BUS COMPONENT, BUS DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR FORMING POWER TRANSMISSION PATH

Abstract

To form a suitable power transmission path corresponding to a purpose of transmission of a signal for supplying power and a signal for transmitting information on the power transmission path in which the signals are transmitted.SOLUTION: A bus component includes: a base member; and an energization path formed by extending from one edge to the other edge in a pair of opposite edges in the base member, and the bus component forms a power transmission path for transmitting a signal. The bus component is constituted so that the edges of the other bus component and mutual base members can be connected to be in contact with each other, and is constituted so that the power transmission path of the bus component and the power transmission path of the other bus component form a prescribed power transmission path in a state in which the bus component is connected with the other bus component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4C

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a component for forming a transmission path for transmitting a signal, and a method for forming the component. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to enable device packages to be inserted and removed as needed from a bus line that supplies power to the entire device, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for connecting packages that make up a device to a back plate that includes bus lines that supply high and low voltages. Because the bus line is defined in advance, its length does not change, and in other words, it can only accept the number of packages corresponding to the length of the bus line.

[0003] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technology in which a required number of power supply units, each including a power supply circuit unit and a bus line circuit unit, are arranged and connected, and a connector is provided on the side of a housing for the bus line circuit, and adjacent bus line circuits are connected via the connector. This technology makes it possible to continue supplying power to the power supply units that are not malfunctioning, even when some of the power supply circuit units are removed and replaced due to a malfunction or the like, in a state in which multiple power supply units are initially connected in a row. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-153573 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-184912 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When forming a power transmission path through which signals for supplying power or signals for transmitting information are transmitted, particularly when the length of the bus line for supplying power is set to a predetermined length as in Patent Document 1, if the length of the power transmission path becomes unnecessarily long, problems such as noise superposition or an increase in the size of the power transmission path can occur. Also, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, the bus line circuit units of each power supply unit are connected by arranging and connecting the power supply units, but the bus line circuit unit is merely a part of the power supply unit, and does not disclose or suggest how to construct a power transmission path through which signals for supplying power or signals for transmitting information are transmitted.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a technology for forming a transmission line that is suitable for the purpose of transmitting signals for supplying power or transmitting information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A bus component according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a base member and a current path extending from one edge of a pair of opposing edges of the base member to the other edge thereof, and is a bus component for forming a power transmission path for transmitting signals. The bus component is configured to be connectable to other bus components so that the edges of the base members contact each other, and when the bus component is connected to the other bus component, the current path of the bus component and the current path of the other bus component form a predetermined power transmission path.

[0008] The bus components form a transmission path for transmitting any signal. The signal is not limited to a specific type, and examples include signals for supplying power and signals for transmitting information. The transmission path is formed so as to enable suitable transmission of the signal, taking into account the physical characteristics of the signal, such as voltage, frequency, and amount of power. Here, the bus component includes a base member and a current path. The current path forms part of the transmission path. It is preferable that the base member is basically made of an insulating member so that signal transmission through the current path is achieved.

[0009] Here, the base member is not limited to a specific shape. However, based on the current-carrying path included therein, the base member has a pair of edges, consisting of one edge including one end of the current-carrying path and the other edge including the other end of the current-carrying path. This pair of edges may be located on the same plane, or on different planes. For example, when a pair of edges of a base member are located on the same plane, the shape of the plane may be a polygon, including a rectangle. Alternatively, the pair of edges may be formed in a curved shape. Furthermore, the pair of edges do not necessarily need to be parallel. Furthermore, when a pair of edges of a base member are located on different planes, an example is a configuration in which the base member is formed three-dimensionally, and the current-carrying path passes through the base member, so that one end and the other end of the current-carrying path are exposed on different surfaces of the base member. In any case, there is no intention to interpret the shape of the base member in this application as being limited to a specific shape.

[0010] The bus components are configured so that one bus component and another bus component can be connected to each other such that the edges of their respective base members contact each other. When the first bus component is connected to the other bus component, an end of the current path of the first bus component and an end of the current path of the other bus component form a predetermined current transmission path. That is, when the first bus component and the other bus component are connected to each other such that one edge of the first bus component, which includes one end of the current path, contacts the other edge of the other bus component, the respective current paths are connected to each other, ultimately forming the predetermined current transmission path. Note that, in forming the predetermined current transmission path, it is sufficient that the ends of the current paths connected to the respective edges are in electrical contact; it is not necessary for the edge of the first bus component and the edge of the other bus component to be in perfect contact with each other over their entirety.

