JP7779123B2 - Laminated bus bar, laminated bus bar manufacturing method, and power conversion device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a laminated bus bar.

Laminated bus bars include bus bars that are stacked with insulating material between them to suppress increases in parasitic inductance between two bus bars, and bus bars and insulating material that are bent together to increase the freedom of placement of components connected to each bus bar.

In this type of laminated bus bar, for example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the bending radii of the bent portions of the two bus bars are made different from each other to create a distance between the bus bars. Also, in Patent Document 3, for example, the two bus bars and the insulating material are bent at a right angle.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-215735 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-209027 JP 2016-144377 A

When the insulating material is bent, the outside of the bent part of the insulating material stretches more than the inside, and the thickness of the bent part of the insulating material becomes thinner than the thickness of the rest of the insulating material, which may reduce the insulating performance of the insulating material and the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar.

The present invention was made in consideration of these issues, and one of its objectives is to prevent deterioration of the insulation performance of laminated bus bars.

A laminated bus bar according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first bus bar having a first planar portion, a second planar portion, and a first bent portion located between the first and second planar portions; a second bus bar having a third planar portion facing the first planar portion, a fourth planar portion facing the second planar portion, and a second bent portion facing the first bent portion and located between the third and fourth planar portions; and insulating members provided between the first and third planar portions, between the second and fourth planar portions, and between the first bent portion and the second bent portion. and a rim material, and the first bent portion bulges from the first flat portion toward the opposite side of the third flat portion, or the first bent portion bulges from the second flat portion toward the opposite side of the fourth flat portion, thereby providing a gap between the first bent portion and the second bent portion; or the second bent portion bulges from the third flat portion toward the opposite side of the first flat portion and bulges from the fourth flat portion toward the opposite side of the second flat portion, thereby providing a gap between the first bent portion and the second bent portion.

This invention makes it possible to prevent deterioration of the insulation performance of laminated bus bars.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laminated bus bar according to an embodiment. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a laminated bus bar according to a first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a laminated bus bar according to a second embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a laminated bus bar according to a third embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a laminated bus bar according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a laminated bus bar according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a laminated bus bar according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a laminated bus bar according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a laminated bus bar according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a laminated bus bar according to a ninth embodiment. 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining a manufacturing process of the laminated bus bar according to the first embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining a manufacturing process of the laminated bus bar according to the third embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining a manufacturing process of the laminated bus bar according to the fourth embodiment.

The laminated busbar (busbar) of this embodiment is described below.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a laminated busbar according to an embodiment. In the following description of the drawings, in the three-dimensional space defined by the x, y, and z directions shown in Figure 1, the right side in the horizontal direction (x direction) of the paper or the upper side in the vertical direction (z direction) of the paper, based on the laminated busbar, is referred to as the "inside," and the left side in the horizontal direction (x direction) of the paper or the lower side in the vertical direction (z direction) of the paper, based on the laminated busbar, is referred to as the "outside." Furthermore, in this specification, a "flat portion" is not limited to a shape consisting only of flat surfaces, and may have curved surfaces in part. Furthermore, in this specification, a "bent portion" is not limited to a shape consisting only of curved surfaces, and may have flat surfaces in part.

The laminated bus bar shown in Figure 1 is, for example, a laminated bus bar in which an inner bus bar Bi and an outer bus bar Bo are laminated with an insulating material Im between them, and the inner bus bar Bi, outer bus bar Bo, and insulating material Im are each bent at the same or approximately the same point.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 1 is used as wiring for power conversion devices such as inverters that drive electric motors. Specifically, the inner busbar Bi and outer busbar Bo are made of plate-shaped conductors (such as copper or aluminum) and function as wiring between a power source and ground, connecting a capacitor C and multiple transistors Tr that make up the power conversion device. One of the inner busbar Bi and outer busbar Bo is connected to the power source, and the other is connected to ground. The thickness of each of the inner busbar Bi and outer busbar Bo is approximately several millimeters.

Inside the laminated busbar shown in FIG. 1, one of the inner busbar Bi and the outer busbar Bo is connected to one terminal of a capacitor C, and the other of the inner busbar Bi and the outer busbar Bo is connected to the other terminal of the capacitor C. Inside the laminated busbar shown in FIG. 1, one of the inner busbar Bi and the outer busbar Bo is connected to the collector terminals or drain terminals of multiple transistors Tr (IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) or MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors)), and the other of the inner busbar Bi and the outer busbar Bo is connected to the emitter terminals or source terminals of the multiple transistors Tr. In Figure 1, the capacitor C and the transistor Tr are arranged on either side of the bent portion, and the capacitor C is arranged inside the laminated bus bar and the transistor Tr is arranged outside the laminated bus bar, but this is not limited to this and various arrangements may be used according to the structural requirements of the power conversion device.

The insulating material Im has insulating properties and flexibility, and is made of, for example, a thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin or polyimide resin, or a composite material made of a thermosetting resin with glass or a ceramic material as a filler. The insulating material Im may also be made of aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ), aluminum nitride (AlN), silicon nitride (Si ₃ N ₄ ), or a ceramic material such as aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ) and zirconium oxide (ZrO ₂ ). The thickness of the insulating material Im is set to a few millimeters or 1 mm or less.

Example 1
Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a laminated bus bar of Example 1. Fig. 2A is a diagram showing a part (enclosed in a dashed line frame) of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 1 as viewed from the y direction. Fig. 2B is a diagram showing a first modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2A, Fig. 2C is a diagram showing a second modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2A, Fig. 2D is a diagram showing a third modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2A, Fig. 2E is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2A, and Fig. 2F is a diagram showing a fifth modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2A.

In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 2A, the outer bus bar Bo (first bus bar) has a planar portion Foz (first planar portion) extending in the z direction, a planar portion Fox (second planar portion) extending in the x direction, and a bent portion Bdo (first bent portion) located between planar portions Foz and Fox. The outer bus bar Bo may be formed from a single member, or may be formed by connecting two or more members (for example, a member corresponding to planar portion Foz, a member corresponding to planar portion Fox, and a member corresponding to bent portion Bdo) together.

In the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 2A, the inner bus bar Bi (second bus bar) has a planar portion Fiz (third planar portion) extending in the z direction and facing the planar portion Foz, a planar portion Fix (fourth planar portion) extending in the x direction and facing the planar portion Fox, and a bent portion Bdi (second bent portion) located between the planar portions Fiz and Fix. In this example, the bent portion Bdi is bent so that the angle between the planar portion Fiz (third planar portion) and the planar portion Fix (fourth planar portion) is approximately 90 degrees. In other words, the inner bus bar Bi is molded into a substantially L-shape when viewed from the y direction. If the angle between the planar portion Fiz and the planar portion Fix is an obtuse angle, wasted space is likely to be generated when installing the capacitor C or transistor Tr. Furthermore, if the angle between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Fix is acute, interference between the capacitor C and the laminated bus bar may occur, or installation may be difficult. For this reason, the inner bus bar Bi is often bent at approximately 90 degrees when viewed from the y direction. However, depending on the structural requirements of the power conversion device, the bent portion may be configured to form an angle other than approximately 90 degrees. Furthermore, the inner bus bar Bi may be configured from a single member, or may be configured by connecting two or more members (for example, a member corresponding to the flat portion Fiz, a member corresponding to the flat portion Fix, and a member corresponding to the bent portion Bdi) together.

In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 2A, the insulating material Im is provided between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Foz, between the flat portion Fix and the flat portion Fox, and between the bent portion Bdi and the bent portion Bdo. In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 2A, the insulating material Im is bent along the bent portion Bdi. The insulating material Im may be formed of a single member, or may be formed by connecting (stacking) two or more members together.

However, when the insulating material Im is bent, the outside of the bent portion of the insulating material Im is stretched, making the bent portion thinner than the rest of the insulating material Im, which may reduce the insulating performance of the insulating material Im and result in a reduction in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar.

Therefore, it is conceivable that bending the bend Bdi of the inner bus bar Bi and the bend Bdo of the outer bus bar Bo into a roughly L-shape and making the bending radius of bend Bdi larger than the bending radius of bend Bdo will separate bend Bdo and bend Bdi, which are areas where insulation performance may be reduced, and improve the insulation performance of the laminated bus bar.

However, due to constraints on the thickness of the bend Bdo and the insulating material Im, there is a limit to how much the bending radius of the bend Bdi can be made larger than the bending radius of the bend Bdo, and it may not be possible to ensure a distance between the bend Bdo and the bend Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance.

In this embodiment of the laminated busbar, the bent portion Bdo of the outer busbar Bo is bulged outward, creating a gap Ag (pocket) between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating material Im. Specifically, the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge outward from the flat portion Foz toward the opposite side of the flat portion Fiz (to the left of the paper in the x direction), creating a gap Ag of any size between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating material Im. The length of the bent portion Bdo in the x direction may be set based on the desired insulation performance between the bent portion Bdo and the bent portion Bdi, the rated value of parasitic inductance, and other factors. Furthermore, by not bulging outward in the z direction from the flat portion Fox (although it may bulge outward slightly due to manufacturing tolerances), the bent portion Bdo does not interfere with components (transistors Tr) located outside the flat portion Fox in the z direction.

This ensures a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im.

Furthermore, by deforming the bend portion Bdo, the force applied to the laminated bus bar can be absorbed by the bend portion Bdo, allowing the bend portion Bdo to function as an adjustment portion for the mechanical strength of the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 1 of Example 1>
Fig. 2B is a diagram showing a first modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2B differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2A in that the insulating material Im is bent along the bent portion Bdo instead of the bent portion Bdi.

Even with this configuration, a gap Ag of any size can be provided between the bend Bdi and the insulating material Im, ensuring a distance between the bend Bdo and bend Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulating performance, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 2B, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdo so that it catches on the bend portion Bdo. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 2 of Example 1>
Fig. 2C is a diagram showing a second modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2C differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2A in that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating material Im. The insulating material Ia is an insulating adhesive such as an epoxy adhesive or a silicone adhesive.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 2C can ensure a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and can fill the gap Ag between bends Bdo and insulating material Im with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of insulating material Im. While the insulating material Ia fills the entire gap Ag in Figure 2C, it may also be filled only partially.

<Modification 3 of Example 1>
Fig. 2D is a diagram showing a third modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2D differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2A in that the insulating material Im is bent along the bent portion Bdo instead of the bent portion Bdi, and that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating material Im.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 2D can ensure a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and can fill the gap Ag between bend Bdi and insulating material Im with insulating material Ia, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im. While the insulating material Ia fills the entire gap Ag in Figure 2D, it is also acceptable to fill only a portion of it.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 2D, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdo so that it catches on the bend portion Bdo. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

<Fourth Modification of First Embodiment>
Fig. 2E is a diagram showing a fourth modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2E differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2A in that the insulating material Im is bent away from the bent portions Bdi and Bdo.

Even with this configuration, gaps Ag of any size can be provided between the bends Bdi and the insulating material Im, and between the bends Bdo and the insulating material Im. This ensures a distance between the bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulating performance, and prevents a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

<Fifth Modification of First Embodiment>
Fig. 2F is a diagram showing a fifth modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2F differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 2A in that the insulating material Im is bent away from the bent portions Bdi and Bdo, and that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between the bent portions Bdi and Bdo and the insulating material Im.

