Frame wiring module

The frame wiring module addresses wiring complexity by integrating terminals into the frame member, simplifying connections and reducing wiring complexity.

JP2026004813APending Publication Date: 2026-01-15AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD +2
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024102801
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-06-26
Publication Date
2026-01-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Wiring becomes complicated in areas where frame members are arranged, necessitating a solution to prevent such complexity.

Method used

A frame wiring module comprising a frame member with through holes and parallel conductors, where terminals protrude into the holes to connect external wiring, allowing the frame member to serve as a housing for terminals and simplify wiring connections.

Benefits of technology

Prevents wiring complexity by using the frame member as a housing for terminals, eliminating the need for separate housings and simplifying connections.

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Abstract

To provide a technique capable of suppressing complication of wiring at a place where a frame member is arranged.SOLUTION: A frame wiring module 20 includes a frame member 30 in which a through-hole 35 having a first opening 36 and a second opening 37 is formed, a parallel conductor 52 arranged along the frame member 30, and a conductor including a terminal 60 protruding from the parallel conductor 52. The distal end of the terminal 60 enters the through hole 35 through the first opening 36 and is connected to an external wire 82 through the second opening 37.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a frame wiring module. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for optimizing the connection path by preventing the wire harness routed inside the instrument panel from becoming too large and complicated. In the automotive wiring system described in Patent Document 1, a small junction box and a holder are mounted separately on both left and right sides of the instrument panel of the automobile, and the small junction box and the holder are electrically connected by the FFC routed transversely inside the instrument panel, and the FFC is connected to electrical equipment located between the small junction box and the holder inside the instrument panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-182191 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable to be able to prevent wiring from becoming complicated in the area where the frame member is arranged.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can prevent wiring from becoming complicated in areas where frame members are arranged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The frame wiring module of the present disclosure comprises a frame member having a through hole formed therein with a first opening and a second opening, a conductor including parallel conductors arranged along the frame member, and terminals protruding from the parallel conductors, wherein the tips of the terminals extend into the through hole through the first opening and are connected to external wiring through the second opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent wiring from becoming complicated in the area where the frame member is arranged. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a small mobility vehicle to which a frame wiring module is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the frame wiring module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a view seen from the arrow A1 in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing the frame member and the circuit board. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of wiring using a frame wiring module. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of wiring using a frame wiring module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] The frame wiring module of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0011] (1) A frame wiring module comprising: a frame member having a through hole formed therein with a first opening and a second opening; parallel conductors arranged along the frame member; and a conductor including a terminal protruding from the parallel conductor, wherein the tip of the terminal advances into the through hole through the first opening and is connected to external wiring through the second opening.

[0012] According to the frame wiring module (1), the parallel conductors arranged along the frame member can be used as part of the wiring connecting devices. This prevents the wiring from becoming complicated where the frame member is arranged. Furthermore, since the terminals fit into the frame member, the frame member can be used as a housing for the terminals, eliminating the need to provide a separate housing for the terminals.

[0013] (2) The frame wiring module of (1) may further include a circuit board including an insulating layer and a conductive layer serving as the parallel conductor, wherein the frame member includes a first surface and a second surface facing opposite each other, the first opening being provided on the first surface and the second opening being provided on the second surface, the circuit board being arranged such that its main surface is aligned with the first surface of the frame member, and the terminals protruding from the main surface of the circuit board toward the interior of the frame member. This allows the circuit board arranged along the frame member to be used as part of the wiring connecting devices together, thereby preventing the wiring from becoming complicated where the frame member is arranged.

[0014] (3) In the frame wiring module of (2), the parallel conductors may include power supply conductors passing through the interior of the frame member, and a third opening leading to the power supply conductors may be formed on the second surface adjacent to the second opening, thereby enabling the signal circuit to be covered by the circuit board and the power supply circuit to be covered by the power supply conductors.

[0015] (4) In the frame wiring module of any one of (1) to (3), the frame member may be elongated along the first direction among first, second, and third directions perpendicular to one another, and a plurality of the through holes may be provided at regular intervals along the first direction, and each of the plurality of through holes may extend along the second direction. This allows a second opening of a through hole close to a device arranged around the frame member to be used as a connection port for the device. This allows the wiring of the device to be shortened, thereby preventing the wiring from becoming complicated around the frame member.

[0016] (5) In the frame wiring module of any one of (1) to (4), the frame members may include a first frame member and a second frame member, and the conductors may include first parallel conductors arranged along the first frame member, second parallel conductors arranged along the second frame member, and intermediate conductors connecting the first parallel conductors and the second parallel conductors, thereby enabling the first parallel conductors and the second parallel conductors to be connected by the intermediate conductors.