[0011] With bus components configured in this manner, it is possible to form a power transmission line of a required length by sequentially connecting bus components so that the edges of the bus components contact each other. For example, the more devices that receive signals via the power transmission line, the more bus components need to be connected to ensure space for connecting the devices to the power transmission line. Note that although each of the connected bus components has a current path, the current paths in each bus component do not necessarily need to have the same shape. To form the required power transmission line shape, bus components with different current paths may be connected in combination as needed.

[0012] Here, in the bus components described above, the predetermined power transmission line may be a single continuous power transmission line extending in the connecting direction of the bus components. Alternatively, the predetermined power transmission line may be a plurality of power transmission lines separated in the connecting direction of the bus components. When a power transmission line is separated, each power transmission line is electrically independent. However, the power transmission lines may be electrically linked to each other via an external device, for example, by attaching an external device that connects the power transmission lines. In this case, because an external device is used, the electrical characteristics of each of the separated power transmission lines may not necessarily be identical.

[0013] In the bus component described above, the current path may include at least a first current path and a second current path. That is, the bus component may include a plurality of current paths. In this case, a first voltage in the first current path and a second voltage in the second current path may be applied. The voltages may be different or the same. Alternatively, the current path may include at least a first current path and a second current path branched from the first current path. The first current path may branch into more current paths, including the second current path. The form of the current path in the bus component is not limited to the above, and other forms may be adopted.

[0014] The present disclosure can also be viewed from another perspective. That is, the present disclosure can be viewed as a method for forming an electric power transmission path for transmitting a signal. In this case, the method includes preparing a plurality of bus components each including a base member and an electric power transmission path extending from one edge of a pair of opposing edges of the base member to the other edge thereof, connecting the bus components by bringing an edge of one bus component into contact with an edge of another bus component, and connecting one of the electric power transmission paths of the one bus component to the other of the other bus component to form a predetermined electric power transmission path. The technical concepts disclosed above regarding the bus components can also be applied to the above method as long as no technical inconsistency occurs.

[0015] The present disclosure can also be viewed from another perspective. That is, the present disclosure can be viewed as a bus device providing a power transmission path for transmitting a signal. In this case, the bus device includes a plurality of bus components, each including a base member and a current path extending from one edge to the other edge of a pair of opposing edges of the base member. An edge of one bus component contacts an edge of another bus component to couple the two bus components. When the first bus component is coupled to the other bus component, one of the current paths of the first bus component is connected to the other of the other bus components, forming the power transmission path. The technical concepts disclosed above regarding the bus components can also be applied to the bus device as long as no technical inconsistencies arise. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] With regard to a transmission line through which a signal for supplying power or a signal for transmitting information is transmitted, a suitable transmission line can be formed according to the purpose of transmitting the signal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a power supply system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a circuit configuration in the power supply system shown in FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing a schematic configuration of bus components forming a DC bus. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing a schematic configuration of bus components forming a DC bus. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3 is a third diagram showing a schematic configuration of bus components forming a DC bus. [Figure 3D] FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram showing a schematic configuration of bus components forming a DC bus. [Figure 3E] FIG. 5 is a fifth diagram showing a schematic configuration of bus components forming a DC bus. [Figure 3F] FIG. 6 is a sixth diagram showing a schematic configuration of bus components forming a DC bus. [Figure 3G] FIG. 7 is a seventh diagram showing a schematic configuration of bus components forming a DC bus. [Figure 3H] FIG. 8 is an eighth diagram showing a schematic configuration of bus components forming a DC bus. [Figure 3I] FIG. 9 is a ninth diagram showing a schematic configuration of bus components forming a DC bus. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing a schematic configuration of a DC bus formed by bus components. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing a schematic configuration of a DC bus formed by bus components. [Figure 4C] FIG. 3 is a third diagram showing a schematic configuration of a DC bus formed by bus components. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram showing a schematic configuration of a DC bus formed by bus components. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the process flow of a method for forming a DC bus using bus components. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a fifth diagram showing a schematic configuration of a DC bus formed by bus components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that identical or corresponding parts in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. In the present disclosure, a driver that supplies drive power to drive a motor is shown as an exemplary embodiment of a device including a power transmission line for transmitting a signal, but the technical concept of the present disclosure can also be applied to devices other than drivers. In the driver, a power-related signal is transmitted via the power transmission line, i.e., power is supplied (fed).

[0019] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a power supply system that supplies drive power to a motor and its peripheral devices (relay devices, etc.). The power supply system is composed of a converter 10, a driver 20, and a driver 30. Converter 10 receives AC power from an AC power source 7 via a power line 7a and outputs DC power. The output DC power is supplied via a DC bus to drivers 20 and 30, which are arranged adjacent to converter 10. This DC bus is, so to speak, a power transmission path over which power-related signals are transmitted, and its detailed configuration will be described later.

