding refers to a state in which the objects to be joined are joined while maintaining their solid state, such as a state achieved by ultrasonic bonding or diffusion bonding. A state achieved by brazing refers to a state in which a filler metal such as solder is melted and the objects to be joined are joined by the filler metal. A state achieved by press working refers to a state in which the objects to be joined are pressed so as to maintain their joined state, such as a structure known as a caulking joint, a structure known as a TOX (trademark) caulking, or a structure known as a mechanical clinch.

[0052] The first end 11 and the second end 12 are portions used for connecting the laminated bus bar 10 to a connection target. For example, the first end 11 and the second end 12 are portions that are overlapped with a terminal to be connected.

[0053] Holes 11h and 12h may be formed in the first end 11 and the second end 12. For example, with a terminal placed on the first end 11 or the second end 12, a screw is inserted through the hole 11h or 12h and the hole of the terminal and screwed into a nut. This fixes the first end 11 or the second end 12 to the terminal.

[0054] The connection structure between the first end 11 and the second end 12 and the terminal is not limited to a screw structure, but may be a joining structure by welding, solid-state joining, brazing or press processing, or may be a fitting structure utilizing elasticity.

[0055] The intermediate path portion 19 is located between the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12. The intermediate path portion 19 is bent so as to eliminate path differences between the plurality of bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28.

[0056] More specifically, the intermediate path section 19 includes a non-jointed portion 19M where the multiple bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 are kept in a non-jointed state. In this embodiment, the entire intermediate path section 19 is the non-jointed portion 19M. Therefore, one end of the non-jointed portion 19M is connected to the first end portion 11, and the other end of the non-jointed portion 19M is connected to the second end portion 12. The non-jointed portion 19M is bent to eliminate the path differences between the multiple bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28. Note that being bent to eliminate the path differences between the multiple bus bars includes both a case where the bus bars are bent so that even if a path difference occurs, the path difference is canceled out as a whole, and a case where the bus bars are bent so that no path difference occurs in the first place.

[0057] In other words, when the multiple bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 are bent in either direction in the stacking direction, a path difference may occur between the bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 depending on whether they pass near the outer periphery or the inner periphery of the bent portion. Therefore, the multiple bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 are bent in at least one location toward one side in the stacking direction and in at least one location toward the other side in the stacking direction. The bent portion in at least one location toward one side in the stacking direction and the bent portion in at least one location toward the other side in the stacking direction cancel out the path difference between the bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28, thereby eliminating the path difference.

[0058] In this case, the path difference at the bent portions may be affected by the length, bend radius, angle, etc. Therefore, the path difference of the bus bars 22, 24, 26, 28 is cancelled out by taking into consideration the length, bend radius, angle, etc. of each bent portion, the number of bent portions on one side in the stacking direction, and the number of bent portions on the other side in the stacking direction as a whole.

[0059] A specific example of the bending configuration in the first embodiment is as follows.

[0060] That is, the non-joint portion 19M includes a first bent portion 14 and a second bent portion 16. The first bent portion 14 is bent toward one side in the stacking direction of the bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28. The second bent portion 16 is bent toward the other side in the stacking direction of the bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28. That is, the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16 are bent toward opposite sides in the stacking direction of the bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28. The stacking direction of the bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 is also the thickness direction of the laminated bus bar 10.

[0061] Furthermore, since one first bent portion 14 and one second bent portion 16 cancel out the path difference, the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16 may be bent in the same shape. Note that when the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16 bend in the same shape, this includes shapes within the error range, and for example, if the difference in angle of the second bent portion 16 relative to the angle of the first bent portion 14 is the same within a range of ±10%, preferably ±5%, then the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16 may be evaluated as being bent in the same shape.

[0062] The non-jointed portion 19M may have a first end side laminated portion 13, a laminated middle portion 15, and a second end side laminated portion 17.

[0063] The first end side laminated portion 13 is a portion that is linearly connected to the first end portion 11. In other words, the first end side laminated portion 13 and the first end portion 11 extend linearly.

[0064] The laminated intermediate portion 15 is connected to the first end side laminated portion 13 via a first bent portion 14. The first bent portion 14 may be at an obtuse angle or an acute angle. In this embodiment, the first bent portion 14 is at an obtuse angle. The laminated intermediate portion 15 itself extends linearly.

