Housing for flat wiring material

Abstract

A housing (1) for a flat wiring material is provided with: a first housing (10) having an accommodation space for accommodating a first portion of the flat wiring material, a holding part, and a first engagement part (12); and a second housing (20) having an accommodation space for accommodating a second portion of the flat wiring material, a holding portion, and a second engagement portion (22), the first housing and the second housing having an extension direction (X) in which the flat wiring material extends, the first housing and the second housing being configured so as to be capable of being disposed at a first relative position in which the holding portion holds the first portion of the flat wiring material, and a second relative position in which the holding portion holds the second portion of the flat wiring material. The first housing and the second housing are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction, and the first housing and the second housing are linearly arranged along the extension direction at a first relative position, and the first housing and the second housing are fixed at the second relative position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to housings for flat wiring materials. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, housings exist to contain wiring materials. For example, the battery busbar module in Patent Document 1 has a housing that houses multiple busbars and a battery sensing unit.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-108301 Summary of the Invention

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

[0007] It is desirable to improve the transportability of the housing that contains flat wiring material. For example, when the housing is enlarged in response to the elongation of the flat wiring material to be contained, the transportability of the housing tends to decrease.

[0008] The object of this invention is to provide a housing for flat wiring materials that can improve delivery performance.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] The flat wiring material housing of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first housing having a receiving space, a holding portion, and a first engaging portion, wherein the receiving space receives a first portion of the flat wiring material, and the holding portion holds the first portion; and a second housing having a receiving space, a holding portion, and a second engaging portion, wherein the receiving space receives a second portion of the flat wiring material, and the holding portion holds the second portion; the first housing and the second housing having an extending direction in which the flat wiring material extends; the first housing and the second housing being configured to be disposed at a first relative position and at a second relative position; in the first relative position, the first housing and the second housing being arranged in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction; in the second relative position, the first housing and the second housing being arranged in a straight line along the extending direction; and in the second relative position, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engaging with each other to fix the first housing and the second housing.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] In the flat wiring material housing of the present invention, a first housing and a second housing are configured to be disposed in a first relative position and a second relative position. In the first relative position, the first housing and the second housing are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction; in the second relative position, the first housing and the second housing are arranged in a straight line along the extending direction. In the second relative position, a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion engage with each other to fix the first housing and the second housing. The flat wiring material housing according to the present invention achieves the effect of improved transportability. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a top view of the housing for the flat wiring material according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a top view of the housing for the flat wiring material according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the flat wiring material housing according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the flat wiring material housing according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a top view of the flat wiring material used in the implementation method.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a top view of the housing for the flat wiring material assembled into the flat wiring material.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a flat wiring material housing assembled with flat wiring material.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a top view of the housing for the flat wiring material assembled into the flat wiring material.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the middle section housed in a shell for flat wiring material.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the flat wiring material housing according to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the flat wiring material housing according to the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the flat wiring material housing according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of flat wiring material.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of flat wiring material.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a top view of the housing for the flat wiring material according to the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of flat wiring material.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of flat wiring material.

[0030] Figure 18 This is an unfolded view of a shell for a flat wiring material, which is a modified example of the implementation method.

[0031] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of a flat wiring material housing, which is a modified example of the implementation method.

[0032] Figure 20 This is a top view of a modified embodiment of the flat wiring material.

[0033] Figure 21 This is a top view of a modified embodiment of the flat wiring material housed in the housing.

[0034] Figure 22 This is a top view of the housing for flat wiring materials with the cover closed.

[0035] Figure 23 This is a top view showing the first and second housings positioned relative to each other in the middle.

[0036] Figure 24 It is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a curved flat wiring material.

[0037] Figure 25 This is a perspective view illustrating the relative rotation of the second shell with respect to the first shell.

[0038] Figure 26 It is a perspective view of the first and second shells located in the second relative position.

[0039] Figure 27 It is a top view of a flat wiring material housing with a connecting structure.

[0040] Figure 28 This is a three-dimensional diagram representing an example of a connection structure.

[0041] Figure 29 This is a diagram showing the first and second housings positioned in relative middle positions in a modified embodiment.

[0042] Figure 30This is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating an example of a rotating structure.

[0043] Figure 31 This is a diagram showing the first and second housings positioned in a second relative position in a modified embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Hereinafter, a housing for flat wiring materials according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements in the following embodiments include elements readily conceived by those skilled in the art or substantially the same elements.

[0045] [Implementation Method]

[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 17 The implementation method will be described. This implementation method relates to a housing for flat wiring materials. Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a top view of the housing for the flat wiring material according to the embodiment. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the housing for the flat wiring material according to the embodiment. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the housing for the flat wiring material according to the embodiment. Figure 5 This is a top view of the housing for the flat wiring material according to the embodiment. Figure 6 This is a top view of the housing for flat wiring materials assembled into the flat wiring material. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a housing for flat cabling materials assembled with flat cabling materials. Figure 8 This is a top view of the housing for flat wiring materials assembled into the flat wiring material. Figure 9 This is a view showing the middle section housed in a casing for flat wiring material, and Figures 10 to 12 This is a perspective view of the flat wiring material housing according to the embodiment.

[0047] Figure 13 and Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of flat wiring materials. Figure 15 This is a top view of the housing for the flat wiring material according to the embodiment, and Figure 16 and Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of flat wiring material. Figure 3 express Figure 2 Section III-III. Figure 7 express Figure 6 Section VII-VII.

