Capacitor-type power supply unit

A capacitor-type power supply unit including:

This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2017-096613 and 2018-090813, respectively filed on 15 May 2017 and 9 May 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a capacitor-type power supply unit capable of supplying accumulated electrical energy to outside.

Related Art

Conventionally, various types of capacitor-type power supply units have been proposed that supply to outside electrical energy that was stored in electrical storage devices which are connected in parallel. With such capacitor-type power supply units, it may be devised such that the electric current which has been equally divided as best possible is flowed to several electrical storage devices connected in parallel. This is in order to avoid the charge and discharge electric current from concentrating on a specific electrical storage device, and the service life thereof shortening.

In order to achieve equal dividing of the electric current flowing to several electrical storage devices (capacitors) connected in parallel, technology has been proposed which provides a slit in a pattern conductor joining the capacitors in parallel (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). With the technology of Patent Document 1, the impedance of conductor parts joining each capacitor is made equal by dividing segments of the pattern conductor by way of the slits. In other words, the equal dividing of electric current flowing to the respective capacitors is achieved by making the impedance of the current paths to the respective capacitors equal.

On the other hand, with the technology of Patent Document 1, what has the equal dividing of electric current achieved by these slits is only direction in which the positive-electrode terminal and negative-electrode terminal line up, and a solution for the problem of the above-mentioned equal dividing not being sufficiently achieved in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the positive-electrode terminal and negative-electrode terminal line up has also been proposed (for example, refer to Patent Document 2).

The technology of Patent Document 2 aligns, in first and second directions which intersect each other, a plurality of cylindrical capacitor elements having electrodes at both ends, and provides a first bus bar that mutually connects one electrode of each capacitor element, and a second bus bar that mutually connects the other electrode of each capacitor element. In the first and second bus bars, notches (slits) are formed such that divide in two each bus bar from a central position in each end of these until the vicinity of the center on the other end of these, respectively. As a result thereof, each bus bar comes to have a U-shaped planar form, and it is said as able to reduce the variation in the bus bar inductance and path resistance relative to the plurality of capacitor elements lining up in the above-mentioned first and second directions, and the variation in the heat quantity from the bus bars.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, in the technology of the either of the above-mentioned patent documents, each corresponding end of the parallel connection conductor such as a pattern conductor or bus bar joining the plurality of electrical storage devices (capacitors) in parallel is made as the respective external connection parts on the positive-electrode-side and negative-electrode-side for performing connection with an external circuit. For this reason, when large electric current flows to an external connection part, a voltage drop of an extent that cannot be ignored occurs due to the resistance inherent to the parallel connection conductors themselves. In other words, since a difference arises in the voltages between the ends of the electrical storage device caused by the distance from the external connection part of each electrical storage device connected in parallel differing, equal dividing of the electric current flowing to the electrical storage devices has not been achieved. For this reason, it leads producing problems in that differences arise in the lifespan of every electrical storage device, and the service life as a capacitor-type power supply unit is shortened as a result.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the aforementioned such conventional problems, and has an object of providing a capacitor-type power supply unit for which equal dividing of electric current flowing to electrical storage devices connected in parallel of the capacitor-type power supply unit is achieved, thereby enabling to extend the service life as a capacitor-type power supply unit.

By repeating a variety of studies and simulations, the present inventors have found a solution to the above-mentioned problem, thereby arriving at completing the present invention.

A first aspect of the present invention is a capacitor-type power supply unit in which a plurality of a first to nthelectrical storage devices (for example, the lithium ion capacitors10described later) are connected in parallel, where n is an integer of 6 or greater, the capacitor-type power supply unit including: a positive-electrode-side parallel connection conductor (for example, the positive-electrode-side bus bar30described later) in which each positive-electrode terminal (for example, the positive-electrode terminal101described later) of the first to nthelectrical storage devices is connected in sequence from one end (for example, the one end31described later) to another end (for example, the positive-electrode second end32described later) of the capacitor-type power supply unit; and an negative-electrode-side parallel connection conductor (for example, the negative-electrode-side bus bar40described later) in which each negative-electrode terminal (for example, the negative-electrode terminal102described later) of the first to nthelectrical storage devices is connected in sequence from one end (for example, the one end41described later) to another end (for example, the negative-electrode second end42described later) of the negative-electrode-side parallel connection conductor, in which the positive-electrode-side parallel connection conductor has a positive-electrode-side external connection part that is set at a position separated from an end on a side of the first electrical storage device by a length corresponding to a resistance value in a range of 20% to 30% of a resistance value from the one end to the other end, and in which the negative-electrode-side parallel connection conductor has an negative-electrode-side external connection part that is set at a position separated from an end on a side of the nthelectrical storage device by a length corresponding to a resistance value in a range of 20% to 30% of a resistance value from the one end to the other end.

In the capacitor-type power supply unit of the first aspect, the plurality of first to nthelectrical storage devices (n is an integer of 6 or greater) are connected in parallel by the positive-electrode-side parallel connection conductor and negative-electrode-side parallel connection conductor. Each positive-electrode terminal of the first to nthelectrical storage devices is connected in sequence from one end to another end of positive-electrode-side parallel connection conductor. Each negative-electrode terminal of the first to nthelectrical storage devices is connected in sequence from one end to another end of the negative-electrode-side parallel connection conductor. The positive-electrode-side parallel connection conductor has a positive-electrode-side external connection part that is set at a position separated from an end on a side of the first electrical storage device by a length corresponding to a resistance value in a range of 20% to 30% of a resistance value from the one end to the other end. The negative-electrode-side parallel connection conductor has a negative-electrode-side external connection part that is set at a position separated from an end on a side of the nthelectrical storage device by a length corresponding to a resistance value in a range of 20% to 30% of a resistance value from the one end to the other end. By the positive-electrode-side external connection part33and negative-electrode-side external connection part43of the positive-electrode-side parallel connection conductor and the negative-electrode-side parallel connection conductor being provided at the aforementioned such position, upon a great electric current flowing through the positive-electrode-side external connection part and negative-electrode-side external connection part, the equal dividing of electric current flowing to each electrical storage device connected in parallel is achieved.

A second aspect of the present invention is a capacitor-type power supply unit in which a plurality of a first to nthelectrical storage devices (for example, the lithium ion capacitors10described later) are connected in parallel, where n is an integer of 6 or greater, the capacitor-type power supply unit including: a positive-electrode-side parallel connection conductor (for example, the positive-electrode-side bus bar30described later) that extends in a parallel direction of the plurality of electrical storage devices, and in which each positive-electrode terminal (for example, the positive-electrode terminal101described later) of the first to nthelectrical storage devices are connected in sequence from one end (for example, the one end31described later) to another end (for example, the positive-electrode second end32described later) thereof; and an negative-electrode-side parallel connection conductor (for example, the negative-electrode-side bus bar40described later) that extends in the parallel direction, and in which each negative-electrode terminal (for example, the negative-electrode terminal102described later) of the first to nthelectrical storage devices is connected in sequence from one end (for example, the one end41described later) to another end (for example, the negative-electrode second end42described later) thereof, in which the positive-electrode-side parallel connection conductor has a positive-electrode-side external connection part that is set at a position separated from an end on a side of the first electrical storage device by a range of 20% to 30% of a total length in a longitudinal direction thereof, and in which the negative-electrode-side parallel connection conductor has an negative-electrode-side external connection part that is set at a position separated from an end on a side of the nthelectrical storage device by a range of 20% to 30% of a total length in a longitudinal direction thereof.

