Case for flat distribution material

Abstract

To provide a case for a flat distribution material capable of enhancing transportability.SOLUTION: A case 1 for a flat distribution material comprises: a first case 10 having an accommodation space for accommodating a first portion of the flat distribution material, a holding part, and a first engaging part 12; and a second case 20 having an accommodation space for accommodating a second portion of the flat distribution material, a holding part, and a second engaging part 22. The first case and the second case have an extension direction X in which the flat distribution material extends. The first case and the second case are configured to be disposed at a first relative position and a second relative position. At the first relative position, the first case and the second case are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction. At the second relative position, the first case and the second case are linearly aligned along the extension direction, and the first case and the second case are fixed at the second relative position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a case for flat cable materials.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a case for accommodating cable materials. For example, the bus bar module for a battery of Patent Document 1 includes a case for accommodating a plurality of bus bars and a battery sensing unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is desired to improve the transportability of a case for accommodating flat cable materials. For example, when the case is enlarged corresponding to the lengthening of the flat cable material to be accommodated, the transportability of the case tends to decrease.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a case for flat cable materials capable of improving transportability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The case for a flat cable material of the present invention includes a first case having an accommodation space for accommodating a first portion of the flat cable material, a holding portion for holding the first portion, and a first engaging portion, and a second case having an accommodation space for accommodating a second portion of the flat cable material, a holding portion for holding the second portion, and a second engaging portion. The first case and the second case have an extending direction in which the flat cable material extends, and the first case and the second case are configured to be capable of being arranged in a first relative position and a second relative position. In the first relative position, the first case and the second case are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction, and in the second relative position, the first case and the second case are linearly arranged 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 case and the second case.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] In the case for a flat cable material according to the present invention, the first case and the second case are configured to be capable of being arranged in a first relative position and a second relative position. In the first relative position, the first case and the second case are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction, and in the second relative position, the first case and the second case are linearly arranged 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 case and the second case. According to the case for a flat cable material of the present invention, there is an effect that the transportability can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, a case for a flat cable material according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment. In addition, the constituent elements in the following embodiments include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art or those that are substantially the same.

[0010] [Embodiment] Embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17. This embodiment relates to a case for a flat cable material. FIGS. 1 and 2 are plan views of a case for a flat cable material according to the embodiment, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the case for a flat cable material according to the embodiment, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the case for a flat cable material according to the embodiment, FIG. 5 is a plan view of a flat cable material according to the embodiment, FIG. 6 is a plan view of the case for a flat cable material assembled to the flat cable material, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the case for a flat cable material assembled to the flat cable material, FIG. 8 is a plan view of the case for a flat cable material assembled to the flat cable material, FIG. 9 is a view showing an intermediate portion housed in the case for a flat cable material, and FIGS. 10 to 12 are perspective views of the case for a flat cable material according to the embodiment.

[0011] FIGS. 13 and 14 are views showing an example of a flat cable material, FIG. 15 is a plan view of the case for a flat cable material according to the embodiment, and FIGS. 16 and 17 are views showing an example of a flat cable material. FIG. 3 shows the III-III cross-section of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 shows the VII-VII cross-section of FIG. 6.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the case 1 for a flat cable material of this embodiment has a first case 10 and a second case 20. The first case 10 and the second case 20 are molded, for example, from an insulating synthetic resin. The first case 10 and the second case 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are connected so as to be relatively rotatable. The case 1 for a flat cable material is used, for example, when deforming and holding a flat cable material 100 having a substantially U-shape as shown in FIG. 5 into a linear shape.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the first case 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 integrally molded, for example. The second case 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 integrally molded, for example. The first case 10 and the second case 20 are each configured to be able to accommodate the flat cable material 100.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first case 10 and the second case 20 have an extending direction X and a width direction Y. The extending direction X is the direction in which the flat cable material 100 accommodated in the cases 10 and 20 extends. In other words, the extending direction X is the axial direction or the longitudinal direction of the flat cable material 100 accommodated in the cases 10 and 20. The width direction Y is the width direction of the flat cable material 100 accommodated in the cases 10 and 20. The width direction Y is orthogonal to the extending direction X.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 11 of the first case 10 has an accommodation space 11d capable of accommodating the flat cable material. More specifically, the main body 11 of the first case 10 has a support wall 11a, a pair of side walls 11b, and a plurality of holding portions 11c. The support wall 11a, the side walls 11b, and the holding portions 11c are, for example, integral. The illustrated 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 face each other in the width direction Y. The support wall 11a and the pair of side walls 11b form an accommodation space 11d for accommodating the flat cable material 100.

[0016] The holding portion 11c holds the flat cable material 100 accommodated in the accommodation space 11d. Each side wall 11b has a plurality of holding portions 11c. The plurality of holding portions 11c are arranged at intervals along the extending direction X. The holding portion 11c protrudes from the side wall 11b toward the width direction Y. The holding portion 11c provided on one side wall 11b protrudes toward the other side wall 11b. The holding portion 11c has a claw shape and can hold the flat cable material 100 so that the flat cable material 100 does not fall out of the accommodation space 11d.