[0048] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the flat wiring material housing 1 of this embodiment has a first housing 10 and a second housing 20. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are molded, for example, from an insulating synthetic resin. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 shown are connected in a manner that allows them to rotate relative to each other. For example, the housing 1 for flat wiring material is used to make it have Figure 5 The roughly U-shaped flat wiring material 100 shown is used when it is deformed into a straight shape and maintained.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the first housing 10 has a main body 11, a first engaging portion 12, and a first connecting portion 13. The main body 11, the first engaging portion 12, and the first connecting portion 13 are, for example, integrally formed. The second housing 20 has a main body 21, a second engaging portion 22, and a second connecting portion 23. The main body 21, the second engaging portion 22, and the second connecting portion 23 are, for example, integrally formed. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are respectively configured to accommodate flat wiring material 100.

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 have an extension direction X and a width direction Y. The extension direction X is the extension direction of the flat wiring material 100 housed in the housings 10 and 20. In other words, the extension direction X is the axial and length directions of the flat wiring material 100 housed in the housings 10 and 20. The width direction Y is the width direction of the flat wiring material 100 housed in the housings 10 and 20. The width direction Y is orthogonal to the extension direction X.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the main body 11 of the first housing 10 has a receiving space 11d capable of accommodating flat wiring material. More specifically, the main body 11 of the first housing 10 has a support wall 11a, a pair of side walls 11b, and a plurality of retaining portions 11c. The support wall 11a, side walls 11b, and retaining portions 11c are, for example, integral. The example support wall 11a and side walls 11b have a flat plate shape. The side walls 11b are erected from the edge of the support wall 11a and are orthogonal to the support wall 11a. The pair of side walls 11b are opposite to each other in the width direction Y. The support wall 11a and the pair of side walls 11b form a receiving space 11d for accommodating the flat wiring material 100.

[0052] The retaining portion 11c holds the flat wiring material 100 contained in the receiving space 11d. Each sidewall 11b has a plurality of retaining portions 11c. The plurality of retaining portions 11c are spaced apart along the extending direction X. The retaining portions 11c protrude from the sidewall 11b toward the width direction Y. The retaining portion 11c provided on one sidewall 11b protrudes toward the other sidewall 11b. The retaining portion 11c has a claw shape, which is capable of holding the flat wiring material 100 in a manner that prevents the flat wiring material 100 from falling off the receiving space 11d.

[0053] The main body 21 of the second housing 20 has a shape substantially the same as the main body 11 of the first housing 10. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the main body 21 has a support wall 21a, a pair of side walls 21b, and a plurality of retaining portions 21c. The side walls 21b are erected from the edge of the support wall 21a and are orthogonal to the support wall 21a. The pair of side walls 21b are opposite to each other in the width direction Y. The support wall 21a and the pair of side walls 21b form a receiving space 21d for receiving the flat wiring material 100.

[0054] The retaining portion 21c holds the flat wiring material 100 contained in the receiving space 21d. Each sidewall 21b has a plurality of retaining portions 21c. The plurality of retaining portions 21c are arranged at intervals along the extending direction X. The retaining portions 21c protrude from the sidewall 21b toward the width direction Y. The retaining portion 21c provided on one sidewall 21b protrudes toward the other sidewall 21b. The retaining portion 21c has a claw shape, which is capable of holding the flat wiring material 100 in a manner that prevents the flat wiring material 100 from falling off the receiving space 21d.

[0055] Figure 4 The first engaging portion 12 and the second engaging portion 22 shown engage with each other along the extending direction X. The second engaging portion 22 has a plate portion 22a and a protrusion 22b. The plate portion 22a protrudes from the end face of the side wall 21b toward the extending direction X. The protrusion 22b bulges from the front end of the plate portion 22a toward the width direction Y.

[0056] The first engaging portion 12 has a frame shape into which the piece 22a can be inserted. More specifically, the first engaging portion 12 is connected to the support wall 11a and the side wall 11b respectively, and has a through hole 12a. The through hole 12a is provided along the extending direction X and has a cross-sectional shape into which the piece 22a can be inserted. The first engaging portion 12 is provided with a locking portion 12b for locking the protrusion 22b. The locking portion 12b is formed as a column extending along the height direction Z. When the piece 22a is inserted through the through hole 12a along the extending direction X, the protrusion 22b is locked by the locking portion 12b, and the first engaging portion 12 engages with the second engaging portion 22. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are fixed by the mutual engagement of the first engaging portion 12 and the second engaging portion 22.

[0057] Figure 4 The first connecting part 13 and the second connecting part 23 constitute a hinge-like rotating structure 40 (see reference). Figure 1 ).like Figure 4 As shown, the first connecting portion 13 has a pair of cylindrical portions 14. The cylindrical portions 14 are disposed on the outer surface of the sidewall 11b. The two cylindrical portions 14 are arranged coaxially with a distance between them in the height direction Z. The height direction Z is a direction orthogonal to both the extension direction X and the width direction Y. The cylindrical portions 14 have slits 14s that allow the pin 23b to pass through.

[0058] The second connecting part 23 has a cylindrical body 23a and a pair of pins 23b. The body 23a protrudes from the end face of the side wall 21b in the extending direction X. The pins 23b protrude from the body 23a in the height direction Z. One pin 23b protrudes towards the side of the supporting wall 21a, and the other pin 23b protrudes towards the side opposite to the side of the supporting wall 21a. The pins 23b are cylindrical and have a smaller diameter than the body 23a.

[0059] The two cylindrical portions 14 of the first connecting portion 13 support the pin 23b so that it can rotate. That is, the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 23 are connected in such a way that the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can rotate relative to each other with the central axis of the pin 23b as the center of rotation.

[0060] The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can be connected to be configured in a first relative position and in a second relative position. The first relative position is Figure 1 The relative positions are shown. In the first relative position, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are arranged along the width direction Y. In this case, the sidewall 11b of the first housing 10 and the sidewall 21b of the second housing 20 are opposite each other in the width direction Y. In the first relative position, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can also be arranged in parallel.