In the capacitor-type power supply unit of the second aspect, the plurality of first to nthelectrical storage devices (n is an integer of 6 or greater) are connected in parallel by the positive-electrode-side parallel connection conductor and negative-electrode-side parallel connection conductor. The positive-electrode-side parallel connection conductor extends in a parallel direction of the plurality of the electrical storage devices, and each positive-electrode terminal of the first to nthelectrical storage device is connected in sequence from one end to another end of the positive-electrode-side parallel connection conductor. The negative-electrode-side parallel connection conductor extends in a parallel direction of the plurality of the electrical storage devices, and each negative-electrode terminal of the first to nthelectrical storage device is connected in sequence from one end to another end of the negative-electrode-side parallel connection conductor. The positive-electrode-side parallel connection conductor has a positive-electrode-side external connection part that is set at a position separated from an end on a side of the first electrical storage device by a range of 20% to 30% of a total length in a longitudinal direction thereof. The negative-electrode-side parallel connection conductor has a negative-electrode-side external connection part that is set at a position separated from an end on a side of the nthelectrical storage device by a range of 20% to 30% of a total length in a longitudinal direction thereof. By the positive-electrode-side external connection part33and negative-electrode-side external connection part43of the positive-electrode-side parallel connection conductor and the negative-electrode-side parallel connection conductor being provided at the aforementioned such position, upon a great electric current flowing through the positive-electrode-side external connection part and negative-electrode-side external connection part, the equal dividing of electric current flowing to each electrical storage device connected in parallel is achieved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the capacitor-type power supply unit as described in the first or second aspect, the positive-electrode-side parallel connection conductor has a positive-electrode connection conductor part (for example, the positive-electrode connection conductor part30adescribed later) to which respective positive-electrode terminals of the plurality of electrical storage devices are connected, and a positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part (for example, the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part30bdescribed later) that is provided in parallel at predetermined intervals with the positive-electrode connection conductor part, and is connected with the positive-electrode connection conductor part at a site corresponding to the positive-electrode-side external connection part on the positive-electrode connection conductor part, and the negative-electrode-side parallel connection conductor has an negative-electrode connection conductor part (for example, the negative-electrode connection conductor part40adescribed later) to which respective negative-electrode terminals of the plurality of electrical storage devices are connected, and an negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part (for example, the negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part40bdescribed later) that is provided in parallel at predetermined intervals with the negative-electrode connection conductor part, and is connected with the negative-electrode connection conductor part at a site corresponding to the negative-electrode-side external connection part on the negative-electrode connection conductor part.

In the capacitor-type power supply unit as described in the third aspect, equal dividing of electric current flowing to the individual electrical storage devices which are connected in parallel is achieved particularly by the positive-electrode connection conductor part and the negative-electrode connection conductor part in the capacitor-type power supply unit as described in the first or second aspect. Furthermore, even if connecting with a load or another external circuit at any location of the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part and negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part provided in parallel at predetermined intervals with the positive-electrode connection conductor part and negative-electrode connection conductor part, respectively, the equal dividing of electrical current flowing to the individual electrical storage devices will not be hindered, and the externally connecting position will be not restricted.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the capacitor-type power supply unit as described in any one of the first to third aspects, the electrical storage device is a lithium ion capacitor or a serial connection body thereof.

In the capacitor-type power supply unit as described in the fourth aspect, a capacitor-type power supply unit is realized that is particularly superior in high temperature durability performance and for which equalization of the service life of individual electrical storage devices is achieved in the capacitor-type power supply unit as described in any one of the first to third aspects.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the capacitor-type power supply unit as described in any one of the first to third aspects, the electrical storage device is a rechargeable battery or a serial connection body thereof.

In the capacitor-type power supply unit described in the fifth aspect, a capacitor-type power supply unit is realized particularly for which equal dividing of charge/discharge current of individual rechargeable batteries connected in parallel to constitute the electrical storage device or a serial connection body thereof is achieved, and equalization of the service life of individual electrical storage devices is achieved, for the capacitor-type power supply unit as described in any one of the first to third aspects.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a capacitor-type power supply unit for which equal dividing of electric current flowing to electrical storage devices connected in parallel in the capacitor-type power supply unit is achieved, thereby enabling to extend the service life as a capacitor-type power supply unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a capacitor-type power supply unit of the present invention will be explained in detail by referencing the drawings.FIG. 1is an external appearance perspective view showing an embodiment of the capacitor-type power supply unit of the present invention.FIG. 2is a circuit diagram showing a general configuration of the capacitor-type power supply unit of the present invention. The electrical connection relationships of each part of the capacitor-type power supply unit inFIG. 1are understood by referencingFIG. 2where appropriate. InFIG. 1, a plurality of lithium ion capacitors10, which are the respective electrical storage devices, are arranged in a row on a base2, and the plurality of these lithium ion capacitors10are connected in series, whereby the capacitor-type power supply unit1is configured. The internal resistance of each of the lithium ion capacitors10is expressed as “R” inFIG. 2.

Each of the lithium ion capacitors10in the present example is a rectangular solid shape of the same specification. InFIG. 1, the external appearance of a stand-alone lithium ion capacitor10is illustrated at the top. Each of the lithium ion capacitors10has a positive-electrode terminal101and negative-electrode terminal102at a top part on the opposing side to a bottom part which contacts with the base2. Each of the lithium ion capacitors10can adopt a form of a serial connection body (lithium ion capacitor module) in which single lithium ion capacitors are connected in series at the inside of each.

In order to connect in parallel each of the lithium ion capacitors10, a positive-electrode-side bus bar30is provided as a positive-electrode-side parallel connection conductor that connects the positive-electrode terminals101of the respective lithium ion capacitors10. Similarly, a negative-electrode-side bus bar40is provided as a negative-electrode-side parallel connection conductor that connects the negative-electrode terminals102of the respective lithium ion capacitors10.

The positive-electrode-side bus bar30has a positive-electrode connection conductor part30ato which the positive-electrode terminal101of each of the lithium ion capacitors10is connected, and a positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part30bthat is provided in parallel at predetermined intervals with this positive-electrode connection conductor part30a.The respective positive-electrode terminals101of each of the lithium ion capacitors10are connected from a positive-electrode first end31thereof until a positive-electrode second end32to the positive-electrode connection conductor part30aof the positive-electrode-side bus bar30.

In detail, for each connection node201inFIG. 2at which each positive-electrode terminal101is connected to the positive-electrode connection conductor part30a(cannot be seen inFIG. 1because below positive-electrode-side bus bar30), each of the positive-electrode terminals101of the respective lithium ion capacitors10is connected to the positive-electrode-side bus bar30(positive-electrode connection conductor part30a) at intervals for which the resistance values r between adjacent nodes are equal (refer toFIG. 2).

Similarly to the aforementioned positive-electrode-side bus bar30, the negative-electrode-side bus bar40has an negative-electrode connection conductor part40ato which the negative-electrode terminals102of each of the lithium ion capacitors10are connected, and an negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part40bprovided in parallel at predetermined intervals with this negative-electrode connection conductor part40a.For the negative-electrode connection conductor part40aof the negative-electrode-side bus bar40, the respective negative-electrode terminals102of the respective lithium ion capacitors10are connected from a negative-electrode first end41until a negative-electrode second end42thereof.

In detail, for each connection node202inFIG. 2at which each negative-electrode terminal102is connected to the negative-electrode connection conductor part40a(cannot be seen inFIG. 1because below negative-electrode-side bus bar40), each of the negative-electrode terminals102of the respective lithium ion capacitors10is connected to the negative-electrode-side bus bar40(negative-electrode connection conductor part40a) at intervals at which the resistance values r between adjacent nodes are equal (refer toFIG. 2).

At the positive-electrode connection conductor part30aof the positive-electrode-side bus bar30, the positive-electrode-side external connection part33is provided at a position separated from the positive-electrode first end31by an amount such that the resistance value is in the range of 20% to 30% of the resistance value from the positive-electrode first end31to the positive-electrode second end32. InFIG. 1, the separation distance from the positive-electrode first end31to positive-electrode-side external connection part33is expressed as SD.

On the other hand, at the negative-electrode connection conductor part40aof the negative-electrode-side bus bar40, the negative-electrode-side external connection part43is provided at a position separated from the negative-electrode second end42by an amount such that the resistance value in the range of 20% to 30% of the resistance value from the negative-electrode second end42to the negative-electrode first end41. InFIG. 1, the separation distance from the negative-electrode second end42until the negative-electrode-side external connection part43is expressed as SD.

In the present embodiment, the positive-electrode connection conductor part30aand negative-electrode connection conductor part40aare configured by an electrically conductive material for which the resistivity is uniform, and the cross section is even. Therefore, since the resistance values r between respective connection nodes201inFIG. 2at which each of the positive-electrode terminals101of the respective lithium ion capacitors10is connected to the positive-electrode connection conductor part30aare equal, the physical intervals between the respective connection nodes201are equal.