[0017] The main body 21 of the second case 20 has substantially the same shape as the main body 11 of the first case 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the main body 21 has a support wall 21a, a pair of side walls 21b, and a plurality of holding 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 face each other in the width direction Y. The support wall 21a and the pair of side walls 21b form an accommodation space 21d for accommodating the flat cable material 100.

[0018] The holding portion 21c holds the flat cable material 100 accommodated in the accommodation space 21d. Each side wall 21b has a plurality of holding portions 21c. The plurality of holding portions 21c are arranged at intervals along the extending direction X. The holding portion 21c protrudes from the side wall 21b toward the width direction Y. The holding portion 21c provided on one side wall 21b protrudes toward the other side wall 21b. The holding portion 21c has a claw shape and can hold the flat cable material 100 so that the flat cable material 100 does not fall off from the accommodation space 21d.

[0019] The first engaging portion 12 and the second engaging portion 22 shown in FIG. 4 engage with each other along the extending direction X. The second engaging portion 22 has a piece portion 22a and a protrusion 22b. The piece portion 22a protrudes from the end face of the side wall 21b toward the extending direction X. The protrusion 22b bulges from the tip of the piece portion 22a toward the width direction Y.

[0020] The first engaging portion 12 has a frame shape into which the single portion 22a can be inserted. More specifically, the first engaging portion 12 is connected to each of the support wall 11a and the side wall 11b, 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 single portion 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 on a column portion extending in the height direction Z. When the single portion 22a is inserted into 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 and the second engaging portion 22 are engaged. By engaging the first engaging portion 12 and the second engaging portion 22 with each other, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are fixed.

[0021] The first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 23 in FIG. 4 constitute a hinge-like rotating structure 40 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 4, the first connecting portion 13 has a pair of cylindrical portions 14. The cylindrical portions 14 are disposed on the outer surface of the side wall 11b. The two cylindrical portions 14 are coaxially arranged at intervals in the height direction Z. The height direction Z is a direction orthogonal to both the extending direction X and the width direction Y. The cylindrical portion 14 has a slit 14s that allows the pin 23b to pass through.

[0022] The second connecting portion 23 has a cylindrical main body 23a and a pair of pins 23b. The main body 23a protrudes from the end surface of the side wall 21b toward the extending direction X. The pin 23b protrudes from the main body 23a in the height direction Z. One pin 23b protrudes toward the support wall 21a side, and the other pin 23b protrudes toward the side opposite to the support wall 21a side. The pin 23b has a cylindrical shape and is smaller in diameter than the main body 23a.

[0023] The two cylindrical portions 14 of the first connecting portion 13 rotatably support the pin 23b. That is, the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 23 are connected so that the first case 10 and the second case 20 can rotate relative to each other about the central axis of the pin 23b as the rotation center.

[0024] The first case 10 and the second case 20 are connected so that they can be arranged in a first relative position and also in a second relative position. The first relative position is the relative position shown in FIG. 1. In the first relative position, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are arranged side by side along the width direction Y. In this case, the side wall 11b of the first case 10 and the side wall 21b of the second case 20 face each other in the width direction Y. In the first relative position, the first case 10 and the second case 20 may be arranged in parallel.

[0025] The second relative position is the relative position shown in FIG. 2. In the second relative position, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are arranged linearly along the extending direction X. In this case, the side wall 21b of the second case 20 is located on the extension line of the extending direction X with respect to the side wall 11b of the first case 10. As shown by the arrow AR1 in FIG. 2, the rotating structure 40 can relatively rotate the second case 20 with respect to the first case 10 from the first relative position to the second relative position. The rotating structure 40 guides the second engaging portion 22 to the first engaging portion 12 and engages the second engaging portion 22 with the first engaging portion 12. That is, when the second case 20 is linearly positioned with respect to the first case 10, the first engaging portion 12 and the second engaging portion 22 automatically engage.

[0026] The case 1 for the flat cable material of the present embodiment is applied to, for example, the flat cable material 100 shown in FIG. 5. The flat cable material 100 is, for example, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit board). The flat cable material 100 in FIG. 5 is arranged in a battery module and detects the voltage and temperature of the battery cells included in the battery module.

[0027] When the flat cable material 100 is an FPC, the flat cable material 100 has a base film, a conductive layer, and a coverlay. The conductive layer is sandwiched and protected by the base film and the coverlay. The conductive layer is, for example, a conductive metal foil and has a circuit pattern including a plurality of detection lines 140. The flat cable material 100 has flexibility and can be bent and routed.

[0028] The flat cable material 100 in Fig. 5 has a substantially U-shaped configuration in a plan view. The flat cable material 100 has a first portion 110, a second portion 120, and an intermediate portion 130. The shapes of the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 in a plan view are substantially rectangular. The intermediate portion 130 connects the first portion 110 and the second portion 120. The shape of the intermediate portion 130 in a plan view is an arc shape. The flat cable material 100 has a detection line 140 extending from the first portion 110 through the intermediate portion 130 to the second portion 120.

[0029] Electronic components such as fuses and thermistors, and metal plate components are mounted on the flat cable material 100, for example. The flat cable material 100 having a U-shaped configuration enables the efficiency improvement and cost reduction of the mounting process for mounting various components. A plurality of bus bars 200 are attached to the flat cable material 100 in Fig. 5. The bus bars 200 are respectively disposed on each of the first portion 110 and the second portion 120. The bus bars 200 are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first portion 110 and the second portion 120.