[0020] The driver 20 receives commands from a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or the like (not shown). The driver 20 controls the servo control of the motor 2 based on the above. The control unit of the driver 20 receives an operation command signal related to the operation (motion) of the motor 2 from a higher-level device via the network and a detection signal from an encoder mounted on the motor 2, and calculates a command value related to the servo control of the drive of the motor 2. The driver 20 has an internal inverter device, and generates drive power for driving the motor 2 from a DC bus according to the calculated command value, and supplies the power to the motor 2 via the power line 2a. The control unit of the driver 20 is configured to also control the motor 2 in addition to the servo control. For example, the motor 2 is driven and controlled by the driver 20 to drive a specific facility device. As an example of the facility device, various mechanical devices (e.g., an arm of an industrial robot or a conveying device) can be exemplified, and the motor 2 is incorporated within the device as an actuator that drives the facility device. The motor 2 is an AC servo motor. Alternatively, the motor 2 may be an induction motor or a DC motor. The motor 2 has a detection disk that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of each rotor, and is equipped with an encoder that can detect the rotation state of the rotor.

[0021] Similarly to driver 20, driver 30 also has an inverter device that receives power from the DC bus, thereby generating drive power for motor 3 and supplying it to motor 3 via power line 3a. Driver 30 is also configured to be able to supply drive power to relay device 4, which is a drive device other than motor 3, via power line 4a. Relay device 4 is used for purposes such as performing predetermined switch processing in facility equipment incorporating motors 2 and 3, and the drive voltage of the inverter device that generates drive power for motors 2 and 3 is different from the drive voltage of relay device 4. For example, the drive voltage of the former can be 350V, and the drive voltage of the latter can be 24V.

[0022] The electrical configuration of the power supply system shown in FIG. 1 will now be described with reference to FIG. 2. In this power supply system, power supplied from an AC power source 7 via a power line 7a is converted into DC power by a converter 10 and output to a power transmission line 11, which is a DC bus. The voltage of the power transmission line 11 is, for example, 350 V. Reference numeral 50 in FIG. 2 denotes a configuration that includes the power transmission line 11 and outputs DC power to the driver 20 and the driver 30, and is referred to herein as a "DC bus device 50." The power transmission line 11 in this DC bus device 50 is configured so that its length can be adjusted appropriately depending on the number of drivers connected to the power supply system. For example, as the number of connected drivers increases, bus components (see FIG. 3A, etc.), described below, are added to form a power transmission line 11 of an appropriate length.

[0023] Furthermore, in the DC bus device 50, a DC-DC converter (hereinafter simply referred to as "converter") 15 is disposed between the power transmission line 11 and the power transmission line 12. The converter 15 receives DC power from the power transmission line 11 and performs a predetermined voltage conversion process to convert the input voltage to a desired DC voltage. The converter 15 is configured to be retrofittable to the power transmission lines 11 and 12 that have already been formed, as will be described in detail later. The output terminal of the converter 15 is connected to the power transmission line 12, and the output voltage converted by the converter 15 is applied to the power transmission line 12. In this embodiment, the output voltage of the converter 15 is 350 V, which is applied to the power transmission line 11 and input to the converter 15. The output voltage of the converter 15 is 24 V, which is applied to the power transmission line 12. A relay device 4 is connected to the power transmission line 12 via a power line 4a, and the voltage of the power transmission line 12 is applied to the relay device 4.

[0024] Drivers 20 and 30 are connected to DC bus device 50, and DC power from power transmission line 11 is supplied to each of them. Here, the internal circuit of driver 20, particularly the configuration of input unit 200 to which DC power from power transmission line 11 is input via connection to DC bus device 50, will be described. Input unit 200 is a portion within driver 20 to which external DC power is input, and the DC power input to input unit 200 is supplied to inverter 26 located downstream. Since inverter 26 itself is based on known technology, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0025] In the input unit 200, a resistor 22 and a relay 23 are provided in the positive path of the power supply line 21. These resistors 22 and relay 23 constitute a prevention circuit for preventing an inrush current from flowing into the input unit 200 from the power transmission line 11 of the DC bus device 50. In this prevention circuit, the resistor 22 and the relay 23 are connected in parallel. When the relay 23 is in the off state, the current flowing through the positive path passes through the resistor 22. When the relay 23 is in the on state, the current bypasses the resistor 22. More specifically, at the initial timing when power is supplied from the DC bus device 50, the relay 23 is in the off state, and current flows through the resistor 22 in the positive path, thereby suppressing the peak value of the inrush current. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of power supply, the relay 23 is turned on. This prevents the power supplied from the DC bus device 50 from being consumed by the resistor 22. Alternatively, a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) can be used instead of the resistor 22, and a semiconductor switch element can be used instead of the relay 23. This also applies to the resistor 22a and relay 23a described below.