Even with this configuration, gaps Ag of any size can be provided between the bends Bdi and the insulating material Im, and between the bends Bdo and the insulating material Im, respectively. This allows for a distance between the bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance. Furthermore, the gaps Ag between the bends Bdi and the insulating material Im can be filled with insulating material Ia. Furthermore, the gaps Ag between the bends Bdo and the insulating material Im can be filled with insulating material Ia. This prevents a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im. While all of the gaps Ag are filled with insulating material Ia in Figure 2F, it may also be filled in a portion of each gap Ag, or in all or only a portion of one of the gaps Ag.

Example 2
Fig. 3A is a diagram showing a laminated bus bar in Example 2. Fig. 3B is a diagram showing a first modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3A, Fig. 3C is a diagram showing a second modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3A, Fig. 3D is a diagram showing a third modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3A, Fig. 3E is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3A, and Fig. 3F is a diagram showing a fifth modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3A.

In the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 3A, the outer bus bar Bo (first bus bar) has a planar portion Foz (first planar portion) extending in the z direction, a planar portion Fox (second planar portion) extending in the x direction, and a bent portion Bdo (first bent portion) located between planar portions Foz and Fox. The outer bus bar Bo may be formed from a single member, or may be formed by connecting two or more members (for example, a member corresponding to planar portion Foz, a member corresponding to planar portion Fox, and a member corresponding to bent portion Bdo) together.

In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 3A, the inner bus bar Bi (second bus bar) has a flat portion Fiz (third flat portion) extending in the z direction and facing the flat portion Foz, a flat portion Fix (fourth flat portion) extending in the x direction and facing the flat portion Fox, and a bent portion Bdi (second bent portion) located between the flat portions Fiz and Fix. The bent portion Bdi is bent so that the angle between the flat portion Fiz (third flat portion) and the flat portion Fix (fourth flat portion) is approximately 90 degrees. In other words, the inner bus bar Bi is formed into a substantially L-shape when viewed from the y direction. The inner bus bar Bi may be formed from a single member, or may be formed by connecting two or more members (for example, a member corresponding to the flat portion Fiz, a member corresponding to the flat portion Fix, and a member corresponding to the bent portion Bdi) together.

In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 3A, the insulating material Im is provided between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Foz, between the flat portion Fix and the flat portion Fox, and between the bent portion Bdi and the bent portion Bdo. In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 3A, the insulating material Im is bent along the bent portion Bdi. The insulating material Im may be formed of a single member, or may be formed by connecting (stacking) two or more members together.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 3A, the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge from the flat portion Fox toward the opposite side from the flat portion Fix (downward in the z direction on the paper), thereby providing a gap Ag of any size between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating material Im. The length of the bent portion Bdo in the z direction may be set based on the desired insulation performance between the bent portion Bdo and the bent portion Bdi, the rated value of parasitic inductance, etc. Furthermore, by not bulging outward in the x direction from the flat portion Foz (although it may bulge outward slightly due to manufacturing tolerances), the bent portion Bdo is prevented from interfering with components (such as an external housing) located outside the flat portion Foz in the x direction.

This ensures a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im.

Furthermore, by deforming the bend portion Bdo, the force applied to the laminated bus bar can be absorbed by the bend portion Bdo, allowing the bend portion Bdo to function as an adjustment portion for the mechanical strength of the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 1 of Example 2>
Fig. 3B is a diagram showing a first modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3B differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3A in that the insulating material Im is bent along the bent portion Bdo instead of the bent portion Bdi.

Even with this configuration, a gap Ag of any size can be provided between the bend Bdi and the insulating material Im, ensuring a distance between the bend Bdo and bend Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulating performance, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 3B, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdo so that it catches on the bend portion Bdo. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 2 of Example 2>
Fig. 3C is a diagram showing a second modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3C differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3A in that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between a bent portion Bdo and an insulating material Im.

The laminated bus bar shown in Figure 3C can ensure a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and can fill the gap Ag between bends Bdo and insulating material Im with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of insulating material Im. While the insulating material Ia fills the entire gap Ag in Figure 3C, it may also be filled only partially.

<Modification 3 of Example 2>
Fig. 3D is a diagram showing a third modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3D differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3A in that the insulating material Im is bent along the bent portion Bdo instead of the bent portion Bdi, and that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating material Im.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 3D can ensure a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and can fill the gap Ag between bend Bdi and insulating material Im with insulating material Ia, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im. While the insulating material Ia fills the entire gap Ag in Figure 3D, it is also acceptable to fill only a portion of it.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 3D, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdo so that it catches on the bend portion Bdo. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

<Fourth Modification of Second Embodiment>
Fig. 3E is a diagram showing a fourth modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3E differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3A in that the insulating material Im is bent away from the bent portions Bdi and Bdo.

Even with this configuration, gaps Ag of any size can be provided between the bends Bdi and the insulating material Im, and between the bends Bdo and the insulating material Im. This ensures a distance between the bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulating performance, and prevents a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

<Fifth Modification of Third Embodiment>
Fig. 3F is a diagram showing a fifth modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3F differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 3A in that the insulating material Im is bent away from the bent portions Bdi and Bdo, and that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between the bent portions Bdi and Bdo and the insulating material Im.

Even with this configuration, gaps Ag of any size can be provided between the bends Bdi and the insulating material Im, and between the bends Bdo and the insulating material Im, respectively. This allows for a distance between the bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance. Furthermore, the gaps Ag between the bends Bdi and the insulating material Im can be filled with insulating material Ia. The gaps Ag between the bends Bdo and the insulating material Im can also be filled with insulating material Ia. This prevents a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im. While all of the gaps Ag are filled with insulating material Ia in Figure 3F, it may also be filled in a portion of each gap Ag, or in all or only a portion of one of the gaps Ag.

Example 3
Fig. 4A is a diagram showing a laminated bus bar in Example 3. Fig. 4B is a diagram showing a first modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4A, Fig. 4C is a diagram showing a second modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4A, Fig. 4D is a diagram showing a third modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4A, Fig. 4E is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4A, and Fig. 4F is a diagram showing a fifth modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4A.

In the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 4A, the outer bus bar Bo (first bus bar) has a planar portion Foz (first planar portion) extending in the z direction, a planar portion Fox (second planar portion) extending in the x direction, and a bent portion Bdo (first bent portion) located between planar portions Foz and Fox. The outer bus bar Bo may be formed from a single member, or may be formed by connecting two or more members (for example, a member corresponding to planar portion Foz, a member corresponding to planar portion Fox, and a member corresponding to bent portion Bdo) together.

In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 4A, the inner bus bar Bi (second bus bar) has a planar portion Fiz (third planar portion) extending in the z direction and facing the planar portion Foz, a planar portion Fix (fourth planar portion) extending in the x direction and facing the planar portion Fox, and a bent portion Bdi (second bent portion) located between the planar portions Fiz and Fix. The bent portion Bdi is bent so that the angle between the planar portion Fiz (third planar portion) and the planar portion Fix (fourth planar portion) is approximately 90 degrees. In other words, the inner bus bar Bi is molded into a substantially L-shape when viewed from the y direction. The inner bus bar Bi may be formed from a single member, or may be formed by connecting two or more members (for example, a member corresponding to the planar portion Fiz, a member corresponding to the planar portion Fix, and a member corresponding to the bent portion Bdi) together.

In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 4A, the insulating material Im is provided between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Foz, between the flat portion Fix and the flat portion Fox, and between the bent portion Bdi and the bent portion Bdo. In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 4A, the insulating material Im is bent along the bent portion Bdi. The insulating material Im may be formed of a single member, or may be formed by connecting (stacking) two or more members together.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 4A, the bent portion Bdo is bulged outward in the direction of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between the flat portion Foz and the flat portion Fox (the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge away from the flat portion Foz toward the opposite side of the flat portion Fiz, and the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge away from the flat portion Fox toward the opposite side of the flat portion Fix), thereby providing a gap Ag of any size between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating material Im. The length of the bent portion Bdo in the x direction and the length of the bent portion Bdo in the z direction may be set based on the desired insulation performance between the bent portion Bdo and the bent portion Bdi, the rated value of the parasitic inductance, etc. Furthermore, the line connecting the outer vertex of bent portion Bdo in the x-z direction (left side of the paper - downwards on the paper) and the outer vertex of bent portion Bdi in the x-z direction (left side of the paper - downwards on the paper) may be located on the side of planar portion Fiz (outside in the x direction) on the inside in the x-z direction (right side of the paper - upwards on the paper) of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between planar portion Foz and planar portion Fox. Furthermore, the line connecting the outer vertex of bent portion Bdo in the x-z direction and the outer vertex of bent portion Bdi in the x-z direction may be located on the side of planar portion Fix (outside in the z direction) on the inside in the x-z direction (right side of the paper - upwards on the paper) of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between planar portion Foz and planar portion Fox.

This ensures a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulation performance between bends Bdo and Bdi due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im.

Furthermore, by deforming the bend portion Bdo, the force applied to the laminated bus bar can be absorbed by the bend portion Bdo, allowing the bend portion Bdo to function as an adjustment portion for the mechanical strength of the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 1 of Example 3>
Fig. 4B is a diagram showing a first modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4B differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4A in that the insulating material Im is bent along the bent portion Bdo instead of the bent portion Bdi.

Even with this configuration, a gap Ag of any size can be provided between the bend Bdo and the insulating material Im, ensuring a distance between the bend Bdo and the bend Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulating performance, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 4B, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdo so that it catches on the bend portion Bdo. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 2 of Example 3>
Fig. 4C is a diagram showing a second modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4C differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4A in that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating material Im.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 4C can ensure a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and can fill the gap Ag between bends Bdo and insulating material Im with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of insulating material Im. While the insulating material Ia fills the entire gap Ag in Figure 4C, it may also be filled only partially.

<Modification 3 of Example 3>
Fig. 4D is a diagram showing a third modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4D differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4A in that the insulating material Im is bent along the bent portion Bdo instead of the bent portion Bdi, and that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating material Im.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 4D can ensure a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and can fill the gap Ag between bend Bdi and insulating material Im with insulating material Ia, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im. While the insulating material Ia fills the entire gap Ag in Figure 4D, it is also acceptable to fill only a portion of it.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 4D, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdo so that it catches on the bend portion Bdo. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

<Fourth Modification of Third Embodiment>
Fig. 4E is a diagram showing a fourth modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4E differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4A in that the insulating material Im is bent away from the bent portions Bdi and Bdo.

Even with this configuration, gaps Ag of any size can be provided between the bends Bdi and the insulating material Im, and between the bends Bdo and the insulating material Im. This ensures a distance between the bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulating performance, and prevents a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

<Fifth Modification of Third Embodiment>
Fig. 4F is a diagram showing a fifth modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4F differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 4A in that the insulating material Im is bent away from the bent portions Bdi and Bdo, and that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between the bent portions Bdi and Bdo and the insulating material Im.