[0030] Each bus bar 200 is electrically connected to the detection line 140 for voltage detection. When a thermistor is surface-mounted on the flat cable material 100, the thermistor is electrically connected to the detection line 140 for temperature detection. Each detection line 140 is connected to, for example, an electronic control device that monitors a battery module. Chip fuses are mounted on each detection line 140, for example.

[0031] As described below, the flat cable material case 1 of the present embodiment may be used when the flat cable material 100 having a U-shaped configuration is deformed linearly and held. In this case, the flat cable material case 1 is fitted to the flat cable material 100 as shown in Fig. 6. In the flat cable material case 1 of Fig. 6, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are positioned at a first relative position. Each component is surface-mounted on the flat cable material 100 in advance, and the bus bar 200 is attached.

[0032] The step of assembling the flat cable material case 1 to the flat cable material 100 is, for example, executed by an operator. The operator, for example, covers the flat cable material 100 placed on the jig plate with the flat cable material case 1 and fits the flat cable material case 1 to the flat cable material 100. The first case 10 of the flat cable material case 1 is assembled to the first portion 110 of the flat cable material 100. The second case 20 of the flat cable material case 1 is assembled to the second portion 120 of the flat cable material 100.

[0033] The flat cable material case 1 is assembled to the flat cable material 100 so as to expose the intermediate portion 130 of the flat cable material 100. As shown in FIG. 7, the first portion 110 of the flat cable material 100 is accommodated in the first case 10. The holding portion 11c of the first case 10 holds the first portion 110 accommodated in the accommodation space 11d. The second portion 120 of the flat cable material 100 is accommodated in the second case 20. The holding portion 21c of the second case 20 holds the second portion 120 accommodated in the accommodation space 21d.

[0034] Next, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are positioned at the second relative position shown in FIG. 8. The step of relatively rotating the first case 10 and the second case 20 is, for example, executed by an operator. The operator relatively rotates the second case 20 with respect to the first case 10 and positions the first case 10 and the second case 20 at the second relative position. At this time, the intermediate portion 130 of the flat cable material 100 is bent and deformed outside the flat cable material case 1. The intermediate portion 130 is deformed, for example, so as to lift off from the jig plate. When the first case 10 and the second case 20 are positioned at the second relative position, the intermediate portion 130 is accommodated in the flat cable material case 1. For example, the intermediate portion 130 is folded in a mountain or valley fold along a line in the radial direction and folded.

[0035] FIG. 9 shows an example of the intermediate portion 130 housed in the flat cable material case 1. The folded intermediate portion 130 is, for example, housed in the first case 10. In this case, the intermediate portion 130 may be inserted between the first portion 110 and the main body 11 of the first case 10. The intermediate portion 130 may be housed in the second case 20. As shown in FIG. 9, the flat cable material case 1 holds the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 of the flat cable material 100 linearly side by side along the extending direction X. The second engaging portion 22 engages with the first engaging portion 12 of the flat cable material case 1, and the first case 10 and the second case 20 are locked.

[0036] The flat cable material case 1 of the present embodiment can deform the U-shaped flat cable material 100 linearly. Therefore, the flat cable material case 1 of the present embodiment can achieve both reduction of the manufacturing cost and surface mounting cost of the flat cable material 100 and elongation of the flat cable material 100.

[0037] In the step of relatively rotating the first case 10 and the second case 20, the flat cable material 100 is housed in the cases 10 and 20 and held by the cases 10 and 20. Therefore, in the step of relatively rotating, it is suppressed that the flat cable material 100 is deformed unexpectedly. Also, in the step of relatively rotating, it is difficult for a jig plate or the like to interfere with the components mounted on the flat cable material 100, and the mounted components are hardly damaged.

[0038] As a comparative example with respect to the flat cable material case 1 of the present embodiment, a case formed entirely linearly will be described. When the U-shaped flat cable material 100 is housed in the case of the comparative example, a step of deforming the flat cable material 100 outside the case occurs. This step includes, for example, an operation of stretching and deforming the flat cable material 100 to which the bus bar 200 is attached into a linear shape. At this time, it is necessary to suppress the movement of the bus bar 200. For example, dedicated equipment for suppressing the movement of the bus bar 200 is required.

[0039] According to this embodiment, before the unfolding operation, the bus bar 200 and the U-shaped flat cable member 100 can be placed in the flat cable member case 1. Since the bus bar 200 is held by the flat cable member case 1, equipment for suppressing the movement of the bus bar 200 becomes unnecessary.

[0040] The flat cable member case 1 holding the flat cable member 100 may be used as the case of the bus bar module. That is, the flat cable member case 1 may be attached to the battery module while holding the flat cable member 100 and the bus bar 200. In this case, a cover for covering the flat cable member 100 may be attached to the flat cable member case 1.

[0041] FIG. 10 shows another example of the flat cable member case 1 according to the embodiment. The first engaging portion 12 in FIG. 10 is a recess or through hole formed in the side wall 11b of the first case 10. The second engaging portion 22 has a piece portion 22c and a protrusion 22d disposed on the side wall 21b of the second case 20. The piece portion 22c protrudes from the inner surface of the side wall 21b and extends along the extending direction X toward the first case 10. The protrusion 22d bulges in the width direction Y from the piece portion 22c. When the protrusion 22d fits into the first engaging portion 12, the first engaging portion 12 and the second engaging portion 22 are engaged. By engaging the first engaging portion 12 and the second engaging portion 22 with each other, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are fixed.