[0061] The second relative position is Figure 2 The relative positions are shown. In the second relative position, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are arranged in a straight line along the extending direction X. In this case, the sidewall 21b of the second housing 20 is located on the extension line of the extending direction X relative to the sidewall 11b of the first housing 10. Figure 2 As indicated by the middle arrow AR1, the rotating structure 40 enables the second housing 20 to rotate relative to the first housing 10 from a first relative position to a second relative position. The rotating structure 40 guides the second engaging portion 22 toward the first engaging portion 12, causing the second engaging portion 22 to engage with the first engaging portion 12. That is, when the second housing 20 is positioned in a straight line relative to the first housing 10, the first engaging portion 12 and the second engaging portion 22 automatically engage.

[0062] In this embodiment, the flat wiring material housing 1 is applied to, for example... Figure 5 The flat wiring material 100 shown is, for example, an FPC (flexible printed circuit board). Figure 5 The flat wiring material 100 is disposed on the battery module to detect the voltage and temperature of the battery cells in the battery module.

[0063] When the flat wiring material 100 is an FPC, it has a base film, a conductive layer, and a capping layer. The conductive layer is protected by being sandwiched between the base film and the capping layer. The conductive layer is, for example, a conductive metal foil, having a circuit pattern containing multiple detection lines 140. The flat wiring material 100 is flexible and can be bent for wiring.

[0064] Figure 5 The flat wiring material 100 has a generally U-shaped shape when viewed from above. The flat wiring material 100 has a first portion 110, a second portion 120, and a middle portion 130. The first portion 110 and the second portion 120 are generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The middle portion 130 connects the first portion 110 and the second portion 120. The middle portion 130 is arc-shaped when viewed from above. The flat wiring material 100 has a detection line 140 extending from the first portion 110 through the middle portion 130 to the second portion 120.

[0065] Electronic components such as fuses and thermistors, as well as metal plate components, are mounted on the flat cabling material 100. The U-shaped flat cabling material 100 enables efficient and cost-effective installation of various components. Multiple busbars 200 are connected to... Figure 5 Flat cabling material 100. Busbars 200 are respectively disposed in the first portion 110 and the second portion 120. The busbars 200 are spaced apart along the length direction of the first portion 110 and the second portion 120.

[0066] Each busbar 200 is electrically connected to a voltage detection line 140. When a thermistor is surface-mounted on the flat wiring material 100, the thermistor is electrically connected to the temperature detection line 140. Each detection line 140 is connected, for example, to an electronic control device for monitoring the battery module. A chip fuse is installed, for example, on each detection line 140.

[0067] As explained below, the flat wiring material housing 1 of this embodiment can be used when the U-shaped flat wiring material 100 is deformed into a straight line and held in place. In this case, as Figure 6 As shown, the flat wiring material is fitted with a housing 1 into the flat wiring material 100. Figure 6 In the flat cabling material housing 1, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are located in a first relative position. Various components are pre-mounted on the surface of the flat cabling material 100, and a busbar 200 is installed thereon.

[0068] For example, an operator performs the step of assembling the flat wiring material housing 1 onto the flat wiring material 100. The operator, for example, covers the flat wiring material housing 1 onto the flat wiring material 100 placed on a fixture plate, causing the flat wiring material housing 1 to engage with the flat wiring material 100. The first housing 10 of the flat wiring material housing 1 is assembled to the first portion 110 of the flat wiring material 100. The second housing 20 of the flat wiring material housing 1 is assembled to the second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100.

[0069] The flat wiring material is assembled to the flat wiring material 100 in such a way that the middle portion 130 of the flat wiring material 100 is exposed. For example... Figure 7 As shown, a first portion 110 of the flat wiring material 100 is housed in a first housing 10. A retaining portion 11c of the first housing 10 holds the first portion 110 housed in the receiving space 11d. A second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100 is housed in a second housing 20. A retaining portion 21c of the second housing 20 holds the second portion 120 housed in the receiving space 21d.

[0070] Next, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are positioned at... Figure 8 The second relative position is shown. The process of rotating the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 relative to each other is performed, for example, by an operator. The operator rotates the second housing 20 relative to the first housing 10, positioning the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 in the second relative position. At this time, the middle portion 130 of the flat wiring material 100 is bent and deformed outside the flat wiring material housing 1. The middle portion 130 deforms, for example, in a manner that allows it to float from the clamping plate. When the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are positioned in the second relative position, the middle portion 130 is accommodated within the flat wiring material housing 1. For example, the middle portion 130 is folded at a fold or a fold along a line in the radial direction.

[0071] Figure 9 This illustrates an example of a middle portion 130 housed within a flat wiring material housing 1. The folded middle portion 130 is, for example, housed within a first housing 10. In this case, the middle portion 130 may also be inserted between the first portion 110 and the main body 11 of the first housing 10. The middle portion 130 may also be housed within a second housing 20. Figure 9 As shown, the flat wiring material housing 1 holds the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100 in a straight line along the extension direction X. The second engaging portion 22 engages with the first engaging portion 12 of the flat wiring material housing 1, and locks the first housing 10 and the second housing 20.

[0072] The flat wiring material housing 1 of this embodiment can deform the U-shaped flat wiring material 100 into a straight line. Therefore, in the flat wiring material housing 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to simultaneously reduce the manufacturing cost and surface mount cost of the flat wiring material 100 and extend the length of the flat wiring material 100.

[0073] During the process of rotating the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 relative to each other, the flat wiring material 100 is housed within and held by the housings 10 and 20. Therefore, during the relative rotation process, accidental deformation of the flat wiring material 100 is suppressed. Furthermore, during the relative rotation process, fixture plates and the like are less likely to interfere with components mounted on the flat wiring material 100, and the mounted components are less likely to be damaged.