Similarly, since the resistance values r between respective connection nodes202inFIG. 2at which each of the negative-electrode terminals102of the respective lithium ion capacitors10is connected to the negative-electrode connection conductor part40aare equal, the physical intervals between the respective connection nodes202are equal. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, due to being arranged in plurality on the base2so that the physical intervals of the respective lithium ion capacitors10become equal, it is possible to see the aforementioned separation distance SD as being the interval distance in proportion to Pn equivalents, which is the number of lithium ion capacitors10.

It should be noted that, as inFIG. 2, the external resistance between the positive-electrode-side external connection part33and ground is expressed as RL1, and the external resistance between the negative-electrode-side external connection part43and ground is expressed as RL2.

In the capacitor-type power supply unit1of the present invention, equal dividing of the electric current flowing through the respective lithium ion capacitors10is achieved by the positions of the positive-electrode-side external connection part33and negative-electrode-side external connection part43being set as mentioned above. The point of equal dividing of electric current being achieved will be described further by referencing the drawings.

The positive-electrode connection conductor part30ais connected with the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part30bvia the aforementioned positive-electrode-side external connection part33. Furthermore, the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part30bis connected with the external circuit of another load (not illustrated).

Similarly, the negative-electrode connection conductor part40ais connected with the negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part40bvia the negative-electrode-side external connection part43. Furthermore, the negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part40bis connected with the external circuit of another load (not illustrated).

In other words, in the present embodiment, the positive-electrode connection conductor part30aand positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part30bare provided in parallel, and the positive-electrode connection conductor part30aand positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part30bare connected by the positive-electrode-side external connection part33provided at the aforementioned position.

Similarly, the negative-electrode connection conductor part40aand negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part40bare provided in parallel, and the negative-electrode connection conductor part40aand negative-electrode-side connection conductor part40bare connected by the negative-electrode-side external connection part43provided at the aforementioned position.

Therefore, in the case of being connected by a bonding wire, etc. (not illustrated) to the external circuit of another load from the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part30band negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part40b,and in the case of performing transfer of electric current at any location of the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part30band negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part40b,the position of the aforementioned connection point of the positive-electrode connection conductor part30aand negative-electrode connection conductor part40arelative to the connection with the respective lithium ion capacitors10will remain unchanged. Therefore, the equal dividing of electric current flowing to the respective lithium ion capacitors10is not inhibited, and the externally connecting position is not restricted.

FIG. 3is a circuit diagram applied for simulating the characteristics in a case of establishing the parallel number of electrical storage devices as an independent variable, and establishing the electric current extraction position as a dependent variable, for the capacitor-type power supply unit of the present invention. In the circuit diagram ofFIG. 3, it is configured so as to supply the electrical energy stored in the parallel connection body of n-number of lithium ion capacitors10(FIG. 3exemplarily notes a case of 6) to the external circuit (resistances RL1, RL2) by extracting from the positive-electrode-side external connection part33and negative-electrode-side external connection part43. Upon performing simulation, when defining the resistance of an external circuit RL1=Rl2=100 μΩ, and defining the extracted current I=11000 A, the current extraction position when the differential value ΔIA between the maximum value and minimum value for electric current flowing to the lithium ion capacitor10according to the parallel connection number of lithium ion capacitors10becomes a minimum is expressed as the separation distance SD (%) from the end of the connection conductor part as previously mentioned. In addition, as previously mentioned by referencingFIG. 2, the respective resistance values r between adjacent nodes related to the respective connection nodes201between the positive-electrode connection conductor part30aand positive-electrode terminal101of the lithium ion capacitor10are equal, and the respective resistance values between adjacent nodes related to the connections nodes202between the negative-electrode connection conductor part40aand negative-electrode terminal102of the lithium ion capacitor10are equal.

FIG. 4is a graph representing the simulation results for the circuit ofFIG. 3. The characteristic curve inFIG. 4represents the characteristics for a case of defining the parallel connection number n of the lithium ion capacitors10as an independent variable, and defining the current extraction position (aforementioned position expressed by SD) as a dependent variable. The characteristic curves inFIG. 4represent simulation results for a case with the ratio of r/R between the aforementioned resistance value r between adjacent nodes and the internal resistance R of the lithium ion capacitor10as a parameter, and the five passes of r/R=0.01, r/R=0.001, r/R=0.0001, r/R=0.00001 and r/R=0.000001, for the parallel connection number n of lithium ion capacitors10and the extraction position of electric current (aforementioned position expressed by SD) at which the differential value ΔIA between the maximum value and minimum value for electric current flowing to the lithium ion capacitor10becomes a minimum. It should be noted that the simulation results for the five runs of resistance ratio r/R are illustrated inFIG. 4by changing the line types, respectively. However, the simulation results for the cases setting the resistance ratio r/R to 0.0001, 0.00001 and 0.000001 are almost the same as the simulation results for the case of setting the resistance ratio r/R to 0.001; therefore, the simulation results of these four runs are overlapping inFIG. 4. In detail, the differential value ΔIA between the maximum value and minimum value of electric current is the difference between the electric current value Imax for which the discharge current value is a maximum, and the electric current value Imin for which the discharge current value is a minimum, among the n-number of lithium ion capacitors10connected in parallel. It should be noted that, as previously described, the resistance value r between adjacent nodes201,201of the positive-electrode connection conductor part30ais equal to the resistance value r between adjacent nodes202,202of the negative-electrode connection conductor part40a.

From the characteristic curve inFIG. 4, it is deciphered that, in the case of the parallel number n of lithium ion capacitors10being at least 6, the electric current extraction position SD (ratio of distance from end of connection conductor part until electric current extraction position, relative to total length of connection conductor part) when the differential value ΔIA between the maximum value and minimum value of the electric current flowing to the lithium ion capacitor10becomes a minimum is within the range of 20% to 30% mostly irrespective of the magnitude of the resistance ratio r/R.

The capacitor-type power supply unit1as an embodiment of the present invention explained above by referencing the drawings is a capacitor-type power supply unit in which a plurality of first to nth(n is an integer of 6 or greater) lithium ion capacitors which are electrical storage devices are connected in parallel. The positive-electrode-side bus bar30(positive-electrode connection conductor part30a) connects the respective positive-electrode terminals101of the first to nthlithium ion capacitors10in the aforementioned order at intervals at which the resistance values r between connection nodes201with adjacent positive-electrode terminals from the connection node201at one end31until the connection node201at the positive-electrode second end32become equal, and the positive-electrode-side external connection part33is set at the position SD separated from one end31(end31on side of first lithium ion capacitor10) by a length corresponding to the resistance value in the range of 20% to 30% of the resistance value from one end31to the positive-electrode second end32. In addition, the negative-electrode-side bus bar40(negative-electrode connection conductor part40a) connects from the respective negative-electrode terminals102of a plurality of the first to nth(n is an integer of 6 or greater) lithium ion capacitors10which are electrical storage devices, in the aforementioned order at intervals at which the resistance values r between connection nodes202with adjacent negative-electrode terminals become equal, and the negative-electrode-side external connection part43is set at the position SD separated from the negative-electrode second end42(negative-electrode second end42on side of the nthlithium ion capacitor10) by a length corresponding to the resistance value in the range of 20% to 30% of the resistance value from one end41until the negative-electrode second end42.

By the positive-electrode-side external connection part33and negative-electrode-side external connection part43of the positive-electrode-side bus bar30and the negative-electrode-side bus bar40being provided at the aforementioned such position SD, upon a great electric current flowing through the positive-electrode-side external connection part33and negative-electrode-side external connection part43, the equal dividing of electric current flowing to each individual lithium ion capacitor10connected in parallel is achieved. For this reason, the aging degradation of the respective individual lithium ion capacitors10which are electrical storage devices becomes substantially even, and it becomes possible to extend the service life as a capacitor-type power supply unit.

In addition, the capacitor-type power supply unit1as an embodiment of the present invention is a capacitor-type power supply unit in which the plurality of first to nth(n is an integer of 6 or greater) lithium ion capacitors which are electrical storage devices are connected in parallel. The positive-electrode-side bus bar30(positive-electrode connection conductor part30a) connects the respective positive-electrode terminals101of the plurality of lithium ion capacitors10at equal intervals from the connection node201at one end31until the connection node201at the positive-electrode second end32and extends in the parallel direction of the lithium ion capacitors10, and the positive-electrode-side external connection part33is set at the position SD separated from the one end31(end31on the side of the first lithium ion capacitor10) by a range of 20% to 30% of the total length in its own longitudinal direction. In addition, the negative-electrode-side bus bar40(negative-electrode connection conductor part40a) connects the respective negative-electrode terminals102of the plurality of lithium ion capacitors10at equal intervals from the connection node202at one end of itself until the connection node202at the negative-electrode second end42and extends in the parallel direction, and the negative-electrode-side external connection part43is set at the position SD separated from the negative-electrode second end42(negative-electrode second end42on the side of the nthlithium ion capacitor10) by the range of 20% to 30% of the total length in its own longitudinal direction.