[0042] The first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 23 in FIG. 10 constitute a rotating structure 40 that slidably holds a spherical surface. The second connecting portion 23 has an arm 23c and a ball portion 23d. The arm 23c protrudes from the outer surface of the side wall 21b of the second case 20 in the width direction Y. The ball portion 23d has a spherical shape and is connected to the tip of the arm 23c. The second connecting portion 23 has a hollow bearing portion 15 that rotatably holds the ball portion 23d. The shape of the inner surface of the bearing portion 15 is a spherical surface shape. The bearing portion 15 slidably supports the outer peripheral surface of the ball portion 23d. A slit 15s corresponding to the arm 23c is provided in the bearing portion 15. The slit 15s is formed so that the first case 10 and the second case 20 can relatively rotate from the first relative position to the second relative position.

[0043] Note that the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 23 may be connected by a member such as a pin. The first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 23 in FIG. 11 are connected by a pin 310 of a jig 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 tube portion 16. The tube portion 16 is disposed at an end of the first case 10 on the side connected to the second case 20. The tube portion 16 has a through hole 16a penetrating in the height direction Z.

[0044] The second connecting portion 23 has a cylindrical tube portion 23e. The tube portion 23e is disposed at an end of the second case 20 on the side connected to the first case 10. The tube portion 23e has a through hole 23f penetrating in the height direction Z. The two tube portions 16, 23e are arranged with a shift in the height direction Z.

[0045] The process of relatively rotating the two cases 10, 20 is executed, for example, on the jig plate 300. The jig plate 300 has a pin 310 that can be inserted into the through holes 16a, 23f. By inserting the pin 310 into the two through holes 16a, 23f, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are rotatably connected.

[0046] The second engaging portion 22 of FIG. 11 has a single portion 22e and a protrusion 22f. The single portion 22e protrudes from the end face of the support wall 21a in the extending direction X. The protrusion 22f bulges from the single portion 22e in the height direction Z. The first engaging portion 12 has an arch shape into which the single portion 22e can be inserted. The first engaging portion 12 protrudes from the support wall 11a in the height direction Z. When the second case 20 rotates relative to the first case 10 toward the second relative position, the single portion 22e is guided and inserted into the first engaging portion 12. By the first engaging portion 12 locking the protrusion 22f, the first engaging portion 12 and the second engaging portion 22 engage with each other. By the first engaging portion 12 and the second engaging portion 22 engaging with each other, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are fixed.

[0047] Note that the first case 10 and the second case 20 may not have the rotation structure 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the first case 10 may not have the first connecting portion 13. The second case 20 may not have the second connecting portion 23. The first case 10 and the second case 20 of FIG. 12 can be arranged both at the first relative position and at the second relative position. The step of engaging the first case 10 and the second case 20 is performed, for example, by an operator. The case 1 for flat cable material may have a guide structure for guiding the second engaging portion 22 to the first engaging portion 12.

[0048] The application target of the case 1 for flat cable material is not limited to the flat cable material 100 having a U shape. For example, the case 1 for flat cable material may be applied to the linear flat cable material 100 shown in FIG. 13. In the case 1 for flat cable material of FIG. 13, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are linearly engaged. The flat cable material 100 is housed in the first case 10 and the second case 20 that are linearly engaged. The case 1 for flat cable material of the present embodiment can miniaturize the cases 10 and 20 for a long flat cable material 100.

[0049] The flat cable material 100 accommodated in the case 1 for flat cable materials may be composed of connecting a plurality of parts. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the flat cable material 100 may have a first cable material 100A and a second cable material 100B that can be connected. The first cable material 100A and the second cable material 100B are each formed in a straight line shape.

[0050] A connector 150 is arranged on the first cable material 100A. The detection line 140 of the first cable material 100A is connected to the terminal of the connector 150. A connector 160 is arranged on the second cable material 100B. The detection line 140 of the second cable material 100B is connected to the terminal of the connector 160.

[0051] The first cable material 100A is accommodated in the first case 10 as the first part of the flat cable material 100. The second cable material 100B is accommodated in the second case 20 as the second part of the flat cable material 100. The case 1 for flat cable materials accommodating the two cable materials 100A and 100B can be transported, for example, in a state where the first case 10 and the second case 20 are positioned at a first relative position as shown in FIG. 1.

[0052] When the flat cable material 100 is assembled to the battery module, the case 1 for flat cable materials is deformed into the state shown in FIG. 14. At this time, the two connectors 150 and 160 are connected, and the two cable materials 100A and 100B are configured as one flat cable material 100.

[0053] As described above, the case 1 for flat cable materials of the present embodiment has a first case 10 and a second case 20. The first case 10 has an accommodation space 11d for accommodating the first part 110 of the flat cable material 100, a holding portion 11c for holding the first part 110, and a first engaging portion 12. The second case 20 has an accommodation space 21d for accommodating the second part 120 of the flat cable material 100, a holding portion 21c for holding the second part 120, and a second engaging portion 22. The first case 10 and the second case 20 have an extending direction X in which the flat cable material 100 extends.