Even with this configuration, gaps Ag of any size can be provided between the bends Bdi and the insulating material Im, and between the bends Bdo and the insulating material Im, respectively. This allows for a distance between the bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance. Furthermore, the gaps Ag between the bends Bdi and the insulating material Im can be filled with insulating material Ia. Furthermore, the gaps Ag between the bends Bdo and the insulating material Im can also be filled with insulating material Ia. This prevents a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im. While all of the gaps Ag are filled with insulating material Ia in Figure 4F, it may also be filled in a portion of each gap Ag, or in all or only a portion of one of the gaps Ag.

Example 4
Fig. 5A is a diagram showing a laminated bus bar in Example 4. Fig. 5B is a diagram showing a first modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5A, Fig. 5C is a diagram showing a second modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5A, Fig. 5D is a diagram showing a third modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5A, Fig. 5E is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5A, and Fig. 5F is a diagram showing a fifth modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5A.

In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 5A, the outer bus bar Bo (first bus bar) has a planar portion Foz (first planar portion) extending in the z direction, a planar portion Fox (second planar portion) extending in the x direction, and a bent portion Bdo (first bent portion) located between planar portions Foz and Fox. The bent portion Bdo is bent so that the angle between planar portion Foz (first planar portion) and planar portion Fox (second planar portion) is approximately 90 degrees. In other words, the outer bus bar Bo is molded into a substantially L-shape when viewed from the y direction. The outer bus bar Bo may be formed from a single member, or may be formed by connecting two or more members (for example, a member corresponding to planar portion Foz, a member corresponding to planar portion Fox, and a member corresponding to bent portion Bdo) together.

In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 5A, the inner bus bar Bi (second bus bar) has a planar portion Fiz (third planar portion) extending in the z direction and facing the planar portion Foz, a planar portion Fix (fourth planar portion) extending in the x direction and facing the planar portion Fox, and a bent portion Bdi (second bent portion) located between the planar portions Fiz and Fix. The inner bus bar Bi may be formed from a single member, or may be formed by connecting two or more members (for example, a member corresponding to the planar portion Fiz, a member corresponding to the planar portion Fix, and a member corresponding to the bent portion Bdi) together.

In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 5A, the insulating material Im is provided between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Foz, between the flat portion Fix and the flat portion Fox, and between the bent portion Bdi and the bent portion Bdo. In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 5A, the insulating material Im is bent along the bent portion Bdo. The insulating material Im may be formed of a single member, or may be formed by connecting (stacking) two or more members together.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 5A, the bend portion Bdi is bulged inward along the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Fix (the bend portion Bdi is molded to bulge from the flat portion Fiz toward the opposite side of the flat portion Foz (to the right of the paper in the x direction), and the bend portion Bdi is molded to bulge from the flat portion Fix toward the opposite side of the flat portion Fox (upper side of the paper in the z direction)), thereby providing an air gap Ag of any size between the bend portion Bdi and the insulating material Im. The length of the bend portion Bdi in the x direction and the length in the z direction may be set based on the desired insulation performance between the bend portion Bdo and the bend portion Bdi, the rated value of the parasitic inductance, etc.

This ensures a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im.

Furthermore, by deforming the bend portion Bdi, the force applied to the laminated bus bar can be absorbed by the bend portion Bdi, allowing the bend portion Bdo to function as an adjustment portion for the mechanical strength of the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 1 of Example 4>
Fig. 5B is a diagram showing a first modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5B differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5A in that the insulating material Im is bent along the bent portion Bdi instead of the bent portion Bdo.

Even with this configuration, a gap Ag of any size can be provided between the bend Bdo and the insulating material Im, ensuring a distance between the bend Bdo and the bend Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulating performance, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 5B, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdi so that it catches on the bend portion Bdi. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 2 of Example 4>
Fig. 5C is a diagram showing a second modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5C differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5A in that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating material Im.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 5C ensures a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and the gap Ag between bends Bdi and insulating material Im can be filled with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of insulating material Im. While the insulating material Ia fills the entire gap Ag in Figure 5C, it is also acceptable to fill only a portion of it.

<Modification 3 of Example 4>
Fig. 5D is a diagram showing a third modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5D differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5A in that the insulating material Im is bent along the bent portion Bdi instead of the bent portion Bdo, and that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating material Im.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 5D can ensure a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and can fill the gap Ag between bends Bdo and insulating material Im with insulating material Ia, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of insulating material Im. While the insulating material Ia fills the entire gap Ag in Figure 5D, it is also acceptable to fill only a portion of it.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 5D, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdi so that the insulating material Im is caught on the bend portion Bdi. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

<Fourth Modification of Fourth Embodiment>
Fig. 5E is a diagram showing a fourth modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5E differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5A in that the insulating material Im is bent away from the bent portions Bdi and Bdo.

Even with this configuration, gaps Ag of any size can be provided between the bends Bdi and the insulating material Im, and between the bends Bdo and the insulating material Im. This ensures a distance between the bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulating performance, and prevents a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

<Fifth Modification of Fourth Embodiment>
Fig. 5F is a diagram showing a fifth modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5F differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 5A in that the insulating material Im is bent away from the bent portions Bdi and Bdo, and that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between the bent portions Bdi and Bdo and the insulating material Im.

Even with this configuration, gaps Ag of any size can be provided between the bends Bdi and the insulating material Im, and between the bends Bdo and the insulating material Im, respectively. This allows for a distance between the bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance. Furthermore, the gaps Ag between the bends Bdi and the insulating material Im can be filled with insulating material Ia. Furthermore, the gaps Ag between the bends Bdo and the insulating material Im can also be filled with insulating material Ia. This prevents a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im. While all of the gaps Ag are filled with insulating material Ia in Figure 5F, it may also be filled in a portion of each gap Ag, or in all or only a portion of one of the gaps Ag.

Example 5
Fig. 6A is a diagram showing a laminated bus bar in Example 5. Fig. 6B is a diagram showing a first modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6A, Fig. 6C is a diagram showing a second modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6A, Fig. 6D is a diagram showing a third modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6A, Fig. 6E is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6A, and Fig. 6F is a diagram showing a fifth modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6A.

In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 6A, the outer bus bar Bo (first bus bar) has a planar portion Foz (first planar portion) extending in the z direction, a planar portion Fox (second planar portion) extending in the x direction, and a bent portion Bdo (first bent portion) located between planar portions Foz and Fox. The outer bus bar Bo may be formed from a single member, or may be formed by connecting two or more members (for example, a member corresponding to planar portion Foz, a member corresponding to planar portion Fox, and a member corresponding to bent portion Bdo) together.

In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 6A, the inner bus bar Bi (second bus bar) has a planar portion Fiz (third planar portion) extending in the z direction and facing the planar portion Foz, a planar portion Fix (fourth planar portion) extending in the x direction and facing the planar portion Fox, and a bent portion Bdi (second bent portion) located between the planar portions Fiz and Fix. The inner bus bar Bi may be formed from a single member, or may be formed by connecting two or more members (for example, a member corresponding to the planar portion Fiz, a member corresponding to the planar portion Fix, and a member corresponding to the bent portion Bdi) together.

In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 6A, the insulating material Im is provided between the flat portions Fiz and Foz, between the flat portions Fix and Fox, and between the bent portions Bdi and Bdo. In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 6A, the insulating material Im is bent in a substantially L-shape so as not to follow the bent portions Bdo and Bdi.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 6A, the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge away from the flat portion Foz toward the opposite side of the flat portion Fiz, thereby providing a gap Ag of any size between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating material Im. The length of the bent portion Bdo in the x direction may be set based on the desired insulation performance between the bent portion Bdo and the bent portion Bdi, the rated value of the parasitic inductance, and other factors. Furthermore, by not bulging outward in the z direction from the flat portion Fox (although it may bulge outward slightly due to manufacturing tolerances), the bent portion Bdo does not interfere with components (transistors Tr) located outside the flat portion Fox in the z direction.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 6A, the bent portion Bdi is bulged inward along the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Fix (the bent portion Bdi is molded to bulge from the flat portion Fiz toward the opposite side of the flat portion Foz, and the bent portion Bdi is molded to bulge from the flat portion Fix toward the opposite side of the flat portion Fox), thereby providing a gap Ag of any size between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating material Im. The length of the bent portion Bdi in the x direction and the length of the bent portion Bdi in the z direction may be set based on the desired insulation performance between the bent portion Bdo and the bent portion Bdi.

This allows a gap Ag of any size to be provided between the bend Bdo and the insulating material Im, and also allows a gap Ag of any size to be provided between the bend Bdi and the insulating material Im, ensuring a distance between the bend Bdo and the bend Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im.

Furthermore, by deforming the bends Bdo and Bdi, the forces acting on the laminated bus bar can be absorbed by the bends Bdo and Bdi, allowing the bends Bdo and Bdi to function as adjustment sections for the mechanical strength of the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 1 of Example 5>
Fig. 6B is a diagram showing a first modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6B differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6A in that the insulating material Im is bent along a bend portion Bdo.

Even with this configuration, a gap Ag of any size can be provided between the bend Bdi and the insulating material Im, ensuring a distance between the bend Bdo and bend Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulating performance, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 6B, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdo so that it catches on the bend portion Bdo. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 2 of Example 5>
Fig. 6C is a diagram showing a second modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6C differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6A in that the insulating material Im is bent along a bend portion Bdi.

Even with this configuration, a gap Ag of any size can be provided between the bend Bdo and the insulating material Im, ensuring a distance between the bend Bdo and the bend Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulating performance, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 6C, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdi so that the insulating material Im is caught on the bend portion Bdi. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 3 of Example 5>
Fig. 6D is a diagram showing a third modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6D differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6A in that an insulating material Ia is filled into the gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating material Im and the gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating material Im.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 6D can ensure a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and can fill the gap Ag between bends Bdo and insulating material Im and the gap Ag between bends Bdi and insulating material Im with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im. While all of the gaps Ag are filled with insulating material Ia in Figure 6D, it may also be possible to fill only a portion of each gap Ag, or to fill all or only a portion of one of the gaps Ag.

<Fourth Modification of Fifth Embodiment>
Fig. 6E is a diagram showing a fourth modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6E differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6A in that the insulating material Im is bent along a bent portion Bdo, and that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating material Im.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 6E ensures a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and the gap Ag between bends Bdi and insulating material Im can be filled with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of insulating material Im. While the insulating material Ia is shown filling the entire gap Ag in Figure 6E, it is also acceptable to fill only a portion of it.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 6E, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdo so that it catches on the bend portion Bdo. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

<Fifth Modification of the Fifth Embodiment>
Fig. 6F is a diagram showing a fifth modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6F differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 6A in that the insulating material Im is bent along the bent portion Bdi, and that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating material Im.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 6F ensures a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and the gap Ag between bends Bdo and insulating material Im can be filled with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of insulating material Im. While the insulating material Ia is shown filling the entire gap Ag in Figure 6F, it is also acceptable to fill only a portion of it.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 6F, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdi so that it catches on the bend portion Bdi. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

Example 6
Fig. 7A is a diagram showing a laminated bus bar in Example 6. Fig. 7B is a diagram showing a first modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7A, Fig. 7C is a diagram showing a second modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7A, Fig. 7D is a diagram showing a third modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7A, Fig. 7E is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7A, and Fig. 7F is a diagram showing a fifth modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7A.