By the positive-electrode-side external connection part33and the negative-electrode-side external connection part43of the positive-electrode-side bus bar30(positive-electrode connection conductor part30a) and negative-electrode-side bus bar40(negative-electrode connection conductor part40a) being provided at the aforementioned such position SD, upon a great electric current flowing through the positive-electrode-side external connection part33and negative-electrode-side external connection part43, the equal dividing of electric current flowing to each individual lithium ion capacitor10connected in parallel is achieved. For this reason, the aging degradation of the respective individual lithium ion capacitors10which are electrical storage devices becomes substantially even, and it becomes possible to extend the service life as a capacitor-type power supply unit.

Furthermore, the positive-electrode-side bus bar30has the positive-electrode connection conductor part30ato which the respective positive-electrode terminals101of the lithium ion capacitor10are connected, and the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part30bthat is provided in parallel with the positive-electrode connection conductor part30aat predetermined intervals, and connected with the positive-electrode connection conductor part30aat a site corresponding to the positive-electrode-side external connection part33of the positive-electrode connection conductor part30a.In addition, the negative-electrode-side bus bar40has the negative-electrode connection conductor part40ato which the respective negative-electrode terminals102of the lithium ion capacitors10are connected, and the negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part40bthat is provided in parallel with the negative-electrode connection conductor part40aat predetermined intervals, and is connected with the negative-electrode connection conductor part40aat a site corresponding to the negative-electrode-side external connection part43of the negative-electrode connection conductor part40a.For this reason, with the positive-electrode-side bus bar30and negative-electrode-side bus bar40, even if connecting with a load or another external circuit at any location of the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part30aand negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part40bprovided in parallel at predetermined intervals with the positive-electrode connection conductor part30aand negative-electrode connection conductor part40a,respectively, the equal dividing of electrical current flowing to the individual lithium ion capacitors10will not be hindered, and the externally connecting position will be not restricted.

In addition, in the capacitor-type power supply unit1as an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of electrical storage devices are lithium ion capacitors or a serial connection body thereof. For this reason, by way of being superior in high temperature durability performance and equalization of the service life of the individual electrical storage devices, the extension of the service life as a capacitor-type power supply unit is realized as a result.

Next, a capacitor-type power supply unit as another embodiment of the present invention will be explained.FIG. 5is an external appearance perspective view showing another embodiment of a capacitor-type power supply unit of the present invention.FIG. 6is a view showing an aspect releasing a lid of the capacitor-type power supply unit inFIG. 5. InFIGS. 5 and 6, a capacitor-type power supply unit1ais configured so that a substantially rectangular-shaped housing3in which the top is open is sealed by a lid4. A plurality of lithium ion capacitors20are arranged so as to be layered along the direction of both lateral plates7,8extending in the longitudinal direction in the housing3.

InFIG. 6, a part of the total number of lithium ion capacitors20are illustrated. The respective lithium ion capacitors20are electrically connected in parallel by positive-electrode-side bus bar50as a positive-electrode-side parallel connection conductor and by negative-electrode-side bus bar60as a negative-electrode-side parallel connection conductor. The positive-electrode-side bus bar50and negative-electrode-side bus bar60are arranged so as to extend along the longitudinal direction on substantially the center in the width direction in the housing3, and both are parallel from one first end plate5of the housing3to another second end plate6. At the one first end plate5of the housing3, a positive-electrode-side external connection terminal501that electrically conducts with the positive-electrode-side bus bar50, and a negative-electrode-side external connection terminal502that electrically conducts with the negative-electrode-side bus bar60are provided at the top center of the first end plate5.

Similarly, at the second end plate6of the housing3, a positive-electrode-side external connection terminal503that electrically conducts with the positive-electrode-side bus bar50, and a negative-electrode-side external connection terminal504that electrically conducts with the negative-electrode-side bus bar60are provided at the top center of the second end plate6. It should be noted that, although the positive-electrode-side bus bar50and negative-electrode-side bus bar60are drawn schematically inFIGS. 5 and 6, the details will be explained later by referencingFIG. 8. Hereinafter, where appropriate, the positive-electrode-side external connection terminal will be abbreviated as first external connection terminal, the negative-electrode-side external connection terminal will be abbreviated as second external connection terminal, the positive-electrode-side external connection terminal503will be abbreviated as third external connection terminal, and the negative-electrode-side external connection terminal504will be abbreviated as fourth external connection terminal.

In the vantage points ofFIGS. 5 and 6, a part of the water jacket90constituting a water cooler having an external form of thin-sheet shape is seen by configuring so that a bottom plate9of the housing3is layered on a top surface of a portion projecting outwards of the side plate7. The water jacket90is inside of the housing3, and is interposed between the top surface (inside surface) of the bottom plate9and the bottom of the lithium ion capacitor20and performs cooling of the lithium ion capacitors20. Although external pipe connection parts91,92serving as the inlet/outlet of cooling fluid are included in the water jacket90, one external pipe connection part91is seen in the vantage points ofFIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 7is an exploded perspective view of the capacitor-type power supply unit inFIG. 5. InFIG. 7, the corresponding parts of previously mentionedFIGS. 5 and 6are illustrated by attaching the same reference symbols, and individual explanations of these are omitted as appropriate. In addition, inFIG. 7, similarly toFIGS. 5 and 6, the positive-electrode-side bus bar50and negative-electrode-side bus bar60are drawn schematically. InFIG. 7, the external pipe connection parts91,92of the water jacket90are both seen. By coolant migrating through the external pipe connection parts91,92and the flow path provided inside of the water jacket90, the water jacket90cools each of the lithium ion capacitors20arranged in contact with the top surface thereof from the bottom of these. Each of the lithium ion capacitors20has the positive-electrode terminal101and negative-electrode terminal102, respectively. It should be noted that, also inFIG. 7, a part of all of the lithium ion capacitors20is illustrated.

Between the adjacent lithium ion capacitors20, a copper plate21and heat transfer sheet22are arranged as a soaking sheet over substantially the entire area of the opposing surface parts of both. The copper plate21and heat transfer sheet22contact the water jacket90under these. Therefore, the heat generated by the lithium ion capacitors20during operation of the capacitor-type power supply unit21ais effectively radiated towards the water jacket90through the copper plate21and heat transfer sheet22from the aforementioned opposing surface part.

FIG. 8is a view showing the positive-electrode-side bus bar and negative-electrode-side bus bar of the capacitor-type power supply unit inFIG. 5. As previously mentioned by referencingFIG. 6, the positive-electrode-side bus bar50and negative-electrode-side bus bar60extend along substantially the center in the width direction inside the housing3in the longitudinal direction, and are arranged in parallel from the first end plate5to second end plate6of the housing3, as in the illustrations. As shown inFIG. 8, the positive-electrode-side bus bar50exhibits a substantially rectangular shape as a whole, and is segmented into a positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50band a positive-electrode connection conductor part50athat extends in parallel with this positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50b,by a slit S which is formed in the longitudinal direction of this rectangular solid and is partly interrupted. One end side of the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50bis connected to the previously mentioned first external connection terminal501, and the other end side is connected to the previously mentioned third external connection terminal503. The positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50band positive-electrode connection conductor part50aare connected by a positive-electrode-side external connection part53. In addition, the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50band positive-electrode connection conductor part50ainterpose the slit S and the relative positions of both are maintained by this positive-electrode-side external connection part53.

In other words, the slit S is divided into a slit portion S1on a side close to the first external connection terminal501and a slit portion S2on a side close to the third external connection terminal503, by the positive-electrode-side external connection part53. By segmenting the substantially rectangular conductor extending between the first external connection terminal501and the third external connection terminal503by the aforementioned such slit portion S1and slit portion S2, the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50band positive-electrode connection conductor part50awhich extend in parallel are formed.