[0074] As a comparative example of the flat cabling material housing 1 of this embodiment, a housing with an overall straight-line shape will be described. When the U-shaped flat cabling material 100 is housed in the housing of the comparative example, a process occurs outside the housing to deform the flat cabling material 100. This process includes, for example, folding and unfolding the flat cabling material 100 on which the busbar 200 is mounted, to deform it into a straight line. At this time, it is necessary to suppress the movement of the busbar 200, for example, a special device is needed to suppress the movement of the busbar 200.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the busbar 200 and the U-shaped flat wiring material 100 can be placed into the flat wiring material housing 1 before the folding and unfolding operation. Since the busbar 200 is held by the flat wiring material housing 1, there is no need for a device to suppress the movement of the busbar 200.

[0076] The flat wiring material housing 1 that holds the flat wiring material 100 can be used as the housing of the busbar module. That is, the flat wiring material housing 1 can be attached to the battery module while holding the flat wiring material 100 and the busbar 200. In this case, a cover that covers the flat wiring material 100 can be installed on the flat wiring material housing 1.

[0077] Figure 10 Another example of a flat wiring material housing 1 is shown in the embodiment. Figure 10The first engaging portion 12 is a recess or through hole formed in the side wall 11b of the first housing 10. The second engaging portion 22 has a piece 22c and a protrusion 22d disposed in the side wall 21b of the second housing 20. The piece 22c protrudes from the inner side of the side wall 21b and extends toward the first housing 10 in the extending direction X. The protrusion 22d bulges from the piece 22c toward the width direction Y. The first engaging portion 12 engages with the second engaging portion 22 by engaging the protrusion 22d with the first engaging portion 12. The first engaging portion 10 and the second engaging portion 20 are fixed by the mutual engagement of the first engaging portion 12 and the second engaging portion 22.

[0078] Figure 10 The first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 23 constitute a rotating structure 40 that holds the spherical surface so that it can slide. The second connecting portion 23 has an arm 23c and a ball portion 23d. The arm 23c protrudes from the outer side of the side wall 21b of the second housing 20 toward the width direction Y. The ball portion 23d has a spherical shape and is connected to the front end of the arm 23c. The second connecting portion 23 has a hollow bearing portion 15 that holds the ball portion 23d so that it can rotate. The inner side of the bearing portion 15 is spherical. The bearing portion 15 supports the outer peripheral surface of the ball portion 23d so that it can slide. A slit 15s corresponding to the arm 23c is provided in the bearing portion 15. The slit 15s is formed so that the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can rotate relative to each other from a first relative position to a second relative position.

[0079] It should be noted that the first connecting part 13 and the second connecting part 23 can also be connected by a pin or other component. Figure 11 The first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 23 are connected by a pin 310 of the clamping plate 300. The first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 23 have a cylindrical shape. More specifically, the first connecting portion 13 has a cylindrical portion 16. The cylindrical portion 16 is disposed at the end of the first housing 10 on the side connected to the second housing 20. The cylindrical portion 16 has a through hole 16a extending in the height direction Z.

[0080] The second connecting portion 23 has a cylindrical portion 23e. The cylindrical portion 23e is disposed at the end of the second housing 20 on the side connected to the first housing 10. The cylindrical portion 23e has a through hole 23f extending in the height direction Z. The two cylindrical portions 16 and 23e are staggered in the height direction Z.

[0081] The process of rotating the two housings 10 and 20 relative to each other is performed, for example, in a fixture plate 300. The fixture plate 300 has pins 310 that can be inserted into through holes 16a and 23f. By inserting the pins 310 into the two through holes 16a and 23f, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are rotatably connected.

[0082] Figure 11The second engaging portion 22 has a plate portion 22e and a protrusion 22f. The plate portion 22e protrudes from the end face of the support wall 21a in the extending direction X. The protrusion 22f bulges from the plate portion 22e in the height direction Z. The first engaging portion 12 has an arched shape into which the plate portion 22e can be inserted. The first engaging portion 12 protrudes from the support wall 11a in the height direction Z. When the second housing 20 rotates relative to the first housing 10 toward a second relative position, the plate portion 22e is guided into insertion by the first engaging portion 12. The protrusion 22f is locked by the first engaging portion 12, thus engaging the first engaging portion 12 with the second engaging portion 22. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are fixed by the mutual engagement of the first engaging portion 12 and the second engaging portion 22.

[0083] It should be noted that the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 may also not have the rotating structure 40. For example, as Figure 12 As shown, the first housing 10 may also omit the first connecting portion 13. The second housing 20 may also omit the second connecting portion 23. Figure 12 The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can be configured in a first relative position or in a second relative position. The process of engaging the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 is performed, for example, by an operator. The housing 1 for flat wiring material can have a guide structure that guides the second engaging portion 22 toward the first engaging portion 12.

[0084] The application of the housing 1 for flat wiring materials is not limited to flat wiring materials 100 with a U-shape. For example, the housing 1 for flat wiring materials can be applied to... Figure 13 The straight, flat wiring material 100 is shown. Figure 13 In the flat wiring material housing 1, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are linearly engaged. The flat wiring material 100 is accommodated in the linearly engaged first housing 10 and second housing 20. In the flat wiring material housing 1 of this embodiment, the size of the housings 10 and 20 can be reduced relative to the elongated flat wiring material 100.

[0085] The flat wiring material 100 housed in the flat wiring material housing 1 can be formed by connecting multiple parts. For example, as Figure 14 As shown, the flat wiring material 100 may have a first wiring material 100A and a second wiring material 100B that can be connected. The first wiring material 100A and the second wiring material 100B are respectively formed in a straight line shape.

