Insulation for power supply conductor, insulated conductor, and voltage conversion unit and battery unit equipped therewith

Abstract

The present invention provides a covering that can flexibly adapt to the outer circumference of a power supply conductor and contributes to high voltage resistance and weight reduction, a power supply conductor equipped with the covering, and a voltage conversion unit and battery unit equipped therewith. [Solution] A removable covering 1 that covers the outer circumference of a power supply conductor comprises an elastic sheet 10 that transmits heat generated by the power supply conductor to the outside and electrically insulates the power supply conductor from its surroundings, and tape portions 15 that are electrically insulates the power supply conductor from its surroundings and are fixed to one or both sides in the width direction of the elastic sheet and are detachable from each other, and the surface of the elastic sheet 10 is provided with one or more recesses 13 to facilitate expansion and contraction in the outer circumference direction around which the power supply conductor is wrapped.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coating for a power supply conductor, a conductor with a coating, and a voltage conversion unit and a battery unit equipped therewith. [Background technology]

[0002] Power supply conductors (busbars), typically made of copper, are widely used inside enclosures such as distribution boards and control panels because they can efficiently supply large amounts of current to various parts. They are also used in electric vehicles (EVs), which have recently attracted attention, to electrically connect onboard batteries and other components. Specifically, in EVs, these power supply conductors are commonly used inside aluminum enclosures of units that convert external power, such as voltage control inverters or converter units. Because these power supply conductors are often used under high voltage, there is a risk of current flowing through them and causing accidents. Therefore, the surface of the power supply conductor needs to be covered with some kind of insulator. Furthermore, these power supply conductors can become hot when large currents flow through them, so a heat dissipation mechanism is also necessary.

[0003] Methods for insulating power supply conductors include forming a coating of water-soluble resin (polyvinyl alcohol resin) around them (see Patent Document 1). In addition, insulating tapes for power supply conductors are widely available on the market. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-220025 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, the conventionally known coverings described above have the following problems. When using insulating tape, it is difficult to cover the power supply conductor while it is fixed inside the housing. Furthermore, the method described in Patent Document 1 does not necessarily have sufficient thermal conductivity, which may cause the conductor to overheat inside the housing. In addition, although there are examples of using heat shrink tubing, it is very difficult to pass the tubing over the power supply conductor if the power supply conductor has a bent shape. Prior to the present invention, the inventors developed a covering for a power supply conductor in order to solve the problems of the conventionally known coverings described above. This covering comprises an elastic sheet that can electrically insulate the power supply conductor from its surroundings, and tape portions that are fixed to one or both sides in the width direction of the elastic sheet and are detachable from each other.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide, by further improving the covering according to the prior invention, a covering that can flexibly adapt to the outer circumference of a power supply conductor and contributes to higher voltage resistance and lighter weight, a conductor with the covering equipped on a power supply conductor, and a voltage conversion unit and a battery unit equipped therewith. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The covering of a power supply conductor according to one embodiment for achieving the above objective is A removable covering that covers the outer circumference of a power supply conductor, An elastic sheet that transmits the heat generated by the power supply conductor to the outside and electrically insulates the power supply conductor from its surroundings, The system comprises a tape portion that is electrically insulating between the power supply conductor and its surroundings, and is fixed to one or both sides in the width direction of the elastic sheet, and is detachable from each other. The elastic sheet surface is provided with one or more recesses to facilitate expansion and contraction in the outer circumferential direction around which the power supply conductor is wound. (2) In the covering of the power supply conductor according to another embodiment, preferably the recess may be a groove that is elongated along the length of the tape portion. (3) In a covering for a power supply conductor according to another embodiment, preferably the tape portion may be silicone rubber containing a boric acid compound. (4) In a covering for a power supply conductor according to another embodiment, preferably the elastic sheet may be a laminate of multiple layers with different hardnesses. (5) In another embodiment, the covering of the power supply conductor may preferably have the recess in each of the plurality of layers. (6) In a covering for a power supply conductor according to another embodiment, preferably the elastic sheet may be a sheet of a curable silicone rubber composition. (7) In a covering for a power supply conductor according to another embodiment, preferably the sheet of the curable silicone rubber composition may include a heat dissipation filler. (8) In a coating for a power supply conductor according to another embodiment, preferably the sheet of the curable silicone rubber composition consists of a plurality of uncured layers, and the plurality of uncured layers may be a laminate that becomes a plurality of cured layers with different hardnesses upon curing. (9) A covered conductor according to one embodiment for achieving the above objective comprises one of the above-described coverings and a power supply conductor whose outer circumference is covered by the covering. (10) A covered conductor according to another embodiment comprises a cover having the elastic sheet having a laminated structure of multiple layers of different hardnesses, and a power supply conductor whose outer circumference is covered by the cover, A conductor with a covering, wherein the lower hardness layer of the laminate constituting the covering is in contact with the power supply conductor. (11) A voltage conversion unit according to one embodiment for achieving the above objective is a voltage conversion unit used for converting supplied power, A housing for housing each component of the unit, A circuit board mounted inside the aforementioned enclosure, The insulated conductor electrically connected to the circuit board, A lid member that, together with the aforementioned housing, constitutes the outer surface of the unit, It has at least the following features: The conductor with the coating has a structure that can come into contact with the housing and / or the lid member on the inside. (12) A battery unit according to an embodiment for achieving the above object is a battery unit for storing electric power supplied to each part, a housing for housing each component of the unit, a battery placed inside the housing, the conductor with the coating electrically connected to the battery, a lid member that constitutes the outer surface of the unit together with the housing, and at least includes: The conductor with the coating has a structure that can come into contact with the housing and / or the lid member on the inside.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coating that can flexibly respond to the outer periphery of the power supply conductor and contributes to increasing the withstand voltage and reducing the weight, a conductor with the coating having the coating provided on the power supply conductor, and a voltage conversion unit and a battery unit including the same.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view (1A) of the coating of the power supply conductor according to the first embodiment as seen from the planar direction and a cross-sectional view (1B) taken along line A-A of the schematic view. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 schematically shows the process of coating the coating of the power supply conductor in FIG. 1 on the power supply conductor to form a conductor with the coating. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of a unit (voltage conversion unit) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view (4A) of the coating of the power supply conductor according to the second embodiment as seen from the planar direction and a cross-sectional view (4B) taken along line A-A of the schematic view. [Figure 5]Figure 5 schematically shows the process of covering the power supply conductor with the insulation shown in Figure 4 to create a conductor with insulation. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram (6A) of the covering body according to the third embodiment as viewed from the planar direction, and a cross-sectional view (6B) of the schematic diagram along line AA. [Figure 7] Figure 7 schematically shows the process of covering a power supply conductor with the covering material shown in Figure 6 to create a conductor with a covering material. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows cross-sectional views (8A, 8B, 8C) of modified examples of the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 4, and 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are not intended to limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all of the elements and combinations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0011] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram (1A) of the sheath of the power supply conductor according to the first embodiment, viewed from the planar direction, and a cross-sectional view (1B) of the schematic diagram along line AA. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the process of covering the power supply conductor with the sheath of the power supply conductor shown in Figure 1 to create a conductor with a sheath. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the unit (voltage conversion unit) according to the first embodiment.