As in the illustration, the slit portion S1is formed so as to curve from the longitudinal direction of the substantially rectangular conductor to the width direction at an end nearer the first external connection terminal501. Similarly, the slit portion S2is formed so as to curve from the longitudinal direction of the substantially rectangular conductor towards the width direction at an end nearer the third external connection terminal503. For this reason, the positive-electrode connection conductor part50aexhibits as aspect of being formed by making notches which are the slit portions S1and S2in the substantially rectangular-shaped positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50b.Therefore, the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50band positive-electrode connection conductor part50abecome substantially rectangular solids as a whole while both are parallel.

Each connection piece71for obtaining an electrical connection with the respective positive-electrode terminals101(refer toFIG. 7) of the lithium ion capacitors20contact the positive-electrode connection conductor part50a.The respective connection pieces71have a first contact plate part73in which a through-hole72penetrated the positive-electrode terminal101of the lithium ion capacitor20is provided, and a second contact plate part75that stands up at a right angle at a folded part74from one end of the first contact plate73and is provided so as to contact the positive-electrode connection conductor part50a.A through-hole76is also formed in the second contact plate part75.

At the positive-electrode connection conductor part50a,each of the connection pieces71contacts by configuring so as to stand in a row in the longitudinal direction from the positive-electrode first end51which is one end (end nearer the third external connection terminal503) until the positive-electrode second end52, which is the other end (end nearer the first external connection terminal501). The position of each of the connection pieces71on the positive-electrode connection conductor part50ais a position corresponding to the respective connection nodes201in the circuit diagram ofFIG. 2, and the respective resistances between the connections nodes are equal at r. In the case of the present example, the physical intervals between the respective connection pieces71are also equal. The distance from the positive-electrode first end51which is nearer the third external connection terminal503of the positive-electrode connection conductor part50auntil the positive-electrode-side external connection part53is suitable as the distance SD which was previously mentioned by referencingFIG. 1(Pn is the number of lithium ion capacitors20).

The configuration of the negative-electrode-side bus bar60is also substantially the same as the aforementioned positive-electrode-side bus bar50. For this reason, the negative-electrode-side bus bar60will be briefly explained by showing the corresponding relationship with the positive-electrode-side bus bar50. The negative-electrode-side bus bar60is configured by an negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part60band negative-electrode connection conductor part60awhich are parallel across the slit portions S4and S3corresponding to the slit portions S1and S2of the previously mentioned slit S. The slit S is divided into the slit portions S4and S3by being interrupted by the negative-electrode-side external connection part63. In other words, the negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part60band negative-electrode connection conductor part60aare electrically connected by this negative-electrode-side external connection part63, and the physical relative positions of both are maintained. In the negative-electrode connection conductor part60a,the connection pieces71are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction from the negative-electrode first end61to the negative-electrode second end62at a side which cannot be seen inFIG. 8. The distance from the negative-electrode second end62nearer the second external terminal502of the negative-electrode connection conductor part60auntil the negative-electrode-side external connection part63is suitable as the distance SD previously mentioned by referencingFIG. 1(Pn is the number of lithium ion capacitors20).

The configuration ofFIG. 8is explained above by referencing together with the circuit diagram ofFIG. 2. The positive-electrode-side bus bar50(positive-electrode connection conductor part50a) extends in the parallel direction of the lithium ion capacitors20by connecting the respective positive-electrode terminals101of the plurality of the lithium ion capacitor20at equal intervals from the connection node201at the positive-electrode first end51until the connection node201at the positive-electrode second end52, and the positive-electrode-side external connection part33is set at the position SD separated from the one end51(positive-electrode first end51on side of first one lithium ion capacitor20) by a range of 20% to 30% of the overall length in the longitudinal direction of itself. In addition, the negative-electrode-side bus bar60(negative-electrode connection conductor part60a) extends in the parallel direction by connecting the respective negative-electrode terminals102of the plurality of lithium ion capacitors20at equal intervals from the connection node202at one end of itself until the connection node202of the other end62, and the negative-electrode-side external connection part63is set at the position SD separated from the negative-electrode second end62(negative-electrode second end62on side of nthone lithium ion capacitor20) by the range of 20% to 30% of the overall length in the longitudinal direction of itself. It should be noted that the connection pieces71correspond to the respective connection nodes201and connection nodes202in an electrically manner, respectively.

FIG. 9is a detail drawing of a lateral cross-sectional view of the capacitor-type power supply unit inFIG. 5.FIG. 10is a detail drawing of a cross section in the lamination direction (parallel direction) of capacitors of the capacitor-type power supply unit ofFIG. 5. The capacitor-type power supply unit inFIGS. 9 and 10has some differences besides the point of the precise shape of the water jacket90and one end plate5and other end plate6from those inFIGS. 5 and 6; however, it is substantially the same device based on the same design philosophy. InFIGS. 9 and 10, the same reference symbols are attached to corresponding parts with the previously mentionedFIGS. 5 and 6.

According toFIG. 9, a pressurization mechanism511is provided by fluid or an elastic body to the one end plate5of the housing3. On the lithium ion capacitors20, the pressurization mechanism511is always pressurizing these in the lamination direction. Also to the other end plate6of the housing3, a pressurization mechanism611is provided by an elastic body such that is suited to the pressurization mechanism511. At the other end plate6, a load cell612is further provided as a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure force by the pressurization mechanism511and pressurization mechanism611. Based on the detection output of the load cell612, a servo mechanism (not illustrated) operates, and the pressure force is adjusted as appropriate by the pressurization mechanism511and pressurization mechanism611. It should be noted that the movement range of the pressurization mechanism511and pressurization mechanism611themselves may be small values, and it may be configured so as to insert, between a pressing end of the pressurization mechanism611and a lateral face of the lithium ion capacitor20opposing this, a shim613by appropriately selecting the thickness and number thereof. Optimization of the arrangement of lithium ion capacitors20and the appropriate pressing force by the pressurization mechanism511and pressurization mechanism611are thereby realized.

According to such a configuration, the positions of the lithium ion capacitors20are appropriately retained by the pressure force in the lamination direction of these being appropriately maintained even when several of the lithium ion capacitors20repeat expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations during operation. In addition, by way of such a pressure force, the heat transfer to the water jacket90by the copper plate21and heat transfer sheet2as a soaking sheet explained by referencingFIG. 7is appropriately achieved, and the cooling function on the lithium ion capacitors20is maintained.

In addition, according toFIG. 10, a top retaining member7aand top retaining member8aare provided to tops of a side plate7and side plate8, respectively. The top retaining member7aand top retaining member8aare provided over substantially the entire length along the longitudinal direction of the side plate7and side plate8. At the lower surface of a portion at which the top retaining member7aand top retaining member8aoverhang to the inside of the housing3from the top of each side plate7and side plate8, respectively, a screw receiving part7band screw receiving part8bare provided. Elastic bodies (coil springs)23,24are interposed between this spring receiving part7band spring receiving part8band each set piece111,112provided at an upper shoulder of the lithium ion capacitor20. By the repulsive force by these elastic bodies23,24, the lithium ion capacitors20are always pressed towards the bottom plate9(water jacket90on the bottom plate9) of the housing3.

For this reason, for the lithium ion capacitors20, in addition to the positioning and pressing in the lamination direction (longitudinal direction within the housing3) being performed by the pressurization mechanism explained by referencingFIG. 9, positioning and pressing is performed in a direction intersecting the lamination direction. Therefore, the lithium ion capacitors20are thermally joined sufficiently with the water jacket90, and appropriate cooling is performed.

The positive-electrode-side bus bar50and negative-electrode-side bus bar60such as those mentioned previously are arranged in a vertical direction to the sheet plane ofFIG. 10, above the center of the lithium ion capacitors20. The positive-electrode-side bus bar50is segmented into the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50band positive-electrode connection conductor part50aby the slit S. Similarly, the negative-electrode-side bus bar60is segmented into the negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part60band negative-electrode connection conductor part60aby the slit S. Between the positive-electrode-side bus bar50and negative-electrode-side bus bar60, i.e. between the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50band negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part60b,is insulated by an insulating member150.