[0054] The first case 10 and the second case 20 are configured to be capable of being arranged both at a first relative position and at a second relative position. At the first relative position, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction X. At the second relative position, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are arranged linearly 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, and the first case 10 and the second case 20 are fixed. The case 1 for flat cable materials of the present embodiment can reduce costs by including two engageable cases 10 and 20. For example, by miniaturizing each of the cases 10 and 20, the manufacturing cost is reduced. For example, since the cases 10 and 20 can be positioned at the first relative position, the transportation cost is reduced.

[0055] The case 1 for flat cable materials may have a rotation structure 40. The rotation structure 40 relatively rotates the first case 10 and the second case 20 between the first relative position and the second relative position. The rotation structure 40 can improve the workability when relatively rotating the two cases 10 and 20.

[0056] Note that the case 1 for flat cable materials may have three or more sub-cases. The case 1 for flat cable materials shown in FIG. 15 has a third case 30 in addition to the first case 10 and the second case 20. The third case 30 has a main body 31 and a third engaging portion 32. The first case 10 has an engaging portion 17 corresponding to the third engaging portion 32. The case 1 for flat cable materials has a rotation structure 50 that rotatably connects the first case 10 and the third case 30.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 15, the third case 30 can be positioned at a first relative position with respect to the first case 10. Further, the third case 30 can relatively rotate with respect to the first case 10 and be positioned at a second relative position with respect to the first case 10. According to the case 1 for flat cable materials shown in FIG. 15, miniaturization of each of the cases 10, 20, and 30 is realized.

[0058] Note that the flat cable material 100 is not limited to an FPC. The flat cable material 100 may be, for example, another flat cable material such as an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable).

[0059] The bus bar 200 may be attached to the flat cable material 100 after the flat cable material 100 is housed in the flat cable material case 1. Components such as electronic components may be surface-mounted on the flat cable material 100 housed in the flat cable material case 1.

[0060] The shape of the intermediate portion 130 is not limited to the illustrated arc shape. The intermediate portion 130 may have, for example, a substantially V-shaped as shown in FIG. 16. The intermediate portion 130 in FIG. 16 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 so as to go toward the second portion 120 as it moves away from the first portion 110 along the longitudinal direction Ex of the first portion 110. The second inclined portion 132 is inclined so as to go toward the first portion 110 as it moves away from the second portion 120 along the longitudinal direction Ex of the second portion 120. The first inclined portion 131 and the second inclined portion 132 intersect so as to form a V shape in plan view.

[0061] The intermediate portion 130 may be bent at a right angle as shown in FIG. 17, for example. The intermediate portion 130 in FIG. 17 has a first extension portion 133 connected to the first portion 110, a second extension portion 134 connected to the second portion 120, and a connecting portion 135. The first extension portion 133 is extended along the longitudinal direction Ex from the first portion 110 and protrudes from the first case 10. The second extension portion 134 is extended along the longitudinal direction Ex from the second portion 120 and protrudes from the second case 20. The connecting portion 135 connects the tip of the first extension portion 133 and the tip of the second extension portion 134. The connecting portion 135 extends along a direction Ot orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Ex.

[0062] [Modification of the Embodiment] The case 1 for flat cable materials according to a modification of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a development view of the case for flat cable materials according to a modification of the embodiment, FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the case for flat cable materials according to a modification of the embodiment, FIG. 20 is a plan view of the flat cable material according to a modification of the embodiment, FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the flat cable material housed in the case according to a modification of the embodiment, FIG. 22 is a plan view of the case for flat cable materials with the cover closed, FIG. 23 is a plan view showing the first case and the second case positioned at an intermediate relative position, FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the folded flat cable material, FIG. 25 is a perspective view for explaining the relative rotation of the second case with respect to the first case, and FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the first case and the second case positioned at a second relative position.

[0063] In the case 1 for flat cable materials according to a modification of the embodiment, the difference from the case 1 for flat cable materials of the above embodiment is, for example, that the first case 10 and the second case 20 are configured to be positionable at an intermediate relative position. At the intermediate relative position, as shown in FIG. 24, the first case 10 and the second case 20 overlap so that the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 of the flat cable material 100 face each other.

[0064] In the case 1 for flat cable materials according to a modification of the embodiment, between the first relative position and the second relative position, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are positioned at an intermediate relative position. As shown in FIG. 25, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are connected so as to be relatively rotatable. The second case 20 rotates relative to the first case 10 from the intermediate relative position toward the second relative position. The case 1 for flat cable materials according to a modification of the embodiment is, for example, conveyed with the first case 10 and the second case 20 positioned at the intermediate relative position. By overlapping the first case 10 and the second case 20, it is possible to improve the transportability.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 18, the first case 10 according to a modified example of the embodiment has a main body 11 and a cover 18. The main body 11 and the cover 18 are integrally formed, for example. In the first case 10 of FIG. 18, 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 the first portion 110 of the flat cable member 100. The support wall 11a is formed in a straight line along the extending direction X. The cover 18 has an opposing wall 18a that covers the support wall 11a. The first portion 110 of the flat cable member 100 is accommodated and held between the support wall 11a and the opposing wall 18a.