[0017] (6) In the frame wiring module of any one of (1) to (5), the conductor may include a plurality of parallel conductors arranged along one of the frame members and a short-circuiting conductor at an end of the one of the frame members, connecting the plurality of parallel conductors together. This allows the plurality of parallel conductors to be connected together by the short-circuiting conductor. For example, this is effective when connecting devices connected to different connection ports on one frame member.

[0018] (7) In the frame wiring module of any one of (1) to (6), the frame member may be made of metal and may include an insulator that insulates the terminal from the inner surface of the through hole in the frame member, thereby preventing a short circuit between the frame member and the terminal.

[0019] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the frame wiring module of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0020] [Embodiment 1] The frame wiring module 20 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0021] First, a compact mobility 10 to which a frame wiring module 20 is applied will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a compact mobility 10 to which a frame wiring module 20 is applied. In Fig. 1, X, Y, and Z directions that are orthogonal to one another are shown. The Z direction is the height direction of the chassis 12.

[0022] The small-sized mobility 10 may be, for example, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or an autonomous mobile robot (AMR). Furthermore, the small-sized mobility 10 may be, for example, a manned personal mobility. The small-sized mobility 10 includes a chassis 12 and a plurality of devices 80.

[0023] The chassis 12 supports, for example, a mounting portion of an automated guided vehicle or an autonomous transport robot. The chassis 12 also supports, for example, a seat of a personal mobility device. The chassis 12 includes, for example, rolling elements 14, a cover 16, and a frame wiring module 20. The rolling elements 14 are, for example, wheels or spheres. The chassis 12 can move when the rolling elements 14 rotate. A plurality of rolling elements 14 are typically provided. At least one of the rolling elements 14 is a drive wheel. The drive wheel is driven to rotate by a drive source such as a motor. The frame wiring module 20 includes a frame member 30 that forms the framework of the chassis 12. The rolling elements 14 are rotatably supported by the frame member 30. The cover 16 forms the exterior design of the chassis 12. The cover 16 covers the frame wiring module 20.

[0024] The multiple devices 80 are supported by the frame member 30 or the like. The multiple devices 80 include, for example, drive devices related to driving the chassis 12. For example, the drive devices include a battery 80A, an inverter 80B, a motor 80C, converters 80D1 and 80D2, an ECU (electronic control unit) 80E, and sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3 (see FIG. 6). The motor 80C is a drive source that drives the rolling elements 14. The battery 80A supplies power to the multiple devices 80. The inverter 80B is interposed between the battery 80A and the motor 80C. The inverter 80B converts direct current supplied from the battery 80A into alternating current and supplies it to the motor 80C. The converters 80D1 and 80D2 are interposed between the battery 80A and the ECU 80E or the sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3. The converters 80D1 and 80D2 step down the power supply voltage supplied from the battery 80A and supply it to the ECU 80E or the sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3. The ECU 80E controls the small mobility 10. The sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3 include sensors for smoothly moving the chassis 12, for example, by detecting the conditions of the environment surrounding the chassis 12 or the conditions of the chassis 12 itself. The sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3 may include one or more of, for example, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a camera, and a laser radar. The detection results of the sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3 are sent to, for example, the ECU 80E. The ECU 80E controls the driving of the small mobility 10 based on the detection results of the sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3.

[0025] The frame wiring module 20 includes a conductor. The conductor is used as part of the wiring that connects multiple devices 80 together. The conductor is incorporated into the frame member 30. The frame wiring module 20 will be described in more detail with further reference to Figs. 2 to 7. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the frame wiring module 20 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a view taken from the arrow A1 in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a front view showing the frame member 30 and the circuit board 50.

[0026] The frame member 30 is a member that is elongated in one of three mutually perpendicular directions. Here, the frame member 30 extends linearly. The frame member 30 is formed by cutting a long base material to a length appropriate for the chassis 12. The frame member 30 may extend in a curved shape. Through holes are formed in the frame member 30 in a direction that intersects with the elongated direction. The cross section of the portion of the frame member 30 where no through holes are formed is basically the same at any position along the elongated direction. The frame member 30 is made of metal or resin.