[0026] In addition, a capacitor 25 is disposed between the positive path and the negative path of the input section 200. The capacitor 25 is disposed to keep voltage fluctuations in the power supply path 21 within an allowable range. The capacitor 25 is also capable of storing regenerative power from the motor 2 driven by the driver 20. A discharge circuit 24 for discharging the power stored in the capacitor 25 is connected between the positive path and the negative path of the power supply path 21. The discharge circuit 24 has a resistor for consuming power and a switch circuit for controlling the application of voltage to the resistor, but as the configuration itself is based on known technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0027] Furthermore, driver 30 also has an input section 300 having substantially the same configuration as driver 20, and the positive side path of power supply path 31 is provided with a prevention circuit having resistor 32 and relay 23, a discharge circuit 34, and a capacitor 35. For connecting power supply path 21 of driver 20 and power supply path 31 of driver 30 to power transmission path 11 of DC bus device 50, any conventional connection method can be used as appropriate. Driver 30 also has an inverter 36.

[0028] Next, the construction of the power transmission lines 11 and 12 in the DC bus device 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3I and 4A to 4D. 4A to 4D show the schematic configuration of a power transmission line formed by connecting the bus components shown in each figure. First, bus component 100 will be described.

[0029] <First form> A first embodiment of bus component 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3A . Bus component 100 shown in FIG. 3A is configured to be connected to other bus components 100 to form power transmission lines 11 and 12 in DC bus device 50. Bus component 100 has base member 101 that is generally rectangular in front view as shown in FIG. 3A , and edges 104 and 105 on the left and right sides of base member 101 correspond to edges that come into contact when bus components 100 are connected to each other. That is, bus components 100 are connected such that right edge 105 of one bus component 100 comes into contact with left edge 104 of another bus component 100. By repeating this connection any number of times, power transmission lines 11 and 12 of desired lengths can be formed.

[0030] In detail, the base member 101 is formed of an insulating member, and a pair of current-carrying paths 102 and a pair of current-carrying paths 103, each made of a linear metal member, are embedded in the surface of the base member 101 so that a portion of the paths is exposed. In a first region L1 in the upper half of the base member 101, two current-carrying paths 102 are arranged, extending from an edge portion 104 to an edge portion 105. In a second region L2 in the lower half of the base member 101, two current-carrying paths 103 are arranged, extending from an edge portion 104 to an edge portion 105. The current-carrying paths 102 and 103 are parallel to each other, and each end is exposed at the edge portion 104 and also at the edge portion 105. Protrusions 102a and 103a are provided near the end of each of the current-carrying paths 102 and 103 on the edge 104 side, and recesses 102b and 103b are provided near the end of each of the current-carrying paths 102 and 103 on the edge 105 side. The recesses 102b and 103b are sized so that the protrusions 102a and 103a can be suitably fitted into them.

[0031] Therefore, when two bus components 100 are connected, protrusions 102a and 103a of one bus component 100 fit into recesses 102b and 103b of the other bus component 100, causing one edge 104 to contact the other edge 105. Thus, the ends of current paths 102 and 103 in one bus component 100 come into contact with the ends of current paths 102 and 103 in the other bus component 100, forming an electrically continuous current path, i.e., a power transmission path (a DC bus or a portion of a DC bus). By sequentially connecting bus components 100, the length of the power transmission path can be adjusted as desired using the continuous current paths 102 and 103. To stably maintain the connection between the two bus components, known fastening means (such as snap fastening or screw fastening means) can be used.

[0032] It should be noted that when connecting bus components 100, it is not necessary to connect bus components of the same type. Bus components 100 shown in FIGS. 3B to 3I (described later) or bus components not disclosed in the present application but conceivable to a person skilled in the art in light of the disclosure of the present application may be appropriately combined and connected to achieve the final required shape and size of the power transmission line.

[0033] <Second form> The second embodiment of the bus part 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3B. The display mode of the bus part 100 in Fig. 3B is the same as the display mode of the bus part 100 in Fig. 3A and the like described above. Therefore, elements having substantially the same configurations are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0034] In detail, in this embodiment, a pair of current-carrying paths 102 extending from an edge 104 to an edge 105 are arranged in the first region L1 of the upper half of the base member 101. The current path 103 is not formed in the second region L2 of the lower half of the base member 101. That is, when the bus component 100 of this embodiment is connected to another bus component, the current path can be extended only in the first region L1 of the upper half of the base member 101.