[0066] At the end of the main body 11 in the extending direction X, a first shaft support portion 19A and a second shaft support portion 19B are provided. The first shaft support portion 19A rotatably supports the first rotation shaft 25A of the second case 20. The second shaft support portion 19B rotatably supports the second rotation shaft 25B of the second case 20.

[0067] The second case 20 according to a modified example of the embodiment has a main body 21 and a cover 24. The main body 21 and the cover 24 are integrally formed, for example. In the second case 20 of FIG. 18, 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 the second portion 120 of the flat cable member 100. The support wall 21a is formed in 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 cable member 100 is accommodated and held between the support wall 21a and the opposing wall 24a.

[0068] At the end of the main body 21 in the extending direction X, a first rotation shaft 25A is provided. At the end of the cover 24 in the extending direction X, a second rotation shaft 25B is provided. The first rotation shaft 25A protrudes from the side surface of the main body 21 in the width direction Y. The second rotation shaft 25B extends in the width direction Y so as to cross the end of the cover 24. Both ends of the second rotation shaft 25B are supported by the second shaft support portion 19B.

[0069] In the case 1 for flat cable materials according to a modification of the embodiment, a rotation structure 60 is formed by two shaft support portions 19A and 19B of the first case 10 and two rotation shafts 25A and 25B of the second case 20. The rotation structure 60 enables relative rotation of the two cases 10 and 20 as shown in FIG. 25.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 19, the first case 10 has a first engaging portion 12, and the second case 20 has a second engaging portion 22. The first engaging portion 12 is disposed at an end portion of the main body 11 in the extending direction X. The second engaging portion 22 is disposed at an end portion of the main body 21 in the extending direction X. The two engaging portions 12 and 22 engage with each other at the second relative position shown in FIG. 26.

[0071] The second engaging portion 22 in FIG. 19 has a single portion 22g erected in the height direction Z so as to face the end face of the main body 21. The second engaging portion 22 has a protrusion that bulges in the extending direction X from the single portion 22g. The first engaging portion 12 in FIG. 19 has a frame shape into which the single portion 22g can be inserted. The first engaging portion 12 protrudes from the end face of the main body 11 in the extending direction X and has a through hole penetrating in the height direction Z. When the first engaging portion 12 and the second engaging portion 22 engage with each other, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are fixed.

[0072] The case 1 for flat cable materials of the modification of the embodiment is applied to, for example, the flat cable material 100 shown in FIG. 20. The flat cable material 100 is, for example, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit board). The flat cable material 100 in FIG. 20 is disposed in, for example, a battery module.

[0073] The flat cable material 100 in FIG. 20 has a substantially U shape in plan view. The flat cable material 100 has a first portion 110, a second portion 120, and an intermediate portion 130. The shapes of the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 in plan view are substantially rectangular. The flat cable material 100 has a slit 100s formed between the first portion 110 and the second portion 120.

[0074] The middle part 130 connects the first part 110 and the second part 120. The shape of the middle part 130 in plan view is substantially trapezoidal. The middle part 130 has a tapered shape in which the width becomes narrower as it moves away from the first part 110 and the second part 120 along the longitudinal direction Ex.

[0075] The flat cable material 100 according to a modification of the embodiment is provided with a branch part 170 connected to the bus bar 200. The branch part 170 extends in the width direction from the first part 110 and the second part 120. The tip of the branch part 170 is connected to the bus bar 200 by solder or the like.

[0076] FIG. 21 shows the flat cable material 100 housed in the flat cable material case 1. The first part 110 is housed in the main body 11 of the first case 10. The bus bar 200 connected to the first part 110 is housed in the main body 11 and held by the main body 11. The second part 120 is housed in the main body 21 of the second case 20. The bus bar 200 connected to the second part 120 is housed in the main body 21 and held by the main body 21.

[0077] The process of housing the flat cable material 100 in the flat cable material case 1 is performed, for example, using a jig plate. As an example, the flat cable material 100 may be assembled to the first case 10 and the second case 20 placed on the jig plate. At this time, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are placed on the jig plate at a first relative position. The operator places the first part 110 of the flat cable material 100 on the main body 11 of the first case 10 and places the second part 120 of the flat cable material 100 on the main body 21 of the second case 20. When the bus bar 200 is pre-attached to the flat cable material 100, the bus bar 200 is assembled to the main bodies 11 and 21 together with the flat cable material 100.

[0078] When the flat cable material 100 is accommodated in the two cases 10 and 20, a closing process of closing the covers 18 and 24 is executed. In the closing process, the cover 18 of the first case 10 is assembled to the main body 11 while bending the hinge portion 11e. In the closing process, the cover 24 of the second case 20 is assembled to the main body 21 while bending the hinge portion 21e. FIG. 22 shows a state where the covers 18 and 24 are closed. The opposing wall 18a of the cover 18 covers the first portion 110 of the flat cable material 100. The opposing wall 24a of the cover 24 covers the second portion 120 of the flat cable material 100.

[0079] When the cover 24 is closed, the second rotation shaft 25B of the second case 20 is positioned at a position adjacent to the second shaft support portion 19B of the first case 10. The first rotation shaft 25A of the second case 20 is located at the end on the side far from the first case 10 in the width direction Y. The first shaft support portion 19A of the first case 10 is located at the end on the side far from the second case 20 in the width direction Y.