[0012] 1. Insulation of the power supply conductor The covering body 1 for the power supply conductor according to this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "covering body") is a removable covering body 1 that covers the outer circumference of the power supply conductor 3 and comprises an elastic sheet 10 that transmits heat generated by the power supply conductor 3 to the outside and electrically insulates the power supply conductor 3 from its surroundings, and tape portions 15 that electrically insulate the power supply conductor 3 from its surroundings and are fixed to one or both sides in the width direction (left-right direction in Figure 1 (1A)) of the elastic sheet 10 and are detachable from each other. The covering body 1 has one or more recesses 13 on the surface of the elastic sheet 10 to facilitate expansion and contraction in the outer circumference direction around which the power supply conductor 3 is wrapped. In one example, the recesses 13 are grooves formed to be elongated along the length direction (up-down direction in Figure 1 (1A)) of the tape portion 15. The grooves are recessed in the thickness direction of the elastic sheet 10. The grooves do not necessarily have to be formed continuously along the entire length of the tape portion 15; for example, they may be formed intermittently in multiple straight lines, or they may be a single groove shorter than the length of the tape portion 15. The tape portion 15 is not limited to both sides in the width direction of the elastic sheet 10, but may be provided only on one side in the width direction of the elastic sheet 10. In that case, the recess 13 will be a groove formed in an elongated shape along the length direction (up and down direction in Figure 1(1A)) of the tape portion 15 on one side. The covering 1 is a member capable of electrically insulating the power supply conductor 3 from its surroundings, and also serves as a heat dissipation member that fills the gap with the lid member (also called the top lid) 51 of the housing 52, which will be described later, and transmits heat from the power supply conductor 3 to the lid member 51. The size of the covering 1 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed depending on the size of the power supply conductor 3 to be covered or the height of the housing 52 and the lid member 51. Hereafter, "electrically insulating" will be abbreviated to "insulation". The "width direction" corresponds to the direction in which the power supply conductor 3 is wound. The "length direction" corresponds to the length direction of the power supply conductor 3. The following describes each part of the covering 1 in detail.

[0013] 1.1 Elastic Sheet The elastic sheet 10 is a sheet with excellent thermal conductivity and insulation properties. The thermal conductivity of the elastic sheet 10 is expressed, for example, by thermal conductivity, and is preferably 3 W / m·K or higher. The insulation properties of the elastic sheet 10 are expressed, for example, by dielectric breakdown voltage according to JIS C 2151 or the US standard ASTM D149. In that case, the dielectric breakdown voltage is preferably 5 kV / mm or higher. The elastic sheet 10 according to this embodiment is a laminate of multiple layers with different hardnesses. "Hardness" can be measured by various known methods. For example, if the material of the elastic sheet 10 is silicone rubber, the hardness can be measured by a Type A durometer according to JIS K 6249 or by an Asker C hardness tester according to JIS K 7312. The layers constituting the elastic sheet 10 consist of at least two or more layers. Although two layers are shown in Figure 1, there may be three or more layers. The elastic sheet 10 includes at least an inner low-hardness layer 11 that adheres closely to the power supply conductor 3 (described later) and an outer high-hardness layer 12.

[0014] The elastic sheet 10 may be made of a material having high insulating properties, and preferably a material having even higher thermal conductivity. The material of each layer of the elastic sheet 10 can be any known material having at least high insulating properties, but preferably it is rubber, more preferably silicone rubber, butyl rubber, urethane rubber, isoprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, natural rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), fluororubber, or a composite thereof, and even more preferably silicone rubber. When silicone rubber is used for the elastic sheet 10, the silicone rubber may be cured by any curing mechanism as long as it is a silicone rubber with a siloxane bond as its main backbone, and examples include condensation-curing type silicone rubber or addition-curing type silicone rubber. Details of condensation-curing type silicone rubber and addition-curing type silicone rubber will be described in the second embodiment. In addition, the materials of the multiple layers of the elastic sheet 10 with different hardness may be the same for all layers, or they may be different.

[0015] To enhance the thermal conductivity of the material constituting the elastic sheet 10, each layer constituting the elastic sheet 10 may contain a heat dissipation filler. Examples of heat dissipation fillers include alumina, aluminum nitride, hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), cubic boron nitride (cBN), and diamond particles, with hBN being preferred.

[0016] (low hardness layer) The low-hardness layer 11 is a layer within the laminate constituting the elastic sheet 10 that directly contacts the power supply conductor 3 when it is covered. The hardness of the low-hardness layer 11 is lower than that of the high-hardness layer 12 constituting the elastic sheet 10. By making the layer that directly contacts the power supply conductor 3 low-hardness, adhesion during covering is improved regardless of the shape of the power supply conductor 3, and it is possible to cover it without creating gaps. By covering the power supply conductor 3 without gaps, it is possible to prevent the creation of a space between the power supply conductor 3 and the covering 1, and the heat conductivity to the outside can be further improved. The low-hardness layer 11 may be a layer of cured silicone rubber (cured layer), or a layer of an uncured silicone rubber composition similar to the elastic sheet 20a (described later) in the third embodiment (uncured layer). If the low-hardness layer 11 is a layer of an uncured silicone rubber composition, the low-hardness layer 11 is an uncured layer when the covering 1 is attached to the power supply conductor 3. However, the low-hardness layer 11 hardens into a hardened layer by the action of moisture in the air or by heating after the coating 1 is attached to the power supply conductor 3. Alternatively, the low-hardness layer 11 may contain a highly insulating polyimide film or epoxy resin film inside, in a manner that it is not exposed on the surface that comes into contact with the power supply conductor 3 during coating.

[0017] (High hardness layer) The high-hardness layer 12 is a layer within the laminate constituting the elastic sheet 10 that does not directly contact the power supply conductor 3 when covered, but forms the outer surface of the covered conductor 5 (described later) and can contact the lid member 51 of the housing 52. The hardness of the high-hardness layer 12 is higher than that of the low-hardness layer 11 constituting the elastic sheet 10. By making the outer surface of the covered conductor 5 a layer with higher hardness, the power supply conductor 3 can be protected from the external environment. In addition, the shape of the covered conductor 5 can be kept stable even when in contact with the lid member 51, and scratch resistance can be improved. The high-hardness layer 12 may also be the material to be fused to the tape portion 15. The high-hardness layer 12 may be a layer of cured silicone rubber (cured layer) or a layer of an uncured silicone rubber composition (uncured layer). If the high-hardness layer 12 is a layer of an uncured silicone rubber composition, the high-hardness layer 12 is an uncured layer at the time the cover 1 is attached to the power supply conductor 3. However, the high-hardness layer 12 hardens into a hardened layer by the action of moisture in the air or by heating after the coating 1 is attached to the power supply conductor 3. In addition, the high-hardness layer 12 may contain a highly insulating polyimide film or epoxy resin film inside in a manner that does not expose it to the outer surface during coating.

[0018] (Middle class) The elastic sheet 10 may further include one or more intermediate layers (not shown) between the low-hardness layer 11 and the high-hardness layer 12 described above. The intermediate layer functions as a reinforcing layer for the elastic sheet 10. The material of the intermediate layer can be appropriately selected according to the required properties such as heat resistance, insulation, and mechanical strength, and examples include thermosetting polyimide, thermosetting epoxy resin, and glass wool.

[0019] 1.2 Tape section The tape portion 15 is a member for fixing the covering 1 to the power supply conductor 3 in a detachable manner, and can be provided on one or both sides in the width direction of the elastic sheet 10. In this embodiment, one tape portion 15 is provided on each side in the width direction of the elastic sheet 10. That is, the tape portion 15 is an adhesive member for forming the covering 1 in an annular shape.