The second contact plate part75of the connection piece71contacts the positive-electrode connection conductor part50aand negative-electrode connection conductor part60a,respectively. In addition, the first contact plate part73of the connection piece71is fastened to a nut with the bolt-like positive-electrode terminal101and negative-electrode terminal102of the lithium ion capacitor20which penetrate through the through-hole72. The positive-electrode connection conductor part50aand negative-electrode connection conductor part60athereby exceptionally connect in parallel the positive-electrode terminal101and negative-electrode terminal102of the lithium ion capacitors20.

The variations of connection pieces71are shown at the bottom ofFIG. 10. In these variations, the respective connection pieces71a,71b,71c,71d71e,and for the through-hole72, first contact plate part73, folded part74, second contact plate part75and through-hole76of these are illustrated by attaching a, b, c, d, e to the end of the reference symbols of these. According to the illustration, the respective connection pieces71a,71b,71c,71d,71emake the positions of the through-holes72a,72b,72c,72d,72dof the respective first contact plate parts73a,73b,73c,73d,73eof these different. Furthermore, the respective connection pieces71a,71b,71c,71d,71emake the shape and positions of the through-holes76a,76b,76c,76d,76eof each of the second contact plate parts75a,75b,75c,75d,75eof these difference. By properly using the connection pieces71having such variations according to the sequential order in the arrangement of these, it becomes possible to flexibly comply with the displacement in position and/or dimensions of the positive-electrode terminal101and negative-electrode terminal102of the lithium ion capacitors20due to fluctuation in temperature, and further, the tolerance in manufacture.

Also in the capacitor-type power supply unit1aas another embodiment of the present invention explained by referencingFIGS. 5 to 10, the positive-electrode-side external connection part53and negative-electrode-side external connection part63of the positive-electrode-side bus bar50and negative-electrode-side bus bar60are provided at the aforementioned such position SD, as explained by referencingFIG. 8. Equal dividing of electric current flowing to the individual lithium ion capacitors20connected in parallel is achieved, upon a large electric current flowing through the positive-electrode-side external connection part53and negative-electrode-side external connection part63, and further through the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50band negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part60b.For this reason, the aging deterioration of the individual lithium ion capacitors20which are electrical storage devices becomes substantially equal, and it becomes possible to extend the service life as a capacitor-type power supply unit.

In addition, the capacitor-type power supply unit1aas another embodiment of the present invention is a capacitor-type power supply unit in which a plurality of first to nth(n is 17 in present embodiment) lithium ion capacitors10, which are electrical storage devices, are connected in parallel. The positive-electrode-side bus bar50(positive-electrode connection conductor part50a) extends in the parallel direction of the lithium ion capacitor20by connecting the respective positive-electrode terminal101of the plurality of the lithium ion capacitors20at equal intervals from the connection node201at the positive-electrode first end51until the connection node201at the positive-electrode second end52, and the positive-electrode-side external connection part53is set at position SD separated from the positive-electrode first end51(positive-electrode first end51on side of first lithium ion capacitor20) by the range of 20% to 30% of the total length in the longitudinal direction of itself. In addition, the negative-electrode-side bus bar60(negative-electrode connection conductor part60a) extends in the parallel direction by connecting the respective negative-electrode terminals102of the plurality of lithium ion capacitors20at equal intervals from the connection node202at one end of itself until the connection node202at the negative-electrode second end62, and the negative-electrode-side external connection part63is set at the position SD separated from the negative-electrode second end62(negative-electrode second end62on side of 17thlithium ion capacitor20) by the range of 20% to 30% of the total length in the longitudinal direction of itself.

By the positive-electrode-side external connection part53and negative-electrode-side external connection part63of the positive-electrode-side bus bar50(positive-electrode connection conductor part50a) and negative-electrode-side bus bar60(negative-electrode connection conductor part60a) being set at the aforementioned such position SD, equal dividing of electric current flowing to the individual lithium ion capacitors20connected in parallel is achieved, upon a large electric current flowing through the positive-electrode-side external connection part53and negative-electrode-side external connection part63. For this reason, the aging deterioration of the individual lithium ion capacitors20which are electricals storage devices become substantially equal, and it becomes possible to extend the service life as a capacitor-type power supply unit.

Furthermore, the positive-electrode-side bus bar50and negative-electrode-side bus bar60are configured in the form such as that explained by referencingFIG. 8; therefore, even if connecting with an external circuit by an external terminals (501,502,503,504) which electrically conduct with the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50band negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part60b,the equal dividing of electric current flowing to the lithium ion capacitors20is maintained. For example, with the capacitor-type power supply unit1aas one power supply unit, a case is assumed of configuring a serial power unit by connecting three of these in series. In this case, the first to third of the capacitor-type power supply units1aare connected in series. The first external connection terminal501(or third external connection terminal503) of a first of the capacitor-type power supply units1ais defined as the external connection terminal on the positive-electrode-side of the serial power unit, and the fourth external connection terminal504(or second external connection terminal502) of a third of the capacitor-type power supply units1ais defined as the external connection terminal on the negative-electrode-side of the serial power unit. To perform serial connection, the fourth external connection terminal504(or second external connection terminal502) of the first of the capacitor-type power supply units1aand the first external connection terminal501(or third external connection terminal503) of the second of the capacitor-type power supply units1aare connected. Furthermore, the fourth external connection terminal504(or second external connection terminal502) of the second of the capacitor-type power supply units1aand the first external connection terminal501(or third external connection terminal503) of the third of the capacitor-type power supply units1aare connected. Even in the case of configuring a serial power unit with the capacitor-type power supply unit1aas one power supply unit, and connecting three of these in series, the respective external terminals (501,502,503,504) will electrically conduct physically to the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50aand negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part60bof the previously mentioned configuration. Therefore, the equal dividing of electric current flowing to the lithium ion capacitors20is also maintained in such a case, and the lifespans of the lithium ion capacitors20as constituent elements of the serial power unit become equal; therefore, the service life as a whole is extended.

In addition, with the capacitor-type power supply unit1aas another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of electrical storage devices are lithium ion capacitors or a serial connection body thereof. For this reason, by way of being superior in high temperature durability performance and equalization of the service life of the individual electrical storage devices, the extension of the service life as a capacitor-type power supply unit is realized as a result.

It should be noted that the present invention is not to be limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and that modifications, improvements, etc. within a scope that can achieve the objects of the present invention are also included in the present invention. For example, it is not limited to a case of the aforementioned plurality of electrical storage devices necessarily being lithium ion capacitors, and may be a rechargeable battery or a serial connection body thereof. Also in this case, equal dividing of charge/discharge current of the individual rechargeable batteries connected in parallel to constitute the electrical storage device or a serial connection body thereof is achieved, and by equalization of the service life of individual electrical storage devices, extension of the service life as a capacitor-type power supply unit is realized as a result.

In the above, a case of constituting one capacitor-type power supply unit by connecting the lithium ion capacitors in parallel was explained in detail. Next, technology for a case of serially connecting a plurality of capacitor-type power supply units configured in the way previously mentioned will be explained.

FIG. 11is a conceptual drawing showing a serial connection body made by serially connecting three capacitor-type power supply units which are substantially the same as the capacitor-type power supply unit explained by referencingFIG. 1.FIG. 12is a perspective view showing a schematic block diagram of the serial connection body inFIG. 11. InFIGS. 11 and 12, the three capacitor-type power supply units1-1,1-2and1-3constituting the serial connection body11S each have a plurality of lithium ion capacitors10, and positive-electrode-side bus bars30(30-1,30-2,30-3) and negative-electrode-side bus bars40(40-1,40-2,40-3) connecting these in parallel.

The positive-electrode-side bus bar30is common in the point of the positive-electrode connection conductor part30aand positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part30baligned in parallel are connected by the positive-electrode-side external connection part33, similarly to the positive-electrode-side bus bar30inFIG. 1. In the case ofFIG. 12, in order to serially connect the three capacitor-type power supply units1-1,1-2and1-3, the positive-electrode-side bus bar30can adopt two types depending on at which end the position of the positive-electrode-side external connection part33biases. In other words, in the first type, the position of the positive-electrode-side external connection part33is right biased from the center in the longitudinal direction of the positive-electrode-side bus bar30in the vantage point ofFIG. 12. In the second type, the position of the positive-electrode-side external connection part33is left biased from the center in the longitudinal direction of the positive-electrode-side bus bar30in the vantage point ofFIG. 12. The first positive-electrode-side bus bar30-1and the second positive-electrode-side bus bar30-3correspond to the first type, and the positive-electrode-side bus bar30-2corresponds to the second type. When referencingFIG. 12together withFIG. 1, in the positive-electrode-side bus bar30of the first type, the separation distance SD from the positive-electrode first end31to the positive-electrode-side external connection part33is set by viewing the right side inFIG. 12as the positive-electrode first end31side. In addition, in the positive-electrode-side bus bar30of the second type, the separation distance SD from the positive-electrode first end31to the positive-electrode-side external connection part33is set by viewing the left side inFIG. 12as the positive-electrode first end31side.