In the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 7A, the outer bus bar Bo (first bus bar) has a planar portion Foz (first planar portion) extending in the z direction, a planar portion Fox (second planar portion) extending in the x direction, and a bent portion Bdo (first bent portion) located between planar portions Foz and Fox. The outer bus bar Bo may be formed from a single member, or may be formed by connecting two or more members (for example, a member corresponding to planar portion Foz, a member corresponding to planar portion Fox, and a member corresponding to bent portion Bdo) together.

In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 7A, the inner bus bar Bi (second bus bar) has a planar portion Fiz (third planar portion) extending in the z direction and facing the planar portion Foz, a planar portion Fix (fourth planar portion) extending in the x direction and facing the planar portion Fox, and a bent portion Bdi (second bent portion) located between the planar portions Fiz and Fix. The inner bus bar Bi may be formed from a single member, or may be formed by connecting two or more members (for example, a member corresponding to the planar portion Fiz, a member corresponding to the planar portion Fix, and a member corresponding to the bent portion Bdi) together.

In the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 7A, the insulating material Im is provided between the flat portions Fiz and Foz, between the flat portions Fix and Fox, and between the bent portions Bdi and Bdo. In the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 7A, the insulating material Im is bent in a substantially L-shape so as not to follow the bent portions Bdo and Bdi.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 7A, the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge away from the flat portion Fox toward the opposite side from the flat portion Fix, thereby providing a gap Ag of any size between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating material Im. The length of the bent portion Bdo in the z direction may be set based on the desired insulation performance between the bent portion Bdo and the bent portion Bdi, the rated value of parasitic inductance, and other factors. Furthermore, by not bulging outward in the x direction from the flat portion Foz (although it may bulge outward slightly due to manufacturing tolerances), the bent portion Bdo is prevented from interfering with components (such as an external housing) located outside the flat portion Foz in the x direction.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 7A, the bend portion Bdi is bulged inward along the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Fix (the bend portion Bdi is molded so that it bulges away from the flat portion Foz from the flat portion Fiz, and the bend portion Bdi is molded so that it bulges away from the flat portion Fix from the flat portion Fox), thereby providing a gap Ag of any size between the bend portion Bdi and the insulating material Im. The length of the bend portion Bdi in the x direction and the length of the bend portion Bdi in the z direction may be set based on the desired insulation performance between the bend portion Bdo and the bend portion Bdi, the rated value of the parasitic inductance, etc.

This allows a gap Ag of any size to be provided between the bend Bdo and the insulating material Im, and also allows a gap Ag of any size to be provided between the bend Bdi and the insulating material Im, ensuring a distance between the bend Bdo and the bend Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im.

Furthermore, by deforming the bends Bdo and Bdi, the forces acting on the laminated bus bar can be absorbed by the bends Bdo and Bdi, allowing the bends Bdo and Bdi to function as adjustment sections for the mechanical strength of the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 1 of Example 6>
Fig. 7B is a diagram showing a first modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7B differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7A in that the insulating material Im is bent along a bend portion Bdo.

Even with this configuration, a gap Ag of any size can be provided between the bend Bdi and the insulating material Im, ensuring a distance between the bend Bdo and bend Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulating performance, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 7B, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdo so that it catches on the bend portion Bdo. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z directions, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 2 of Example 6>
Fig. 7C is a diagram showing a second modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7C differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7A in that the insulating material Im is bent along a bend portion Bdi.

Even with this configuration, a gap Ag of any size can be provided between the bend Bdo and the insulating material Im, ensuring a distance between the bend Bdo and the bend Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulating performance, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 7C, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdi so that it catches on the bend portion Bdi. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 3 of Example 6>
Fig. 7D is a diagram showing a third modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7D differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7A in that an insulating material Ia is filled in the gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating material Im and in the gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating material Im.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 7D can ensure a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and can fill the gap Ag between bends Bdo and insulating material Im and the gap Ag between bends Bdi and insulating material Im with insulating material Ia, further suppressing degradation of the insulation performance between bends Bdo and Bdi due to a decrease in the insulation performance of insulating material Im. While Figure 7D shows all of the gaps Ag filled with insulating material Ia, it may also be possible to fill only a portion of each gap Ag, or to fill all or only a portion of one of the gaps Ag.

<Fourth Modification of Sixth Embodiment>
Fig. 7E is a diagram showing a fourth modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7E differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7A in that the insulating material Im is bent along a bent portion Bdo, and that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating material Im.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 7E ensures a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and the gap Ag between bends Bdi and insulating material Im can be filled with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of insulating material Im. While the insulating material Ia is shown filling the entire gap Ag in Figure 7E, it is also acceptable to fill only a portion of it.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 7E, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdo so that it catches on the bend portion Bdo. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

<Fifth Modification of Sixth Embodiment>
Fig. 7F is a diagram showing a fifth modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7F differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 7A in that the insulating material Im is bent along the bent portion Bdi, and that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating material Im.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 7F ensures a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and the gap Ag between bends Bdo and insulating material Im can be filled with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of insulating material Im. While the insulating material Ia is shown filling the entire gap Ag in Figure 7F, it is also acceptable to fill only a portion of it.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 7F, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdi so that it catches on the bend portion Bdi. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

Example 7
Fig. 8A is a diagram showing a laminated bus bar in Example 7. Fig. 8B is a diagram showing a first modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8A, Fig. 8C is a diagram showing a second modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8A, Fig. 8D is a diagram showing a third modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8A, Fig. 8E is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8A, and Fig. 8F is a diagram showing a fifth modified example of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8A.

In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 8A, the outer bus bar Bo (first bus bar) has a planar portion Foz (first planar portion) extending in the z direction, a planar portion Fox (second planar portion) extending in the x direction, and a bent portion Bdo (first bent portion) located between planar portions Foz and Fox. The outer bus bar Bo may be formed from a single member, or may be formed by connecting two or more members (for example, a member corresponding to planar portion Foz, a member corresponding to planar portion Fox, and a member corresponding to bent portion Bdo) together.

In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 8A, the inner bus bar Bi (second bus bar) has a planar portion Fiz (third planar portion) extending in the z direction and facing the planar portion Foz, a planar portion Fix (fourth planar portion) extending in the x direction and facing the planar portion Fox, and a bent portion Bdi (second bent portion) located between the planar portions Fiz and Fix. The inner bus bar Bi may be formed from a single member, or may be formed by connecting two or more members (for example, a member corresponding to the planar portion Fiz, a member corresponding to the planar portion Fix, and a member corresponding to the bent portion Bdi) together.

In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 8A, the insulating material Im is provided between the flat portions Fiz and Foz, between the flat portions Fix and Fox, and between the bent portions Bdi and Bdo. In the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 8A, the insulating material Im is bent in a substantially L-shape so as not to follow the bent portions Bdo and Bdi.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 8A, the bent portion Bdo is bulged outward in the direction of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between the flat portion Foz and the flat portion Fox (the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge away from the flat portion Foz toward the opposite side of the flat portion Fiz, and the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge away from the flat portion Fox toward the opposite side of the flat portion Fix), thereby providing a gap Ag of any size between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating material Im. The lengths of the bent portion Bdo in the x and z directions may be set based on the desired insulation performance between the bent portion Bdo and the bent portion Bdi, the rated value of the parasitic inductance, etc. Furthermore, the line connecting the outer vertex of bent portion Bdo in the x-z direction (left side of the paper - bottom side of the paper) and the inner vertex of bent portion Bdi in the x-z direction (right side of the paper - top side of the paper) may be located on the side of planar portion Fiz (outside in the x direction) on the inside in the x-z direction (right side of the paper - top side of the paper) of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between planar portion Foz and planar portion Fox. Furthermore, the line connecting the outer vertex of bent portion Bdo in the x-z direction and the outer vertex of bent portion Bdi in the x-z direction may be located on the side of planar portion Fix (outside in the z direction) on the inside in the x-z direction (right side of the paper - top side of the paper) of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between planar portion Foz and planar portion Fox.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 8A, the bend portion Bdi is bulged inward along the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Fix (the bend portion Bdi is molded to bulge from the flat portion Fiz toward the opposite side of the flat portion Foz, and the bend portion Bdi is molded to bulge from the flat portion Fix toward the opposite side of the flat portion Fox), thereby providing a gap Ag of any size between the bend portion Bdi and the insulating material Im. The length of the bend portion Bdi in the x direction and the length of the bend portion Bdi in the z direction may be set based on the desired insulation performance between the bend portion Bdo and the bend portion Bdi, the rated value of the parasitic inductance, etc.

This allows a gap Ag of any size to be provided between the bend Bdo and the insulating material Im, and also allows a gap Ag of any size to be provided between the bend Bdi and the insulating material Im, ensuring a distance between the bend Bdo and the bend Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im.

Furthermore, by deforming the bends Bdo and Bdi, the forces acting on the laminated bus bar can be absorbed by the bends Bdo and Bdi, allowing the bends Bdo and Bdi to function as adjustment sections for the mechanical strength of the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 1 of Example 7>
Fig. 8B is a diagram showing a first modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8B differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8A in that the insulating material Im is bent along a bend portion Bdo.

Even with this configuration, a gap Ag of any size can be provided between the bend Bdi and the insulating material Im, ensuring a distance between the bend Bdo and bend Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulating performance, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 8B, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdo so that it catches on the bend portion Bdo. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 2 of Example 7>
Fig. 8C is a diagram showing a second modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8C differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8A in that the insulating material Im is bent along a bend portion Bdi.

Even with this configuration, a gap Ag of any size can be provided between the bend Bdo and the insulating material Im, ensuring a distance between the bend Bdo and the bend Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulating performance, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 8C, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdi so that it catches on the bend portion Bdi. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 3 of Example 7>
Fig. 8D is a diagram showing a third modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8D differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8A in that an insulating material Ia is filled into the gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating material Im and the gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating material Im.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 8D can ensure a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and can fill the gap Ag between bends Bdo and insulating material Im and the gap Ag between bends Bdi and insulating material Im with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im. While Figure 8D shows all of the gaps Ag filled with insulating material Ia, it may also be filled in part of each gap Ag, or in all or only part of one of the gaps Ag.

<Fourth Modification of Seventh Embodiment>
Fig. 8E is a diagram showing a fourth modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8E differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8A in that the insulating material Im is bent along a bent portion Bdo, and that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating material Im.