[0035] <3rd form> The third embodiment of the bus part 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3C. The display mode of the bus part 100 in Fig. 3C is the same as the display mode of the bus part 100 in Fig. 3A and the like described above. Therefore, elements having substantially the same configurations are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0036] Specifically, in this embodiment, a pair of current paths 103 extending from edge 104 to edge 105 are arranged in second region L2 of the lower half of base member 101, but no current paths 102 are formed in first region L1 of the upper half of base member 101. In other words, when bus component 100 of this embodiment is connected to another bus component, the current paths can be extended only on the second region L2 side of the lower half of base member 101.

[0037] <4th form> The fourth embodiment of the bus part 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3D. The display mode of the bus part 100 in Fig. 3D is the same as the display mode of the bus part 100 in Fig. 3A and the like described above, so elements having substantially the same configurations are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0038] Specifically, this embodiment is a modified example of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3B. That is, in an embodiment in which the base member 101 has no current path 103 formed in the second region L2 and a pair of current paths 102 formed in the first region L1, the current paths 102 are separated at the center of the width of the base member 101 (the left-right direction in the drawing is the width direction), forming a right-side current path 102R and a left-side current path 102L. Therefore, the right-side current path 102R and the left-side current path 102L are not directly electrically connected. Alternatively, in an embodiment in which the base member 101 has no current path 102 formed in the first region L1 and a current path 103 formed in the second region L2, the current path 103 may be separated at the center of the width of the base member 101, forming a right-side current path and a left-side current path.

[0039] <5th form> The fifth embodiment of the bus part 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3E. The display mode of the bus part 100 in Fig. 3E is the same as the display mode of the bus part 100 in Fig. 3A and the like described above. Therefore, elements having substantially the same configurations are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0040] 3A. That is, in a configuration in which a pair of current paths 102 are formed in the first region L1 of the base member 101 and a pair of current paths 103 are formed in the second region L2, the current paths 102 are divided at the center in the width direction of the base member 101 to form a right-side current path 102R and a left-side current path 102L, and the current path 103 is divided at the center in the width direction of the base member 101 to form a right-side current path 103R and a left-side current path 103L. Therefore, the right-side current path 102R and the left-side current path 102L are not directly connected electrically, and the right-side current path 103R and the left-side current path 103L are not directly connected electrically.

[0041] <6th form> The sixth embodiment of the bus part 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3F. The display mode of the bus part 100 in FIG. 3F is the same as the display mode of the bus part 100 in FIG. 3A and the like. Therefore, elements having substantially the same configurations are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0042] Specifically, this embodiment is a modified example of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3A. That is, in an embodiment in which a pair of current paths 102 are formed in the first region L1 of the base member 101 and a pair of current paths 103 are formed in the second region L2, the current paths 103 are separated at the center in the width direction of the base member 101, forming a right-side current path 103R and a left-side current path 103L. Therefore, the right-side current path 103R and the left-side current path 103L are not directly electrically connected. Alternatively, in an embodiment in which the current paths 102 are formed in the first region L1 of the base member 101 and the current paths 103 are formed in the second region L2 of the base member 101, the current paths 102 may be separated at the center in the width direction of the base member 101, forming a right-side current path and a left-side current path.

[0043] <7th form> The seventh embodiment of the bus part 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3G. The display mode of the bus part 100 in Fig. 3G is the same as the display mode of the bus part 100 in Fig. 3A and the like described above. Therefore, elements having substantially the same configurations are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0044] Specifically, in this embodiment, a pair of current-carrying paths 112 are formed in the base member 101 so as to straddle the first region L1 and the second region L2. That is, the current-carrying paths 112 are paths that connect the left side of the first region L1 and the right side of the second region L2 in the base member 101, and serve to switch between current flow in the first region L1 and current flow in the second region L2, so to speak. Alternatively, the current-carrying paths 112 may be formed in the base member 101 so as to connect the right side of the first region L1 and the left side of the second region L1.

[0045] <8th form> The eighth embodiment of the bus part 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3H. The display mode of the bus part 100 in Fig. 3H is the same as the display mode of the bus part 100 in Fig. 3A and the like described above. Therefore, elements having substantially the same configurations are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0046] Specifically, in this embodiment, a pair of current-carrying paths 113 are formed in the base member 101. When the edge portion 104 of the base member 101 is used as a reference, the current-carrying paths 113 are formed so that the current-carrying paths extending from the edge portion 104 toward the edge portion 105 branch off toward the first region L1 and the second region L2 midway along the width direction of the base member 101. Note that in FIG. 3H , one of the pair of current-carrying paths 113 is shown with a dashed line to make the illustration easier to understand. Alternatively, when the edge portion 105 of the base member 101 is used as a reference, the current-carrying paths 113 may be formed so that the current-carrying paths extending from the edge portion 105 toward the edge portion 104 branch off toward the first region L1 and the second region L2 midway along the width direction of the base member 101.