[0065] The second end side laminated portion 17 is a portion that is linearly connected to the second end portion 12. In other words, the second end side laminated portion 17 and the second end portion 12 extend linearly. The second end side laminated portion 17 is also connected to the laminated intermediate portion 15 via a second bent portion 16. The second bent portion 16 may be at an obtuse angle or an acute angle. In this embodiment, the second bent portion 16 is at an obtuse angle. The laminated intermediate portion 15 itself extends linearly.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16 are bent at the same angle, so the first end side laminated portion 13 and the first end portion 11 are parallel to the second end side laminated portion 17 and the second end portion 12. In addition, the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 are disposed at different positions in their thickness direction along the length of the laminated intermediate portion 15 that extends while intersecting with the first end side laminated portion 13 and the second end side laminated portion 17.

[0067] Furthermore, since the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16 form an obtuse angle, the stacked intermediate portion 15 is inclined in a direction away from the first end portion 11 with respect to the first end side stacked portion 13. Therefore, the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 are disposed apart from each other in the extending direction thereof.

[0068] Furthermore, if the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16 form an acute angle, the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 can be disposed in positions close to each other in the direction in which they extend, for example, in positions where they overlap each other.

[0069] The cancellation of the path difference in the first embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0070] In FIG. 2, attention is focused on bus bar 22 arranged on one outer side in the stacking direction in non-jointed portion 19M and bus bar 28 arranged on the other outer side.

[0071] First, for the first end side laminated portion 13, the laminated intermediate portion 15, and the second end side laminated portion 17, there is no path difference between the bus bar 22 and the bus bar 28. Therefore, attention will be focused on the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16.

[0072] At the first bent portion 14, the bus bar 22 passes along the inner periphery side, and the bus bar 28 passes along the outer periphery side. Therefore, the path L1(out) of the bus bar 28 at the first bent portion 14 is greater than the path L1(in) of the bus bar 22 at the first bent portion 14.

[0073] At the second bent portion 16, the bus bar 22 passes on the outer periphery side, and the bus bar 28 passes on the inner periphery side. Therefore, the path L2(in) of the bus bar 28 at the second bent portion 16 is smaller than the path L2(out) of the bus bar 22 at the second bent portion 16.

[0074] If the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16 have the same bending shape, the path L1(in) can be made the same as the path L2(in), and the path L1(out) can be made the same as the path L2(out). Then, the sum of the paths L1(in) and L2(out) for the bus bar 22 becomes the same as the sum of the paths L1(out) and L2(in) for the bus bar 28, and the path difference is canceled out.

[0075] In addition, in the non-jointed portion 19M, the path difference is also canceled out in the relationship between the bus bar 24 located more inward than one outermost bus bar in the stacking direction and the bus bar 26 located more inward than the other outermost bus bar in the stacking direction. Furthermore, when an odd number of bus bars are stacked, the path difference does not pose a problem for the bus bar in the center of the stacking direction, regardless of the bending direction.

[0076] As described above, when canceling out the path difference, the lengths of the first end side laminated portion 13, the laminated intermediate portion 15, and the second end side laminated portion 17, which are straight portions, do not matter.

[0077] However, the laminated busbar 10 may have rotational symmetry about the axis C passing through the center in its extension direction. For example, if the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16 have the same bent shape, and the first end portion 11 and the first end-side laminated portion 13 and the second end portion 12 and the second end-side laminated portion 17 have the same shape, the laminated busbar 10 can exhibit rotational symmetry about the axis C.

[0078] As will be described in the second embodiment, the laminated bus bar 10 can be used as various wiring members such as terminals of a terminal block or relay members connected to the terminals.

[0079] <Example of manufacturing method> An example of a method for manufacturing the laminated bus bar 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows an example of a method for manufacturing the laminated bus bar 10 having a counter-shaped configuration, and for comparison, an example of a method for manufacturing a U-shaped laminated bus bar 90.

[0080] In manufacturing the laminated bus bar 10, a laminate 80 of narrow strip-shaped bus bars is prepared in step S1. The laminate may be formed by punching stacked plate materials all at once, or by stacking plate materials that have been punched separately. In either case, the edges of the plate materials are cut off so that they are aligned.

[0081] In the next step S2, both ends of the laminate 80 are subjected to joining processing to join the respective plate materials.