The laminated bus bar shown in Figure 8E can ensure a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and can fill the gap Ag between bends Bdi and insulating material Im with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in insulation performance between bends Bdo and Bdi due to a decrease in the insulating performance of insulating material Im. Note that while the insulating material Ia fills the entire gap Ag in Figure 8E, it is also acceptable to fill only a portion of it.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 8E, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdo so that it catches on the bend portion Bdo. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

<Fifth Modification of Seventh Embodiment>
Fig. 8F is a diagram showing a fifth modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8F differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 8A in that the insulating material Im is bent along the bent portion Bdi, and that an insulating material Ia is filled in a gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating material Im.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 8F ensures a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and the gap Ag between bends Bdo and insulating material Im can be filled with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of insulating material Im. While the insulating material Ia fills the entire gap Ag in Figure 8F, it is also acceptable to fill only a portion of it.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 8F, the insulating material Im is bent along the bend portion Bdi so that it catches on the bend portion Bdi. This prevents the insulating material Im from shifting in the x or z direction, making it easy to position the insulating material Im when manufacturing the laminated bus bar.

Example 8
Fig. 9A is a diagram showing a laminated busbar in Example 8. The laminated busbar shown in Fig. 9A is a modified example of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 2A. Fig. 9B is a diagram showing a modified example 1 of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 9A, Fig. 9C is a diagram showing a modified example 2 of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 9A, Fig. 9D is a diagram showing a modified example 3 of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 9A, Fig. 9E is a diagram showing a modified example 4 of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 9A, Fig. 9F is a diagram showing a modified example 5 of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 9A, Fig. 9G is a diagram showing a modified example 6 of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 9A, and Fig. 9H is a diagram showing a modified example 7 of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 9A.

The laminated busbar shown in FIG. 9A differs from the laminated busbar shown in FIG. 2A in that it includes a plate-shaped insulating material Im1 between the flat portion Fix and the flat portion Fox, and a plate-shaped insulating material Im2 between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Foz. Note that the configuration other than the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 is the same as that shown in FIG. 2A. For example, in the laminated busbar shown in FIG. 9A, the bent portion Bdi is bent so that the angle between the flat portion Fiz (third flat portion) and the flat portion Fix (fourth flat portion) is approximately 90 degrees. In other words, the inner busbar Bi is molded into a substantially L-shape when viewed from the y direction. Furthermore, the bent portion Bdo does not bulge outward in the z direction from the flat portion Fox (although it bulges outward slightly due to manufacturing tolerances), thereby preventing the bent portion Bdo from interfering with components (transistors Tr) located outside the flat portion Fox in the z direction. Additionally, the inner bus bar Bi shown in Figure 9A may be replaced with the inner bus bar Bi shown in Figure 5.

Insulating material Im1 passes between flat portion Fix and flat portion Fox and extends to bent portion Bdo. Insulating material Im2 passes between flat portion Fiz and flat portion Foz and extends to insulating material Im1. In other words, insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are positioned so that they collide (contact) with each other in the gap Ag provided between bent portion Bdo and bent portion Bdi.

Even with this configuration, a gap Ag of any size can be provided between the bend Bdo and the insulating material Im1, Im2, ensuring a distance corresponding to the desired insulating performance between the bend Bdo and the bend Bdi, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9A, the two insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are positioned so that they collide (contact) with each other in the gap Ag between the bends Bdo and Bdi. This allows the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 to cover the space between the bends Bdo and Bdi, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9A.

Furthermore, in the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 9A, the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are not bent, which prevents the thickness of the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 from becoming thinner due to bending, thereby suppressing a deterioration in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in FIG. 9A. Note that the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 do not need to be in contact as long as a distance corresponding to the desired insulating performance can be secured between the bent portion Bdo and the bent portion Bdi. Alternatively, the insulating material Im2 may extend between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Foz to the flat portion Fox of the outer bus bar Bo, and the insulating material Im1 may extend between the flat portion Fix and the flat portion Fox to the insulating material Im2.

Furthermore, by deforming the bend portion Bdo, the force applied to the laminated bus bar can be absorbed by the bend portion Bdo, allowing the bend portion Bdo to function as an adjustment portion for the mechanical strength of the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 1 of Example 8>
9B is a diagram showing a first variation of the laminated busbar shown in FIG. 9A . The laminated busbar shown in FIG. 9B differs from the laminated busbar shown in FIG. 9A in that the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge from the flat portion Fox toward the opposite side from the flat portion Fix, and that the insulating material Im2 extends between the flat portions Fiz and Foz to the bent portion Bdo, and the insulating material Im1 extends between the flat portions Fix and Fox to the insulating material Im2. Note that the bent portion Bdo does not bulge outward in the x direction from the flat portion Foz (although it may bulge outward slightly due to manufacturing tolerances), thereby preventing the bent portion Bdo from interfering with components (e.g., an external housing) located outside the flat portion Foz in the x direction. The inner busbar Bi shown in FIG. 9B may be replaced with the inner busbar Bi shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, the insulating material Im1 may extend between the flat portion Fix and the flat portion Fox to the flat portion Foz of the outer bus bar Bo, and the insulating material Im2 may extend between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Foz to the insulating material Im1.

Even with this configuration, a gap Ag of any size can be provided between the bend Bdo and the insulating material Im1, Im2, ensuring a distance corresponding to the desired insulating performance between the bend Bdo and the bend Bdi, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9B, the two insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are positioned so that they abut (contact) each other in the gap Ag between the bends Bdo and Bdi. This allows the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 to cover the space between the bends Bdo and Bdi, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9B.

Furthermore, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9B, the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are not bent, which prevents the thickness of the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 from becoming thinner due to bending, thereby suppressing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9B. Note that the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 do not need to be in contact as long as a distance corresponding to the desired insulating performance can be secured between the bent portion Bdo and the bent portion Bdi.

<Modification 2 of Example 8>
Fig. 9C is a diagram showing a second modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 9A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 9C differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 9A in that the bent portion Bdo bulges outward in the direction of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between the flat portion Foz and the flat portion Fox (the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge in the direction opposite to the flat portion Fiz from the flat portion Foz, and the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge in the direction opposite to the flat portion Fix from the flat portion Fox). 9C, the insulating material Im1 passes between the flat portion Fix and the flat portion Fox and extends to the bent portion Bdo, and the insulating material Im2 passes between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Foz and extends to the insulating material Im1, but the insulating material Im2 may be configured to pass between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Foz and extend to the bent portion Bdo, and the insulating material Im1 may be configured to pass between the flat portion Fix and the flat portion Fox and extend to the insulating material Im2. Also, the inner bus bar Bi shown in FIG. 9C may be replaced with the inner bus bar Bi shown in FIG. Furthermore, a line connecting the vertex on the outer side in the x-z direction of bent portion Bdo (left side on the paper - downward direction on the paper) and the vertex on the outer side in the x-z direction of bent portion Bdi (left side on the paper - downward direction on the paper) may be located on the side of planar portion Fiz (outside in the x direction) on the inside in the x-z direction (right side on the paper - upward direction on the paper) of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between planar portion Foz and planar portion Fox. Furthermore, a line connecting the vertex on the outer side in the x-z direction of bent portion Bdo and the vertex on the outer side in the x-z direction of bent portion Bdi may be located on the side of planar portion Fix (outside in the z direction) on the inside in the x-z direction (right side on the paper - upward direction on the paper) of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between planar portion Foz and planar portion Fox.

Even with this configuration, a gap Ag of any size can be provided between the bend Bdo and the insulating material Im1, Im2, ensuring a distance corresponding to the desired insulating performance between the bend Bdo and the bend Bdi, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9C, the two insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are positioned so that they collide (contact) with each other in the gap Ag between the bends Bdo and Bdi. This allows the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 to cover the space between the bends Bdo and Bdi, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9C.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9C, the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are not bent, which prevents the thickness of the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 from becoming thinner due to bending, thereby suppressing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9C. Note that the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 do not need to be in contact as long as a distance corresponding to the desired insulating performance can be secured between the bent portion Bdo and the bent portion Bdi.

<Modification 3 of Example 8>
Fig. 9D is a diagram showing a third modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 9A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 9D differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 9A in that the bent portion Bdo does not bulge outward but the bent portion Bdi bulges inward, and that the insulating material Im1 passes between the flat portion Fix and the flat portion Fox and extends to the bent portion Bdo, while the insulating material Im2 passes between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Foz and extends to the bent portion Bdo, and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are not bent but are separated from each other at the bent portion Bdo.

Even with this configuration, a gap Ag of any size can be provided between the bends Bdi, Bdo and the insulating material Im1, Im2, ensuring a distance corresponding to the desired insulating performance between the bends Bdo and Bdi, and preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

Furthermore, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9D, the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are not bent, which prevents the thickness of the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 from becoming thinner due to bending, thereby suppressing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9D.

<Fourth Modification of Eighth Embodiment>
Figure 9E shows a fourth variation of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9A. The laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9E differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9A in that the gaps Ag between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 and the gaps Ag between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are filled with insulating material Ia. The bent portion Bdo does not bulge outward in the z-direction from the flat portion Fox (although it may bulge outward slightly due to manufacturing tolerances), preventing interference between the bent portion Bdo and components (transistors Tr) located outside the flat portion Fox in the z-direction. The inner bus bar Bi shown in Figure 9E may be replaced with the inner bus bar Bi shown in Figure 5.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 9E can ensure a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and can fill the gaps Ag between bend Bdo and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 and the gaps Ag between bend Bdi and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating materials Im1 and Im2. While Figure 9E shows all of the gaps Ag filled with insulating material Ia, it may also be possible to fill only a portion of each gap Ag, or to fill all or only a portion of one of the gaps Ag.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9E, the two insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are positioned so that they collide (contact) with each other in the gap Ag between the bends Bdo and Bdi. This allows the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 to cover the space between the bends Bdo and Bdi, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9E.

Furthermore, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9E, the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are not bent, which prevents the thickness of the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 from becoming thinner due to bending, thereby suppressing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9E. Note that the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 do not need to be in contact as long as a distance corresponding to the desired insulating performance can be secured between the bent portion Bdo and the bent portion Bdi.

<Fifth Modification of Eighth Embodiment>
Fig. 9F is a diagram showing a fifth modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 9A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 9F differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 9A in that the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge outward from the flat portion Fox toward the opposite side from the flat portion Fix, that the insulating material Im2 passes between the flat portions Fiz and Foz and extends to the bent portion Bdo, that the insulating material Im1 passes between the flat portions Fix and Fox and extends to the insulating material Im2, and that the gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 and the gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are filled with insulating material Ia. The bent portion Bdo does not bulge outward in the x direction from the flat portion Foz (although it may bulge outward slightly due to manufacturing tolerances), so that the bent portion Bdo does not interfere with a member (such as an external housing) located outside the flat portion Foz in the x direction. Also, the inner bus bar Bi shown in Fig. 9F may be replaced with the inner bus bar Bi shown in Fig. 5.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 9F can ensure a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and can fill the gaps Ag between bend Bdo and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 and the gaps Ag between bend Bdi and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating materials Im1 and Im2. While Figure 9F shows all of the gaps Ag filled with insulating material Ia, it may also be possible to fill only a portion of each gap Ag, or to fill all or only a portion of one of the gaps Ag.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9F, the two insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are positioned so that they abut (contact) each other in the gap Ag between the bends Bdo and Bdi. This allows the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 to cover the space between the bends Bdo and Bdi, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9F.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9F, the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are not bent, which prevents the thickness of the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 from becoming thinner due to bending, thereby suppressing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9F. Note that the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 do not need to be in contact as long as a distance corresponding to the desired insulating performance can be secured between the bent portion Bdo and the bent portion Bdi.