[0047] <9th form> The ninth embodiment of the bus part 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3I. The display mode of the bus part 100 in Fig. 3I is the same as the display mode of the bus part 100 in Fig. 3A and the like described above, so elements having substantially the same configurations are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0048] In detail, in this embodiment, a pair of current-carrying paths 112 (see FIG. 3G) and a pair of current-carrying paths 114 are formed in the base member 101. The current-carrying paths 114 are the same as those described in the eighth embodiment. As explained above, the pair of current paths 114 are formed to connect the right side of the first region L1 and the left side of the second region in the base member 101. In this embodiment, the pair of current paths 114 are also depicted by dashed lines to make the illustration easier to understand.

[0049] <Construction of power transmission lines> Next, the formation of a power transmission line using the bus components shown in FIGS. 3A to 3I will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4D. FIG. 4A shows two types of power transmission lines to which different DC voltages are applied. For example, as in the DC bus device 50 shown in FIG. 2, a power transmission line to which a high voltage (e.g., 350 V) is applied is arranged on the upper side, and a power transmission line to which a low voltage (e.g., 24 V) is applied is arranged on the lower side. To form such a power transmission line, the bus components 100 shown in FIG. 3A are connected in series. For the configuration shown in FIG. 4A, by connecting five bus components shown in FIG. 3A corresponding to each of the regions Z1 to Z5, the current paths 102 and 103 of each bus component 100 are electrically continuous, and ultimately, a single continuous power transmission line can be formed as shown in FIG. 4A. The length of the power transmission line can be adjusted by adjusting the number of connected bus components 100.

[0050] Next, in FIG. 4B, as in FIG. 4A, power transmission lines are formed on the upper and lower sides, but the lower power transmission line is divided into a left region L21 and a right region L22. For example, a power transmission line to which a high voltage (e.g., 350 V) is applied can be arranged in the upper region L1, a low voltage (e.g., 24 V) can be applied in the lower and left region L21, and an even lower voltage (e.g., 12 V) can be applied in the lower and right region L22. The voltage applied to the left region L21 and the right region L22 may be the same. An advantage of this type of power transmission line is that it allows multiple types of power supply voltages to be prepared compactly, facilitating the supply of drive power to a drive device such as a motor. To form such a power transmission line, bus components 100 shown in FIG. 3A are prepared as bus components 100 corresponding to regions Z1-Z2 and Z4-Z5, and bus component 100 shown in FIG. 3B is prepared as bus component 100 corresponding to region Z3. Then, by connecting the bus components 100 in the order of their regions, the current paths 102 and 103 of the bus components are electrically connected to form the power transmission path shown in FIG. 4B.

[0051] Next, in FIG. 4C, similar to FIG. 4B, power transmission lines are formed on both the upper and lower sides. However, the power transmission line in the upper region L1 extends across regions Z1 to Z5. The power transmission line in the lower region L2 does not extend across regions Z1 and Z2, but extends across regions Z3 to Z5. These power transmission lines generally correspond to the power transmission lines 11 and 12 shown in FIG. 2. That is, the power transmission line in the first region L1 corresponds to power transmission line 11, and the power transmission line in the second region L2 corresponds to power transmission line 12. Here, a method for forming such power transmission lines will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. First, in S101, bus components 100 shown in FIG. 3B are prepared as bus components 100 corresponding to regions Z1 and Z2, and bus components 100 shown in FIG. 3A are prepared as bus components 100 corresponding to regions Z3 to Z5. Then, the bus components 100 are connected in the order of their regions. At this time, the bus components 100 are arranged on a plane so that the edges 104, 105 of adjacent components come into contact with each other.

[0052] Then, in S102, a converter (voltage conversion device) 15 is attached to the power transmission path constructed in S101. The converter 15 is a DC-DC converter as described above, and the power transmission path in the first domain L1 is the input side, and the power transmission path in the second domain L2 is the output side. That is, the converter 15 performs a voltage conversion process to convert the applied voltage (e.g., 350 V) of the power transmission path in the first domain L1 to a desired voltage (e.g., 24 V), and applies it to the power transmission path in the second domain L2. At this time, the converter 15 is connected in S102 so that the input side terminal 16 of the converter 15 contacts the power transmission path in the first domain L1 and the output side terminal 17 contacts the power transmission path in the second domain L2. Converter 15 is attached so as to straddle the power transmission path of the first region L1 formed in S101 and the power transmission path of the second region L2. This allows input to converter 15 and also allows output from converter 15. Note that converter 15 is preferably attached using a known fixing technique (for example, a snap-type fixing means or a fixing means using screws) to maintain stable contact between input terminal 16 and output terminal 17 and the power transmission path.