The negative-electrode-side bus bar40is also common in the point of the negative-electrode connection conductor part40aand negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part40bwhich are aligned in parallel being connected by the negative-electrode-side external connection part43, similarly to the negative-electrode-side bus bar40inFIG. 1. In the case ofFIG. 12, in order to serially connect the three capacitor-type power supply units1-1,1-2and1-3, the negative-electrode-side bus bar40can adopt two types depending on at which end the position of the negative-electrode-side external connection part43is biased. In other words, in the first type, the position of the negative-electrode-side external connection part43is left biased from the center in the longitudinal direction of the negative-electrode-side bus bar40in the vantage point ofFIG. 12. In the second type, the position of the negative-electrode-side external connection part43is right biased from the center in the longitudinal direction of the negative-electrode-side bus bar40in the vantage point ofFIG. 12. The first negative-electrode-side bus bar40-1and the second negative-electrode-side bus bar40-3correspond to the first type, and the negative-electrode-side bus bar40-2corresponds to the second type. Also for the negative-electrode-side bus bar40, when referencingFIG. 12together withFIG. 1, the separation distance SD from the negative-electrode first end41until the negative-electrode-side external connection part43in the negative-electrode-side bus bar40of the first type is set by viewing the left side inFIG. 12as the negative-electrode first end41side. In addition, with the negative-electrode-side bus bar40of the second type, the separation distance SD from the negative-electrode first end41until the negative-electrode-side external connection part43is set by viewing the right side inFIG. 12as the negative-electrode first end41side.

The first positive-electrode-side bus bar30-1and the first negative-electrode-side bus bar40-1are conductors which link the respective lithium ion capacitors10of the capacitor-type power supply unit1-1in parallel. In addition, the third positive-electrode-side bus bar30-2and the third negative-electrode-side bus bar40-2are conductors which link the respective lithium ion capacitors10of the capacitor-type power supply unit1-2in parallel. In addition, the positive-electrode-side bus bar30-3and negative-electrode-side bus bar40-3are conductors which link the respective lithium ion capacitors10of the capacitor-type power supply unit1-3in parallel.

The first negative-electrode-side bus bar40-1of the capacitor-type power supply unit1-1and the third positive-electrode-side bus bar30-2of the capacitor-type power supply unit1-2are connected by a first coupling connection conductor11a,and the negative-electrode-side bus bar40-2of the capacitor-type power supply unit1-2and the positive-electrode-side bus bar30-3of the capacitor-type power supply unit1-3are connected by a connection conductor11b.In addition, in the first serial connection body11S, the positive-electrode-side output conductor11pis led out from the first positive-electrode-side bus bar30-1of the capacitor-type power supply unit1-1, and the negative-electrode-side output conductor11nis led out from the negative-electrode-side bus bar40-3of the capacitor-type power supply unit1-3. In the first serial connection body11S, the capacitor-type power supply units1-1,1-2and1-3are serially connected by the first coupling connection conductor11aand the second coupling connection conductor11b.

In the first serial connection body11S, the first coupling connection conductor11ais provided between a site corresponding to the negative-electrode-side external connection part43of the first negative-electrode-side bus bar40-1, and a site corresponding to the positive-electrode-side external connection part33of the positive-electrode-side bus bar30-2. Similarly, the second coupling connection conductor11bis provided between a site corresponding to the negative-electrode-side external connection part43of the third negative-electrode-side bus bar40-2and a site corresponding to the positive-electrode-side external connection part33of the second positive-electrode-side bus bar30-3. In addition, the first positive-electrode-side output conductor11pis provided at a site corresponding to the positive-electrode-side external connection part33of the positive-electrode-side bus bar30-1. In addition, the negative-electrode-side output conductor11nis provided at a site corresponding to the negative-electrode-side external connection part43of the second negative-electrode-side bus bar40-3.

In the first serial connection body11S ofFIGS. 11 and 12, the first positive-electrode-side bus bar30-1and the second positive-electrode-side bus bar30-3of the first type and the third positive-electrode-side bus bar30-2of the second type are arranged in the aforementioned way as the positive-electrode-side bus bars30. In addition, the first negative-electrode-side bus bar40-1and the second negative-electrode-side bus bar40-3of the first type and the third negative-electrode-side bus bar40-2of the second type are arranged in the aforementioned way as the negative-electrode-side bus bars40. In accordance with these arrangements, the first coupling connection conductor11aand the second coupling connection conductor11bare provided so as to join the site corresponding to the positive-electrode-side external connection part33of the positive-electrode-side bus bar30and the site corresponding to the negative-electrode-side external connection part43of the negative-electrode-side bus bar40. The equal dividing of electric current of the lithium ion capacitors10constituting the respective capacitor-type power supply units1-1,1-2and1-3is thereby achieved, as explained by referencingFIGS. 1 to 4. Therefore, the aging deterioration of the individual lithium ion capacitors10becomes substantially equal, whereby it becomes possible to extend the service life as a capacitor-type power supply unit. Furthermore, the three capacitor-type power supply units1-1,1-2and1-3are serially connected by the first coupling connection conductors11a,the second coupling connection conductors11bby the shortest path, while maintaining the aforementioned functional effect, which is advantageous in size reduction, weight savings and suppressing the loss of electric power.

FIG. 13is a conceptual diagram showing a serial connection body in which three capacitor-type power supply units which are substantially the same as the capacitor-type power supply unit explained by referencingFIGS. 5 to 7are serially connected.FIG. 14is a perspective view showing a schematic block diagram of the serial connection body inFIG. 13. InFIGS. 13 and 14, the three capacitor-type power supply units1a-1,1a-2and1a-3constituting the serial connection body are configured to have a plurality of lithium ion capacitors20(refer toFIG. 6for details), and the positive-electrode-side bus bar50(50-1,50-2,50-3) and negative-electrode-side bus bar60(60-1,60-2,60-3) connecting these in parallel. The positive-electrode-side bus bar50and negative-electrode-side bus bar60are substantially the same as the bus bars explained by referencingFIG. 8. In other words, in the positive-electrode-side bus bar50, the positive-electrode connection conductor part50aand positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50bare connected by the positive-electrode-side external connection part53. In addition, in the negative-electrode-side bus bar60, the negative-electrode connection conductor part60aand negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part60bare connected by the negative-electrode-side external connection part63.

The end that is relatively closer to the positive-electrode-side external connection part53of the fourth positive-electrode-side bus bar50-1in the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-1and the end that is relatively closer to the negative-electrode-side external connection part63of the fifth negative-electrode-side bus bar60-2in the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-2are connected by the third coupling connection conductor13a.In addition, the end that is relatively closer to the positive-electrode-side external connection part53of the fifth positive-electrode-side bus bar50-2in the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-2and the end that is relatively closer to the negative-electrode-side external connection part63of the sixth negative-electrode-side bus bar60-3in the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-2are connected by the connection conductor13b.In the aforementioned such form, the capacitor-type power supply units1a-1,1a-2and1a-3are serially connected by the third coupling connection conductor13aand the fourth coupling connection conductor13b,whereby a second serial connection body13S made by serially connecting three of the capacitor-type power supply units is configured. In this form, the negative-electrode-side output conductor13nis led out from the end which is relatively closer to the negative-electrode-side external connection part63of the negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part60bin the fourth negative-electrode-side bus bar60-1of the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-1. In addition, the positive-electrode-side output conductor13pis led out from the end which is relatively closer to the positive-electrode-side external connection part53of the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50bin the sixth positive-electrode-side bus bar50-3of the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-3.