<Modification 6 of Example 8>
Fig. 9G shows a sixth variation of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 9A. The laminated busbar shown in Fig. 9G differs from the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 9A in that the bent portion Bdo bulges outward in the direction of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between the flat portion Foz and the flat portion Fox (the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge away from the flat portion Foz toward the opposite side of the flat portion Fiz, and the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge away from the flat portion Fox toward the opposite side of the flat portion Fix), and that the gaps Ag provided between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 and between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are filled with insulating material Ia. Note that the inner busbar Bi shown in Fig. 9G may be replaced with the inner busbar Bi shown in Fig. 5. Furthermore, a line connecting the vertex on the outer side in the x-z direction of bent portion Bdo (left side on the paper - downward direction on the paper) and the vertex on the outer side in the x-z direction of bent portion Bdi (left side on the paper - downward direction on the paper) may be located on the side of planar portion Fiz (outside in the x direction) on the inside in the x-z direction (right side on the paper - upward direction on the paper) of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between planar portion Foz and planar portion Fox. Furthermore, a line connecting the vertex on the outer side in the x-z direction of bent portion Bdo and the vertex on the outer side in the x-z direction of bent portion Bdi may be located on the side of planar portion Fix (outside in the z direction) on the inside in the x-z direction (right side on the paper - upward direction on the paper) of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between planar portion Foz and planar portion Fox.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 9G ensures a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and the gaps Ag between bends Bdo and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 and the gaps Ag between bends Bdi and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 can be filled with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating materials Im1 and Im2. While Figure 9G shows all of the gaps Ag filled with insulating material Ia, it may also be possible to fill only a portion of each gap Ag, or to fill only all or part of one or two gaps Ag.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9G, the two insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are positioned so that they abut (contact) each other in the gap Ag between the bends Bdo and Bdi. This allows the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 to cover the space between the bends Bdo and Bdi, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9G.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9G, the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are not bent, which prevents the thickness of the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 from becoming thinner due to bending, thereby suppressing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9G. Note that the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 do not need to be in contact as long as a distance corresponding to the desired insulating performance can be secured between the bent portion Bdo and the bent portion Bdi.

<Seventh Modification of Eighth Embodiment>
Fig. 9H is a diagram showing a seventh modification of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 9A. The laminated busbar shown in Fig. 9H differs from the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 9A in that the bent portion Bdo does not bulge outward, but the bent portion Bdi bulges inward; the insulating material Im1 passes between the flat portion Fix and the flat portion Fox and extends to the bent portion Bdo; the insulating material Im2 passes between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Foz and extends to the bent portion Bdo; the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are not bent but are spaced apart at the bent portion Bdo; and the insulating material Ia is filled in the gap Ag provided between the bent portions Bdo and Bdi and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2. Note that although the insulating material Ia is filled in the entire gap Ag in Fig. 9H, it may be filled only partially.

The laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9H can ensure a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and can fill the gap Ag between bends Bdo and Bdi and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating materials Im1 and Im2.

Furthermore, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9H, the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are not bent, which prevents the thickness of the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 from becoming thinner due to bending, thereby suppressing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 9H.

Example 9
Fig. 10A is a diagram showing a laminated busbar in Example 9. The laminated busbar shown in Fig. 10A is a modified example of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 9A. Fig. 10B is a diagram showing a modified example 1 of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 10A, Fig. 10C is a diagram showing a modified example 2 of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 10A, Fig. 10D is a diagram showing a modified example 3 of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 10A, Fig. 10E is a diagram showing a modified example 4 of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 10A, Fig. 10F is a diagram showing a modified example 5 of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 10A, Fig. 10G is a diagram showing a modified example 6 of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 10A, and Fig. 10H is a diagram showing a modified example 7 of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 10A.

The laminated busbar shown in FIG. 10A differs from the laminated busbar shown in FIG. 9A in that the tip of the insulating material Im1 extends along the bent portion Bdo to the insulating material Im2. Note that the configuration other than the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 is the same as that shown in FIG. 9A. For example, in the laminated busbar shown in FIG. 10A, the bent portion Bdi is bent so that the angle between the flat portion Fiz (third flat portion) and the flat portion Fix (fourth flat portion) is approximately 90 degrees. In other words, the inner busbar Bi is molded into a roughly L-shape when viewed from the y direction. Furthermore, the bent portion Bdo does not bulge outward in the z direction from the flat portion Fox (although it bulges outward slightly due to manufacturing tolerances), preventing interference with components (transistors Tr) located outside the flat portion Fox in the z direction. The inner busbar Bi shown in FIG. 10A may also be replaced with the inner busbar Bi shown in FIG. 5.

Even with this configuration, it is possible to provide an air gap Ag of any size between the insulating material Im1 and the insulating material Im2, and an air gap Ag between the bend Bdi and the insulating material Im1, Im2. This ensures a distance corresponding to the desired insulation performance between the bend Bdo and the bend Bdi, and prevents a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10A, the two insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are positioned so that they abut (contact) each other in the gap Ag between the bends Bdo and Bdi. This allows the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 to cover the space between the bends Bdo and Bdi, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10A.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10A, the insulating material Im1 extends along the bent portion Bdo to the insulating material Im2, thereby improving the insulating performance on the bent portion Bdo side. Furthermore, the insulating material Im2 may be bent toward the gap Ag, thereby shortening the distance required for the insulating performance. Even if the insulating material Im1 does not reach the insulating material Im2, it is sufficient that the bent portion Bdo is covered with the insulating material Im1 to ensure the distance required for the desired insulating performance.

Furthermore, by deforming the bend portion Bdo, the force applied to the laminated bus bar can be absorbed by the bend portion Bdo, allowing the bend portion Bdo to function as an adjustment portion for the mechanical strength of the laminated bus bar.

<Modification 1 of Example 9>
Fig. 10B shows a first modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 10A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 10B differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 10A in that the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge from the flat portion Fox toward the opposite side of the flat portion Fix, and the tip of the insulating material Im2 extends along the bent portion Bdo to the insulating material Im1. The bent portion Bdo does not bulge outward in the x direction from the flat portion Foz (although it may bulge outward slightly due to manufacturing tolerances), preventing the bent portion Bdo from interfering with components (e.g., an external housing) located outside the flat portion Foz in the x direction. The inner bus bar Bi shown in Fig. 10B may be replaced with the inner bus bar Bi shown in Fig. 5.

Even with this configuration, it is possible to provide an air gap Ag of any size between the insulating material Im1 and the insulating material Im2, and an air gap Ag between the bend Bdi and the insulating material Im1, Im2. This ensures a distance corresponding to the desired insulation performance between the bend Bdo and the bend Bdi, and prevents a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of the insulating material Im.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10B, the two insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are positioned so that they abut (contact) each other in the gap Ag between the bends Bdo and Bdi. This allows the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 to cover the space between the bends Bdo and Bdi, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10B.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10B, the insulating material Im2 extends along the bent portion Bdo to the insulating material Im1, thereby improving the insulating performance on the bent portion Bdo side. The insulating material Im1 may also be bent toward the gap Ag, thereby shortening the distance required for the insulating performance. Even if the insulating material Im2 does not reach the insulating material Im1, it is sufficient that the bent portion Bdo is covered with the insulating material Im2, ensuring the distance required for the desired insulating performance.

<Modification 2 of Example 9>
Fig. 10C is a diagram showing a second modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 10A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 10C differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 10A in that the bent portion Bdo bulges outward in the direction of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between the flat portion Foz and the flat portion Fox (the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge in the direction opposite to the flat portion Fiz from the flat portion Foz, and the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge in the direction opposite to the flat portion Fix from the flat portion Fox). 10C, the insulating material Im1 passes between the flat portion Fix and the flat portion Fox and extends along the bent portion Bdo to the insulating material Im2, and the insulating material Im2 passes between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Foz and extends to the insulating material Im1, but the insulating material Im2 may be configured so that the insulating material Im2 passes between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Foz and extends along the bent portion Bdo to the insulating material Im1, and the insulating material Im1 passes between the flat portion Fix and the flat portion Fox and extends to the insulating material Im2. Also, the inner bus bar Bi shown in FIG. 10C may be replaced with the inner bus bar Bi shown in FIG. Furthermore, a line connecting the vertex on the outer side in the x-z direction of bent portion Bdo (left side on the paper - downward direction on the paper) and the vertex on the outer side in the x-z direction of bent portion Bdi (left side on the paper - downward direction on the paper) may be located on the side of planar portion Fiz (outside in the x direction) on the inside in the x-z direction (right side on the paper - upward direction on the paper) of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between planar portion Foz and planar portion Fox. Furthermore, a line connecting the vertex on the outer side in the x-z direction of bent portion Bdo and the vertex on the outer side in the x-z direction of bent portion Bdi may be located on the side of planar portion Fix (outside in the z direction) on the inside in the x-z direction (right side on the paper - upward direction on the paper) of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between planar portion Foz and planar portion Fox.

Even with this configuration, it is possible to provide a gap Ag of any size between the insulating material Im1 and the insulating material Im2, and a gap Ag between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating material Im1, Im2, respectively. This allows a distance corresponding to the desired insulating performance to be secured between the bent portion Bdo and the bent portion Bdi, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the insulating performance between the bent portion Bdo and the bent portion Bdi due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10C, the two insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are positioned so that they abut (contact) each other in the gap Ag between the bends Bdo and Bdi. This allows the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 to cover the space between the bends Bdo and Bdi, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10C.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10C, the insulating material Im1 extends along the bent portion Bdo to the insulating material Im2, thereby improving the insulating performance on the bent portion Bdo side. Furthermore, the insulating material Im2 may be bent toward the gap Ag, thereby shortening the distance required for the insulating performance. Even if the insulating material Im1 does not reach the insulating material Im2, it is sufficient that the bent portion Bdo is covered with the insulating material Im1 to ensure the distance required for the desired insulating performance.

<Modification 3 of Example 9>
Fig. 10D is a diagram showing a third modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 10A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 10D differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 10A in that the bent portion Bdo does not bulge outward but the bent portion Bdi bulges inward, and that the insulating material Im1 passes between the flat portion Fix and the flat portion Fox and extends to the bent portion Bdo, the insulating material Im2 passes between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Foz and extends to the bent portion Bdo, with the insulating material Im1 running along the bent portion Bdi and the insulating material Im2 running along the bent portion Bdo and reaching the insulating material Im1.

Even with this configuration, a gap Ag of any size can be provided between the bends Bdo, Bdi and the insulating material Im1, Im2, ensuring a distance corresponding to the desired insulating performance between the bends Bdo and Bdi, and preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10D, the insulating material Im2 extends along the bend Bdo to the insulating material Im1, thereby improving the insulating performance on the bend Bdo side. Note that the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are not limited to this; for example, the insulating material Im1 may be arranged overlapping the inside of the insulating material Im2, and they may be arranged in any manner within the gap Ag as long as a distance corresponding to the desired insulating performance can be secured.