[0082] In the next step S3, the laminate 80 is bent by press working or the like, thereby forming the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16. At the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16, the path differences between the bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 are canceled out, so that the bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 are kept stacked and not separated from each other.

[0083] In the next step S6, the final shape is adjusted, polished and cleaned.

[0084] In contrast to the above example, when a U-shaped laminated bus bar 90 is manufactured, a laminated body 80 of narrow strip-shaped bus bars is prepared in step S1.

[0085] In the next step S2, one end of the stack 80 is subjected to joining processing to join the respective plate materials.

[0086] In the next step S3, the laminate 80 is bent into a U-shape by pressing or the like. At the U-shaped bend, path differences may occur between the bus bars. That is, among the multiple bus bars, the bus bars that pass closer to the outer periphery have longer path lengths.

[0087] If both ends of the laminate 80 were joined in step S2, a large tensile force would be generated in the bus bars that pass on the outer periphery, and excess length would be generated in the bus bars that pass on the inner periphery. Processing such a laminate 80 would be difficult, and it may also be difficult to process it accurately.

[0088] As described above, if the ends of the bus bars are joined at one end of the laminate 80 and not joined at the other end, the bus bars will pass each other at the bent portion, and the path difference between the bus bars can be released to the other end of the laminate 80. In this case, the edges of the plate materials at that end will be uneven.

[0089] In the next step S4, the bus bars at the other end of the laminate 80 are cut and aligned.

[0090] In the next step S5, the bus bars are joined together at the other end of the laminate 80.

[0091] In the next step S6, the final shape is adjusted, polished and cleaned.

[0092] In this way, when the shape does not cancel out the path difference, such as in the case of a laminated bus bar including a single U-shaped bend, it is conceivable to perform joining processing on the ends after bending in order to eliminate the path difference, which may result in extra steps S3 and S4 as described above.

[0093] In the example of this embodiment, both ends of the laminate 80 can be processed simultaneously, so the number of processing steps for the laminated bus bar 10 can be reduced.

[0094] <Effects, etc.> In the laminated busbar 10 configured as described above, the intermediate path portion 19 is bent to cancel out the path differences between the multiple busbars 22, 24, 26, and 28. Therefore, the laminated busbar 10 can be easily bent around the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16, which are the multiple bent portions, thereby improving its ability to absorb positional errors. For example, the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16 can be easily bent so that their bending angles increase or decrease. This allows the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 to easily move toward or away from each other in their extension directions and to easily change their positions in their thickness directions. This allows the laminated busbar 10 to easily accommodate positional errors in both the longitudinal and thickness directions.

[0095] Moreover, the first end 11 is a portion where the plurality of bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 are joined, and the second end 12 is a portion where the other ends of the plurality of bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 are joined. Therefore, it is easy to connect each of the first end 11 and the second end 12 to a connection target.

[0096] Furthermore, the intermediate path portion 19 is a portion where the plurality of bus bars 22 are kept in a non-jointed state. The non-jointed portion 19M is bent so as to cancel the path differences between the plurality of bus bars 22. Therefore, the non-jointed portion 19M between the first end 11 and the second end 12 can be easily bent so as to absorb positional errors of the connection objects.

[0097] Furthermore, the non-jointed portion 19M includes a first bent portion 14 and a second bent portion 16 that bend in opposite directions in the stacking direction. Focusing on any bus bar, the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16 have opposite positional relationships toward the inner periphery and the outer periphery, and therefore the path difference is easily canceled out. Therefore, the path difference of the multiple bus bars 22, 24, 26, 28 can be easily canceled out by the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16 that bend in opposite directions.

[0098] Furthermore, in this case, if the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16 are bent in the same shape, the path differences between the plurality of bus bars 22, 24, 26, 28 can be more reliably cancelled out.

[0099] Furthermore, the non-joint portion 19M has a first end side laminated portion 13, a laminated intermediate portion 15, and a second end side laminated portion 17. In this case, the laminated intermediate portion 15 is connected to the first end side laminated portion 13 and the second end side laminated portion 17 via the bent portions 14, 16, so that the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 can be positioned at different positions in the thickness direction. Furthermore, as the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16 bend and deform, the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 can easily be displaced relatively in the approach direction and thickness direction. This makes it easy to absorb positional errors between connected objects.

[0100] Furthermore, since the laminated bus bar 10 has rotational symmetry about the axis C, it is easy to realize a configuration in which the first end 11 and the second end 12 can be connected to a connection object without distinction.