[0086] Connector 150 is disposed in first wiring material 100A. Detection line 140 of first wiring material 100A is connected to the terminal of connector 150. Connector 160 is disposed in second wiring material 100B. Detection line 140 of second wiring material 100B is connected to the terminal of connector 160.

[0087] The first wiring material 100A is housed in the first housing 10 as a first portion of the flat wiring material 100. The second wiring material 100B is housed in the second housing 20 as a second portion of the flat wiring material 100. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the flat wiring material housing 1 that accommodates two wiring materials 100A and 100B can be transported with the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 positioned in a first relative position.

[0088] When the flat wiring material 100 is assembled into the battery module, the flat wiring material is deformed by the housing 1. Figure 14 The state shown. At this time, the two connectors 150 and 160 are connected to each other, so that the two wiring materials 100A and 100B form a flat wiring material 100.

[0089] As described above, the flat wiring material housing 1 of this embodiment has a first housing 10 and a second housing 20. The first housing 10 has: a receiving space 11d that receives a first portion 110 of the flat wiring material 100; a holding portion 11c that holds the first portion 110; and a first engaging portion 12. The second housing 20 has: a receiving space 21d that receives a second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100; a holding portion 21c that holds the second portion 120; and a second engaging portion 22. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 have an extending direction X in which the flat wiring material 100 extends.

[0090] The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are configured to be arranged in a first relative position and a second relative position. In the first relative position, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction X. In the second relative position, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are arranged in a straight line along the extending direction X. In the second relative position, the first engaging portion 12 and the second engaging portion 22 engage with each other to fix the first housing 10 and the second housing 20. Since the flat wiring material housing 1 of this embodiment includes two housings 10 and 20 that can engage, costs can be reduced. For example, manufacturing costs are reduced by miniaturizing each housing 10 and 20. For example, handling costs can be reduced by being able to position the housings 10 and 20 in the first relative position.

[0091] The housing 1 for flat wiring material may have a rotating structure 40. The rotating structure 40 allows the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 to rotate relative to each other between a first relative position and a second relative position. The rotating structure 40 improves workability when the two housings 10 and 20 are rotated relative to each other.

[0092] The flat wiring material housing 1 may include three or more sub-housings. In addition to the first housing 10 and the second housing 20... Figure 15 The flat wiring material housing 1 shown also has a third housing 30. The third housing 30 has a main body 31 and a third engaging portion 32. The first housing 10 has an engaging portion 17 corresponding to the third engaging portion 32. The flat wiring material housing 1 has a rotating structure 50 that rotatably connects the first housing 10 and the third housing 30.

[0093] like Figure 15 As shown, the third housing 30 can be positioned in a first relative position relative to the first housing 10. Furthermore, the third housing 30 can be rotated relative to the first housing 10 to be positioned in a second relative position relative to the first housing 10. According to... Figure 15 The flat wiring material housing 1 shown achieves miniaturization of housings 10, 20, and 30.

[0094] It should be noted that the flat cabling material 100 is not limited to FPC. The flat cabling material 100 can be another flat cabling material such as FFC (Flexible Flat Cable).

[0095] Busbar 200 can be installed on flat wiring material 100 after it is housed in flat wiring material housing 1. Electronic components and other components can be surface mounted on flat wiring material 100 housed in flat wiring material housing 1.

[0096] The shape of the middle portion 130 is not limited to the arc shape shown in the example. The middle portion 130 can also be, for example, as shown in... Figure 16 It has a roughly V-shape as shown. Figure 16 The middle portion 130 has a first inclined portion 131 connected to the first portion 110 and a second inclined portion 132 connected to the second portion 120. The first inclined portion 131 is inclined toward the second portion 120 as it moves away from the first portion 110 along the length direction Ex of the first portion 110. The second inclined portion 132 is inclined toward the first portion 110 as it moves away from the second portion 120 along the length direction Ex of the second portion 120. The first inclined portion 131 and the second inclined portion 132 intersect in a V-shape when viewed from above.

[0097] For example, the middle part 130 can also be like Figure 17 It is bent at a right angle as shown. Figure 17The middle portion 130 has a first extension 133 connected to the first portion 110, a second extension 134 connected to the second portion 120, and a connecting portion 135. The first extension 133 extends from the first portion 110 along the long side direction Ex and protrudes from the first housing 10. The second extension 134 extends from the second portion 120 along the long side direction Ex and protrudes from the second housing 20. The connecting portion 135 connects the front ends of the first extension 133 and the front ends of the second extension 134. The connecting portion 135 extends along a direction Ot orthogonal to the length direction Ex.

[0098] [Variations on the implementation method]

[0099] The housing 1 for the flat wiring material of the modified embodiment will be described. Figure 18 This is a development view of a shell for a flat wiring material, a modified example of the implementation method. Figure 19 This is a perspective view of a shell for a flat wiring material, a modified example of the embodiment. Figure 20 This is a top view of a modified example of the implementation method, showing a flat wiring material. Figure 21 This is a top view showing the flat wiring material housed in the housing of a modified embodiment. Figure 22 This is a top view of a flat wiring material housing with the cover closed. Figure 23 This is a top view showing the first and second shells in their relative positions at the middle. Figure 24 It is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a bent flat wiring material. Figure 25 This is a perspective view illustrating the relative rotation of the second shell with respect to the first shell. Figure 26 It is a perspective view of the first and second shells located in the second relative position.

[0100] In the modified example of the flat wiring material housing 1 of the embodiment, the difference from the flat wiring material housing 1 of the above embodiment is that, for example, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can be positioned at an intermediate relative position. At the intermediate relative position, such as... Figure 24 As shown, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 overlap each other in such a way that the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100 are opposite each other.