<Fourth Modification of Ninth Example>
Figure 10E shows a fourth variation of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10A. The laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10E differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10A in that the gap Ag between the insulating material Im1 and the insulating material Im2 and the gap Ag between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are filled with insulating material Ia. The bent portion Bdo does not bulge outward in the z-direction from the flat portion Fox (although it may bulge outward slightly due to manufacturing tolerances), preventing interference with components (transistors Tr) located outside the flat portion Fox in the z-direction. The inner bus bar Bi shown in Figure 10E may be replaced with the inner bus bar Bi shown in Figure 5.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 10E can ensure a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and can fill the gap Ag between insulator Im1 and insulator Im2 and the gap Ag between bend Bdi and insulators Im1 and Im2 with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of insulators Im1 and Im2. While all of the gaps Ag are filled with insulating material Ia in Figure 10E, it may also be possible to fill only a portion of each gap Ag, or to fill all or only a portion of one of the gaps Ag.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10E, the two insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are positioned so that they abut (contact) each other in the gap Ag between the bends Bdo and Bdi. This allows the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 to cover the space between the bends Bdo and Bdi, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10E.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10E, the insulating material Im1 extends along the bent portion Bdo to the insulating material Im2, thereby improving the insulating performance on the bent portion Bdo side. Furthermore, the insulating material Im2 may be bent toward the gap Ag, thereby shortening the distance required for the insulating performance. Even if the insulating material Im1 does not reach the insulating material Im2, it is sufficient that the bent portion Bdo is covered with the insulating material Im1, ensuring the distance required for the desired insulating performance.

<Fifth Modification of Ninth Example>
Fig. 10F is a diagram showing a fifth modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 10A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 10F differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 10A in that the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge in the direction opposite to the flat portion Fix from the flat portion Fox, that the tip portion of the insulating material Im2 extends along the bent portion Bdo to the insulating material Im1, and that the gap Ag provided between the insulating material Im1 and the insulating material Im2, the gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2, and the gap Ag provided between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are each filled with insulating material Ia. The bent portion Bdo does not bulge outward in the x direction from the flat portion Foz (although it may bulge outward slightly due to manufacturing tolerances), so that the bent portion Bdo does not interfere with a member (such as an external housing) located outside the flat portion Foz in the x direction. Also, the inner bus bar Bi shown in Fig. 10F may be replaced with the inner bus bar Bi shown in Fig. 5.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 10F can ensure a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and can fill the gap Ag between insulator Im1 and insulator Im2, the gap Ag between bend Bdo and insulators Im1 and Im2, and the gap Ag between bend Bdi and insulators Im1 and Im2 with insulating material Ia, thereby further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of insulators Im1 and Im2. Note that while Figure 108D shows all of the gaps Ag filled with insulating material Ia, it may also be possible to fill only a portion of each gap Ag, or to fill all or only a portion of one or two gaps Ag.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10F, the two insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are positioned so that they collide (contact) with each other in the gap Ag between the bends Bdo and Bdi. This allows the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 to cover the space between the bends Bdo and Bdi, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10F.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10F, the insulating material Im2 extends along the bent portion Bdo to the insulating material Im1, thereby improving the insulating performance on the bent portion Bdo side. Furthermore, the insulating material Im1 may be bent toward the gap Ag, thereby shortening the distance required for the insulating performance. Even if the insulating material Im2 does not reach the insulating material Im1, it is sufficient that the bent portion Bdo is covered with the insulating material Im1, ensuring the distance required for the desired insulating performance.

<Sixth Modification of Ninth Example>
Fig. 10G shows a sixth variation of the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 10A. The laminated busbar shown in Fig. 10G differs from the laminated busbar shown in Fig. 10A in that the bent portion Bdo bulges outward in the direction of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between the flat portion Foz and the flat portion Fox (the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge away from the flat portion Foz toward the side opposite the flat portion Fiz, and the bent portion Bdo is molded to bulge away from the flat portion Fox toward the side opposite the flat portion Fix), and that the gap Ag between the insulating material Im1 and the insulating material Im2 and the gap Ag between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating material Im1 or Im2 are filled with insulating material Ia. Note that the inner busbar Bi shown in Fig. 10G may be replaced with the inner busbar Bi shown in Fig. 5. Furthermore, a line connecting the vertex on the outer side in the x-z direction of bent portion Bdo (left side on the paper - downward direction on the paper) and the vertex on the outer side in the x-z direction of bent portion Bdi (left side on the paper - downward direction on the paper) may be located on the side of planar portion Fiz (outside in the x direction) on the inside in the x-z direction (right side on the paper - upward direction on the paper) of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between planar portion Foz and planar portion Fox. Furthermore, a line connecting the vertex on the outer side in the x-z direction of bent portion Bdo and the vertex on the outer side in the x-z direction of bent portion Bdi may be located on the side of planar portion Fix (outside in the z direction) on the inside in the x-z direction (right side on the paper - upward direction on the paper) of the bisector of the angle (e.g., 90°) between planar portion Foz and planar portion Fox.

The laminated busbar shown in Figure 10G ensures a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and the gap Ag between insulator Im1 and insulator Im2 and the gap Ag between bend Bdi and insulators Im1 and Im2 can be filled with insulating material Ia, further preventing a decrease in the insulation performance of the laminated busbar due to a decrease in the insulation performance of insulators Im1 and Im2. While all of the gaps Ag are filled with insulating material Ia in Figure 10G, it may also be filled in part of each gap Ag, or in all or only part of one gap Ag.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10G, the two insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are positioned so that they collide (contact) with each other in the gap Ag between the bends Bdo and Bdi. This allows the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 to cover the space between the bends Bdo and Bdi, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10G.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10G, the insulating material Im1 extends along the bent portion Bdo to the insulating material Im2, thereby improving the insulating performance on the bent portion Bdo side. Furthermore, the insulating material Im2 may be bent toward the gap Ag, thereby shortening the distance required for the insulating performance. Even if the insulating material Im1 does not reach the insulating material Im2, it is sufficient that the bent portion Bdo is covered with the insulating material Im1, ensuring the distance required for the desired insulating performance.

<Seventh Modification of Ninth Example>
Fig. 10H is a diagram showing a seventh modification of the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 10A. The laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 10H differs from the laminated bus bar shown in Fig. 10A in that the bent portion Bdo does not bulge outward but the bent portion Bdi bulges inward, that the insulating material Im1 passes between the flat portion Fix and the flat portion Fox and extends to the bent portion Bdo, that the insulating material Im2 passes between the flat portion Fiz and the flat portion Foz and extends to the bent portion Bdo, that the insulating material Im1 runs along the bent portion Bdi, and that the insulating material Im2 runs along the bent portion Bdo and reaches the insulating material Im1, and that the voids Ag provided between the bent portion Bdo and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 and between the bent portion Bdi and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 are each filled with an insulating material Ia. Although the insulating material Ia is filled in all of the gaps Ag in FIG. 10H, it may be filled in only a portion of each gap Ag, or may be filled in all or only a portion of one of the gaps Ag.

Even with this configuration, it is possible to ensure a distance between bends Bdo and Bdi that corresponds to the desired insulation performance, and the gap Ag between bends Bdo and Bdi and the insulating materials Im1 and Im2 can be filled with insulating material Ia, further suppressing deterioration of the insulating performance of the laminated bus bar due to a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating materials Im1 and Im2.

Furthermore, in the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 10H, the insulating material Im2 extends along the bend Bdo to the insulating material Im1, thereby improving the insulating performance on the bend Bdo side.

<Manufacturing method of laminated bus bar according to the first embodiment>
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing the laminated bus bar of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG.

First, as shown in Figure 11A, a plate-shaped conductor is bent approximately 90 degrees along the side of a cubic jig J1 to form an inner bus bar Bi that is approximately L-shaped when viewed from the y direction.

Next, as shown in Figure 11B, the plate-shaped insulating material is bent approximately 90 degrees along the side of the cubic jig J2 to form an insulating material Im that is approximately L-shaped when viewed from the y direction. Note that the bent portion of the insulating material Im may be thickened in advance, taking into account that the thickness of the bent portion of the insulating material Im will be thinned when the insulating material Im is formed.

Next, as shown in Figure 11C, the plate-shaped conductor is bent approximately 180 degrees along the side of the cylindrical jig J3 to form a U-shaped conductor when viewed from the y direction.

Next, as shown in Figure 11D, one flat portion of the U-shaped conductor shown in Figure 11C is bent outward by approximately 90 degrees along the side of a cylindrical jig J4 to form the outer busbar Bo.

Then, as shown in Figure 11E, the inner bus bar Bi, the insulating material Im, and the outer bus bar Bo are stacked together using adhesive or the like to produce the laminated bus bar shown in Figures 1 and 2.

In this way, when manufacturing the laminated busbar shown in Figures 1 and 2, the inner busbar Bi, insulator Im, and outer busbar Bo are each molded individually and then stacked together. This makes it less likely for wrinkles to form at the bent portions of the insulator Im, and prevents a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulator Im.

The order in which the inner busbar Bi, insulator Im, and outer busbar Bo are molded is not particularly limited. The shapes of the jigs J1, J2, J3, and J4 are also not particularly limited, as long as they are capable of molding the inner busbar Bi, insulator Im, and outer busbar Bo. Alternatively, adhesive may be applied to all or part of the plate-shaped conductor or plate-shaped insulator to bond the plate-shaped conductor and plate-shaped insulator together, and then the plate-shaped conductor and plate-shaped insulator may be bent together to simultaneously mold the inner busbar Bi and insulator Im, or the outer busbar Bo and insulator Im. The laminated busbar of Example 2 shown in Figure 3 may also be manufactured using a method similar to that shown in Figure 11.

<Manufacturing method of laminated bus bar according to the third embodiment>
12A to 12C are diagrams for explaining a method of manufacturing the laminated bus bar of the third embodiment shown in FIG.

First, as shown in Figure 12A, a plate-shaped conductor is bent along the side of a cubic jig J1 to form an inner bus bar Bi that is approximately L-shaped when viewed from the y direction.

Next, as shown in Figure 12B, the plate-shaped insulating material is bent along the side of the cubic jig J2 to form an insulating material Im that is approximately L-shaped when viewed from the y direction. Note that the bent portion of the insulating material Im may be thickened in advance, taking into account that the thickness of the bent portion of the insulating material Im will be thinned when the insulating material Im is formed.

Next, as shown in Figure 12C, the plate-shaped conductor is bent approximately 180 degrees along the side of the cylindrical jig J3 to form a U-shaped conductor when viewed from the y direction.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12D , one flat portion of the U-shaped conductor is bent outward by approximately 45 degrees along the side of cylindrical jig J5, and the other flat portion of the U-shaped conductor is bent outward by approximately 45 degrees along the side of cylindrical jig J6, thereby forming the outer busbar Bo. Note that the angle at which one flat portion of the U-shaped conductor is bent outward along the side of cylindrical jig J5 and the angle at which the other flat portion of the U-shaped conductor is bent outward along the side of cylindrical jig J6 are not particularly limited, as long as the busbar can be formed so that the sum of the angle at which one flat portion of the U-shaped conductor is bent outward along the side of cylindrical jig J5 and the angle at which the other flat portion of the U-shaped conductor is bent outward along the side of cylindrical jig J6 is approximately 90 degrees.