[0101] Furthermore, according to the above manufacturing method, a laminate 80 of a plurality of bus bars is prepared, the bus bars are joined together to form a first end 11 as a first joint, and the plurality of bus bars are joined together to form a second end 12 as a second joint at a position away from the first joint. Then, non-jointed portions 19M of the plurality of bus bars, which are portions between the first and second joints, are bent so as to cancel out the path differences between the plurality of bus bars.

[0102] Therefore, after the first and second joint portions are formed, the multiple bus bars can be easily bent. This allows the first and second joint portions to be processed simultaneously or consecutively, facilitating the manufacture of the laminated bus bar 10. The ease of processing also shortens the manufacturing time. The simplification of the manufacturing process and the shortened manufacturing time also reduce manufacturing costs.

[0103] <Modification> Various modifications will be described based on the above-described embodiment 1. Differences from embodiment 1 will be mainly described below.

[0104] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a laminated bus bar 110 according to a first modified example, and FIG. 5 is a side view showing the laminated bus bar 110. As shown in FIG.

[0105] The laminated bus bar 110 includes a large bent portion 115, a first small bent portion 114, and a second small bent portion 116 instead of the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16 in the first embodiment.

[0106] The bending path of each of the first small bend portion 114 and the second small bend portion 116 is shorter than the bending path of the large bend portion 115. In this embodiment, the first small bend portion 114 and the second small bend portion 116, and further the large bend portion 115, are bent in an arc shape. The bending radius and central angle of the first small bend portion 114 and the second small bend portion 116 are the same. The curvature radius and central angle of the large bend portion 115 are larger than the bending radius and central angle of the first small bend portion 114 and the second small bend portion 116. As a result, the bending path of the large bend portion 115 is longer than the bending paths of the first small bend portion 114 and the second small bend portion 116.

[0107] In this embodiment, the large bent portion 115 has an arc shape, more specifically, a semicircular arc shape. For example, the first small bent portion 114 and the second small bent portion 116 have a quarter arc shape.

[0108] The first small bent portion 114 is a portion that is connected to one end of the large bent portion 115 and bends toward the outer periphery of the large bent portion 115. The second small bent portion 116 is a portion that is connected to the other end of the large bent portion 115 and bends toward the outer periphery of the large bent portion 115 in the opposite direction from the first small bent portion 114. For example, the central angle between the first small bent portion 114 and the second small bent portion 116 is 90 degrees. The first small bent portion 114 and the second small bent portion 116 bend in opposite directions along the radial direction centered on the center of curvature of the large bent portion 115. The large bent portion 115 is located between the first small bent portion 114 and the second small bent portion 116.

[0109] The first end laminated portion 113 is connected to the outer end of the first small bent portion 114, and the first end 11 is connected in a straight line to the outer end of the first end laminated portion 113. The second end laminated portion 117 is connected to the outer end of the second small bent portion 116, and the second end 12 is connected in a straight line to the outer end of the second end laminated portion 117.

[0110] In FIG. 5, attention is focused on bus bar 22 arranged on one outer side in the stacking direction in non-jointed portion 19M and bus bar 28 arranged on the other outer side.

[0111] First, for the first end side laminated portion 113 and the second end side laminated portion 117, there is no path difference between the bus bar 22 and the bus bar 28. Therefore, attention will be focused on the large bend portion 115, the first small bend portion 114, and the second small bend portion 116.

[0112] At the first small bend 114 and the second small bend 116, the bus bar 22 passes on the inner periphery side, and the bus bar 28 passes on the outer periphery side. Therefore, at each of the first small bend 114 and the second small bend 116, the path M1(out) of the bus bar 28 is longer than the path M1(in) of the bus bar 22.

[0113] In the large bend portion 115, the bus bar 22 passes on the outer periphery side, and the bus bar 28 passes on the inner periphery side. Therefore, in the large bend portion 115, the path M2(in) of the bus bar 28 is smaller than the path M2(out) of the bus bar 22.

[0114] The large bending portion 115 has a longer path than the first small bending portion 114 and the second small bending portion 116, and therefore has a greater effect on the path difference.

[0115] Therefore, the path difference is cancelled out by providing a larger number (two in this case) of first small bends 114 and second small bends 116 in comparison with a smaller number (one in this case) of large bends 115 .

