Conductive module

Abstract

The present invention provides a wiring member for improving yield, comprising: a first wiring member which is a flexible printed circuit board molded in a rectangular shape and has a first wiring pattern provided for each of a plurality of bus bars of a first bus bar group; and a second wiring member that is a flexible printed circuit board molded in a crank shape and has a second wiring pattern provided for each of the plurality of bus bars of the second bus bar group, the first wiring member being laid close to the first bus bar group while maintaining a rectangular shape so that the longitudinal direction coincides with the arrangement direction of the battery cells, and the second wiring member having a second wiring pattern provided for each of the plurality of bus bars of the second bus bar group. The second wiring member has: a second connector mounting portion on one end side, the second connector mounting portion being disposed close to the first connector mounting portion on one end side of the first wiring member in a direction in which the first bus bar group and the second bus bar group are disposed facing each other; a main path portion on the other end side, the main path portion having the long side direction coincident with the arrangement direction and arranged close to the second bus bar group; and an intermediate path portion connecting the second connector mounting portion and the main path portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to conductive modules. Background Technology

[0002] In a battery module with multiple battery cells arranged in a grid, multiple busbars are used to electrically connect the multiple battery cells. Furthermore, this conductive module uses wiring components such as an FPC (flexible printed circuit board) to electrically connect each busbar to a battery monitoring unit that monitors the battery status of the battery cells. Here, in the battery module, there are two rows of assemblies (electrode terminal groups) of multiple electrode terminals arranged in the direction of the multiple battery cells, connecting the electrode terminals and busbars to each electrode terminal group. For example, the FPC, as a wiring component, includes: a trunk line laid between each electrode terminal group; and branch lines branching from the trunk line to one electrode terminal group side and the other electrode terminal group side for each busbar. One end of the trunk line becomes a connector mounting section, which connects to a connector for connector connection with the battery monitoring unit side. Such a conductive module is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1 described below.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-173610 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, the battery module has an exhaust duct that connects to the exhaust valves of each battery cell, allowing the gas inside the battery cell discharged from the exhaust valves to be released to the atmosphere. For example, in the battery module, this exhaust duct is located between each electrode terminal group. In this case, conventional wiring components, since their trunk lines cover the exhaust duct, need to be replaced with wiring components that avoid the exhaust duct. As a countermeasure product, for example, the following countermeasure product is considered: having: a first main branch line branching from the connector mounting portion to one electrode terminal group side, a second main branch line branching from the connector mounting portion to the other electrode terminal group side, a first sub-branch line branching from the first main branch line to one electrode terminal group side for each busbar, and a second sub-branch line branching from the second main branch line to the other electrode terminal group side for each busbar, and the first and second main branch lines are arranged in a path that avoids the exhaust duct. Here, the FPC is cut from a sheet of material that serves as the base material into a specified shape. Therefore, from a cost perspective, FPCs, which are considered countermeasure products, have poor yield rates.

[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a conductive module with good yield.