[0101] In the modified embodiment of the flat wiring material housing 1, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are located in an intermediate relative position between a first relative position and a second relative position. For example... Figure 25As shown, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are connected in a manner that allows them to rotate relative to each other. The second housing 20 rotates relative to the first housing 10 from a central relative position toward a second relative position. For example, the flat wiring material housing 1 of the modified embodiment is transported with the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 positioned at a central relative position. By overlapping the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, improved transportability can be achieved.

[0102] like Figure 18 As shown, in a modified embodiment, the first housing 10 has a body 11 and a cover 18. The body 11 and the cover 18 are, for example, integrally formed. Figure 18 In the first housing 10, the main body 11 and the cover 18 are connected via a hinge portion 11e. The main body 11 has a support wall 11a that supports a first portion 110 of the flat wiring material 100. The support wall 11a is formed as a straight line along the extending direction X. The cover 18 has a counter wall 18a that covers the support wall 11a. The first portion 110 of the flat wiring material 100 is received and held between the support wall 11a and the counter wall 18a.

[0103] A first shaft support portion 19A and a second shaft support portion 19B are provided at the end of the main body 11 extending in the X direction. The first shaft support portion 19A supports the first rotation shaft 25A of the second housing 20 so that it can rotate freely. The second shaft support portion 19B supports the second rotation shaft 25B of the second housing 20 so that it can rotate freely.

[0104] In a variation of the embodiment, the second housing 20 has a main body 21 and a cover 24. The main body 21 and the cover 24 are, for example, integrally formed. Figure 18 In the second housing 20, the main body 21 and the cover 24 are connected via a hinge portion 21e. The main body 21 has a support wall 21a that supports a second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100. The support wall 21a is formed as a straight line along the extending direction X. The cover 24 has an opposing wall 24a that covers the support wall 21a. The second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100 is received and held between the support wall 21a and the opposing wall 24a.

[0105] A first rotating shaft 25A is provided at the end of the main body 21 in the extending direction X. A second rotating shaft 25B is provided at the end of the cover 24 in the extending direction X. The first rotating shaft 25A protrudes from the side of the main body 21 toward the width direction Y. The second rotating shaft 25B extends along the width direction Y, passing through the end of the cover 24. Both ends of the second rotating shaft 25B are supported by a second shaft support 19B.

[0106] In the modified flat wiring material housing 1 of the embodiment, the rotating structure 60 is composed of two shaft support portions 19A and 19B of the first housing 10 and two rotating shafts 25A and 25B of the second housing 20. The rotating structure 60 is capable of performing... Figure 25 The relative rotation of the two shells 10 and 20 as shown.

[0107] like Figure 19 As shown, the first housing 10 has a first engaging portion 12, and the second housing 20 has a second engaging portion 22. The first engaging portion 12 is disposed at the end of the main body 11 in the extending direction X. The second engaging portion 22 is disposed at the end of the main body 21 in the extending direction X. The two engaging portions 12 and 22 are located at... Figure 26 The second relative positions shown are engaged with each other.

[0108] Figure 19 The second engaging portion 22 has a plate portion 22g that is erected in the height direction Z such that it faces the end face of the main body 21. The second engaging portion 22 has a protrusion that rises from the plate portion 22g toward the extending direction X. Figure 19 The first engaging portion 12 has a frame shape into which the piece 22g can be inserted. The first engaging portion 12 protrudes from the end face of the main body 11 toward the extending direction X and has a through hole extending in the height direction Z. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are fixed by engaging the first engaging portion 12 with the second engaging portion 22.

[0109] The flat wiring material housing 1 of the modified embodiment is applied, for example, to... Figure 20 The flat wiring material 100 shown is, for example, an FPC (flexible printed circuit board). Figure 20 Flat wiring material 100, for example, is configured in a battery module.

[0110] Figure 20 The flat wiring material 100 has a generally U-shaped shape in a top view. The flat wiring material 100 has a first portion 110, a second portion 120, and a middle portion 130. The first portion 110 and the second portion 120 are generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The flat wiring material 100 has a slit 100s formed between the first portion 110 and the second portion 120.

[0111] The intermediate portion 130 connects the first portion 110 and the second portion 120. The intermediate portion 130 is generally trapezoidal in shape when viewed from above. The intermediate portion 130 has a tapered shape that narrows in width as it moves away from the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 along the length direction Ex.

[0112] In a modified embodiment, the flat wiring material 100 is provided with a branch 170 that connects to the busbar 200. The branch 170 extends from the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 in the width direction. The front end of the branch 170 is connected to the busbar 200 by solder or the like.

[0113] Figure 21 This indicates a flat wiring material 100 housed within a flat wiring material housing 1. A first portion 110 is housed within the main body 11 of the first housing 10. A busbar 200 connected to the first portion 110 is housed within and held by the main body 11. A second portion 120 is housed within the main body 21 of the second housing 20. A busbar 200 connected to the second portion 120 is housed within and held by the main body 21.

[0114] For example, a jig plate is used to perform the step of housing the flat cabling material 100 in the flat cabling material housing 1. As an example, the flat cabling material 100 can also be assembled onto a first housing 10 and a second housing 20 placed on the jig plate. In this case, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are placed on the jig plate in a first relative position. The operator places a first portion 110 of the flat cabling material 100 onto the body 11 of the first housing 10 and a second portion 120 of the flat cabling material 100 onto the body 21 of the second housing 20. If the busbar 200 is pre-installed on the flat cabling material 100, the busbar 200 is assembled together with the flat cabling material 100 onto the bodies 11 and 21.

[0115] When the flat wiring material 100 is housed in the two housings 10 and 20, a closing process is performed to close the covers 18 and 24. During the closing process, the cover 18 of the first housing 10 is assembled to the main body 11 while bending the hinge portion 11e. During the closing process, the cover 24 of the second housing 20 is assembled to the main body 21 while bending the hinge portion 21e. Figure 22 This indicates that covers 18 and 24 are closed. The opposite wall 18a of cover 18 covers the first portion 110 of the flat wiring material 100. The opposite wall 24a of cover 24 covers the second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100.