[0116] In other words, the path difference is canceled out by making the sum of the two paths M1(in) and one path M2(out) related to bus bar 22 the same as the sum of the two paths M1(out) and one path M2(in) related to bus bar 28.

[0117] For the other bus bars 24 and 26, the path differences are cancelled out in the same manner as above.

[0118] According to this modification, it is possible to achieve the same effect as in the first embodiment in terms of canceling out the path difference.

[0119] By combining the first small bend portion 114 and the second small bend portion 116 with the large bend portion 115, the path differences between the plurality of bus bars 22, 24, 26, 28 can be cancelled out.

[0120] Furthermore, the large bent portion 115 is arc-shaped, and the first small bent portion 114 and the second small bent portion 116 are connected to each end of the large bent portion 115 and bent so as to extend out in opposite directions. Therefore, the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 can easily and predictably change their positions by the large bent portion 115, the first small bent portion 114, and the second small bent portion 116 deforming. In particular, the large bent portion 115 can easily and predictably change its positions by the large bent portion 115. Furthermore, the bent shapes of the first small bent portion 114 and the second small bent portion 116 make it easy to connect to a connection object.

[0121] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a laminated bus bar 210 according to a second modified example.

[0122] The laminated bus bar 210 includes a first bent portion 213, a second bent portion 215, a third bent portion 217, and a fourth bent portion 219, instead of the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16 in the first embodiment.

[0123] The first bent portion 213 is connected to the first end portion 11, and the fourth bent portion 219 is connected to the second end portion 12. The first bent portion 213 and the fourth bent portion 219 are bent in opposite directions in the stacking direction. Furthermore, the first bent portion 213 and the fourth bent portion 219 are bent at the same angle.

[0124] The second bent portion 215 is connected to the first bent portion 213 via a first intermediate portion 214 that extends linearly. The third bent portion 217 is connected to the fourth bent portion 219 via a third intermediate portion 218 that extends linearly. The second bent portion 215 and the third bent portion 217 are bent in opposite directions in the stacking direction. The second bent portion 215 and the third bent portion 217 are bent at the same angle. The second bent portion 215 and the third bent portion 217 are connected to each other via a second intermediate portion 216 that extends linearly.

[0125] The laminated bus bar 210 has rotational symmetry about an axis C passing through the center in the extension direction of the laminated bus bar 210. Therefore, the first end 11 and the second end 12 can be connected to a connection object without being distinguished from each other.

[0126] This laminated bus bar 210 can achieve the same effect as in embodiment 1 in terms of canceling out path differences. Furthermore, since it is bent at more locations than in embodiment 1, it is expected that the position error absorption performance will be improved by easily bending at each of the bent portions 213, 215, 217, and 219. Furthermore, it is easy to set the positions of the first end 11 and the second end 12, and for example, the second end 12 can be placed on a linear extension of the first end 11.

[0127] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a laminated bus bar 310 according to a third modified example.

[0128] The laminated bus bar 310 includes a twisted bent portion 314 bent in a twisted manner, instead of the first bent portion 14 and the second bent portion 16 in the first embodiment. The twisted bent portion 314 is a portion having a shape twisted into a spiral screw shape centered at the center in the width direction and the center in the stacking direction of the stacked bus bars 22, 24, 26, 28.

[0129] The number of turns of the twisted portion 314 that form the spiral is arbitrary, but may be, for example, 1 / 2 turn. In other words, the twisted portion 314 may be twisted so that the first end 11 and the second end 12 are reversed to each other. The twisted portion 314 may be twisted less than 1 / 2 turn or more than 1 / 2 turn.

[0130] In this modification, the laminated bus bar 310 also has a shape that has rotational symmetry about an axis C that passes through the center in the extension direction of the laminated bus bar 310. Therefore, the first end 11 and the second end 12 can be connected to a connection object without being distinguished from each other.

[0131] According to this laminated bus bar 310, all of the bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 are twisted into the same shape, so that there is no path difference. Therefore, in that there is no path difference, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0132] Furthermore, at each portion in the extending direction of the non-bonded portion 19M where the twisted portion 314 is formed, the twisted portion 314 can be easily deformed in the stacking direction.

[0133] For example, the portion of the twisted portion 314 close to the second end 12 can be easily bent in the thickness direction (P1) of the second end 12. Furthermore, for example, the central portion of the twisted portion 314 in the extension direction can be easily bent in the thickness direction (P2) of the central portion. Furthermore, the portion of the twisted portion 314 between the second end 12 and the central portion can be easily bent in a direction (P3) that intersects both P1 and P2. Therefore, the first end 11 and the second end 12 can be easily displaced relative to each other in the width direction and the thickness direction, which intersect with each other.

[0134] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a laminated bus bar 410 according to a fourth modification.

[0135] The laminated bus bar 410 includes a bent joint portion 430 in addition to a portion 420 that is bent so as to eliminate the path difference between the plurality of bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28.

[0136] The joint bent portion 430 is a portion where the plurality of bus bars 22, 24, 26, 28 are joined together and where the plurality of bus bars 22, 24, 26, 28 are bent in the stacking direction.

[0137] That is, the portion 420 must be bent to eliminate any path differences between the bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28. In addition to this, it may be necessary to satisfy a condition that the first end 11 and the second end 12 can be positioned so as to be connectable to a connection target. It may be difficult to satisfy both conditions.

[0138] Therefore, in this embodiment, a joint bending portion 430 is formed separately from the portion 420. The joint bending portion 430 is a portion where the bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 are joined and bent by welding, solid-state welding, brazing, or press working, similar to the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12. When this portion is bent, the bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 are bent integrally without passing each other. Therefore, the influence of the path length difference caused by the difference between the inner and outer peripheries of the bent portion 430a is unlikely to extend beyond the bent portion 430a. Therefore, outside the bent portion 430a, positional misalignment of the ends and separation of the bus bars due to the path difference are unlikely to occur.

[0139] More specifically, in this embodiment, the portion 420 that eliminates the path difference has a bent shape similar to that of the non-jointed portion 19M in the first modified example shown in FIGS.

[0140] The joint bent portion 430 is bent so as to be continuous with one end of the portion 420. Here, the joint bent portion 430 is a portion where the joint portion of the bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 is bent at a right angle.

[0141] The first end 11 is connected to the portion 420 , and the second end 12 is connected to the joint bent portion 430 .

[0142] According to this modification, the bent portions that do not contribute to eliminating the path difference can be formed as joint bent portions 430 in which the bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 are joined together and the bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 are bent in the stacking direction. This makes it easy to realize a configuration in which the non-jointed portions 19M of the bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28 can be bent to eliminate the path difference between the bus bars 22, 24, 26, and 28. In other words, the degree of freedom of the path of the stacked bus bar 410 can be improved.

[0143] [Embodiment 2] In the second embodiment, a terminal block including a laminated bus bar is described. Fig. 9 is a partial schematic diagram showing a mechanically and electrically integrated unit 550 to which a terminal block 500 including a laminated bus bar 530 is applied. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the terminal block 500 is connected to a relay bus bar 566.

[0144] A description will be given of the overall configuration of the electromechanical integrated unit 550. The electromechanical integrated unit 550 includes a rotating electric machine 560 and an inverter 580.

[0145] The rotating electric machine 560 is a rotating electric machine including an armature 562 and a field magnet disposed in a case. In FIG. 9, the armature 562 is shown as a stator. The field magnet is disposed in the armature 562 as a rotor. The field magnet rotates due to the magnetic field generated by the armature 562, or the armature 562 generates an electromotive force due to the rotation of the field magnet. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the rotating electric machine 560 is a rotating electric machine that can be used as a three-phase AC motor. The rotating electric machine may be able to operate as a generator in addition to or instead of operating as a motor. The rotating electric machine is also an example of a device.

[0146] The armature 562 includes a stator core and a plurality of coil wires. The stator core includes a plurality of teeth that are arranged to surround the rotation axis. Each coil wire is wound around one or more teeth.

[0147] At least some of the multiple ends 564 of the multiple coil wires are drawn out from between the multiple teeth to one axial end of the armature. The ends 564 of the coil wires are connected in a predetermined combination or drawn out to the outside. For example, some of the ends 564 of the multiple coil wires are drawn out to the outer periphery of the armature 562 via relay bus bars 566. In FIG. 9, three relay bus bars 566 corresponding to the three phases draw some of the ends 564 of the coil wires out to the outside. The relay bus bars 566 are an example of a first component to be connected to the terminal block 500.

[0148] Moreover, inverter 580 is a device having an inverter circuit. Inverter 580 is assumed to be integrated with rotating electric machine 560. For example, inverter 580 is integrated with the case of rotating electric machine 560 by bolting or the like.

[0149] The inverter 580 includes an inverter-side bus bar 582 connected to the output end of the inverter circuit. The inverter-side bus bar 582 is an example of a first component, which is an example of a connection target of the terminal block 500.

[0150] The terminal block 500 includes a block body 510 and a connecting member 520 .

[0151] The base body 510 is fixed to a case 558 of the electromechanical integrated unit 550. A part of the case 558 is shown in Fig. 9. An opening is formed in the case 558, and the base body 510 is supported by the case 558 so as to close the opening.

[0152] The connecting member 520 is supported by the base main body 510 while passing through the opening. One end of the connecting member 520 extends toward the relay bus bar 566, which is a first component, and is connected to the relay bus bar 566. The other end of the connecting member 520 extends toward the inverter side bus bar 582, which is a second component, and is connected to the inverter side bus bar 582. This allows the connecting member 520 to relay and connect the relay bus bar 566 and the inverter side bus bar 582, which are arranged in a space separated by the base main body 510. In this embodiment, the terminal block 500 includes three connecting members 520 corresponding to the three phases.

[0153] The connection between the connection member 520 and the relay bus bar 566 or the inverter-side bus bar 582 may be made by any of screwing, welding, joining, brazing, or the like.

[0154] At least a part of the connection member 520 is the laminated bus bar 530. This makes it easier to provide the connection member 520 with the ability to absorb positional errors.

[0155] In this embodiment, the connection member 520 includes a terminal 522 and a laminated bus bar 530 .

[0156] Terminal 522 is an elongated member, and in this embodiment, is formed from a single, long, thin metal plate. Terminal 522 is supported by base body 510 while penetrating base body 510. For example, base body 510 is molded from resin or the like with terminal 522 as an insert part.

[0157] The laminated bus bar 530 has a shape obtained by bending the bending portion of the laminated bus bar 10 described in the first embodiment at an acute angle. One end of the laminated bus bar 530 is joined to one end of the terminal 522. The other end of the laminated bus bar 530 is joined to the relay bus bar 566. Even if the position of one end of the terminal 522 of the terminal block 500 and the position of the relay bus bar 566 are deviated from the predetermined positions, the positional error can be easily absorbed by deformation of the laminated bus bar 530.

[0158] According to the second embodiment, the laminated bus bar 530 makes it easy to provide the connection member 520 held by the terminal block 500 with a position error absorbing function.

[0159] Furthermore, by holding the terminal 522 having a single layer structure by the base body 510, it is easy to improve the waterproofing at the portion where the terminal 522 penetrates the base body 510.

[0160] As in a fifth modified example shown in FIG. 11, the entirety of a connection member 620 corresponding to the connection member 520 may be a laminated bus bar 630.

[0161] In this example, the laminated bus bar 630 has a configuration in which one end of the laminated bus bar 530 described in the first embodiment is extended.

[0162] The extended end of laminated bus bar 630 is supported by base main body 510 in a penetrating state.

[0163] A portion of stacked bus bar 630 that is bent so as to eliminate path differences between the plurality of bus bars extends toward relay bus bar 566 beyond base main body 510 and is connected to relay bus bar 566 .

[0164] In this modified example, the number of assembly parts can be reduced, and the positional error between base main body 510 and relay bus bar 566 can be absorbed.

[0165] In the second embodiment and the fifth modified example, the shape of the laminated bus bar is not limited to the above examples.

[0166] For example, the laminated bus bar in the second embodiment may be a laminated bus bar 730 having a shape similar to that of the laminated bus bar 110 described in the first modification, as in a sixth modification shown in FIG.

[0167] Furthermore, for example, the shape of the laminated bus bar portion in the fifth modified example may be a portion 830 having the same shape as the laminated bus bar 110 described in the first modified example, as in the seventh modified example shown in FIG.

[0168] Depending on the positional relationship between the base body and the relay bus bar 566, the attitude of the relay bus bar 566, etc., a portion of the connecting member may be shaped similarly to the laminated bus bar described in the second, third or fourth modified example.

[0169] [Variations] The configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 530, 630, 730 Laminated busbar 11 First end 11h, 12h hole 12 Second end 13, 113 First end side laminated portion 14 First bending section 15 Intermediate layer 16 Second bending section 17, 117 Second end side laminated section 19 Intermediate path section 19M Non-joint part 22, 24, 26, 28 bus bars 80 laminate 90 Laminated bus bar (comparison example) 114 First small bend 115 Large bending section 116 Second small bend 213 First bending section 214 First Intermediate Section 215 Second bending section 216 Second Intermediate Section 217 Third bending section 218 Third Intermediate Section 219 Fourth bending section 314 Twisted bending section 430 Joint bending part 430a Bent part 500 terminal block 510 units 520, 620 Connection member 522 terminal 550 Electromechanical Integrated Unit 558 cases 560 Rotating Electric Machine 562 Armature 564 End 566 Intermediate bus bar 580 Inverter 582 Inverter side bus bar C-axis

Claims

1. A laminated bus bar formed in an elongated shape, A plurality of stacked bus bars is provided, an intermediate path portion between a first end portion and a second end portion of the plurality of bus bars is bent so as to eliminate a path difference between the plurality of bus bars.

2. The laminated bus bar according to claim 1, the first end portion is a portion where one ends of the plurality of bus bars are joined, the second end portion is a portion where the other ends of the plurality of bus bars are joined, the intermediate path portion includes a non-joined portion in which the plurality of bus bars are kept in a non-joined state, the non-jointed portions are bent to eliminate path differences between the plurality of bus bars.

3. The laminated bus bar according to claim 2, the non-bonded portion includes a first bent portion and a second bent portion, the first bent portion and the second bent portion are bent in opposite directions to each other in a stacking direction of the plurality of bus bars.

4. The laminated bus bar according to claim 3, The first bent portion and the second bent portion are bent in the same shape.

5. The laminated bus bar according to claim 4, The non-bonded portion is a first end side laminated portion linearly connected to the first end; a laminated intermediate portion connected to the first end side laminated portion via the first bent portion; a second end side laminated portion that is continuous with the laminated intermediate portion via the second bent portion and linearly continuous with the second end portion; A laminated bus bar comprising:

6. The laminated bus bar according to claim 2, The non-jointed portion includes a twisted bent portion bent in a twisted manner.

7. The laminated bus bar according to any one of claims 3 to 6, The laminated bus bar has rotational symmetry about an axis passing through a center of the laminated bus bar in an extension direction.

8. The laminated bus bar according to claim 2, the non-jointed portion includes a large bent portion, a first small bent portion, and a second small bent portion, a bending path of each of the first small bending portion and the second small bending portion is shorter than a bending path of the large bending portion; the first small bent portion and the second small bent portion are bent in opposite directions relative to the large bent portion in a stacking direction of the bus bars.

9. The laminated bus bar according to claim 8, The large bend portion has an arc shape, the first small bent portion is a portion that is connected to one end of the large bent portion and bends toward the outer periphery of the large bent portion, the second small bend portion is a portion that is continuous with the other end of the large bend portion and bends toward the outer periphery of the large bend portion in a direction opposite to the first small bend portion.

10. The laminated bus bar according to any one of claims 1 to 6, claims 8 and 9, The laminated bus bar further includes a joint bent portion where the plurality of bus bars are joined together and where the plurality of bus bars are bent in a stacking direction.

11. a base body fixed to the device; a connecting member supported by the base body; Equipped with the connecting member connects a first component and a second component; A terminal block, wherein at least a part of the connection member is the laminated bus bar according to any one of claims 1 to 6, claims 8 and 9.

12. 12. The terminal block according to claim 11, the connection member includes a terminal and the laminated bus bar, The terminal is held in a state in which it penetrates the base body, and the laminated bus bar relays and connects the terminal and the first component.

13. 12. The terminal block according to claim 11, the entire connecting member is the laminated bus bar, a portion of the laminated bus bar is supported by the base body in a penetrating state, a portion of the laminated bus bar that is bent so as to eliminate path differences between the plurality of bus bars is located closer to the first component than the base main body.

14. preparing a laminate of a plurality of bus bars; The plurality of bus bars are joined together to form a first joint portion; The plurality of bus bars are joined together to form a second joint portion at a position spaced apart from the first joint portion; a portion of the plurality of bus bars between the first joint portion and the second joint portion is bent so as to eliminate a path difference between the plurality of bus bars.

Images