For the second serial connection body13S conceptually shown inFIG. 13, an example of this external appearance thereof is shown in the perspective view ofFIG. 14. As mentioned above, the capacitor-type power supply units1a-1,1a-2and1a-3constituting the second serial connection body13S are substantially the same as the capacitor-type power supply unit explained by referencingFIGS. 5 to 7, and have the first external connection terminal501and third external connection terminal503as the positive-electrode terminals, and the second external connection terminal502and fourth external connection terminal504as the negative-electrode terminals. The previously mentioned the third coupling connection conductor13aby referencingFIG. 13is connected so as to join between the first external connection terminal501of the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-1and the second external connection terminal502of the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-2. In addition, the fourth coupling connection conductor13bis connected so as to join between the third external connection terminal503of the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-2and the fourth external connection terminal504of the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-3. Furthermore, the negative-electrode-side output conductor13nis connected to the fourth external connection terminal504of the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-1, and the positive-electrode-side output conductor13pis connected to the first external connection terminal501of the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-3. Due to configuring the second serial connection body13S by serially connecting the capacitor-type power supply units1a-1,1a-2and1a-3in the form such as explained by referencingFIGS. 13 and 14, the third coupling connection conductor13aand the fourth coupling connection conductor13bbecome the shortest, which is advantageous in size reduction, weight savings and suppressing loss of electric power. In addition, as in the first serial connection body11S explained by referencingFIGS. 11 and 12, the equal dividing of electric current flowing to the lithium ion capacitors20is maintained, and the lifespans of the lithium ion capacitors20as the constituent elements of the serial power unit become equal; therefore, the service life as a whole is extended.

FIG. 15is a conceptual diagram showing a serial connection body in which three capacitor-type power supply units, which are substantially the same as the capacitor-type power supply unit explained by referencingFIGS. 5 to 7, are connected in series.FIG. 16is a perspective view showing a schematic block diagram of the serial connection body inFIG. 15. One point of difference between the third serial connection body15S InFIGS. 15 and 16and the second serial connection body13S mentioned previously by referencingFIGS. 13 and 14is the lead positions of the negative-electrode-side external connection conductor15nand positive-electrode-side external connection terminal15p.Specifically, in the third serial connection body15S, the lead positions of the negative-electrode-side external connection conductor15nand the positive-electrode-side external connection terminal15pare opposite sides in the longitudinal direction of the capacitor-type power supply units1a-1,1a-2and1a-3; whereas, in the third serial connection body15S, the lead positions of the negative-electrode-side external connection conductor15nand the positive-electrode-side external connection terminal15pare at the same side in the longitudinal direction of the capacitor-type power supply units1a-1,1a-2and1a-3. Accompanying this, in the third serial connection body15S, the connections of the fifth coupling connection conductors15aand the sixth coupling connection conductors15bfor serially connecting the capacitor-type power supply units1a-1,1a-2and1a-3are also performed on the same side in the longitudinal direction of the capacitor-type power supply units1a-1,1a-2and1a-3. InFIGS. 15 and 16, the corresponding parts withFIGS. 13 and 14are attached the same reference symbols, and explanations mentioned previously are quoted.

InFIG. 15, the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-1has the negative-electrode-side bus bar60e-1and the fourth positive-electrode-side bus bar50-1, and the negative-electrode-side output conductor15nis led out from the end on a side relatively separated from the negative-electrode-side external connection part63of the negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part60bin the negative-electrode-side bus bar60e-1. In addition, the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-3has a sixth negative-electrode-side bus bar60-3and positive-electrode-side bus bar50e-3, and the positive-electrode-side output conductor15pis led out from the end on a side relatively close to the positive-electrode-side external connection part53of the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50bin the positive-electrode-side bus bar50e-3.

In the fourth positive-electrode-side bus bar50-1of the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-1and the fifth negative-electrode-side bus bar60-2of the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-2in the examples ofFIGS. 15 and 16, the ends on the side relatively close from the positive-electrode-side external connection part53and negative-electrode-side external connection part63are joined by the fifth coupling connection conductor15a.In contrast, in the fifth positive-electrode-side bus bar50-2of the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-2and the sixth negative-electrode-side bus bar60-3of the capacitor-type power supply unit1a-3, the ends on the side relatively far from the positive-electrode-side external connection part53and negative-electrode-side external connection part63are joined by the connection conductor15b.However, the connections by the fifth coupling connection conductors15aand the sixth coupling connection conductor15bare both performed by the external connection conductor parts (positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50b,negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part60b); therefore, equal dividing of electric current of lithium ion capacitors connected in parallel is not inhibited as in the previously mentioned example, and since the lifespans of the lithium ion capacitors as constituent elements of the serial power units become equal, the service life as a whole is extended. In addition, the fifth coupling connection conductor15aand the sixth coupling connection conductor15bbecome the shortest, which is advantageous in size reduction, weight savings and suppressing loss of electric power.

FIG. 17is a conceptual diagram showing a serial connection body in which three capacitor-type power supply units which are substantially the same as the capacitor-type power supply unit explained by referencingFIG. 1. It should be noted that the respective lithium ion capacitors inFIG. 17are substantially the same as those ofFIG. 7.FIG. 18is a perspective view showing a schematic block diagram of the serial connection body inFIG. 17. InFIGS. 17 and 18, the three capacitor-type power supply units1-1,1-2and1-3constituting the fourth serial connection body17S are each configured by the plurality of lithium ion capacitors20being connected in parallel by the bus bars. The individual lithium ion capacitors20respectively have the positive-electrode terminal101and negative-electrode terminal102.

The connection pieces are provided corresponding individually to the negative-electrode terminals102of the respective lithium ion capacitors20of the capacitor-type power supply unit1-1. The negative-electrode terminal102of the respective lithium ion capacitors20and the negative-electrode connection conductor part60aof the fourth negative-electrode-side bus bar60-1are connected by these connection pieces71. The respective positive-electrode terminals101of the respective lithium ion capacitors20in the capacitor-type power supply unit1-1are connected to the plate-shaped bus bar80-1. The negative-electrode terminal102of the respective lithium ion capacitors20in the capacitor-type power supply unit1-2are connected to the plate-like bus bar80-1. The respective positive-electrode terminals101of the respective lithium ion capacitors20in the capacitor-type power supply unit1-2are connected to the plate-like bus bar80-2. The negative-electrode terminal102of the respective lithium ion capacitors20in the capacitor-type power supply unit1-3w54 connected to the plate-like bus bar80-2. The positive-electrode terminals101of the respective lithium ion capacitors20in the capacitor-type power supply unit1-3are connected to the positive-electrode connection conductor part50aof the sixth positive-electrode-side bus bar50-3by the connection piece (not visible in the vantage point ofFIG. 18), similarly to the negative-electrode terminals102of the respective lithium ion capacitors20of the aforementioned capacitor-type power supply unit1-1.

In the fourth serial connection body17S ofFIGS. 17 and 18, the three capacitor-type power supply units1-1,1-2and1-3are connected serially by the plate-like bus bars80-1and80-2. In other words, the plate-like bus bar80-1functions as a connection conductor that connects in parallel the respective positive-electrode terminals101of the respective lithium ion capacitors20of the capacitor-type power supply unit1-1, and serially connects the capacitor-type power supply unit1-1and capacitor-type power supply unit1-2by the shortest path. In addition, the plate-like bus bar80-2functions as a connection conductor that connects in parallel the respective positive-electrode terminals101of the respective lithium ion capacitors20of the capacitor-type power supply unit1-2, and serially connects the capacitor-type power supply unit1-2and the capacitor-type power supply unit1-3by the shortest path.

The negative-electrode-side output conductor13nis led out from an end on a side relatively close to the negative-electrode-side external connection part63of the negative-electrode-side external connection conductor part60bin the fourth negative-electrode-side bus bar60-1. In addition, the positive-electrode-side output conductor13pis let from an end on a side relatively close to the positive-electrode-side external connection part53of the positive-electrode-side external connection conductor part50bin the sixth positive-electrode-side bus bar50-3.

Also in the fourth serial connection body17S ofFIGS. 17 and 18, the plate-like bus bars80-1and80-2which are connection conductors are the shortest, which is advantageous in size reduction, weight savings, and suppressing loss of electric power. In addition, as in the first serial connection body11S explained by referencingFIGS. 11 and 12, the equal dividing of electric current flowing to the lithium ion capacitors20is maintained, and the lifespans of the lithium ion capacitors20as constituent elements of the serial power unit become equal; therefore, the service life as a whole is extended.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS