wiring module

Abstract

A wiring module (10) is mounted to a plurality of power storage elements (12) having electrodes, wherein the wiring module (10) is provided with: an insulating protector (14) composed of an insulating synthetic resin; a bus bar held by the insulating protector (14) and connected to the electrodes; a bolt (32) having a shaft portion (43) that penetrates the bus bar and a head portion (44) formed at an end portion of the shaft portion (43); and a nut (36) screwed to the shaft portion (43) of the bolt (32), the bus bar has: an electrode connection portion (34L) connected to the electrodes and extending along an extension direction; and a penetration portion (30L) extending along a first direction intersecting the extension direction and through which the shaft portion (43) of the bolt (32) penetrates, the insulating protector (14) has: a holding portion that holds the electrode connection portion (34L) in a positioned state; and a housing portion (41L) having an inner shape larger than an outer shape of the nut (36) or the head portion (44) and housing the nut (36) or the head portion (44), a first gap (P) is set to be larger than a second gap (Q) in a state where the nut (36) or the head portion (44) is housed in the housing portion (41L), the first gap (P) is a gap provided between the nut (36) or the head portion (44) and the housing portion (41L) in the first direction, and the second gap (Q) is a gap provided between the nut (36) or the head portion (44) and housing portion (41L) in a second direction intersecting the extension direction and different from the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wiring modules. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, as a wiring module installed on multiple energy storage components, the wiring module described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-192561 (Patent Document 1) is known. This wiring module includes a busbar connected to electrodes and an insulating protective element on which the busbar is mounted. Bolts and nuts are screwed onto the busbar.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-192561 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] If the busbar's installation position relative to the insulating component deviates from the correct position, the relative position of the bolt and nut may also deviate from the correct position. Consequently, the bolt or nut may come into contact with the insulating component. When the bolt and nut are screwed together, a relatively large force is applied, which in turn applies a large force to the insulating component, potentially causing deformation or other adverse effects.

[0008] This disclosure was made based on the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a wiring module that suppresses deformation of the insulating protective element.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0010] (1) This disclosure relates to a wiring module installed on a plurality of energy storage elements having electrodes, wherein the wiring module comprises: an insulating protective member made of insulating synthetic resin; a busbar held by the insulating protective member and connected to the electrodes; a bolt having a shaft portion and a head, the shaft portion passing through the busbar and the head formed at the end of the shaft portion; and a nut screwed into the shaft portion of the bolt, the busbar having: an electrode connecting portion connected to the electrodes and extending along an extension direction; and a penetrating portion extending along a first direction intersecting the extension direction and for the bolt to pass through. The shaft portion extends through, and the insulating protective member has: a retaining portion for holding the electrode connection portion in a positioning state; and a receiving portion having an internal shape larger than the external shape of the nut or the head, and receiving the nut or the head. In the state where the nut or the head is received in the receiving portion, a first gap is set to be larger than a second gap. The first gap is a gap provided between the nut or the head and the receiving portion in a first direction, and the second gap is a gap provided between the nut or the head and the receiving portion in a second direction that intersects the extending direction and is different from the first direction.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to this disclosure, deformation of the insulating protective component can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the energy storage module involved in Embodiment 1. Figure 3 Sectional view along line II.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a 3D diagram representing a battery storage module.

[0015] Figure 3 This is the main view showing the energy storage module.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a 3D diagram representing the left output busbar.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged sectional view showing the bolt fastening structure of the left output busbar.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged front view showing the assembly structure of the left output busbar and the connecting busbar to the insulation protection component.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a partially enlarged exploded 3D view showing the left output busbar and insulation protection components.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a magnified top view of a portion of the energy storage module.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a partially enlarged top view showing the state of the nut being housed in the receiving section.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a partially enlarged sectional view showing the bolt fastening structure of the left output busbar.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a partially enlarged sectional view showing the bolt fastening structure of the left output busbar in a comparative example. Detailed Implementation

[0024] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0025] First, we will describe the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0026] (1) This disclosure relates to a wiring module installed on a plurality of energy storage elements having electrodes, wherein the wiring module comprises: an insulating protective member made of insulating synthetic resin; a busbar held by the insulating protective member and connected to the electrodes; a bolt having a shaft portion and a head, the shaft portion passing through the busbar and the head formed at the end of the shaft portion; and a nut screwed into the shaft portion of the bolt, the busbar having: an electrode connecting portion connected to the electrodes and extending along an extension direction; and a penetrating portion extending along a first direction intersecting the extension direction and for the bolt to pass through. The shaft portion extends through, and the insulating protective member has: a retaining portion for holding the electrode connection portion in a positioning state; and a receiving portion having an internal shape larger than the external shape of the nut or the head, and receiving the nut or the head. In the state where the nut or the head is received in the receiving portion, a first gap is set to be larger than a second gap. The first gap is a gap provided between the nut or the head and the receiving portion in a first direction, and the second gap is a gap provided between the nut or the head and the receiving portion in a second direction that intersects the extending direction and is different from the first direction.

[0027] Because the first clearance is set to be larger than the second clearance, contact between the bolt head or nut and the insulating component can be prevented when the nut and bolt are engaged. This prevents deformation of the insulating component caused by force applied to it from the bolt head or nut.

[0028] (2) Preferably, when the shaft portion of the bolt is screwed into the nut, the direction in which the axis of the shaft portion extends intersects the direction in which the electrode connection portion extends.

[0029] When the direction of the axial extension of the bolt shaft intersects the direction of the electrode connection of the busbar, it is possible to reliably suppress the contact between the bolt head or nut and the insulating protective component, thus reliably suppressing the deformation of the insulating protective component.

[0030] (3) Preferably, the size of the first gap is set to be twice the size of the second gap.

[0031] Because it can further suppress the contact between the head or nut and the insulating protective component, it can further suppress the deformation of the insulating protective component.

[0032] (4) Preferably, in the state where the nut and the shaft portion of the bolt are screwed together, the through portion and the output terminal electrically connected to the external circuit are sandwiched between the head of the bolt and the nut.

[0033] By clamping a busbar and an output terminal between the head of the bolt and the nut, the busbar can be electrically connected to an external circuit via the output terminal.

[0034] (5) Preferably, the insulating protective member is provided with a flexible substrate, the flexible substrate having a flexible thin film and a conductive path formed in the thin film, the bus bar having a substrate connection portion, the substrate connection portion being connected to the conductive path of the flexible substrate, and the substrate connection portion being positioned and held by the insulating protective member.

[0035] When the substrate connection and the insulating protective component are positioned and held, the positioning accuracy of the busbar and the insulating protective component is further required. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the head of the bolt or the nut from contacting the insulating protective component when the nut and bolt are screwed together. As a result, deformation of the insulating protective component caused by the force applied to it from the head of the bolt or the nut can be suppressed.

[0036] [Details of the embodiments disclosed herein]

[0037] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described. This disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is shown in the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0038] <Implementation Method 1>

[0039] Reference Figures 1 to 11 Embodiment 1, which applies the wiring module 10 disclosed herein to the energy storage module 11, will be described. The energy storage module 11 is mounted in a vehicle (not shown) such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle and used as a drive source. Figure 1As shown, the energy storage module 11 according to this embodiment includes a housing 13, a plurality of energy storage elements 12 housed in the housing 13, and a wiring module 10 mounted on the plurality of energy storage elements 12. The wiring module 10 includes: a connecting bus 26C, a left output bus 26L (an example of a bus), and a right output bus 26R (an example of a bus), which are connected to the lead terminals 24 (an example of electrodes) of the plurality of energy storage elements 12; and an insulating protective member 14 that holds the connecting bus 26C, the left output bus 26L, and the right output bus 26R.

[0040] In the following description, the direction indicated by arrow Z is upward, the direction indicated by arrow Y is forward, and the direction indicated by arrow X is left. Sometimes, for multiple identical components, only some components are labeled, while the labels for the others are omitted. The vertical, horizontal, and front-back directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0041] [Overall Structure]

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the energy storage module 11 has a roughly rectangular shape that extends slenderly in the front-to-back direction. Figure 1 As shown, the energy storage module 11 is constructed by accommodating multiple energy storage elements 12 side by side in the front-to-back direction within a metal housing 13. The housing 13 is generally cylindrical with openings 20 opening to the left and right respectively. Any metal, such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or stainless steel, can be appropriately selected as the metal constituting the housing 13.

[0043] [Energy Storage Component 12]

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the energy storage element 12 is constructed by housing a power generation element (not shown) inside the laminated film casing 23. The edges of the laminated film constituting the laminated film casing 23 are thermally fused together. A lead terminal 24 protrudes forward from the front end of the laminated film casing 23. Although not shown in detail, a lead terminal (not shown) protrudes rearward from the rear end of the laminated film casing 23. The front lead terminal 24 and the rear lead terminal have different polarities; one is a positive terminal and the other is a negative terminal.

[0045] The energy storage element 12 is formed as a plate extending elongated in the front-to-back direction. Multiple (eight in this embodiment) energy storage elements 12 are arranged in the left-to-right direction. The multiple energy storage elements 12 are arranged such that the polarities of their adjacent lead terminals 24 in the left-to-right direction are different.

[0046] [Insulation Protection Component 14]

[0047] like Figure 2As shown, an insulating protective element 14 that closes the opening 20 from the front is installed at the front end of the housing 13. The insulating protective element 14 is formed by injection molding of an insulating synthetic resin material. The insulating protective element 14 is integrally formed into a rectangular plate shape when viewed from the front-to-back direction. Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of slits 25 (eight in this embodiment) extending in the vertical direction are formed at intervals in the left-right direction on the insulating protective member 14. The lead terminals 24 of the energy storage element 12 are inserted into the slits 25 from the rear to the front.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, a connecting busbar 26C, a left output busbar 26L, and a right output busbar 26R, all made of metal sheet, are installed near the slit 25 on the insulating protective member 14. The insulating protective member 14 is equipped with: a left output busbar 26L located at the left end of the insulating protective member 14; a right output busbar 26R located at the right end of the insulating protective member 14; and multiple (three in this embodiment) connecting busbars 26C disposed between the left output busbar 26L and the right output busbar 26R.

[0049] The left output busbar 26L and the right output busbar 26R are electrically connected to the external circuit and are used as terminal metal fittings for supplying power from the energy storage module 11 to the external circuit.

[0050] [Left Output Busbar 26L]

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the left output busbar 26L is generally plate-shaped and extends elongatedly in the vertical direction (an example of the extending direction). The left output busbar 26L has an electrode connection portion 34L that is also plate-shaped and extends elongatedly in the vertical direction. A lead terminal 24, inserted from the rear into the slit 25, is electrically connected to the electrode connection portion 34L in the area in front of the insulating protective member 14. The electrode connection portion 34L and the lead terminal 24 are connected by known methods such as soldering, tin soldering, or brazing. In this embodiment, the electrode connection portion 34L and the lead terminal 24 are connected by laser welding.

[0052] A curved portion 35L, forming a semi-circular arc and curving to the right, is formed at the upper end of the electrode connection portion 34L. A penetrating portion 30L extending to the right is formed at the right end of the curved portion 35L. The penetrating portion 30L is substantially orthogonal to the electrode connection portion 34L. "Substantially orthogonal" includes the case where the penetrating portion 30L and the electrode connection portion 34L are orthogonal, and also includes the case where they can be considered substantially orthogonal even if they are not orthogonal.

[0053] like Figure 5As shown, an output terminal 33L, which is electrically connected to an external circuit, is connected to the through portion 30L. The output terminal 33L is a metal plate. A through hole 21L extending vertically is formed in the output terminal 33L. Additionally, a through hole 31L extending vertically is formed in the through portion 30L. A bolt 32 is inserted into this through hole 31L, and the bolt 32 engages with a nut 36, thereby electrically connecting the left output busbar 26L to the output terminal 33L.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, in the insulating protective member 14, protective walls 37L extending vertically are provided on the left and right sides of the penetrated portion 30L, respectively. The upper ends of the protective walls 37L are formed by bending towards each other in the left-right direction and then extending upward. The upper ends of the two protective walls 37L are open upward.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, a substrate connection portion 28L protruding rearward is formed at the lower end of the electrode connection portion 34L. This substrate connection portion 28L is positioned and held relative to the insulating protection member 14 by being inserted from the front into a fixing hole 29 provided on the insulating protection member 14.

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, a pair of upper clamping portions 38L protrudes forward from the insulating protective member 14. These upper clamping portions 38L clamp the position near the upper end of the electrode connection portion 34L and below the curved portion 35L from the left and right directions. The left-right spacing between the pair of upper clamping portions 38L is formed to be the same as or slightly smaller than the width dimension of the electrode connection portion 34L in the left-right direction.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, a pair of lower clamping portions 39L protrudes forward from the insulating protective member 14. These lower clamping portions 39L clamp the position near the lower end of the electrode connection portion 34L and above the substrate connection portion 28L from the left and right directions. The left-right spacing between the pair of lower clamping portions 39L is formed to be the same as or slightly smaller than the width dimension of the electrode connection portion 34L in the left-right direction.

[0058] The electrode connection portion 34L is clamped by a pair of upper clamping portions 38L and a pair of lower clamping portions 39L, thereby positioning and holding the electrode connection portion 34L relative to the insulating protection member 14.

[0059] [Right Output Busbar 26R]

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the right output busbar 26R is generally shaped like a plate extending elongated in the vertical direction. The right output busbar 26R has an electrode connection portion 34R that is also elongated in the vertical direction. Figure 1 As shown, the lead terminal 24, inserted from the rear into the slit 25, is electrically connected to the electrode connection portion 34R in the area in front of the insulating protective member 14. The electrode connection portion 34R and the lead terminal 24 are connected by known methods such as soldering, tin soldering, or brazing. In this embodiment, the electrode connection portion 34R and the lead terminal 24 are connected by laser welding.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, a curved portion 35R, which is semi-circular and bends to the left, is formed at the upper end of the electrode connection portion 34R. A penetrating portion 30R, extending to the left, is formed at the left end of the curved portion 35R. The penetrating portion 30R is substantially orthogonal to the electrode connection portion 34R. "Substantially orthogonal" includes the case where the penetrating portion 30R and the electrode connection portion 34R are orthogonal, and also includes the case where they can be considered substantially orthogonal even if they are not orthogonal.

[0062] Although not shown in detail, an output terminal (not shown) for electrical connection to an external circuit is connected to the through-section 30R. The output terminal is in the shape of a metal plate. A through hole (not shown) extending vertically through the output terminal is formed. Additionally, a through hole 31R extending vertically through the through-section 30R is formed. A bolt 32 is inserted into this through hole 31R, and the bolt 32 engages with a nut 36, thereby electrically connecting the right output busbar 26R to the output terminal.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, in the insulating protective member 14, protective walls 37R extending vertically are provided on the left and right sides of the penetrated portion 30R, respectively. The upper ends of the protective walls 37R are formed by bending towards each other in the left-right direction and then extending upward. The upper ends of the two protective walls 37R are open upward.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, a substrate connection portion 28R protruding rearward is formed at the lower end of the electrode connection portion 34R. This substrate connection portion 28R is positioned and held relative to the insulating protection member 14 by being inserted from the front into a fixing hole (not shown) provided on the insulating protection member 14.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, a pair of upper clamping portions 38R protrudes forward from the insulating protective member 14. These upper clamping portions 38R clamp the position near the upper end of the electrode connection portion 34R and below the bent portion 35R from the left and right directions. The left-right spacing between the pair of upper clamping portions 38R is formed to be the same as or slightly smaller than the width dimension of the electrode connection portion 34R in the left-right direction.

[0066] like Figure 3As shown, a pair of lower clamping portions 39R protrudes forward from the insulating protective member 14. These two lower clamping portions 39R clamp the position near the lower end of the electrode connection portion 34R and above the substrate connection portion 28R from the left and right directions. The left-right spacing between the two lower clamping portions 39R is formed to be the same as or slightly smaller than the width dimension of the electrode connection portion 34R in the left-right direction.

[0067] The electrode connection portion 34R is clamped by a pair of upper clamping portions 38R and a pair of lower clamping portions 39R, thereby positioning and holding the electrode connection portion 34R relative to the insulating protection member 14.

[0068] [Connect busbar 26C]

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, the connecting busbar 26C is generally shaped like a plate extending elongated in the vertical direction. The connecting busbar 26C has an electrode connection portion 34C that is also elongated in the vertical direction. Figure 1 As shown, the lead terminal 24, which is inserted from the rear into the slit 25, is electrically connected to the electrode connection portion 34C in the area in front of the insulating protective member 14. The electrode connection portion 34C and the lead terminal 24 are connected by known methods such as soldering, tin soldering, or brazing. In this embodiment, the electrode connection portion 34C and the lead terminal 24 are connected by laser welding.

[0070] A substrate connection portion 28C protruding rearward is formed at the lower end of the electrode connection portion 34C. This substrate connection portion 28C is positioned and held relative to the insulating protective member 14 by being inserted from the front into a fixing hole 29 provided in the insulating protective member 14 (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, the insulating protective member 14 has an upper clamping portion 38C that clamps the upper end of the electrode connection portion 34C from the left and right directions. The upper clamping portion 38C is formed in a groove shape on the front surface of the insulating protective member 14. The left and right spacing of the groove-shaped upper clamping portion 38C is formed to be the same as or slightly smaller than the width dimension of the electrode connection portion 34C in the left and right directions.

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown, a pair of lower clamping portions 39C protrudes forward from the insulating protective member 14. These lower clamping portions 39C clamp the position near the lower end of the electrode connection portion 34C and above the substrate connection portion 28C from the left and right directions. The left-right spacing between the pair of lower clamping portions 39C is formed to be the same as or slightly smaller than the width dimension of the electrode connection portion 34C in the left-right direction.

[0073] The electrode connection portion 34C is clamped by the upper clamping portion 38C and a pair of lower clamping portions 39C, thereby positioning and holding the electrode connection portion 34C relative to the insulating protection member 14.

[0074] [Flexible Printed Substrate 60]

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown, a flexible printed circuit board 60 (an example of a flexible substrate) is disposed on the front surface of the insulating protective member 14. The flexible printed circuit board 60 is constructed by forming a plurality of conductive paths 63 on one or both sides of a base film 62 (an example of a film) made of insulating synthetic resin. Although not shown in detail, the base film 62 and the conductive paths 63 are covered by a cover film made of insulating synthetic resin. The plurality of conductive paths 63 are formed of metal foil such as copper or copper alloy (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, the flexible printed circuit board 60 has a horizontal portion 64 extending in the left-right direction and an upward portion 65 extending upward from a position slightly to the left of the center of the horizontal portion 64 in the left-right direction. In other words, the flexible printed circuit board 60 is T-shaped with the top and bottom reversed.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, in the horizontal section 64, a plurality of pads 66 (five in this embodiment) are formed at intervals in the left-right direction. The pads 66 are connected to the conductive path 63 (see reference). Figure 5 An opening is formed in the portion of the cover film corresponding to pad 66. Thus, pad 66 is exposed to the outside.

[0078] like Figure 6 As shown, the pad 66 is quadrilateral when viewed from the front. A through-hole 67 is formed in the pad 66, penetrating both the pad 66 and the substrate film 62. The edge of the through-hole 67 is approximately quadrilateral when viewed from the front. The internal shape of the through-hole 67 is larger than the external shape of the substrate connection portions 28L, 28R, and 28C. Thus, the substrate connection portions 28L, 28R, and 28C are inserted into the through-hole 67. With the substrate connection portions 28L, 28R, and 28C respectively inserted into their respective through-holes 67, each pad 66 is soldered to the substrate connection portions 28L, 28R, and 28C using a known method.

[0079] like Figure 3As shown, an output connector 90 is mounted on the upper end of the upper portion 65 of the flexible printed circuit board 60. Multiple terminals 91 are arranged on the output connector 90. The multiple terminals 91 are electrically connected to multiple conductive paths 63 by known methods such as soldering. Each conductive path 63 is electrically connected to an external ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (not shown) via the output connector 90. The ECU is equipped with a microcomputer, components, etc., and has a known structure that performs functions such as detecting the voltage, current, temperature, etc., of the energy storage elements 12, and controlling the charging and discharging of each energy storage element 12.

[0080] [The fastening mechanism of bolt 32 and nut 36]

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, a base portion 40L is provided below the penetrated portion 30L in the insulating protective member 14. The base portion 40L is approximately quadrilateral when viewed from above (see reference). Figure 7 ).like Figure 8 As shown, the length of the base portion 40L in the left-right direction is set to be smaller than the span between the upper ends of the two protective walls 37L. A through portion 30L is disposed above the base portion 40L.

[0082] like Figure 9 As shown, a receiving portion 41L for receiving a nut 36 is recessed downward on the upper surface of the base portion 40L. Viewed from above, the edge of the receiving portion 41L is approximately quadrilateral. A metal nut 36 is housed within the receiving portion 41L. The nut 36 is quadrilateral when viewed from above. A threaded hole 42 is formed through the nut 36 in the vertical direction. The inner diameter of the threaded hole 42 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 31L (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, with the nut 36 housed within the receiving portion 41L of the base portion 40L, the through portion 30L positioned above the base portion 40L, and the output terminal 33L overlapping the upper surface of the through portion 30L, the bolt 32 is screwed onto the nut 36. The bolt 32 has: a shaft portion 43 extending in the vertical direction and having threads formed on its outer surface; and a head 44 formed at the upper end of the shaft portion 43.

[0084] With the shaft portion 43 of the bolt 32 passing through the output terminal 33L and the penetrated portion 30L, the output terminal 33L and the penetrated portion 30L are clamped between the head 44 of the bolt 32 and the nut 36 by screwing in the nut 36. Thus, the output terminal 33L is electrically connected to the left output busbar 26L.

[0085] like Figure 9As shown, the rim of the receiving portion 41L formed in the base portion 40L is approximately quadrilateral. The receiving portion 41L has: a rear edge portion 45 located at the rear and extending in the left-right direction; a front edge portion 46 located at the front and extending in the left-right direction; a right edge portion 47 connecting the right end of the rear edge portion 45 and the right end of the front edge portion 46 in the front-rear direction (an example of the second direction); and a left edge portion 48 connecting the left end of the rear edge portion 45 and the left end of the front edge portion 46 in the front-rear direction. Rear recesses 49 with a semi-circular shape are formed at both ends of the rear edge portion 45. Front recesses 50 with a semi-circular shape are formed at both ends of the front edge portion 46.

[0086] like Figure 9 As shown, with the nut 36 housed within the receiving portion 41L, a first gap P is provided in the left-right direction and a second gap Q is provided in the front-back direction between the outer shape of the nut 36 and the inner shape of the receiving portion 41L. The first gap P is defined as the sum of the distance P1 between the left edge of the nut 36 and the left edge 48 of the receiving portion 41L and the distance P2 between the right edge of the nut 36 and the right edge 47 of the receiving portion 41L. The second gap Q is defined as the sum of the distance Q1 between the front edge of the nut 36 and the front edge 46 of the receiving portion 41L and the distance Q2 between the rear edge of the nut 36 and the rear edge 45 of the receiving portion 41L.

[0087] The first gap P is set to be larger than the second gap Q. The relative size difference between the first gap P and the second gap Q is not limited, but in this embodiment, the first gap P is set to be substantially twice the size of the second gap Q. "Substantially twice" includes the case where the first gap P is twice the size of the second gap Q, and also includes the case where it can be substantially considered twice even if the two-times of the first gap P and the second gap Q are not actually twice. The nut 36, housed in the receiving portion 41L, can move along the front-back direction and the left-right direction within the range of the first gap P and the second gap Q, which are set in the receiving portion 41L and the nut 36.

[0088] like Figure 3 As shown, a base portion 40R is provided below the penetrated portion 30R in the insulating protective member 14. The base portion 40R is quadrilateral when viewed from above. The length dimension of the base portion 40R in the left-right direction is set to be smaller than the span dimension between the upper ends of the two protective walls 37R. The penetrated portion 30R is arranged above the base portion 40R.

[0089] like Figure 3As shown, a receiving portion 41R for accommodating a nut 36 is recessed downwards on the upper surface of the base portion 40R. Viewed from above, the edge of the receiving portion 41R is approximately quadrilateral. A metal nut 36 is housed within the receiving portion 41R. The nut 36 is quadrilateral when viewed from above. A threaded hole 42 is formed through the nut 36 in the vertical direction. The inner diameter of the threaded hole 42 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 31R.

[0090] With the nut 36 housed within the receiving portion 41R of the base portion 40R, and the through portion 30R positioned above the base portion 40R, and the output terminal 33R overlapping the upper surface of the through portion 30R, the bolt 32 is screwed into the nut 36. The bolt 32 has: a shaft portion 43 extending in the vertical direction and having threads formed on its outer surface; and a head 44 formed at the upper end of the shaft portion 43.

[0091] Although not shown in detail, with the shaft portion 43 of the bolt 32 passing through the output terminal and the penetrated portion 30R, the output terminal and the penetrated portion 30R are clamped between the head 44 of the bolt 32 and the nut 36 by screwing in the nut 36. Thus, the output terminal is electrically connected to the right output busbar 26R.

[0092] Regarding the first gap P and the second gap Q between the receiving part 41R and the nut 36, since they are the same structure as the first gap P and the second gap Q between the receiving part 41L and the nut 36, repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0093] [Effects of the Implementation Method]

[0094] Next, the effects of Embodiment 1 will be explained. First, the case where the penetrating portion 30L and the electrode connection portion 34L are orthogonal will be explained. The electrode connection portion 34L is held in a positioning state relative to the insulating protective member 14 by the upper clamping portion 38L and the lower clamping portion 39L. The lead terminal 24 of the energy storage element 12 is connected to the electrode connection portion 34L. Therefore, the electrode connection portion 34L and the insulating protective member 14 are positioned with relatively high precision.

[0095] When the penetrating portion 30L and the electrode connection portion 34L are orthogonal, such as Figure 5As shown, the through portion 30L is arranged parallel to the upper surface of the base portion 40L. The through hole 31L formed in the through portion 30L is positioned to coincide with the threaded hole 42 of the nut 36 housed within the receiving portion 41L of the base portion 40L. The output terminal 33L is overlapped on the upper surface of the through portion 30L in such a manner that the insertion hole 21L of the output terminal 33L aligns with the through hole 31L of the through portion 30L. Then, the shaft portion 43 of the bolt 32 is inserted from above through the insertion hole 21L of the output terminal 33L and the through portion 30L, and screwed into the threaded hole 42 of the nut 36. As a result, the nut 36 is pulled upward from the receiving portion 41L. Moreover, when the bolt 32 and the nut 36 are screwed together, the output terminal 33L and the through portion 30L are sandwiched between the head 44 of the bolt 32 and the nut 36. Thus, the output terminal 33L, the left output busbar 26L, and the lead terminal 24 of the energy storage element 12 are electrically connected.

[0096] Next, as Figure 10 As shown, the case where the penetrating portion 30L and the electrode connecting portion 34L are not orthogonal will be explained. The penetrating portion 30L and the electrode connecting portion 34L are connected by a bending portion 35L. When bending this bending portion 35L, the angle between the penetrating portion 30L and the electrode connecting portion 34L is determined according to the processing accuracy. Since a relatively large current output from the energy storage module 11 flows through the left output busbar 26L, the thickness of the left output busbar 26L is set to be relatively large in order to reduce the resistance value. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform the bending process of the bending portion 35L with high precision. As a result, it is possible that the angle between the penetrating portion 30L and the electrode connecting portion 34L is not a right angle.

[0097] exist Figure 10 In the example, a case is illustrated where the angle between the through portion 30L and the electrode connection portion 34L is greater than 90°. Additionally, in... Figure 10 For ease of explanation, the angle between the penetrating portion 30L and the electrode connection portion 34L is emphasized.

[0098] With the electrode connection portion 34L held relative to the insulating protection member 14 by the upper clamping portion 38L and the lower clamping portion 39L, the through portion 30L intersects the upper surface of the base portion 40L. Therefore, the axis of the threaded hole 42 of the nut 36 extends in the vertical direction, while the axis of the through hole 31L of the through portion 30L extends at an angle relative to the vertical direction. With the output terminal 33L overlapping the upper surface of the through portion 30L, the axis of the through hole 31L of the through portion 30L is aligned with the axis of the insertion hole 21L of the output terminal 33L.

[0099] When the shaft portion 43 of the bolt 32 is inserted from above into the insertion hole 21L of the output terminal 33L and the through hole 31L of the penetrated portion 30L, the axis of the shaft portion 43 of the bolt 32 is aligned with the axis of the insertion hole 21L of the output terminal 33L and the axis of the through hole 31L of the penetrated portion 30L.

[0100] The nut 36, housed in the receiving portion 41L, moves along the front-back and left-right directions within the range of the first gap P and the second gap Q, which are set in the receiving portion 41L and the nut 36. Therefore, even if the axis of the shaft portion 43 of the bolt 32 deviates from the axis of the threaded hole 42 of the nut 36, the lower end of the shaft portion 43 of the bolt 32 can still be screwed into the threaded hole 42 of the nut 36 by moving the nut 36 within the receiving portion 41L.

[0101] When the lower end of the shaft portion 43 of the bolt 32 is screwed into the threaded hole 42 of the nut 36, the nut 36 is pulled upward. At this time, the axis of the threaded hole 42 of the nut 36 is aligned with the axis of the shaft portion 43 of the bolt 32. As a result, the nut 36 is tilted in the receiving portion 41L with its upper end to the right and its lower end to the left in the vertical direction.

[0102] In this embodiment, the second gap Q between the receiving portion 41L and the nut 36 in the left-right direction is set to be larger than the first gap P between the receiving portion 41L and the nut 36 in the front-back direction. Therefore, even when the nut 36 is tilted within the receiving portion 41L with its upper end to the right and its lower end to the left in the vertical direction, the upper end of the nut 36 will not contact the right edge 47 of the receiving portion 41L, and the lower end of the nut 36 will not contact the left edge 48 of the receiving portion 41L. Thus, no force is applied to the receiving portion 41L from the nut 36, thereby suppressing adverse conditions such as deformation of the insulating protective member 14 caused by force applied to the insulating protective member 14 from the nut 36.

[0103] In addition, Figure 11 In the example shown, as a comparison, a second gap Q in the left-right direction between the receiving portion 41L and the nut 36 is set to the same value as the first gap P in the front-back direction between the receiving portion 41L and the nut 36. That is, with Figure 10 The difference is that, Figure 11 The second gap Q in is set to Figure 10 The second gap Q is essentially half of the total gap. Other structures are similar to... Figure 10 Because they are the same, identical components are labeled with the same designation. Additionally, in Figure 11 For ease of explanation, the angle between the penetrating portion 30L and the electrode connection portion 34L is emphasized.

[0104] In the comparative example, when the nut 36 is tilted within the receiving portion 41L with its upper end to the right and its lower end to the left in the vertical direction, the upper end of the nut 36 contacts the right edge 47 of the receiving portion 41L, and the lower end of the nut 36 contacts the left edge 48 of the receiving portion 41L. As a result, a force is applied to the receiving portion 41L from the nut 36, which may cause defects such as deformation of the insulating protective member 14.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the shaft of the bolt is screwed into the nut, the direction in which the axis of the shaft extends intersects the direction in which the electrode connection extends.

[0106] When the direction of the axis extending from the shaft portion 43 of the bolt 32 intersects the direction of the extension of the electrode connection portion 34L of the left output busbar 26L or the electrode connection portion 34R of the right output busbar 26R, the contact between the nut 36 and the insulating protection member 14 can be reliably suppressed, thus the deformation of the insulating protection member 14 can be reliably suppressed.

[0107] In addition, in this embodiment, the size of the first gap P is set to be twice the size of the second gap Q.

[0108] Since it can further suppress the contact between the nut 36 and the insulating protective member 14, it can further suppress the deformation of the insulating protective member 14.

[0109] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the nut 36 is screwed into the shaft portion 43 of the bolt 32, a through portion 30L and an output terminal 33L electrically connected to an external circuit are sandwiched between the head 44 of the bolt 32 and the nut 36, and a through portion 30R and an output terminal electrically connected to an external circuit are also sandwiched.

[0110] By sandwiching the through portion 30L of the left output busbar 26L and the output terminal 33L between the head 44 of the bolt 32 and the nut 36, the left output busbar 26L can be electrically connected to an external circuit via the output terminal 33L. Similarly, by sandwiching the through portion 30R of the right output busbar 26R and the output terminal 33R between the head 44 of the bolt 32 and the nut 36, the right output busbar 26R can be electrically connected to an external circuit via the output terminal.

[0111] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a flexible printed circuit board 60 is disposed on the insulating protective member 14. The flexible printed circuit board 60 has flexibility and a conductive path 63 formed on the substrate thin film 62. The left output bus bar 26L has a substrate connection portion 28L connected to the conductive path 63 of the flexible printed circuit board 60. The substrate connection portion 28L is positioned and held on the insulating protective member 14. In addition, the right output bus bar 26R has a substrate connection portion 28R connected to the conductive path 63 of the flexible printed circuit board 60. The substrate connection portion 28R is positioned and held on the insulating protective member 14.

[0112] With the substrate connection portions 28L and 28R and the insulating protection member 14 positioned and held, the positioning accuracy of the left output busbar 26L and the right output busbar 26R relative to the insulating protection member 14 is further required. Even in this case, with the nut 36 engaged with the shaft portion 43 of the bolt 32, contact between the nut 36 and the insulating protection member 14 can be prevented. Therefore, deformation of the insulating protection member 14 caused by the force applied to it by the nut 36 can be suppressed.

[0113] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0114] (1) Multiple energy storage elements 12 can be connected in series or in parallel.

[0115] (2) Alternatively, the head 44 of the bolt 32 may be housed in a receiving portion, and the nut 36 may be screwed in from above. Alternatively, an insulating protective member 14 may have both a receiving portion for housing the nut 36 and a receiving portion for housing the head 44 of the bolt 32.

[0116] (3) The flexible substrate connected to the left output busbar 26L and the right output busbar 26R can also be a so-called flexible flat cable. Alternatively, it can be a structure in which wires are connected to the left output busbar 26L and the right output busbar 26R.

[0117] (4) There are no limitations on the structure of the electrode connection parts 34L and 34R. For example, any method can be used, such as bonding, thread fixing, heat welding, locking structure using locking claws, insert molding, etc.

[0118] (5) A washer or a voltage detection terminal may be clamped between the head 44 of the bolt 32 and the nut 36, thus forming a structure that can clamp any component. Alternatively, one or both of the left output busbar 26L and the right output busbar 26R may be omitted.

[0119] (6) Alternatively, the insulation protection element 14 may be configured with one, two or more connecting busbars 26C.

[0120] (7) The angle formed by the through portions 30L and 30R and the electrode connection portions 34L and 34R can also be less than a right angle.

[0121] Label Explanation

[0122] 10: Wiring Module

[0123] 11: Energy Storage Module

[0124] 12: Energy storage components

[0125] 13: Shell

[0126] 14: Insulation protection components

[0127] 20: Opening

[0128] 21L: Through hole

[0129] 23: Laminated film outer casing

[0130] 24: Lead terminal

[0131] 25: Slit

[0132] 26C: Connecting busbar

[0133] 26R: Right Output Busbar

[0134] 26L: Left output busbar

[0135] 28C, 28R, 28L: Substrate connection portion

[0136] 29: Fixing hole

[0137] 30R, 30L: Penetrated section

[0138] 31R, 31L: Through holes

[0139] 32: Bolt

[0140] 33L: Output terminal

[0141] 34C, 34R, 34L: Electrode connection parts

[0142] 35: Nut

[0143] 35R, 35L: Bending section

[0144] 36: Nut

[0145] 37R, 37L: Protective wall

[0146] 38C, 38R, 38L: Upper clamping part

[0147] 39C, 39R, 39L: Lower clamping part

[0148] 40R, 40L: Base section

[0149] 41R, 41L: Containment Department

[0150] 42: Threaded hole

[0151] 43: Shaft

[0152] 44: Head

[0153] 45: Rear Margin

[0154] 46: Leading edge

[0155] 47: Right edge

[0156] 48: Left edge

[0157] 49: Rear concave part

[0158] 50: Front concave part

[0159] 60: Flexible printed circuit board

[0160] 62: Substrate film

[0161] 63: Conductive Path

[0162] 64: Hengxing Department

[0163] 65: Upward section

[0164] 66: Solder pad

[0165] 67: Through hole

[0166] 90: Output connector

[0167] 91: Terminal

[0168] P1, P2: Interval

[0169] P: First gap

[0170] Q1, Q2: Interval

[0171] Q: Second gap.

Claims

1. A wiring module installed on a plurality of energy storage elements, wherein the plurality of energy storage elements have electrodes, wherein, The wiring module includes: Insulating protective components are made of insulating synthetic resin; The busbar is held in place by the insulating protective element and connected to the electrode; A bolt having a shaft portion and a head, the shaft portion passing through the manifold, and the head formed at the end of the shaft portion; and The nut engages with the shaft portion of the bolt. The busbar has: an electrode connection portion connected to the electrode and extending along an extension direction; and a through portion extending along a first direction intersecting the extension direction and through which the shaft portion of the bolt passes. The insulating protective member includes: a retaining portion for holding the electrode connection portion in a positioned state; and a receiving portion having an internal shape larger than the external shape of the nut or the head, and for receiving the nut or the head. With the nut or the head housed in the receiving portion, the first gap is set to be larger than the second gap. The first gap is a gap provided between the nut or the head and the receiving portion in the left-right direction, and the second gap is a gap provided between the nut or the head and the receiving portion in the front-back direction that is perpendicular to the left-right direction and perpendicular to the first direction.

2. The wiring module according to claim 1, wherein, When the shaft portion of the bolt is screwed into the nut, the direction in which the axis of the shaft portion extends intersects the direction in which the electrode connection portion extends.

3. The wiring module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The size of the first gap is set to be twice the size of the second gap.

4. The wiring module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, With the nut and the shaft of the bolt engaged, the penetrated portion and the output terminal electrically connected to an external circuit are sandwiched between the head of the bolt and the nut.

5. The wiring module according to claim 3, wherein, With the nut and the shaft of the bolt engaged, the penetrated portion and the output terminal electrically connected to an external circuit are sandwiched between the head of the bolt and the nut.

6. The wiring module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The insulating protective member is provided with a flexible substrate, the flexible substrate having a flexible thin film and conductive paths formed in the thin film. The busbar has a substrate connection portion, which is connected to the conductive path of the flexible substrate. The substrate connection portion is positioned and held in the insulating protective member.

7. The wiring module according to claim 3, wherein, The insulating protective member is provided with a flexible substrate, the flexible substrate having a flexible thin film and conductive paths formed in the thin film. The busbar has a substrate connection portion, which is connected to the conductive path of the flexible substrate. The substrate connection portion is positioned and held in the insulating protective member.

8. The wiring module according to claim 4, wherein, The insulating protective member is provided with a flexible substrate, the flexible substrate having a flexible thin film and conductive paths formed in the thin film. The busbar has a substrate connection portion, which is connected to the conductive path of the flexible substrate. The substrate connection portion is positioned and held in the insulating protective member.

9. The wiring module according to claim 5, wherein, The insulating protective member is provided with a flexible substrate, the flexible substrate having a flexible thin film and conductive paths formed in the thin film. The busbar has a substrate connection portion, which is connected to the conductive path of the flexible substrate. The substrate connection portion is positioned and held in the insulating protective member.

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