Then, as shown in Figure 12E, the inner bus bar Bi, the insulating material Im, and the outer bus bar Bo are stacked together using adhesive or the like to produce the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 4.

In this way, when manufacturing the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 4, the inner bus bar Bi, insulating material Im, and outer bus bar Bo are each molded individually and then stacked together. This makes it less likely for wrinkles to form at the bent portions of the insulating material Im, and prevents a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im.

The order in which the inner busbar Bi, insulating material Im, and outer busbar Bo are molded is not particularly limited. The shapes of the jigs J1, J2, J3, J5, and J6 are also not particularly limited, as long as they are capable of molding the inner busbar Bi, insulating material Im, and outer busbar Bo. Alternatively, the inner busbar Bi and insulating material Im, or the outer busbar Bo and insulating material Im, may be molded simultaneously by applying adhesive to all or part of the plate-shaped conductor or plate-shaped insulating material to bond the plate-shaped conductor and plate-shaped insulating material together, and then bending the plate-shaped conductor and plate-shaped insulating material together.

<Manufacturing method of laminated bus bar according to the fourth embodiment>
13A to 13C are diagrams for explaining a method of manufacturing the laminated bus bar of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.

First, as shown in Figure 13A, a plate-shaped conductor is bent approximately 90 degrees along the side of a cubic jig J7 to form an outer bus bar Bo that is approximately L-shaped when viewed from the y direction.

Next, as shown in Figure 13B, the plate-shaped insulating material is bent approximately 90 degrees along the side of the cubic jig J2 to form an insulating material Im that is approximately L-shaped when viewed from the y direction. Note that the bent portion of the insulating material Im may be thickened in advance, taking into account that the thickness of the bent portion of the insulating material Im will be thinned when the insulating material Im is formed.

Next, as shown in Figure 13C, the plate-shaped conductor is bent approximately 90 degrees along the side of the cubic jig J1 to form a conductor that is approximately L-shaped when viewed from the y direction.

Next, as shown in Figure 13D, one flat portion of the L-shaped conductor is bent outward by approximately 90 degrees along the side of cylindrical jig J8, and the other flat portion of the L-shaped conductor is bent outward by approximately 90 degrees along the side of cylindrical jig J9, thereby forming the inner busbar Bi.

Then, as shown in Figure 13E, the inner bus bar Bi, the insulating material Im, and the outer bus bar Bo are stacked together using adhesive or the like to produce the laminated bus bar shown in Figure 5.

In this way, when manufacturing the laminated busbar shown in Figure 5, the inner busbar Bi, insulating material Im, and outer busbar Bo are each molded individually and then stacked together. This makes it less likely for wrinkles to form at the bent portions of the insulating material Im, thereby preventing a decrease in the insulating performance of the insulating material Im. Furthermore, the laminated busbar manufactured by the manufacturing method shown in Figure 11 requires fewer manufacturing steps than the laminated busbars manufactured by the manufacturing methods shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13, thereby improving the ease of manufacturing the laminated busbar.

The order in which the inner busbar Bi, insulator Im, and outer busbar Bo are molded is not particularly limited. The shapes of the jigs J1, J2, J7, J8, and J9 are not particularly limited, as long as they are capable of molding the inner busbar Bi, insulator Im, and outer busbar Bo. Alternatively, adhesive may be applied to all or part of a plate-shaped conductor or plate-shaped insulator to bond the plate-shaped conductor and plate-shaped insulator together, and then the plate-shaped conductor and plate-shaped insulator may be bent together to simultaneously mold the outer busbar Bo and insulator Im, or the outer busbar Bo and insulator Im. The manufacturing method shown in FIG. 11 and the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 13 may be combined to manufacture the laminated busbar of Example 5 shown in FIG. 6 and the laminated busbar of Example 6 shown in FIG. 7. The manufacturing method shown in FIG. 12 and the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 13 may be combined to manufacture the laminated busbar of Example 7 shown in FIG. 8. The laminated busbar of Example 8 shown in Figures 9A, 9B, 9E, and 9F, and the laminated busbar of Example 9 shown in Figures 10A, 10B, 10E, and 10F may be manufactured in a similar manner to the manufacturing method shown in Figure 11. The laminated busbar of Example 8 shown in Figures 9C and 9G, and the laminated busbar of Example 9 shown in Figures 10C and 10G may be manufactured in a similar manner to the manufacturing method shown in Figure 12. The laminated busbar of Example 8 shown in Figures 9D and 9H, and the laminated busbar of Example 9 shown in Figures 10D and 10H may also be manufactured in Figure 13.

Furthermore, while this embodiment and its modifications have been described, other embodiments may be combinations of the above embodiments and modifications in whole or in part.

Furthermore, this embodiment is not limited to the above examples and modifications, and may be modified, substituted, or altered in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technical idea. Furthermore, if technological advances or derived technologies allow the technical idea to be realized in a different way, it may be implemented using that method. Therefore, the claims cover all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the technical idea.

The features of the above embodiment will be summarized below.
The laminated bus bar according to the above embodiment includes: a first bus bar having a first planar portion, a second planar portion, and a first bent portion located between the first and second planar portions, and connected to one electrode of an electronic component; a second bus bar having the third planar portion facing the first planar portion, a fourth planar portion facing the second planar portion, and a second bent portion facing the first bent portion and located between the third and fourth planar portions, and connected to the other electrode of the electronic component; and insulating materials provided between the first and third planar portions, between the second and fourth planar portions, and between the first bent portion and the second bent portion, wherein the first bent portion bulges out from the first planar portion toward the opposite side to the third planar portion, or the first bent portion bulges out from the second planar portion toward the opposite side to the fourth planar portion, thereby providing a gap between the first bent portion and the second bent portion.

In addition, in the laminated bus bar according to the above embodiment, the first bent portion bulges out from the first flat portion toward the opposite side of the third flat portion and from the second flat portion toward the opposite side of the fourth flat portion, thereby providing a gap between the first bent portion and the second bent portion.

Furthermore, in the laminated bus bar according to the above embodiment, the first bent portion bulges out from the first flat portion toward the opposite side of the third flat portion and bulges out from the second flat portion toward the opposite side of the fourth flat portion, and the second bent portion bulges out from the third flat portion toward the opposite side of the first flat portion and bulges out from the fourth flat portion toward the opposite side of the second flat portion, thereby providing a gap between the first bent portion and the second bent portion.

Furthermore, in the laminated bus bar according to the above embodiment, the insulating material is provided along the first bent portion or the second bent portion, between the first bent portion and the second bent portion.

Furthermore, in the laminated bus bar according to the above embodiment, the insulating material is made up of two insulating materials, and at least one of the two insulating materials extends to the first bent portion or the second bent portion.

Furthermore, in the laminated bus bar according to the above embodiment, at least one of the two insulating materials is planar.

Furthermore, in the laminated bus bar according to the above embodiment, the insulating material is composed of two insulating materials, one of which extends to the first bent portion or the second bent portion, and the other of which extends to one of the two insulating materials.

Furthermore, in the laminated bus bar according to the above embodiment, at least one of the two insulating materials extends along the first bent portion or the second bent portion.

Furthermore, in the laminated bus bar according to the above embodiment, at least one of the two insulating materials extends along the first bent portion or the second bent portion to the other of the two insulating materials.

In the laminated bus bar according to the above embodiment, the gap between the first bent portion and the second bent portion is filled with an insulating material.
In addition, in the method for manufacturing a laminated bus bar according to the above embodiment, the first bus bar, the second bus bar, and the insulating material are each molded, and then the first bus bar, the second bus bar, and the insulating material are stacked on top of each other to manufacture the laminated bus bar.

In addition, a power conversion device is constructed that includes the laminated bus bar according to the above embodiment.

As described above, the present invention provides a laminated bus bar with improved insulation performance between bus bars, and is particularly useful as wiring for power conversion equipment that handles high voltages.

Ag: Air gap Bdi: Bent portion Bdo: Bent portion Bi: Inner bus bar Bo: Outer bus bar C: Capacitor Fix: Planar portion Fiz: Planar portion Fox: Planar portion Foz: Planar portion Ia: Insulating material Im: Insulating material Im1: Insulating material Im2: Insulating material J1: Jig J2: Jig J3: Jig J4: Jig J5: Jig J6: Jig J7: J8: Jig J9: Jig Tr: Transistor

Claims (12)

a first bus bar having a first flat portion, a second flat portion, and a first bent portion located between the first flat portion and the second flat portion;
a second bus bar having a third flat portion facing the first flat portion, a fourth flat portion facing the second flat portion, and a second bent portion facing the first bent portion and located between the third flat portion and the fourth flat portion;
insulating materials provided between the first flat portion and the third flat portion, between the second flat portion and the fourth flat portion, and between the first bent portion and the second bent portion;
Equipped with
the first bent portion bulges out from the first flat surface portion toward the opposite side to the third flat surface portion, or the first bent portion bulges out from the second flat surface portion toward the opposite side to the fourth flat surface portion, so that a gap is provided between the first bent portion and the second bent portion.
or
the second bent portion bulges out from the third flat portion toward an opposite side to the first flat portion and from the fourth flat portion toward an opposite side to the second flat portion, thereby providing a gap between the first bent portion and the second bent portion. 2. The laminated bus bar according to claim 1,
the first bent portion bulges out from the first flat portion toward an opposite side to the third flat portion and from the second flat portion toward an opposite side to the fourth flat portion, thereby providing a gap between the first bent portion and the second bent portion. 2. The laminated bus bar according to claim 1,
the first bent portion bulges out from the first flat surface portion toward the opposite side to the third flat surface portion and bulges out from the second flat surface portion toward the opposite side to the fourth flat surface portion;
and,
the second bent portion bulges out from the third flat portion toward an opposite side to the first flat portion and from the fourth flat portion toward an opposite side to the second flat portion, thereby providing a gap between the first bent portion and the second bent portion. The laminated bus bar according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
the insulating material is provided along the first bent portion or the second bent portion and between the first bent portion and the second bent portion. The laminated bus bar according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The insulating material is made of two insulating materials,
At least one of the two insulating materials extends to the first bent portion or the second bent portion. 6. The laminated bus bar according to claim 5,
At least one of the two insulating materials is planar. The laminated bus bar according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The insulating material is made of two insulating materials,
One of the two insulating materials extends to the first bent portion or the second bent portion, and the other of the two insulating materials extends to one of the two insulating materials. 6. The laminated bus bar according to claim 5,
At least one of the two insulating materials extends along the first bent portion or the second bent portion. 6. The laminated bus bar according to claim 5,
At least one of the two insulating materials extends along the first bent portion or the second bent portion to the other of the two insulating materials. The laminated bus bar according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
a gap provided between the first bent portion and the second bent portion is filled with an insulating material. 2. A method for manufacturing a laminated bus bar according to claim 1,
the first bus bar, the second bus bar, and the insulating material are molded, and then the first bus bar, the second bus bar, and the insulating material are stacked on top of each other to manufacture the laminated bus bar. A power conversion device equipped with the laminated bus bar described in claim 1.