[0020] The material of the tape portion 15 is not particularly limited as long as it has excellent insulating properties, but preferably it also has excellent thermal conductivity. The tape portion 15 may contain a heat dissipation filler such as boron nitride, similar to the elastic sheet 10. From the viewpoint of simplifying the attachment work to the power supply conductor 3, the tape portion 15 is preferably adhesive or self-fusing, and more preferably it is a self-fusing rubber. The material of the tape portion 15 is more preferably self-fusing butyl rubber or self-fusing silicone rubber, and even more preferably self-fusing silicone rubber. In this embodiment, the self-fusing silicone rubber is a silicone rubber containing a boric acid compound. By constructing the tape portion 15 from self-fusing silicone rubber, the covering 1 can be fixed to the power supply conductor 3 simply by stretching the tape portion 15 and fusing it with other tape portions 15, without using any other adhesives. Furthermore, if the tape portion 15 itself is a silicone rubber with excellent thermal conductivity, heat from the power supply conductor 3 can be easily dissipated to the cover member 51 via the tape portion 15.

[0021] The ratio of the width of the tape portion 15 to the covering 1 is not particularly limited as long as the covering 1 can be fixed to the power supply conductor 3, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the usage situation.

[0022] (Self-fusing silicone rubber) Self-fusing silicone rubber is a cured product obtained by curing a curable composition containing, for example, a diorganopolysiloxane represented by the following chemical formula (I) and a boric acid compound. However, the self-fusing silicone rubber may also be a cured product mainly composed of an organopolysiloxane other than diorganopolysiloxane.

[0023] [ka] (R in equation (I)) 1 This refers to a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. In formula (I), n is between 1.98 and 2.02.

[0024] R in equation (I) 1The hydrocarbon group has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 8. Examples of hydrocarbon groups include alkyl groups, cycloalkyl groups, alkenyl groups, and aryl groups. Examples of alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl groups. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include cyclohexyl groups. Examples of alkenyl groups include vinyl, allyl, butenyl, and hexenyl groups. Examples of aryl groups include phenyl and tolyl groups. 1 As such, the hydrocarbon group may be a group in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms are replaced with halogen atoms, cyano groups, etc. When curing the above silicone composition, if curing is accelerated with an organic peroxide as described later, R 1 It is preferable that the group is an alkenyl group or a group in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the alkenyl group are substituted with halogen atoms or cyano groups. In formula (I), n is between 1.98 and 2.02. When n is within this range, better self-fusing properties are obtained.

[0025] The kinematic viscosity of the diorganopolysiloxane at 25°C is preferably 100 to 100,000,000 cSt, and more preferably 100,000 to 10,000,000 cSt. If the kinematic viscosity of the diorganopolysiloxane at 25°C is within the above range, it exhibits excellent handling properties before curing and excellent mechanical properties after curing.

[0026] Examples of boric acid compounds include boric acid and derivatives of boric anhydride. Examples of boric acid include boric anhydride, pyroboric acid, and orthoboric acid. Examples of derivatives of boric anhydride include trimethyl borate, triethyl borate, and trimethoxyboroxine. In addition, polyorganobolosiloxanes obtained by condensing organoalkoxysilanes such as dimethyldimethoxysilane or dimethyldiethoxysilane with boric anhydride can also be used as boric acid compounds. One boric acid compound may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0027] The content of the boric acid compound in the curable composition is preferably 0.1 to 50 parts by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 30 parts by mass, and even more preferably 1 to 5 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of diorganopolysiloxane. If the content of the boric acid compound is above the lower limit, sufficient self-fusing properties can be ensured, and if it is below the upper limit, a decrease in mechanical properties can be suppressed.

[0028] The curable composition may contain an organic peroxide as a crosslinking agent to promote the curing of the composition. Examples of organic peroxides include hydroperoxides, dialkyl peroxides, peroxyesters, diacyl peroxides, and peroxydicarbonates. Of these, diacyl peroxides are preferred. These organic peroxides may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0029] The content of organic peroxide in the curable composition is preferably 0.1 to 10 parts by mass, and more preferably 0.06 to 8 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of diorganopolysiloxane. If the amount of organic peroxide is less than the lower limit, the vulcanization reaction may not proceed sufficiently, resulting in deterioration of physical properties such as reduced hardness and insufficient rubber strength. If it is more than the upper limit, it is not only economically disadvantageous but may also adversely affect other physical properties.

[0030] 2. Method for manufacturing the coating A method for manufacturing the coating 1 is as follows. First, a curable composition of a silicone rubber sheet constituting the low-hardness layer 11 and a curable composition of a silicone rubber sheet constituting the high-hardness layer 12 are prepared. The prepared curable compositions of each sheet are stacked to form the curable composition of the elastic sheet 10. The curable compositions of self-fusing silicone rubber constituting the tape portion 15 are placed on the surface in the width direction and / or on both sides of the composition of the elastic sheet 10 to form the curable composition of the coating 1. Next, the curable composition of the coating 1 is molded by a method such as extrusion molding while heat curing. When using a mold, it is desirable to provide a protrusion on the molding surface of the mold for forming the recess 13. On the other hand, even if a protrusion is not provided on the mold, the recess can be formed after molding by indenting or scraping the surface of the high-hardness layer 12 of the elastic sheet 10. Also, the tape portion 15 does not necessarily need to be molded integrally with the elastic sheet 10. For example, the curable composition of the elastic sheet 10 and the curable composition of the tape portion 15 may be molded and cured separately, and the tape portion 15 may be fixed to the surface and / or both sides in the width direction of the elastic sheet 10. Furthermore, the tape portion 15 may be provided on one side in the width direction of the composition of the elastic sheet 10.

[0031] If the coating 1 includes the above-mentioned intermediate layer, the curable composition of the silicone rubber sheet constituting the low-curing layer 11 and the curable composition of the silicone rubber sheet constituting the high-curing layer 12 may be sandwiched between them when they are layered. Also, if the low-curing layer 11 or the high-curing layer 12 includes an insulating film such as a polyimide film or an epoxy resin film, the insulating film may be placed so as to be embedded in the curable composition of the low-curing layer 11 or the high-curing layer 12, and then further covered with the curable composition.

[0032] Another manufacturing method is as follows: The self-fusing silicone rubber curable composition constituting the tape portion 15 is formed into a sheet. By providing the aforementioned protrusions in the mold during molding, a sheet with recesses 13 can be formed. Next, the silicone rubber sheet curable composition constituting the low-hardness layer 11 and the silicone rubber sheet curable composition (with recesses 13) constituting the high-hardness layer 12 are laminated. Each tape portion 15 is fixed to the widthwise surface and / or both sides of the laminated elastic sheet 10. The resulting coating 1 is placed in a bag to prevent contact with air. When in use, the bag is opened, the coating 1 is removed, and the power supply conductor 3 is covered with the coating 1. The coating 1 then hardens due to the action of moisture in the air. If a material that can be hardened by means other than the action of moisture is selected, it is also possible to harden it by heating it with a hairdryer, for example. Each tape portion 15 may be provided on only one side in the widthwise direction of the elastic sheet 10.

[0033] The power supply conductor 3 can be any known conductor used in distribution boards, control panels, vehicle batteries, etc. The shape of the power supply conductor 3 is not particularly limited. Any sheathing 1 according to this embodiment can be used regardless of the shape of the power supply conductor 3. The material of the power supply conductor 3 is not particularly limited as long as it has low electrical resistance and can conduct a large amount of current. Specifically, various known materials such as copper plates and aluminum plates can be used. When using a copper plate, copper or copper alloys can be used, for example, those specified in JIS H 3100:2018 (Copper and copper alloy plates and strips) can be used. Specifically, oxygen-free copper (C1020), tough pitch copper (C1100), phosphorus-deoxidized copper (C1201), tin-containing copper (C1441), zirconium-containing copper (C1510), iron-containing copper (C1921), etc. can be used. When using an aluminum plate, aluminum or aluminum alloys can be used.

[0034] 3. Method of coating with a covering material When covering the power supply conductor 3 with the covering 1, as shown in Figure 2, first, the low-hardness layer 11 is placed so as to be in close contact with the power supply conductor 3 before power is applied, and part or all of the power supply conductor 3 is covered with the elastic sheet 10. Next, at least one of the tape portions 15 provided on both sides in the width direction of the covering 1 is pulled and fused to the other tape portion 15, so that the covering 1 covers the power supply conductor 3 in an annular shape. Since one or more recesses 13 are formed in the elastic sheet 10, even if the outer circumference of the power supply conductor 3 has a different length, the elastic sheet 10 can be stretched by pulling the tape portions 15 in the direction of arrow F, and the power supply conductor 3 can be covered in an annular shape as shown by arrow B. As a result, the power supply conductor 3 can be reliably covered, so a high voltage withstand capability can be achieved. In addition, the weight of the covering 1 can be reduced. The tape portion 15 may be provided on one side in the width direction of the covering 1. Furthermore, the covering 1 can be easily applied to the power supply conductor 3 even after the power supply conductor 3 has been installed inside the housing 52. Furthermore, if the power supply conductor 3 has a branched portion that extends from the main body in a so-called octopus-leg shape, and this branched portion is electrically connected to a circuit board 53 or the like (described later), the covering 1 may be appropriately cut out to cover the main body portion of the power supply conductor 3 so as not to interfere with the branched portion.

[0035] 4. Conductor with insulation As shown in Figure 2, the covered conductor 5 is a structure formed by covering the power supply conductor 3 with the above-described covering 1. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the covered conductor 5 is composed of a high-hardness layer 12 and a tape portion 15 of the laminate of the elastic sheet 10. The high-hardness layer 12 has one or more recesses 13. The covering 1 is fixed to the power supply conductor 3 by fusing at least one tape portion 15 with the other tape portion 15. Except for the tape portion 15, the covered conductor 5 has a structure in which the high-hardness layer 12, low-hardness layer 11, and power supply conductor 3 are laminated in that order from the outside. The low-hardness layer 11 of the laminate of the elastic sheet 10 is in contact with the power supply conductor 3. One or more arbitrary intermediate layers (not shown) may be interposed between the high-hardness layer 12 and the low-hardness layer 11.

[0036] 5. Unit The unit 50 according to this embodiment is a voltage conversion unit used for converting a supplied voltage, as shown in Figure 3, for example, and comprises at least a housing 52 for housing each component, a circuit board 53 mounted inside the housing 52, the above-mentioned insulated conductor 5 electrically connected to the circuit board 53, and a lid member 51 that, together with the housing 52, forms the outer surface of the unit. Except for the insulated conductor 5, the unit 50 can be appropriately manufactured by known manufacturing methods.

[0037] The voltage conversion unit is a unit 50 for converting the voltage of the power supplied from the external battery through the connector 54. For example, it may be a DC / AC inverter that converts the voltage from DC to AC, or a DC / DC converter that steps down the voltage.

[0038] The housing 52 and / or lid member 51 have a structure that allows them to contact the covered conductor 5 inside the unit 50 further inward. That is, the covered conductor 5 can contact at least a portion of the housing 52 and / or lid member 51. In this embodiment, the high-hardness layer 12 and / or tape portion 15 of the covered conductor 5 are in contact with the housing 52. The power supply conductor 3 is not in direct contact with the housing 52. This is to prevent current from flowing to the housing 52. The housing 52 preferably has protrusions 52a that can contact the covered conductor 5. When the housing 52 has protrusions 52a, three protrusions 52a are shown in Figure 3, but it is not limited to this, and one, two, or four or more protrusions may be provided. The housing 52 and lid member 51 are not particularly limited as long as they have excellent heat dissipation properties, and are manufactured by die-casting using, for example, an aluminum alloy. The circuit board 53 can be any known circuit board, such as a printed circuit board, as long as it is a circuit board capable of the voltage conversion described above.

[0039] In this embodiment, the power supply conductor 3 in the unit 50 can efficiently dissipate heat by contacting the housing 52 of the unit 50. Due to manufacturing tolerances, the power supply conductor 3 may experience significant misalignment at the contact point with the housing 52, potentially preventing contact with the protrusion 52a. Therefore, by using a covered conductor 5 with a covering 1, the misalignment with the protrusion 52a is eliminated, enabling contact and allowing heat dissipation of the power supply conductor 3 while preventing current from flowing to the housing 52.

[0040] The unit 50 according to this embodiment may be, for example, a battery unit for storing power supplied to each part. The battery unit is the same as the voltage conversion unit described above, but with the circuit board 53 replaced by a battery. The battery is composed of a plurality of battery cells and is electrically connected to the power supply conductor 3 via the electrodes of the battery cells. The type of battery is not particularly limited, and known batteries such as lithium-ion batteries can be used. The housing 52 and / or lid member 51 relating to the battery unit may have a cooling structure such as a heat pipe inside for cooling the battery cells.

[0041] Furthermore, the battery unit may incorporate at least the covered conductor 5 and the circuit board 53 of the voltage conversion unit described above as a transformer module.

[0042] (Second Embodiment) Next, a covering, a conductor with the covering provided on a power supply conductor, and a voltage conversion unit and battery unit equipped therewith will be described according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate to avoid redundant explanations.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram (4A) of the insulation of the power supply conductor according to the second embodiment, viewed from the planar direction, and a cross-sectional view (4B) of the same schematic diagram along line AA. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the process of covering the power supply conductor with the insulation of the power supply conductor shown in Figure 4 to create an insulated conductor.

[0044] The difference between the coating 1a of the second embodiment and the coating 1 of the first embodiment is that the low-hardness layer 11 constituting the elastic sheet 10 of the coating 1a also has recesses 13 that are recessed in the thickness direction of the elastic sheet 10. That is, each of the multiple layers of the coating 1a has one or more recesses 13. Except for the fact that the low-hardness layer 11 also has recesses 13, the coating 1a is the same as the coating 1. The method for forming the recesses 13 in the low-hardness layer 11 is the same as the method for forming the recesses 13 in the high-hardness layer 12 described in the first embodiment.

[0045] When covering the power supply conductor 3 with the covering 1a, as shown in Figure 5, first, the low-hardness layer 11 is placed so as to be in close contact with the power supply conductor 3 before energization, and part or all of the power supply conductor 3 is covered with the elastic sheet 10. Next, at least one of the tape portions 15 provided on both sides in the width direction of the covering 1a is pulled and fused to the other tape portion 15, so that the covering 1a covers the power supply conductor 3 in an annular shape. Since one or more recesses 13 are formed in both the high-hardness layer 12 and the low-hardness layer 11 of the elastic sheet 10, even if the outer circumference of the power supply conductor 3 has a different length, the elastic sheet 10 can be stretched more easily by pulling between the tape portions 15 in the direction of arrow F. As a result, it becomes easy to cover the covering 1a in an annular shape along the outer circumference of the power supply conductor 3 as shown by arrow B. Therefore, the same effects as in Embodiment 1 can be obtained. The tape portion 15 may be provided on one side in the width direction of the covering 1a.

[0046] The insulated conductor 5a (see Figure 5), the voltage conversion unit, and the battery unit are the same as in the first embodiment except that the insulation 1 is changed to insulation 1a, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0047] (Third embodiment) Next, a covering, a conductor with the covering provided on a power supply conductor, and a voltage conversion unit and battery unit equipped therewith will be described according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, parts common to the first and second embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0048] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram (6A) of the covering according to the third embodiment, viewed from the planar direction, and a cross-sectional view (6B) of the same schematic diagram. Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the process of covering a power supply conductor with the covering shown in Figure 6 to create a covered conductor.

[0049] 1. Covering body The coating 1b according to the third embodiment comprises an elastic sheet 20a and tape portions 15 fixed to one or both sides in the width direction of the elastic sheet 20a and detachable from each other. The coating 1b differs from the coating 1 according to the first embodiment in that it consists of a single layer of elastic sheet 20a as an uncured curable rubber composition, while other components are common. The elastic sheet 20a will be described in detail below.

[0050] (Elastic sheet) The elastic sheet 20a is a sheet with excellent thermal conductivity and insulation properties. The elastic sheet 20a is a single sheet-like molded body of a curable rubber composition, preferably a curable silicone rubber composition, in an uncured state when the covering body 1b is applied to the power supply conductor 3. After being applied to the power supply conductor 3, the elastic sheet 20a hardens to become the elastic sheet 20. One or more recesses 13 are formed on the surface of the elastic sheet 20a. The recesses 13 can be formed during or after molding of the elastic sheet 20a in the same manner as described in the first embodiment. In Figures 6 and 7, the sheet of curable rubber composition consists of one uncured layer. However, the elastic sheet 20a may be composed of two or more sheets (uncured layers) of curable rubber composition. Furthermore, the multiple uncured layers may be a laminate that becomes multiple cured layers with different hardnesses upon hardening. The hardness of the multiple uncured layers upon hardening can be appropriately changed by adjusting the type and amount of filler added to the curable rubber composition, as described later.

[0051] In the third embodiment, by using an uncured sheet for the elastic sheet 20a, high conformability and flexibility can be maintained when covering the power supply conductor 3, thereby ensuring close contact with the power supply conductor 3 without gaps and further improving thermal conductivity from the power supply conductor 3 to the covering 1b. Furthermore, after the sheet has cured, while maintaining its thermal conductivity and insulating properties, its shape stability and durability when in contact with other components such as the lid member 51 of the housing 52 can be improved.

[0052] (Curable silicone rubber composition) The following description uses a curable silicone rubber composition as an example of a curable rubber composition. The curable silicone rubber composition used in the elastic sheet 20a is preferably a condensation reaction type composition, from the viewpoint of simplifying the coating process. A condensation reaction type curable silicone rubber composition can be cured by a simple means, such as reacting with moisture in the air by leaving it at room temperature. The silicone elastomer obtained by curing the curable silicone rubber composition is preferably a moisture-curing silicone elastomer. However, the curable silicone rubber composition may also be an addition reaction type curable silicone rubber composition that cures by heating. In that case, the curable silicone rubber composition consists of a heat-curing silicone elastomer.

[0053] (1) Condensation reaction type curable silicone rubber composition If the curable silicone rubber composition is of the condensation reaction type, the condensation reaction type curable silicone rubber composition can be composed mainly of the following components, for example.

[0054] (1-1) Organopolysiloxane Organopolysiloxane is the main component of a condensation reaction type curable silicone rubber composition, and is preferably a diorganopolysiloxane represented by the following chemical formula (II) or chemical formula (III). Here, "main component" means the component that is present in the largest mass ratio among the components constituting the curable silicone rubber composition. Preferably, the organopolysiloxane is contained in the curable silicone rubber composition at a concentration of 50% by mass or more, but if it is the main component, it may be less than 50% by mass. The chemical formula may also be called the average composition formula.

[0055] [ka]

[0056] [ka]

[0057] In the above chemical formulas (II) and (III), R is a monovalent hydrocarbon group. R can be one or more hydrocarbon groups selected from alkyl groups (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, 2-ethylbutyl, octyl, etc.), cycloalkyl groups (cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, etc.), alkenyl groups (vinyl, propenyl, butenyl, heptenyl, hexenyl, allyl, etc.), aryl groups (phenyl, tolyl, xylyl, naphthyl, diphenyl, etc.), aralkyl groups (benzyl, phenylethyl, etc.), and groups in which at least some of the hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon group are substituted with halogens or cyano groups (chloromethyl, trifluoropropyl, 2-cyanoethyl, 3-cyanopropyl, etc.). The number of carbon atoms in R is preferably 1 to 12, and more preferably 1 to 10. In the above chemical formulas (II) and (III), A is an oxygen atom or -(CH2) m -(m is 1 to 8) is a polymethylene group (including a methylene group). A is preferably an oxygen atom or an ethylene group.

[0058] In the above chemical formulas (II) and (III), n is any number such that the kinematic viscosity of the component (1-1) at 25°C is in the range of 100 to 1,000,000 cm 2 / s. It is more preferable that the kinematic viscosity is in the range of 500 to 500,000 cm 2 / s.

[0059] In the above chemical formulas (II) and (III), B is a hydrolyzable group. Examples of B include an alkoxy group (such as a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, a propoxy group, a butoxy group, etc.), a ketoxime group (such as a dimethylketoxime group, a methylethylketoxime group, etc.), an acyloxy group (such as an acetoxy group, etc.), and an alkenyloxy group (such as an isopropenyloxy group, an isobutenyloxy group, etc.). In addition, x in the above chemical formulas (II) and (III) is 2 or 3.

[0060] The above component (1-1) can be produced by a known method (for example, a method by an equilibrium reaction using a cyclic siloxane or a linear oligomer and an acid catalyst or a base catalyst).

[0061] When introducing a branched structure into the diorganopolysiloxane which is the component (1-1), as a conventional method, a method of adding a silane or a siloxane containing at least one of SiO 3 / 2 units and SiO 4 / 2 units to the diorganopolysiloxane to such an extent that the diorganopolysiloxane does not gel can be used. For the component (1-1), in order to reduce fouling, it is preferable to use it after removing low molecular weight siloxanes by washing or the like.

[0062] (1-2) Crosslinking agent Preferably, an organic peroxide crosslinking agent is used as the crosslinking agent. Examples of organic peroxide crosslinking agents include benzoyl peroxide, bis-2,4-dichlorobenzoyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, di-t-butyl peroxide, and 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-bis(t-butylperoxy)hexane. The organic peroxide crosslinking agent may be used alone or in a mixture of two or more types. The amount of crosslinking agent is preferably in the range of 1 to 50 parts by mass, more preferably in the range of 2 to 30 parts by mass, and even more preferably in the range of 5 to 20 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of component (1-1).

[0063] (1-3) Curing catalyst While a curing catalyst is not essential, its use can accelerate the curing of curable silicone rubber compositions. Examples of curing catalysts include alkyltin ester compounds (dibutyltin diacetate, dibutyltin dilaurate, dibutyltin dioctoate, etc.), titanate esters or titanium chelate compounds (tetraisopropoxytitanium, tetra-n-butoxytitanium, tetrakis(2-ethylhexoxy)titanium, dipropoxybis(acetylacetona)titanium, titanium isopropoxyoctylene glycol, etc.), other suitable organometallic compounds (zinc naphthenate, zinc stearate, zinc-2-ethyloctoate, iron-2-ethylhexoate, cobalt-2-ethylhexoate, manganese-2-ethylhexoate, cobalt naphthenate, alkoxyaluminum compounds, etc.), and aminoalkyl group substituted alkoxysilanes (3-aminopropyl Examples include triethoxysilanes (such as N-β(aminoethyl)γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane), amine compounds or their salts (such as hexylamine and dodecylamine phosphate), quaternary ammonium salts (such as benzyltriethylammonium acetate), alkali metal lower fatty acid salts (such as potassium acetate, sodium acetate, and lithium oxalate), alkali metal lower fatty acid salts, dialkylhydroxylamines (such as dimethylhydroxylamine and diethylhydroxylamine), and silanes or siloxanes having a guanidyl group (such as tetramethylguanidylpropyltrimethoxysilane, tetramethylguanidylpropylmethyldimethoxysilane, and tetramethylguanidylpropyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane). These may be used individually or as a mixture of two or more. The amount of curing catalyst blended is preferably in the range of 0 to 20 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of component (1-1), more preferably in the range of 0.001 to 10 parts by mass, and even more preferably in the range of 0.01 to 5 parts by mass.

[0064] (1-4) Fillers Fillers are not essential, but can be suitably used for purposes such as reinforcement. Examples of fillers include reinforcing agents (fumed silica, precipitated silica, silica whose surface has been hydrophobized with organosilicon compounds, quartz powder, talc, zeolite, bentonite, etc.), fibrous fillers (asbestos, glass fibers, organic fibers, etc.), and basic fillers (calcium carbonate, zinc carbonate, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, Celite, etc.). Among these, silica, calcium carbonate, and zeolite are preferred, and fumed silica and calcium carbonate whose surfaces have been hydrophobized are even more preferred. The amount of the above filler can be selected depending on the purpose and type of filler, but is preferably in the range of 1 to 90 volume percent relative to component (1-1), and preferably in the range of 5 to 60 volume percent.

[0065] (1-5) Adhesive properties imparting component Adhesion-imparting components are not essential but are preferably used. Examples of adhesion-imparting components include amino group-containing organoalkoxysilanes (γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-(2-aminoethyl)aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, etc.), epoxy group-containing organoalkoxysilanes (γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, etc.), mercapto-containing organoalkoxysilanes (γ-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, etc.), and reaction mixtures of amino group-containing organoalkoxysilanes and epoxy group-containing organoalkoxysilanes. The amount of adhesion-imparting component is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of component (1-1).

[0066] (1-6) Heat dissipation filler Condensation-curing type curable silicone rubber compositions preferably contain a heat dissipation filler to increase the thermal conductivity after curing. The heat dissipation filler is, for example, alumina, aluminum nitride, hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), cubic boron nitride (cBN), diamond particles, and preferably hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). The amount of heat dissipation filler is preferably in the range of 5 to 200 parts by mass, more preferably 10 to 100 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of component (1-1).

[0067] (2) Addition-curing type curable silicone rubber composition When the curable silicone rubber composition is of the addition-curing type, the addition-curing type curable silicone rubber composition can consist mainly of the following components, for example.

[0068] (2-1) Organopolysiloxane Organopolysiloxane is the main component of addition-curing type curable silicone rubber compositions and has an average of two or more alkenyl groups per molecule. Examples of alkenyl groups include vinyl, allyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, and heptenyl groups. Of these, vinyl groups are preferred. Examples of organic groups bonded to silicon atoms other than alkenyl groups in this component include alkyl groups (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, etc.), aryl groups (phenyl, tolyl, xylyl, etc.), and halogenated alkyl groups (3-chloropropyl, 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl, etc.). Of these, methyl groups are preferred. Examples of molecular structures of this component include linear, partially branched linear, branched, reticular, and dendritic structures. The viscosity of this component at 25°C is preferably 100,000 mPa·s or higher, and more preferably 1,000,000 mPa·s or higher.

[0069] Examples of organopolysiloxanes in this component include polydimethylsiloxane with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups sealed at both ends of the molecular chain, dimethylsiloxane-methylvinylsiloxane copolymer with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups sealed at both ends of the molecular chain, dimethylsiloxane-methylvinylsiloxane copolymer with trimethylsiloxy groups sealed at both ends of the molecular chain, and (CH3)3SiO 1 / 2 The siloxane units shown are (CH3)2(CH2=CH)SiO 1 / 2 Siloxane units and SiO shown 4 / 2Organopolysiloxanes consisting of siloxane units represented by , organopolysiloxanes in which at least a portion of the methyl groups of these organopolysiloxanes are substituted with substituents selected from alkyl groups (ethyl group, propyl group, etc.), aryl groups (phenyl group, tolyl group, etc.), and halogenated alkyl groups (3,3,3-trifluoropropyl group, etc.), organopolysiloxanes in which at least a portion of the vinyl groups of these organopolysiloxanes are substituted with alkenyl groups (allyl group, propenyl group, etc.), and mixtures of two or more of these organopolysiloxanes can be used.

[0070] (2-2) Hydrogenated organopolysiloxanes Hydrogenated organopolysiloxane acts as a curing agent for addition-curing type curable silicone rubber compositions and has an average of two or more silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule. Examples of organic groups that bond to silicon in this component include alkyl groups (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, etc.), aryl groups (phenyl, tolyl, xylyl, etc.), and halogenated alkyl groups (3-chloropropyl, 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl, etc.). Among the above, the use of a methyl group is preferred. Examples of molecular structures of this component include linear, partially branched linear, branched, reticular, and dendritic structures. The viscosity of this component at 25°C is not limited, but is preferably in the range of 1 to 1,000,000 mPa·s, and more preferably in the range of 1 to 10,000 mPa·s.

[0071] Examples of hydrogenated organopolysiloxanes of this component include polydimethylsiloxane with dimethylhydrogensiloxy groups sealed at both ends of the molecular chain, polymethylhydrogensiloxane with trimethylsiloxy groups sealed at both ends of the molecular chain, dimethylsiloxane / methylhydrogensiloxane copolymer with trimethylsiloxy groups sealed at both ends of the molecular chain, cyclic polymethylhydrogensiloxane, and (CH3)2HSiO 1 / 2 Siloxane units and SiO shown 4 / 2Organopolysiloxanes consisting of siloxane units represented by , organopolysiloxanes in which at least a portion of the methyl groups of these organopolysiloxanes are replaced with alkyl groups (ethyl group, propyl group, etc.), aryl groups (phenyl group, tolyl group, etc.), halogenated alkyl groups (3,3,3-trifluoropropyl group, etc.), and mixtures of two or more of these organopolysiloxanes can be used. Among these, it is preferable to use a mixture of organopolysiloxanes having silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms only at both ends of the molecular chain and organopolysiloxanes having silicon-bonded side chains, as this improves the mechanical properties (especially elongation) of the resulting cured product.

[0072] The amount of this component in the addition-curing type curable silicone rubber composition is such that the molar ratio of silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atoms in this component to alkenyl groups in component (2-1) is in the range of 0.01 to 20, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 10, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 5. The reason for setting the range as described above is that if the content of this component is above the lower limit of the above range, the adhesive silicone rubber tends to cure sufficiently easily, while if it is below the upper limit of the above range, the mechanical properties of the cured adhesive sheet tend to be higher. Furthermore, when using a mixture of an organopolysiloxane having silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms only at both ends of the molecular chain and an organopolysiloxane having silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms on the side chains of the molecular chain as the component, the content of the former organopolysiloxane is preferably such that the molar ratio of silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the component to the alkenyl groups in component (2-1) is in the range of 0.01 to 10, more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 10, and even more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 5. Furthermore, the content of the latter organopolysiloxane is preferably such that the molar ratio of silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the component to the alkenyl groups in component (2-1) is in the range of 0.5 to 20, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 10, and even more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5.

[0073] (2-3) Curing catalyst While a curing catalyst is not essential, a preferred example is a platinum-based catalyst for hydrosilylation reactions. Examples of platinum-based catalysts for hydrosilylation reactions include platinum powder, platinum black, chloroplatinic acid, alcohol-modified chloroplatinic acid, complexes of platinum and diketones, complexes of chloroplatinic acid and olefins, complexes of chloroplatinic acid and alkenylsiloxanes, and these supported on a carrier (alumina, silica, carbon black, etc.). Among these, a complex of chloroplatinic acid and alkenylsiloxane is preferred due to its high catalytic activity. A complex of chloroplatinic acid and divinyltetramethyldisiloxane is even more preferred. The amount of this component is preferably in the range of 1 to 1,000 parts by mass, and more preferably in the range of 1 to 100 parts by mass, as platinum metal atoms, per 1,000,000 parts by mass of component (2-1).

[0074] (2-4) Fillers Fillers are preferably added to improve the mechanical strength of addition-curing type curable silicone rubber compositions, and commonly known compounds used in silicone rubber formulations can be used. Examples of such components include fumed silica, precipitated silica, calcined silica, pulverized quartz, and powders obtained by surface-treating these silica powders with organosilicon compounds (organoalkoxysilanes, organohalosilanes, organosilazanes, etc.). In particular, to sufficiently improve the mechanical strength of the cured adhesive sheet, a BET specific surface area of ​​50 m² is preferred for this component. 2 It is preferable to use silica powder with a content of 1 / g or more.

[0075] In addition-curing type curable silicone rubber compositions, the addition of this component is optional, but in order to improve the mechanical strength of the cured adhesive silicone rubber, the amount of this component is preferably in the range of 1 to 1000 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of component (2-1), and more preferably in the range of 1 to 400 parts by mass. In addition, the addition-curing type curable silicone rubber composition may also contain other optional components, such as inorganic fillers and organic fillers such as fumed titanium oxide, diatomaceous earth, iron oxide, aluminum oxide, aluminosilicate, calcium carbonate, zinc oxide, and aluminum hydroxide. The addition-curing type curable silicone rubber composition may also contain fillers whose surfaces have been treated with the organosilicon compounds mentioned above. The amount of filler can be selected depending on the purpose and type of filler, but it is preferably in the range of 1 to 90% by volume and 5 to 60% by volume relative to component (2-1).

[0076] (2-5) Adhesive properties imparting component This component is not essential, but it can be suitably used to impart and improve the adhesiveness of addition-curing type curable silicone rubber compositions so that they can function as adhesives. Examples of this component include silane coupling agents and their partial hydrolysates (methyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, allyltrimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, bis(trimethoxysilyl)propane, bis(trimethoxysilyl)hexane, etc.), organic compounds having "epoxy group, acid anhydride group, α-cyanoacrylic group", siloxane compounds having "epoxy group, acid anhydride group, α-cyanoacrylic group", organic compounds or siloxane compounds having both "epoxy group, acid anhydride group, α-cyanoacrylic group" and alkoxysilyl group, titan Examples of siloxane compounds include tetraethyl titanate, tetrapropyl titanate, tetrabutyl titanate, tetra(2-ethylhexyl) titanate, titanium ethyl acetonate, titanium acetylacetonate, etc.; aluminum compounds (ethyl acetoacetate aluminum diisopropylate, aluminum tris(ethyl acetoacetate), alkyl acetoacetate aluminum diisopropylate, aluminum tris(acetylacetonate), aluminum monoacetylacetonate bis(ethyl acetoacetate), etc.); and zirconium compounds (zirconium acetylacetonate, zirconium butoxyacetylacetonate, zirconium bisacetylacetonate, zirconium ethyl acetoacetate, etc.). Among the above siloxane compounds, those having lower aliphatic unsaturated groups such as alkenyl groups, acryloyl groups, and methacryloyl groups, or a combination of these with a hydrosilyl group, can be expected to make an effective contribution to improving adhesion. The content of the above-mentioned adhesion-imparting component is not particularly limited, but it is preferably in the range of 0.01 to 10 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of component (2-1).

[0077] Furthermore, addition-curing type curable silicone rubber compositions may contain acetylene compounds (3-methyl-1-butyne-3-ol, 3,5-dimethyl-1-hexyne-3-ol, 3-phenyl-1-butyne-3-ol, etc.), enyne compounds (3-methyl-3-penten-1-yne, 3,5-dimethyl-3-hexen-1-yne, etc.), or organosiloxane compounds (1,3,5,7-tetramethyl) having 5% or more by mass of vinyl groups per molecule, in order to adjust their curability. It is preferable to contain (e.g., 1,3,5,7-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane, 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-1,3,5,7-tetrahexenylcyclotetrasiloxane, methylvinylsiloxane with silanol groups sealed at both ends of the molecular chain, methylvinylsiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymer with silanol groups sealed at both ends of the molecular chain, etc.) and other curing inhibitors (e.g., triazoles such as benzotriazole, phosphines, mercaptans, hydrazines, etc.). The content of these is not limited, but it is preferable that it is in the range of 0.001 to 5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of component (2-1).

[0078] (2-6) Heat dissipation filler Addition-curing type curable silicone rubber compositions, like the condensation-curing type described above, preferably contain a heat dissipation filler to increase the thermal conductivity after curing. The heat dissipation filler is, for example, alumina, aluminum nitride, hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), cubic boron nitride (cBN), diamond particles, and preferably hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). The content of the heat dissipation filler is not particularly limited, but is preferably in the range of 5 to 200 parts by mass, more preferably 10 to 100 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of component (2-1).

[0079] The method for preparing the addition-curing type curable silicone rubber composition is not limited, and it can be prepared by mixing other arbitrary components as needed. However, it is preferable to add the remaining components to a base compound prepared by preheating and mixing components (2-1) and (2-3). When adding other arbitrary components, they may be added when preparing the base compound, or if the other arbitrary components are altered by heating and mixing, they may be added when adding components (2-2) or (2-4). Furthermore, when preparing the base compound, the organosilicon compound may be added to treat the surface of component (2-3) in situ.

[0080] (3) Peroxide-curing type curable silicone rubber composition When the curable silicone rubber composition is of the peroxide curing type, the peroxide curing type curable silicone rubber composition can consist mainly of the following components, for example:

[0081] The organopolysiloxane that forms the main component of the peroxide-curing type curable silicone rubber composition is not particularly limited, but preferably has at least two alkenyl groups in one molecule. Examples include polydimethylsiloxane with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups sealed at both ends of the molecular chain, dimethylpolysiloxane with methylphenylvinylsiloxy groups sealed at both ends of the molecular chain, dimethylsiloxane-methylphenylsiloxane copolymer with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups sealed at both ends of the molecular chain, dimethylsiloxane-methylvinylsiloxane copolymer with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups sealed at both ends of the molecular chain, dimethylsiloxane-methylvinylsiloxane copolymer with trimethylsiloxy groups sealed at both ends of the molecular chain, methyl(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)polysiloxane with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups sealed at both ends of the molecular chain, dimethylsiloxane-methylvinylsiloxane copolymer with silanol groups sealed at both ends of the molecular chain, and dimethylsiloxane-methylvinylsiloxane-methylphenylsiloxane copolymer with silanol groups sealed at both ends of the molecular chain. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0082] Organic peroxides can be used as curing catalysts. Examples of organic peroxides include benzoyl peroxide, 2,4-dichlorobenzoyl peroxide, p-methylbenzoyl peroxide, o-methylbenzoyl peroxide, 2,4-dicumyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethyl-bis(2,5-t-butylperoxy)hexane, di-t-butyl peroxide, t-butyl perbenzoate, and 1,6-hexanediol-bis-t-butyl peroxycarbonate. The amount of organic peroxide added is usually 0.1 to 5 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 0.5 to 3 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of organopolysiloxane, which is component (1-1).

[0083] The peroxide-curing type curable silicone rubber composition may contain one or more fillers, heat dissipation fillers, and adhesion-improving components similar to those found in the other curable type curable silicone rubber compositions described above.

[0084] (Tape section) The tape portion 15 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0085] (Power supply conductor) The power supply conductor 3 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0086] 2. Method for manufacturing the coating The coating 1b according to the third embodiment consists of an uncured elastic sheet 20a and a cured tape portion 15 at the time of manufacture. The tape portion 15 is molded and cured in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The uncured elastic sheet 20a is molded. The molding method for the elastic sheet 20a is, for example, an extrusion molding method. The recess 13 is preferably formed during molding, but may be formed after molding. After that, the tape portions 15 are placed on both sides in the width direction of the molded elastic sheet 20a and attached to form the coating 1b. Note that the tape portion 15 may be placed on only one side in the width direction of the elastic sheet 20a.

[0087] 3. Method of coating with a covering material When covering the power supply conductor 3 with the covering 1b, first, the uncured elastic sheet 20a is placed so as to be in close contact with the power supply conductor 3 before power is applied, and part or all of the power supply conductor 3 is covered with the elastic sheet 20a. Next, at least one of the tape portions 15 provided on both sides in the width direction of the covering 1b is pulled and fused to the other tape portion 15, so that the covering 1b covers the power supply conductor 3 in an annular shape. Since one or more recesses 13 are formed in the elastic sheet 20a, even if the length of the outer circumference of the power supply conductor 3 is different, the elastic sheet 20a can be stretched more easily by pulling between the tape portions 15 in the direction of arrow F. As a result, it becomes easy to cover the covering 1b in an annular shape along the outer circumference of the power supply conductor 3 as shown by arrow B. Therefore, the same effects as in Embodiment 1 can be obtained. After that, if the elastic sheet 20a is a condensation reaction type curable silicone rubber composition, the curable silicone rubber composition hardens over time due to the action of moisture, and becomes an elastic sheet 20. On the other hand, if the elastic sheet 20a is an organic peroxide-curing type curable silicone rubber composition, it hardens upon heating to become the elastic sheet 20. If the elastic sheet 20a is an addition-reaction type curable silicone rubber composition, it hardens upon heating to become the elastic sheet 20. The tape portion 15 may be provided on one side in the width direction of the covering body 1b.

[0088] 4. Conductor with insulation As shown in Figure 7, the covered conductor 5b is a structure formed by covering the power supply conductor 3 with the aforementioned covering 1b. In this embodiment, the power supply conductor 3 is covered with an elastic sheet 20. The elastic sheet 20 is a sheet obtained by curing the curable silicone rubber composition of the elastic sheet 20a. The covering 1b is fused together at the tape portions 15 on both sides in the width direction, covering the power supply conductor 3 in an annular shape. Note that the tape portion 15 may be provided on one side in the width direction of the covering 1b.

[0089] The voltage conversion unit and battery unit are the same as those in the first embodiment, except that the covering 1 is changed to covering 1b, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0090] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these forms and can be modified in various ways.

[0091] Figure 8 shows cross-sectional views (8A, 8B, 8C) of modified examples of the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 4, and 6.

[0092] For example, the tape portion 15 of the coverings 1, 1a, and 1b does not necessarily have to be integrally molded with the elastic sheets 10 and 20a. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the coverings 1c, 1d, and 1e may be made such that the tape portion 15 overlaps the surface of the elastic sheets 10 and 20a. Subsequently, the coverings 1c, 1d, and 1e are covered over the power supply conductor 3 by self-fusing of the tape portions 15, forming a covered conductor. The tape portion 15 may also be fixed to the back surface of the elastic sheets 10 and 20a. As a further modification, a kit product containing the elastic sheets 10, 20, and 20a and the tape portion 15 may be offered to the market, and after the user covers the power supply conductor 3 with the elastic sheets 10, 20, and 20a, the tape portion 15 may be used to cover both sides of the elastic sheets 10 and 20 in the width direction. In this case, the kit is a removable covering kit that covers the outer circumference of the power supply conductor 3, and comprises elastic sheets 10, 20, 20a that transmit heat generated by the power supply conductor 3 to the outside and electrically insulate the power supply conductor 3 from its surroundings, and tape portions 15 that can electrically insulate the power supply conductor 3 from its surroundings and are fixed to both sides in the width direction of the elastic sheets 10, 20 and are detachable from each other. Note that the tape portions 15 may be fixed to only one side in the width direction of the elastic sheets 10, 20.

[0093] In the coating 1a according to the second embodiment, the recess 13 of the low-hardness layer 11 may be formed on the side of the surface in contact with the high-hardness layer 12. Also, in the coatings 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e, the recess 13 may be a dot-shaped depression rather than an elongated groove in plan view. [Industrial applicability]

[0094] The covering material according to the present invention can be used for heat dissipation and insulation of power supply conductors. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e... covering, 3... power supply conductor, 5, 5a, 5b... conductor with covering, 10... elastic sheet, 11... low hardness layer (one of the hardened layers), 12... high hardness layer (one of the hardened layers), 13... recess (preferably groove), 15... tape portion, 20, 20a... elastic sheet, 50... unit, 51... lid member, 52... housing, 52a... protrusion, 53... circuit board, 54... connector.

Claims

1. A removable covering that covers the outer circumference of a power supply conductor, An elastic sheet that transmits the heat generated by the power supply conductor to the outside and electrically insulates the power supply conductor from its surroundings, The system comprises a tape portion that is electrically insulating between the power supply conductor and its surroundings, and is fixed to one or both sides in the width direction of the elastic sheet, and is detachable from each other. A covering for a power supply conductor, having one or more recesses on the surface of the elastic sheet to facilitate expansion and contraction in the outer circumferential direction around which the power supply conductor is wound.

2. The covering for a power supply conductor according to claim 1, characterized in that the recess is an elongated groove formed along the length direction of the tape portion.

3. The tape portion is a silicone rubber containing a boric acid compound, as described in claim 1, for the covering of a power supply conductor.

4. The coating for a power supply conductor according to claim 1, wherein the elastic sheet is a laminate of multiple layers having different hardnesses.

5. The covering for a power supply conductor according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of layers is provided with the recess.

6. The coating for a power supply conductor according to claim 1, wherein the elastic sheet is a sheet of a curable silicone rubber composition.

7. The sheet of the curable silicone rubber composition is a coating for a power supply conductor according to claim 6, comprising a heat dissipation filler.

8. The coating for a power supply conductor according to claim 6, wherein the sheet of the curable silicone rubber composition comprises a plurality of uncured layers, and the plurality of uncured layers become a laminate of a plurality of cured layers with different hardnesses upon curing.

9. A coating according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A power supply conductor whose outer circumference is covered by the aforementioned covering, A conductor with a covering that includes the following features.

10. The coating according to claim 4, A power supply conductor whose outer circumference is covered by the aforementioned covering, A conductor with a covering, comprising: A conductor with a coating, wherein the lower hardness layer of the laminate constituting the coating is in contact with the power supply conductor.

11. A voltage conversion unit used for converting supplied power, A housing for housing each component of the unit, A circuit board mounted inside the aforementioned enclosure, A conductor with a covering according to claim 9, electrically connected to the circuit board, A lid member that, together with the aforementioned housing, constitutes the outer surface of the unit, It has at least the following features: A voltage conversion unit having a structure in which the covered conductor can come into contact with the housing and / or the lid member on the inside.

12. A battery unit for storing power supplied to each part, A housing for housing each component of the unit, a battery placed inside the housing, and a covered conductor according to claim 9 that is electrically connected to the battery, The unit comprises at least a lid member that, together with the housing, constitutes the outer surface of the unit, A battery unit having a structure in which the covered conductor can come into contact with the housing and / or the lid member on the inside.

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