[0116] When the cover 24 is closed, the second rotation shaft 25B of the second housing 20 is located adjacent to the second shaft support portion 19B of the first housing 10. The first rotation shaft 25A of the second housing 20 is located at the end away from the first housing 10 in the width direction Y. The first shaft support portion 19A of the first housing 10 is located at the end away from the second housing 20 in the width direction Y.

[0117] from Figure 22From the state shown, a first rotation process is performed that causes the second housing 20 to rotate relative to the first housing 10. In the first rotation process, with... Figure 22 The rotation axis Cx is shown as the center of rotation, causing the second housing 20 to rotate relative to the first housing 10. The rotation axis Cx is, for example, a straight line extending in the extension direction X between the two covers 18 and 24. This rotation can also be performed, for example, using a clamping plate. In this case, the clamping plate may also have a main body supporting the first housing 10 and a support member supporting the second housing 20. The support member is supported by the main body in a manner that allows it to rotate about the rotation axis Cx as the center of rotation.

[0118] The second housing 20 rotates relative to the first housing 10 about the rotation axis Cx, and the second housing 20 overlaps with the first housing 10. Therefore, the second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100 overlaps with the first portion 110 and faces the first portion 110. At this time, the middle portion 130 of the flat wiring material 100 bends along the rotation axis Cx.

[0119] Figure 23 This indicates the state where the first rotation process is completed and the second housing 20 overlaps with the first housing 10. Figure 24 express Figure 23 The XXIV-XXIV section. For example... Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown, the first housing 10 has a protective cover 11g that protects the middle portion 130 of the flat wiring material 100. The protective cover 11g is connected to the support wall 11a via a hinge portion 11f. The first housing 10 accommodates the middle portion 130, which is folded back in a U-shape, between the support wall 11a and the protective cover 11g. The opposing wall 18a of the cover 18 is sandwiched inside the folded-back middle portion 130.

[0120] The first rotating shaft 25A of the second housing 20 is supported by the first shaft support portion 19A of the first housing 10 and is rotatable. The first shaft support portion 19A has a plate portion 19c and a locking portion 19d that are erected in the height direction Z. A slit 19e extending in the height direction Z is provided in the plate portion 19c. The end of the first rotating shaft 25A is inserted into the slit 19e and locked by the locking portion 19d.

[0121] The second rotating shaft 25B of the second housing 20 is supported by the second shaft support portion 19B of the first housing 10 and is rotatable. The second shaft support portion 19B has a slit 19f provided on the side wall 11h. The side wall 11h is disposed on both sides of the support wall 11a in the width direction Y. The end of the second rotating shaft 25B is inserted into the slit 19f and supported by the side wall 11h to be rotatable. By inserting the two rotating shafts 25A and 25B into the two shaft support portions 19A and 19B, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are rotatably connected. Thus, a busbar module 400 is constituted. The busbar module 400 includes a flat wiring material housing 1, a flat wiring material 100, and a busbar 200 as described in the embodiment.

[0122] Figure 25 This diagram illustrates the second rotation process. The second rotation process is performed, for example, in a factory where the busbar module 400 is assembled into a vehicle, etc. Figure 25 As shown, in the second rotation process, the second housing 20 rotates relative to the first housing 10 from the middle relative position toward the second relative position. In the second rotation process, the second housing 20 rotates relative to the first housing 10 with the central axis of the two rotation axes 25A as the rotation center.

[0123] Figure 26 This indicates that the second rotation process is complete and the two housings 10 and 20 are positioned in the second relative position. The first portion 110 and the second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100 are arranged in a straight line. In other words, when viewed from above, the second portion 120 is positioned on the extension line of the first portion 110. Additionally, a plurality of busbars 200 are arranged in a straight line along the extension direction X. The cover 18 of the first housing 10 covers and protects the first portion 110 through the opposing wall 18a. The cover 24 of the second housing 20 covers and protects the second portion 120 through the opposing wall 24a.

[0124] When the two housings 10 and 20 are in a second relative position, the busbar module 400 is assembled to the battery pack. Each busbar 200 is connected to the electrodes of the battery cells in the battery pack. The detection line 140 of the flat wiring material 100 is connected, for example, to a monitoring unit that monitors the state of the battery cells. The flat wiring material housing 1 of this embodiment can transport the flat wiring material 100 and the flat wiring material housing 1 while the two housings 10 and 20 are overlapping. Therefore, the flat wiring material housing 1 of this embodiment can improve transportability.

[0125] It should be noted that the housing 1 for flat wiring materials may have the connection structure 70 described below. Figure 27 This describes a flat wiring material housing 1 having a connecting structure 70. The connecting structure 70 has a first connecting portion 71 and a second connecting portion 72.

[0126] The first connecting portion 71 has an arm 71a and a ball portion 71b. The base end of the arm 71a protrudes from the outer surface of the side wall 11b of the first housing 10 toward the width direction Y. The arm 71a is bent at a roughly right angle in the middle. The front end of the arm 71a extends in the height direction Z. The ball portion 71b is disposed at the front end of the arm 71a. The ball portion 71b has a spherical shape.

[0127] The second connecting portion 72 is disposed on the outer surface of the side wall 21b of the second housing 20. The second connecting portion 72 has a hollow bearing portion 72a that holds the ball portion 71b so that it can rotate. The inner surface of the bearing portion 72a is spherical. The bearing portion 72a supports the outer peripheral surface of the ball portion 71b so that it can slide. A slit 72b corresponding to the arm 71a is provided in the bearing portion 72a. The slit 72b is formed so that the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can rotate relative to each other from a first relative position to an intermediate relative position.