[0080] From the state shown in FIG. 22, a first rotation process of relatively rotating the second case 20 with respect to the first case 10 is executed. In the first rotation process, the second case 20 is rotated with respect to the first case 10 around the rotation axis Cx shown in FIG. 22. The rotation axis Cx is, for example, a straight line extending in the extending direction X between the two covers 18 and 24. The rotation at this time may be executed using, for example, a jig plate. In this case, the jig plate may have a main body that supports the first case 10 and a support member that supports the second case 20. The support member is supported by the main body so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis Cx.

[0081] The second case 20 is relatively rotated with respect to the first case 10 around the rotation axis Cx, and the second case 20 is overlapped with the first case 10. As a result, the second portion 120 of the flat cable material 100 overlaps and faces the first portion 110. At this time, the intermediate portion 130 of the flat cable material 100 bends along the rotation axis Cx.

[0082] FIG. 23 shows a state in which the second case 20 is stacked on the first case 10 after the first rotation step is completed. FIG. 24 shows a cross section taken along line XXIV-XXIV of FIG. 23. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the first case 10 has a protective cover 11g that protects the intermediate portion 130 of the flat cable material 100. The protective cover 11g is connected to the support wall 11a via a hinge portion 11f. The first case 10 accommodates the intermediate portion 130 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 intermediate portion 130.

[0083] The first rotation shaft 25A of the second case 20 is rotatably supported by the first shaft support portion 19A of the first case 10. The first shaft support portion 19A has a piece portion 19c erected in the height direction Z and a locking portion 19d. The piece portion 19c is provided with a slit 19e extending in the height direction Z. The end portion of the first rotation shaft 25A is inserted into the slit 19e and locked by the locking portion 19d.

[0084] The second rotation shaft 25B of the second case 20 is rotatably supported by the second shaft support portion 19B of the first case 10. The second shaft support portion 19B has a slit 19f provided in the side wall 11h. The side wall 11h is disposed on both sides in the width direction Y with respect to the support wall 11a. The end portion of the second rotation shaft 25B is inserted into the slit 19f and rotatably supported by the side wall 11h. By inserting the two rotation shafts 25A and 25B into the two shaft support portions 19A and 19B, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are rotatably connected. Thereby, the bus bar module 400 is configured. The bus bar module 400 includes the flat cable material case 1, the flat cable material 100, and the bus bar 200 of the embodiment.

[0085] FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the second rotation step. The second rotation step is executed, for example, at a factory where the bus bar module 400 is assembled to a vehicle or the like. As shown in FIG. 25, in the second rotation step, the second case 20 is relatively rotated with respect to the first case 10 from the intermediate relative position toward the second relative position. In the second rotation step, the second case 20 relatively rotates with respect to the first case 10 about the central axis of the two rotation axes 25A as the rotation center.

[0086] FIG. 26 shows a state where the second rotation step is completed and the two cases 10 and 20 are positioned at the second relative position. The first portion 110 and the second portion 120 of the flat cable material 100 are arranged linearly. In other words, the second portion 120 is positioned on the extension line of the first portion 110 in plan view. Further, the plurality of bus bars 200 are arranged linearly along the extending direction X. The cover 18 of the first case 10 covers the first portion 110 by the opposing wall 18a and protects the first portion 110. The cover 24 of the second case 20 covers the second portion 120 by the opposing wall 24a and protects the second portion 120.

[0087] When the two cases 10 and 20 are positioned at the second relative position, the bus bar module 400 is assembled to the battery pack. Each bus bar 200 is connected to the electrode of the battery cell included in the battery pack. The detection line 140 of the flat cable material 100 is connected to, for example, a monitoring unit that monitors the state of the battery cell. The flat cable material case 1 of the present embodiment can transport the flat cable material 100 and the flat cable material case 1 in a state where the two cases 10 and 20 are stacked. Therefore, according to the flat cable material case 1 of the present embodiment, the transportability can be improved.

[0088] Note that the flat cable material case 1 may have a connection structure 70 described below. FIG. 27 shows the flat cable material case 1 having the connection structure 70. The connection structure 70 has a first connection portion 71 and a second connection portion 72.

[0089] The first connecting part 71 has an arm 71a and a ball part 71b. The base end part of the arm 71a protrudes from the outer surface of the side wall 11b of the first case 10 in the width direction Y. The arm 71a is bent at a substantially right angle at the middle part. The tip part of the arm 71a extends in the height direction Z. The ball part 71b is arranged at the tip of the arm 71a. The ball part 71b has a spherical shape.

[0090] The second connecting part 72 is arranged on the outer surface of the side wall 21b of the second case 20. The second connecting part 72 has a hollow bearing part 72a that rotatably holds the ball part 71b. The shape of the inner surface of the bearing part 72a is a spherical surface shape. The bearing part 72a slidably supports the outer peripheral surface of the ball part 71b. A slit 72b corresponding to the arm 71a is provided in the bearing part 72a. The slit 72b is formed so that the first case 10 and the second case 20 can relatively rotate from the first relative position to the intermediate relative position.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 27, the connecting structure 70 is configured to be able to position the first case 10 and the second case 20 in the first relative position. Also, as shown in FIG. 29, the connecting structure 70 is configured to be able to position the first case 10 and the second case 20 in the intermediate relative position.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 29, the flat cable material case 1 has a rotation structure 60. The rotation structure 60 has a protrusion 11j of the first case 10 and a recess 21f of the second case 20, as shown in FIG. 30. The protrusion 11j protrudes from the inner surface of the side wall 11b. The shape of the protrusion 11j is, for example, a cylindrical shape. The first case 10 has two protrusions 11j facing each other in the width direction Y.