[0053] In step S103, for example, converter 10 is driven to supply power to the power transmission line in the first region L1, and the applied voltage is set to 350 V. Then, converter 15 performs a voltage conversion process to convert the power to 24 V, and outputs the converted power to the power transmission line in the second region L2. This makes it possible to set the applied voltage of the power transmission line on the second region L2 side to 24 V. This power transmission line is connected to, for example, the relay device 4 shown in FIG. 1 or 2, and allows for an appropriate supply of power to the relay device 4.

[0054] 5 and then attaching converter 15 after the power transmission line is constructed, the power transmission line in second region L2 can be easily applied with a desired voltage. Converter 15 can be attached to the power transmission line after the power transmission line is constructed, so its attachment position can be relatively easily adjusted. The power transmission line itself can be adjusted to any length or shape by combining (connecting) bus components 100. Furthermore, the position of converter 15 can also be adjusted with a high degree of freedom. This simplifies the formation of DC bus device 50, improves user convenience, and allows for a more compact DC bus device 50.

[0055] Next, in FIG. 4D , similar to FIG. 4B , power transmission lines are formed on the upper and lower sides, but the lower power transmission line has a divided power transmission line in region Z3. To form a power transmission line of this shape, bus components 100 shown in FIG. 3A are prepared as bus components 100 corresponding to regions Z1-Z2 and Z4-Z5, and bus component 100 shown in FIG. 3F is prepared as bus component 100 corresponding to region Z3. Then, by connecting each bus component 100 in the order of the regions, current paths 102 and 103 of each bus component are electrically connected, thereby forming the power transmission line shown in FIG. 4D . In the power transmission line of FIG. 4D , the power transmission lines in the lower second regions L21 and L22 are electrically discontinuous between regions Z1-Z2 and regions Z4-Z5.

[0056] Converter 150 is retrofitted to this power transmission path at a position in region Z3. Converter 150 is a DC-DC converter like converter 15, and terminal 16 on its input side is in contact with the power transmission path in first region L1. Converter 150 also has two internal voltage conversion circuits and is configured to convert the voltage input from terminal 16 into two different voltages (e.g., 24 V and 12 V) and output each of them. Of the two output terminals of converter 150, terminal 171 is in contact with the power transmission path in region L21 on the left side of the second region (mainly corresponding to regions Z1 and Z2), and the remaining terminal 172 is in contact with the power transmission path in region L22 on the right side of the second region (mainly corresponding to regions Z4 and Z5). The retrofitting of converter 150 is as described with reference to FIGS. 4C and 5.

[0057] By adopting such a configuration, the applied voltage of the transmission line in area L21 can be set to 24 V and the applied voltage of the transmission line in area L22 can be set to 12 V by retrofitting converter 150, thereby making it easy to construct transmission lines with different voltages.

[0058] <Modification of the formation of the power transmission line> Next, regarding a modified example of the formation of the power transmission path using the bus components shown in FIGS. 3A to 3I, 6, bus components are denoted by reference numerals 200 and 300. A current path 201 is formed in the bus component 200. The configurations of the bus component 200 and the current path 201 are similar to those shown in FIG. 3A and other figures. Adjacent bus components 200 are connected so that their edges contact each other, thereby forming an upper-stage power transmission line 250 with the continuous current path 201. Similarly, a current path 301 is formed in the bus component 300, and adjacent bus components 300 are connected so that their edges contact each other, thereby forming a lower-stage power transmission line 350 with the continuous current path 301. In the configuration shown in FIG. 6, five bus components 200 and 300 are arranged in a line on a plane.

[0059] Converter 400 is then retrofitted so as to be sandwiched between the upper-stage power transmission line 250 and the lower-stage power transmission line 350. Converter 400 is a DC-DC converter, similar to converter 15, and its input-side terminal 401 is in contact with the upper-stage power transmission line 250. Converter 400 also has one internal voltage conversion circuit, similar to converter 15, and is configured to be able to output a voltage input from terminal 401 to terminal 402. Converter 400's output-side terminal 402 is in contact with the lower-stage power transmission line 350. The retrofitting of converter 450 is as described with reference to FIGS. 4C and 5.