[0009] Technical means for solving problems

[0010] This invention relates to a conductive module, characterized by comprising: a first busbar group and a second busbar group, which are collections of busbars physically and electrically connected to the electrode terminals of the battery cells constituting the battery module; the first busbar group connecting to a plurality of electrode terminals on one side of the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells constituting the battery module, and the second busbar group connecting to a plurality of electrode terminals on the other side of the arrangement direction; a wiring component electrically connecting the busbars to a battery monitoring unit for monitoring the battery status of the battery cells; and an electrical connection component provided for each busbar, the electrical connection component physically and electrically connecting the wiring component to the busbar; the wiring component comprising: a first wiring component, which is a flexible printed circuit board formed in a rectangular shape and having a busbar for each of the plurality of busbars in the first busbar group. The system comprises: a first wiring pattern provided for each of the multiple busbars in the second busbar group; a second wiring component, which is a flexible printed circuit board shaped like a crank and has a second wiring pattern provided for each of the multiple busbars in the second busbar group; and a connector for connecting the first wiring component and the second wiring component to the battery monitoring unit. The first wiring component, while maintaining its rectangular shape, is arranged with its length direction aligned with the arrangement direction and close to the first busbar group. The second wiring component has: a second connector mounting portion at one end, which is arranged close to the first connector mounting portion at one end of the first wiring component in the opposing arrangement direction of the first busbar group and the second busbar group; a main path portion at the other end, which is arranged with its length direction aligned with the arrangement direction and close to the second busbar group; and an intermediate path portion connecting the second connector mounting portion and the main path portion.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention is a conductive module characterized by comprising: a first busbar group and a second busbar group, which are collections of busbars physically and electrically connected to the electrode terminals of the battery cells constituting the battery module, wherein the first busbar group connects to a plurality of electrode terminals of one side of the plurality of battery cells arranged in the arrangement direction constituting the battery module, and the second busbar group connects to a plurality of electrode terminals of the other side of the arrangement direction; a wiring member that electrically connects the busbars to a battery monitoring unit that monitors the battery status of the battery cells; and an electrical connection member provided for each of the busbars, wherein the electrical connection member physically and electrically connects the wiring member to the busbars, and the wiring member comprises: a first wiring member, which is a flexible printed circuit board formed in a rectangular shape and has a first wiring pattern provided for each of the plurality of busbars in the first busbar group; The second wiring component is a flexible printed circuit board formed into a rectangular shape and bent into a crank shape with two bends, and has a second wiring pattern provided for each of the plurality of busbars in the second busbar group; and a connector for connecting the first wiring component and the second wiring component to the battery monitoring unit. The first wiring component is arranged close to the first busbar group with its length direction aligned with the arrangement direction while maintaining the rectangular shape. The second wiring component has: a second connector mounting portion at one end, which is arranged close to the first connector mounting portion at one end of the first wiring component in the opposing arrangement direction of the first busbar group and the second busbar group; a main path portion at the other end, which is arranged close to the second busbar group with its length direction aligned with the arrangement direction; and an intermediate path portion, which connects the second connector mounting portion and the main path portion via the two bends.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the conductive module of the present invention, in the wiring components, the first wiring component on the first busbar group side and the second wiring component on the second busbar group side are each formed independently. Furthermore, since the first wiring component is rectangular, it can be formed into a component with optimal yield. Additionally, although the second wiring component is crank-shaped, it can be formed into a component with optimal yield within its range. Therefore, the conductive module of the present invention has a very high yield.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the conductive module of the present invention, in the wiring component, the first wiring component on the first busbar group side and the second wiring component on the second busbar group side are each formed independently. Moreover, since both the first and second wiring components are rectangular, they can be formed into components with optimal yield. Therefore, the conductive module of the present invention has optimal yield. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a plan view illustrating the conductive module of an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is an exploded plan view illustrating the conductive module of an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the battery module and busbar together.

[0018] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the yield rate of the first wiring component in the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the yield rate of the second wiring component in the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a plan view illustrating the conductive module of the modified example.

[0021] Figure 7 This is an exploded plan view illustrating the conductive module of the modified example.

[0022] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the yield of the second wiring component in the modified example.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0024] 1 and 2 conductive modules

[0025] 10 busbars

[0026] 10A First Busbar Group

[0027] 10B Second Busbar Group

[0028] 20 and 120 wiring components

[0029] 25 connectors

[0030] 26 Reinforcing Plate

[0031] 30 First wiring component

[0032] 31 First connector mounting section

[0033] 40, 140 Second wiring components

[0034] 41, 141 Second connector mounting section

[0035] 42, 142 Main Path Section

[0036] 43, 143 Intermediate Path Section

[0037] 140a, 140b Bending Sections

[0038] BC battery cell

[0039] BCb electrode terminals

[0040] BM battery module Detailed Implementation

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the conductive module of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0042] [Example]

[0043] based on Figures 1 to 5 This describes one embodiment of the conductive module of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Reference numeral 1 in the accompanying drawings indicates the conductive module of this embodiment. This conductive module 1 is assembled into a battery module BM (with multiple battery cells BC arranged in a column). Figure 1 and Figure 3 This conductive module 1 electrically connects multiple battery cells BC within the battery module BM. Furthermore, it electrically connects the battery module BM to a battery monitoring unit (not shown), allowing the monitoring unit to monitor the battery status of the battery cells BC. The conductive module 1 and the battery module BM together constitute a battery pack. This battery pack can be installed, for example, in vehicles equipped with a rotating mechanism as a drive source (BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), etc.) to supply power to the rotating mechanism.

[0045] The battery cell BC has a cell body BCa and positive and negative electrode terminals BCb respectively. Figure 1 and Figure 3The battery cell BC shown here has a cell body BCa formed into a cuboid shape with six outer wall surfaces. Furthermore, in the plurality of battery cells BC constituting the battery module BM, adjacent cell bodies BCa in their arrangement direction are arranged such that one outer wall surface faces each other. The battery module BM includes: an assembly of multiple electrode terminals BCb (hereinafter referred to as the "first electrode terminal group") BCc of one side arranged in the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells BC, and an assembly of multiple electrode terminals BCb of the other side arranged in the same direction (hereinafter referred to as the "second electrode terminal group") BCd. Figure 1 and Figure 3 ).

[0046] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, “arrangement direction” refers to the arrangement direction of multiple battery cells BC, and the arrangement direction of multiple electrode terminals BCb in the first electrode terminal group BCc and the second electrode terminal group BCd.

[0047] In this example, each battery cell BC has its own positive and negative electrode terminals BCb on one of the six outer wall surfaces of the cell body BCa. Figure 3 Therefore, in the battery module BM, a first electrode terminal group BCc and a second electrode terminal group BCd are arranged on a plane. Figure 3 ).

[0048] Furthermore, the electrode terminal BCb shown here is formed in a flat plate shape, and the busbar 10 described later is physically and electrically connected by welding or the like. Figure 1 and Figure 3 However, the electrode terminal BCb can also be formed as a pole post shape with an external thread. In this case, the busbar 10 is threadedly fixed to the electrode terminal BCb by screwing the internal threaded part into the external thread of the electrode terminal BCb.

[0049] The conductive module 1 is provided with a busbar 10 that is physically and electrically connected to the electrode terminals BCb of the battery cell BC constituting the battery module BM. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The conductive module 1 is an assembly of the busbars 10, and includes: a first busbar group 10A connected to the electrode terminal BCb of the first electrode terminal group BCc, and a second busbar group 10B connected to the electrode terminal BCb of the second electrode terminal group BCd.

[0050] Busbar 10 is formed from a conductive material such as metal. Busbar 10 is a plate-shaped conductive component made of metal, for example, stamped from a metal plate. The busbar 10 shown here is formed into a rectangular plate shape.

[0051] In the conductive module 1, the busbar 10 includes, for example: a busbar that is physically and electrically connected to the adjacent electrode terminals BCb of a pair of battery cells BC in the battery module BM, a busbar that is physically and electrically connected to the electrode terminal BCb of the battery module BM that serves as the overall negative electrode, and a busbar that is physically and electrically connected to the electrode terminal BCb of the battery module BM that serves as the overall positive electrode.

[0052] The conductive module 1 includes a wiring component 20 that electrically connects the busbar 10 to the battery monitoring unit. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Furthermore, the conductive module 1 includes electrical connection components (not shown) for each busbar 10 that physically and electrically connect the wiring component 20 to the busbar 10. These electrical connection components are conductive components such as wires or terminal fittings.

[0053] The wiring component 20 includes: a first wiring component 30 for a first busbar group 10A, a second wiring component 40 for a second busbar group 10B, and a connector 25 for connecting the first wiring component 30 and the second wiring component 40 to a battery monitoring unit. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0054] The first wiring component 30 is a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) formed into a rectangular shape, having a first wiring pattern provided for each of the plurality of busbars 10 in the first busbar group 10A. The first wiring component 30 is arranged close to the first busbar group 10A with its long side direction aligned with the arrangement direction while maintaining its rectangular shape.

[0055] In the first wiring component 30, a first wiring pattern paired with the busbar 10 is electrically connected to the busbar 10 of the adjacent first busbar group 10A. The electrical connection component is physically and electrically connected to the busbar 10 and the first wiring pattern of the first busbar group 10A, which are the objects of connection.

[0056] The first wiring component 30 has a connector mounting portion (hereinafter referred to as "first connector mounting portion") 31 at one end in its longitudinal direction. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Connector 25 is physically and electrically connected to a plurality of first wiring patterns on the first connector mounting portion 31 at one end.

[0057] The second wiring component 40 is a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) shaped like a crank and has a second wiring pattern provided for each of the plurality of busbars 10 in the second busbar group 10B.

[0058] The second wiring component 40 has a connector mounting portion (hereinafter referred to as "second connector mounting portion") 41 at one end. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Connector 25 is physically and electrically connected to a plurality of second wiring patterns on the second connector mounting portion 41 at one end.

[0059] Here, the second connector mounting portion 41 is disposed near one end of the first connector mounting portion 31 on the opposite side of the first busbar group 10A and the second busbar group 10B in the opposing configuration direction. The first connector mounting portion 31 and the second connector mounting portion 41 are on the same plane and are arranged laterally along the same direction in their respective length directions. The wiring component 20 includes a reinforcing plate 26 that is adhered to and reinforced by the laterally arranged first connector mounting portions 31 and second connector mounting portions 41. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The connector 25 is physically and electrically connected to a plurality of first wiring patterns of the first connector mounting portion 31 and a plurality of second wiring patterns of the second connector mounting portion 41, which are connected and reinforced by the reinforcing plate 26.

[0060] Additionally, the second wiring component 40 has a main path portion 42 on the other end side that is laid with its length direction aligned with the arrangement direction and close to the second busbar group 10B. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the main path section 42, the second wiring pattern paired with the busbar 10 is electrically connected to the busbar 10 of the adjacent second busbar group 10B. The electrical connection component is physically and electrically connected to the busbar 10 of the second busbar group 10B and the second wiring pattern of the main path section 42, which are the objects of connection.

[0061] Additionally, the second wiring component 40 has an intermediate path portion 43 that connects the second connector mounting portion 41 and the main path portion 42. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0062] In this wiring component 20, the first wiring component 30 and the second wiring component 40 are respectively cut from a sheet of material serving as a substrate. The first wiring component 30 is a rectangular component, cut from a rectangular sheet 30S in which multiple first wiring components 30 are arranged close to each other. Figure 4 Therefore, the yield rate when cutting the first wiring component 30 can be optimized. Furthermore, the second wiring component 40 is a crank-shaped component, which is cut from a sheet 40S in which multiple second wiring components 40 are arranged close together. Figure 5Therefore, the second wiring component 40 can improve the yield rate during cutting. Here, in order to achieve the best yield rate, multiple second wiring components 40 are arranged in a rectangular sheet 40S such that the length direction of the main path portion 42 and the like is inclined relative to its edge.

[0063] As shown above, in this wiring component 20, the first wiring component 30 on the first busbar group 10A side and the second wiring component 40 on the second busbar group 10B side are each formed independently. Furthermore, since the first wiring component 30 is rectangular, it can be formed into a component with optimal yield. Similarly, although the second wiring component 40 is crank-shaped, it can also be formed into a component with optimal yield within its range. Therefore, the conductive module 1 has a good yield, which reduces its cost.

[0064] [Variation Example]

[0065] The conductive module 2 in this variation is a conductive module formed by replacing the wiring component 20 with the wiring component 120 described below in the conductive module 1 of the aforementioned embodiment. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Therefore, in this modified example, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts or components as in the conductive module 1 of the embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0066] The wiring component 120 in this variation is a component formed by replacing the second wiring component 40 with the second wiring component 140 described below in the wiring component 20 of the embodiment. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The second wiring component 140 in this variation is a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) formed into a rectangular shape and having two bends 140a and 140b, which is bent into a crank shape, and has a second wiring pattern provided for each of the plurality of busbars 10 in the second busbar group 10B.

[0067] The second wiring component 140, similar to the second wiring component 40 in the embodiment, has a connector mounting portion (hereinafter referred to as "second connector mounting portion") 141 at one end, and the connector 25 is physically and electrically connected to a plurality of second wiring patterns of the second connector mounting portion 141 at one end. Figure 6 and Figure 7The second connector mounting portion 141, similar to the second connector mounting portion 41 in the embodiment, is positioned near one end of the first connector mounting portion 31 in the opposing configuration direction of the first busbar group 10A and the second busbar group 10B. It is reinforced by a reinforcing plate 26 that is attached together with the first connector mounting portion 31. The connector 25 is physically and electrically connected to both the plurality of first wiring patterns of the first connector mounting portion 31 and the plurality of second wiring patterns of the second connector mounting portion 141, which are connected and reinforced by the reinforcing plate 26.

[0068] Furthermore, the second wiring component 140, like the second wiring component 40 in the embodiment, has a main path portion 142 on the other end side where its length direction is aligned with the arrangement direction and it is laid close to the second busbar group 10B. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the main path section 142, the second wiring pattern paired with the busbar 10 is electrically connected to the busbar 10 of the adjacent second busbar group 10B. The electrical connection component is physically and electrically connected to the busbar 10 of the second busbar group 10B and the second wiring pattern of the main path section 142, which are the objects of connection.

[0069] Furthermore, the second wiring component 40 has an intermediate path portion 143 that connects the second connector mounting portion 141 and the main path portion 142 via two bends 140a and 140b. Figure 6 and Figure 7 ).

[0070] In the wiring component 120 of this modification, both the first wiring component 30 and the second wiring component 140 are formed into a rectangular shape. Therefore, the second wiring component 140 of this modification, like the first wiring component 30, can be cut from a rectangular sheet 140S formed by multiple second wiring components 140 arranged close together, thus achieving the best yield during cutting. Figure 8 ).

[0071] As shown above, similarly to the wiring component 20 of the embodiment, the first wiring component 30 on the first busbar group 10A side and the second wiring component 140 on the second busbar group 10B side of the wiring component 120 of this modified example are each individually formed. Furthermore, in the wiring component 120 of this modified example, both the first wiring component 30 and the second wiring component 140 are rectangular in shape, which can be cut from the sheets 30S and 140S into this rectangular shape, thus allowing them to be formed into components with optimal yield. Therefore, compared to the conductive module 1 of the embodiment, the conductive module 2 of this modified example has the best yield.

[0072] In this modified example, although the second wiring component 140 is formed into a rectangular shape, two parts are bent. Therefore, the cost of the second wiring component 140 considering this bending process is compared with the cost of the second wiring component 40 in the embodiment, and the one with lower cost is preferred.

Claims

1. A conductive module, characterized in that, have: The first busbar group and the second busbar group are a collection of busbars that are physically and electrically connected to the electrode terminals of the battery cells constituting the battery module. The first busbar group uses multiple electrode terminals on one side of the arrangement direction of the multiple battery cells constituting the battery module as the connection objects, and the second busbar group uses multiple electrode terminals on the other side of the arrangement direction as the connection objects. A wiring component that electrically connects the busbar to a battery monitoring unit that monitors the battery status of the battery cell; as well as An electrical connection component is provided for each of the busbars, which physically and electrically connects the wiring component to the busbar. The wiring component includes: a first wiring component, which is a flexible printed circuit board formed into a rectangular shape, and has a first wiring pattern provided for each of the plurality of busbars in the first busbar group; The second wiring component is a flexible printed circuit board shaped like a crank and has a second wiring pattern provided for each of the plurality of busbars in the second busbar group. and connectors, which are used to connect the first wiring component and the second wiring component to the battery monitoring unit. The first wiring component, while maintaining the rectangular shape, is arranged with its length direction aligned with the arrangement direction and close to the first busbar group. The second wiring component has: a second connector mounting portion on one end side, which is disposed near the first connector mounting portion on one end side of the first wiring component in the opposing configuration direction of the first busbar group and the second busbar group; a main path portion on the other end side, which is arranged so that its length direction is consistent with the arrangement direction and is close to the second busbar group; and an intermediate path portion, which connects the second connector mounting portion to the main path portion.

2. A conductive module, characterized in that, have: The first busbar group and the second busbar group are a collection of busbars that are physically and electrically connected to the electrode terminals of the battery cells constituting the battery module. The first busbar group uses multiple electrode terminals on one side of the arrangement direction of the multiple battery cells constituting the battery module as the connection objects, and the second busbar group uses multiple electrode terminals on the other side of the arrangement direction as the connection objects. A wiring component that electrically connects the busbar to a battery monitoring unit that monitors the battery status of the battery cell; as well as An electrical connection component is provided for each of the busbars, which physically and electrically connects the wiring component to the busbar. The wiring component comprises: a first wiring component, which is a flexible printed circuit board formed into a rectangular shape and has a first wiring pattern provided for each of the plurality of busbars in the first busbar group; and a second wiring component, which is a flexible printed circuit board formed into a rectangular shape and bent into a crank shape having two bends, and has a second wiring pattern provided for each of the plurality of busbars in the second busbar group. and connectors, which are used to connect the first wiring component and the second wiring component to the battery monitoring unit. The first wiring component, while maintaining the rectangular shape, is arranged with its length direction aligned with the arrangement direction and close to the first busbar group. The second wiring component has: a second connector mounting portion on one end side, which is disposed near the first connector mounting portion on one end side of the first wiring component in the opposing configuration direction of the first busbar group and the second busbar group; a main path portion on the other end side, which is arranged so that its length direction is consistent with the arrangement direction and is close to the second busbar group; and an intermediate path portion, which connects the second connector mounting portion to the main path portion via two of the bending portions.

3. The conductive module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connector is physically and electrically connected to a plurality of first wiring patterns of the first connector mounting portion and a plurality of second wiring patterns of the second connector mounting portion.

4. The conductive module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The wiring component includes a reinforcing plate that is attached to the first connector mounting portion and the second connector mounting portion for reinforcement.

5. The conductive module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The electrical connection component is physically and electrically connected to the busbar and the first wiring pattern of the first busbar group that are the connection objects, or physically and electrically connected to the busbar and the second wiring pattern of the main path portion of the second busbar group that are the connection objects.

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