[0093] The recess 21f is provided on the side wall 21b, and the protrusion 11j can be inserted therein. The recess 21f may be a through hole penetrating the side wall 21b. The second case 20 has two recesses 21f corresponding to the two protrusions 11j. When the first case 10 and the second case 20 are positioned at an intermediate relative position, the two protrusions 11j are inserted into the corresponding recesses 21f. The rotation structure 60 can relatively rotate the two cases 10 and 20 from the intermediate relative position to the second relative position.

[0094] FIG. 31 shows the first case 10 and the second case 20 positioned at the second relative position. When the second rotation step is executed, the first connecting portion 71 is detached from the second connecting portion 72. The operation of releasing the connection state of the two connecting portions 71 and 72 may be performed by an operator. When the two cases 10 and 20 are positioned at the second relative position, the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 of the flat cable material 100 are aligned linearly.

[0095] As described above, the case 1 for a flat cable material according to the modified example of the embodiment has a rotation structure 60. The first case 10 and the second case 20 are configured to be capable of being arranged at an intermediate relative position. At the intermediate relative position, the first case 10 and the second case 20 overlap so that the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 of the flat cable material 100 face each other. The rotation structure 60 is configured to be able to relatively rotate the first case 10 and the second case 20 between the intermediate relative position and the second relative position. According to the case 1 for a flat cable material according to the modified example of the embodiment, the transportability can be improved.

[0096] The case 1 for a flat cable material according to the modified example of the embodiment may have a connection structure 70. The connection structure 70 connects the first case 10 and the second case 20 so that the first case 10 and the second case 20 can relatively rotate between the first relative position and the intermediate relative position. Such a connection structure 70 can improve the workability of the first rotation step. For example, it becomes possible to perform the first rotation step without using a dedicated jig plate.

[0097] The contents disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications can be executed in appropriate combination.

Explanation of Signs

[0098] 1: Case for flat cable material 10: First case 11: Main body 11a: Support wall, 11b: Side wall, 11c: Holding part, 11d: Accommodation space 11e: Hinge part, 11f: Hinge part, 11g: Protection cover, 11h: Side wall 11j: Protrusion 12: First engaging part, 13: First connecting part 14: Cylindrical part, 15: Bearing part, 16: Cylindrical part, 17: Engaging part 18: Cover, 19A: First shaft support, 19B: Second shaft support 20: Second case 21: Main body 21a: Support wall, 21b: Side wall, 21c: Holding part, 21d: Accommodation space 21e: Hinge part, 21f: Recess 22: Second engaging part 22a: Piece part, 22b: Protrusion, 22c: Piece part, 22d: Protrusion 22e: Piece part, 22f: Protrusion, 22g: Piece part 23: Second connecting part 24: Cover, 25A: First rotating shaft, 25B: Second rotating shaft 30: Third case, 31: Main body, 32: Third engaging part 40: Rotating structure, 50: Rotating structure, 60: Rotating structure, 70: Connecting structure 100: Flat cable material, 100A: First cable material, 100B: Second cable material 110: First part, 120: Second part 130: Intermediate part, 131: First inclined part, 132: Second inclined part 133: First extension part, 134: Second extension part, 135: Connecting part 140: Detection line 150, 160: Connector 200: Bus bar 300: Fixture plate, 310: Pin 400: Bus bar module Ex: Longitudinal direction, Ot: Orthogonal direction X: Extending direction, Y: Width direction, Z: Height direction

Claims

1. A first case having an accommodation space for accommodating a first portion of the flat cable material, a holding portion for holding the first portion, and a first engaging portion; A second case having an accommodation space for accommodating a second portion of the flat cable material, a holding portion for holding the second portion, and a second engaging portion; Comprising: The first case and the second case have an extending direction in which the flat cable material extends; The first case and the second case are configured to be capable of being arranged in a first relative position and also in a second relative position; In the first relative position, the first case and the second case are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction; In the second relative position, the first case and the second case are linearly arranged 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 case and the second case. A case for a flat cable material, characterized by the above.

2. Having a rotation structure for relatively rotating the first case and the second case between the first relative position and the second relative position. The case for a flat cable material according to Claim 1.

3. Having a rotation structure, The first case and the second case are configured to be capable of being arranged in an intermediate relative position, In the intermediate relative position, the first case and the second case overlap so that the first portion and the second portion of the flat cable material face each other; The rotation structure is configured to be able to relatively rotate the first case and the second case between the intermediate relative position and the second relative position. The case for a flat cable material according to Claim 1.

4. Having a connection structure for connecting the first case and the second case so that the first case and the second case can be relatively rotated between the first relative position and the intermediate relative position. The case for a flat cable material according to Claim 3.

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