[0060] For example, if a voltage of 350 V is applied to the upper transmission line 250 by the converter 10 or the like, and the converter 400 is configured to be able to convert voltage from 350 V to 24 V, a voltage of 24 V will be applied to the lower transmission line 350. By retrofitting the converter 400 between the two transmission lines in this manner, the DC bus device can be constructed in a three-dimensional manner compared to the configurations shown in Figures 4C and 4D.

[0061] <Further variations> In the above-described embodiments, the power transmission line is formed as a path for transmitting a signal related to power. However, instead of this configuration, the power transmission line may be formed as a path for transmitting a signal related to information (data). Even in such a case, a power transmission line for transmitting information of a desired length and shape can be formed by connecting bus components and the like shown in FIGS. 3A to 3I. Furthermore, in such a power transmission line for transmitting information, instead of converter 15 and the like, an amplifier device or the like that performs predetermined processing on the transmitted signal (e.g., signal amplification processing) may be attached to the power transmission line as an add-on.

[0062] <Appendix 1> A base member (101); a current-carrying path (102, 103) extending from one edge to the other edge of a pair of opposing edges (104, 105) of the base member (101); A bus component (100) for forming a transmission path for transmitting a signal, comprising: The bus component (100) is configured to be connectable to another bus component such that the edges of the base members of the bus component contact each other, When the bus component (100) is connected to the other bus component, the current path (102, 103) of the bus component (100) and the current path of the other bus component are configured to form a predetermined current transmission path (11, 12). Bus parts.

[0063] <Appendix 2> A method for forming a transmission line (11, 12) for transmitting a signal, comprising: A base member (101) and a pair of opposing edges (104, 105) of the base member (101) are connected to each other by a current-carrying path (102, 103) extending from one edge to the other edge. 3) and preparing a plurality of bus components (100) comprising: connecting the two bus components by bringing an edge of one bus component (100) into contact with an edge of the other bus component; one of the current paths (102, 103) of the one bus component (100) is connected to another of the current paths of the other bus component to form a predetermined current transmission path (11, 12); How to form a transmission line.

[0064] <Appendix 3> A bus device (50) that provides a transmission path for transmitting a signal, The bus component (100) includes a base member (101) and a current-carrying path (102, 103) extending from one edge to the other edge of a pair of opposing edges (104, 105) of the base member (101), The edge of one bus part (100) contacts the edge of the other bus part, connecting the two bus parts together; When the one bus component (100) is connected to the other bus component, one of the current paths (102, 103) of the one bus component (100) is connected to another of the current paths of the other bus component to form the power transmission paths (11, 12). Bus equipment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 2, 3 motors 4 Relay device 11, 12 Power transmission line 15, 150 converter 100, 200, 300 bus parts 101 Base material 102, 103, 112, 113, 114 Current path 102a Protrusion 103a Recess 104, 105 Edge 250 Upper Transmission Line 350 Lower transmission line 400 converter

Claims

1. A base member; a current-carrying path formed by extending from one edge to the other edge of a pair of opposing edges of the base member; A bus component for forming a transmission path for transmitting a signal, comprising: The bus component is configured to be connectable to another bus component such that edges of the base members of the bus component contact each other, When the bus component is connected to the other bus component, the current path of the bus component and the current path of the other bus component form a predetermined current transmission path, the current path includes at least a first current path and a second current path, each of which is formed of a metal member such that a portion of the metal member is exposed on a surface of the base member, and the converter is configured to be attached in contact with the exposed surface; Bus parts.

2. the predetermined power transmission line is a single continuous power transmission line extending in a coupling direction of the bus components; 2. The bus component of claim 1.

3. the predetermined power transmission line is a plurality of power transmission lines that are separated in a coupling direction of the bus components, 2. The bus component of claim 1.

4. a first voltage in the first current path and a second voltage in the second current path are formed to be different from each other; 2. The bus component of claim 1.

5. A bus device that provides a transmission path for transmitting a signal, a plurality of bus components each including a base member and a current-carrying path extending from one edge to the other edge of a pair of opposing edges of the base member; the current paths provided in each of the plurality of bus components include at least a first current path and a second current path, each of which is formed of a metal member such that a portion of the first current path is exposed on a surface of the base member, and which is configured so that a converter is attached to the exposed surface in contact with the metal member; an edge of one bus part contacts an edge of the other bus part to couple the two bus parts together; When the first bus component is connected to the second bus component, the first and second current paths of the first bus component are connected to the second and other first and second current paths of the second bus component, respectively, to form the power transmission path. Bus equipment.

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