[0128] like Figure 27 As shown, the connecting structure 70 is configured to position the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 in a first relative position. Additionally, as... Figure 29 As shown, the connecting structure 70 is configured to position the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 in a relative, intermediate position.

[0129] like Figure 29 As shown, the housing 1 for flat wiring materials has a rotating structure 60. (As indicated...) Figure 30 As shown, the rotating structure 60 has a protrusion 11j on the first housing 10 and a recess 21f on the second housing 20. The protrusion 11j protrudes from the inner surface of the sidewall 11b. The shape of the protrusion 11j is, for example, cylindrical. The first housing 10 has two protrusions 11j that are opposite to each other in the width direction Y.

[0130] A recess 21f is provided in the sidewall 21b, allowing the protrusion 11j to be inserted. The recess 21f can also be a through hole penetrating the sidewall 21b. The second housing 20 has two recesses 21f corresponding to the two protrusions 11j. When the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are positioned in a middle relative position, the two protrusions 11j are inserted into the corresponding recesses 21f. The rotating structure 60 allows the two housings 10 and 20 to rotate relative to each other from the middle relative position to a second relative position.

[0131] Figure 31The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are shown in their second relative positions. During the second rotation process, the second connecting part 72 disengages from the first connecting part 71. The operation of detaching the connection between the two connecting parts 71 and 72 can also be performed by an operator. When the two housings 10 and 20 are positioned in the second relative positions, the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100 are aligned in a straight line.

[0132] As described above, the flat wiring material housing 1 of the modified embodiment has a rotating structure 60. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are configured to be positioned in an intermediate relative position. In the intermediate relative position, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 overlap in such a way that the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100 are opposite to each other. The rotating structure 60 is configured to allow the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 to rotate relative to each other between the intermediate relative position and the second relative position. The flat wiring material housing 1 according to the modified embodiment can achieve improved transportability.

[0133] In a variation of the embodiment, the flat wiring material housing 1 may have a connecting structure 70. The connecting structure 70 connects the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 in such a way that the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can rotate relative to each other between a first relative position and an intermediate relative position. Such a connecting structure 70 improves the workability of the first rotation process. For example, the first rotation process can be performed without using a dedicated jig plate.

[0134] The contents disclosed in the above-described embodiments and variations can be appropriately combined for implementation.

[0135] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0136] 1: Housing for flat wiring materials

[0137] 10: First shell

[0138] 11: Main Body

[0139] 11a: Support wall, 11b: Side wall, 11c: Retaining part, 11d: Receiving space

[0140] 11e: Hinge section, 11f: Hinge section, 11g: Protective cover, 11h: Side wall

[0141] 11j: protrusion

[0142] 12: First locking part; 13: First connecting part

[0143] 14: Cylindrical part, 15: Bearing part, 16: Cylindrical part, 17: Engaging part

[0144] 18: Cover; 19A: First shaft support; 19B: Second shaft support

[0145] 20: Second shell

[0146] 21: Main Body

[0147] 21a: Support wall, 21b: Side wall, 21c: Holding part, 21d: Receiving space

[0148] 21e: Hinge portion, 21f: Recess

[0149] 22: Second Card Section

[0150] 22a: plate, 22b: protrusion, 22c: plate, 22d: protrusion

[0151] 22e: flank; 22f: protrusion; 22g: flank

[0152] 23: Second connecting section

[0153] 24: Cover; 25A: First rotating axis; 25B: Second rotating axis

[0154] 30: Third shell, 31: Main body, 32: Third engaging part

[0155] 40: Rotational structure, 50: Rotational structure, 60: Rotational structure, 70: Connection structure

[0156] 100: Flat cabling material; 100A: First cabling material; 100B: Second cabling material

[0157] 110: Part 1, 120: Part 2

[0158] 130: Middle section, 131: First inclined section, 132: Second inclined section

[0159] 133: First extension, 134: Second extension, 135: Connecting part

[0160] 140: Testing line

[0161] 150, 160: Connectors

[0162] 200: Busbar

[0163] 300: Fixture plate; 310: Pin

[0164] 400: Busbar Module

[0165] Ex: Length direction, Ot: Orthogonal direction

[0166] X: Extension direction, Y: Width direction, Z: Height direction

Claims

1. A housing for a flat wiring material, characterized in that, have: A first housing has a receiving space, a retaining portion, and a first engaging portion, wherein the receiving space receives a first portion of flat wiring material and the retaining portion retains the first portion. The second housing has a receiving space, a retaining portion, and a second engaging portion, wherein the receiving space receives a second portion of the flat wiring material, and the retaining portion holds the second portion. The first housing and the second housing have an extending direction in which the flat wiring material extends. The first housing and the second housing are configured to be disposed at a first relative position and disposed at a second relative position, respectively. At the first relative position, the first housing and the second housing are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction. In the second relative position, the first housing and the second housing are aligned in a straight line along the extending direction. In the second relative position, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engage with each other to fix the first housing and the second housing.

2. The housing for flat wiring materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has a rotating structure that allows the first housing and the second housing to rotate relative to each other between the first relative position and the second relative position.

3. The housing for flat wiring materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has a rotating structure. The first housing and the second housing are configured to be positioned in a relative, intermediate location. At the intermediate relative position, the first housing and the second housing overlap in such a way that the first portion and the second portion of the flat wiring material are opposite each other. The rotating structure is configured to allow the first housing and the second housing to rotate relative to each other between the intermediate relative position and the second relative position.

4. The housing for flat wiring materials according to claim 3, characterized in that, It has a connecting structure that connects the first housing and the second housing in such a way that the first housing and the second housing can rotate relative to each other between the first relative position and the intermediate relative position.

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