[0027] The frame wiring module 20 includes a plurality of frame members 30. The plurality of frame members 30 are arranged to form an enclosure. The enclosure has a shape that follows the outer edge of the chassis 12. In this example, the enclosure is rectangular. Four frame members 30 are arranged in a rectangular shape. The enclosure may be angular, such as triangular or pentagonal, or may be circular. When the frame members 30 are linear, three or more frame members 30 may form an angular enclosure. When the frame members 30 are curved, two or more frame members 30 may form a circular enclosure. A plurality of devices 80 are arranged in the inner space of the enclosure formed by the frame members 30. The frame wiring module 20 may include only one frame member 30. When the frame wiring module 20 includes a plurality of frame members 30, the frame members 30 do not have to be arranged to form an enclosure. For example, two frame members 30 may be arranged in an L-shape. Furthermore, when a plurality of frame members 30 are provided, some of the frame members 30 may not have conductors incorporated therein.

[0028] In the chassis 12, the frame members 30 are arranged, for example, so that their longitudinal direction is along the horizontal direction. One of the two directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the frame members 30 is the height direction of the chassis 12. The other of the two directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is the inward / outward direction relative to the enclosure shape. Two of the four frame members 30 are arranged so that their longitudinal direction is the X direction. In these two frame members 30, the Y direction is the inward / outward direction. The other two of the four frame members 30 are arranged so that their longitudinal direction is the Y direction. In these two frame members 30, the X direction is the inward / outward direction.

[0029] The frame member 30 has a first surface 31 and a second surface 32. The first surface 31 and the second surface 32 face in opposite directions. Here, the first surface 31 is the surface of the frame member 30 that faces outward in the inward-outward direction. The second surface 32 is the surface that faces inward in the inward-outward direction.

[0030] A plurality of conductors are provided. Focusing on functional differences among the plurality of conductors, the plurality of conductors include conductors for a power supply circuit, conductors for a signal circuit, and conductors for a ground circuit. The conductors for the power supply circuit transmit power from the battery 80A to each device 80. The conductors for the signal circuit transmit electrical signals between corresponding devices 80. The signal circuit may be a bus circuit or an I / O (Input / Output) circuit. A bus circuit is a circuit shared by three or more devices 80. An I / O (Input / Output) circuit is basically a circuit that connects two devices 80, and two devices 80 correspond one-to-one. The signal circuit may have both a bus circuit and an I / O circuit. The conductors for the ground circuit are used as a reference point (ground) for potential. The conductors for the power supply circuit can handle a larger current than the conductors for the signal circuit and the conductors for the ground circuit. The conductor cross-sectional area of ​​the conductor for the power supply circuit is larger than the conductor cross-sectional areas of the conductors for the signal circuit and the conductor for the ground circuit. In terms of the physical shapes or positions of the conductors, the conductors include parallel conductors, terminals 60, and intermediate conductors 62, 64.

[0031] The parallel conductors are arranged along the frame member 30. The parallel conductors extend from one end to the other end of the frame member 30 in the longitudinal direction of the frame member 30. The parallel conductors are integrated with the frame member 30. The parallel conductors include power conductors 40.

[0032] The power supply conductor 40 is disposed inside the frame member 30. The frame member 30 has a recess 33 formed therein that continues from one end to the other along the longitudinal direction. The power supply conductor 40 is disposed in the recess 33. A third opening 34 that is continuous with the recess 33 is formed in the second surface 32. The third opening 34 serves as a connection portion with the device-side wiring 82. The recess 33 may be an insertion hole that penetrates the frame member 30 in the longitudinal direction. If the recess 33 is an insertion hole, the frame member 30 may have multiple through holes. Each of the multiple through holes extends from the insertion hole toward the second surface 32 to form the third opening 34. The multiple through holes are formed at intervals along the longitudinal direction. The recess 33 may be a groove that extends in the longitudinal direction of the frame member 30. If the recess 33 is a groove, the groove has a third opening 34 on the side opposite to the bottom. For example, the third opening 34 may open inward in the inward-outward direction.

[0033] The power supply conductor 40 includes a plate-shaped main body 42 and a receiving portion 44. The plate-shaped main body 42 is continuous in the longitudinal direction. The receiving portion 44 is a portion that receives the power supply terminal 84P of the device-side wiring 82. The receiving portion 44 has, for example, a pin-receiving structure. The receiving portion 44 has a pair of spring pieces 46. The pair of spring pieces 46 protrude inward and outward from the plate-shaped main body 42. The pair of spring pieces 46 are spaced apart in the height direction. The plate-shaped power supply terminal 84P is inserted between the pair of spring pieces 46. This electrically connects the power supply conductor 40 and the power supply terminal 84P. A plurality of receiving portions 44 may be provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction. The receiving portion 44 may be continuous in the longitudinal direction.

[0034] Here, the frame wiring module 20 includes a circuit board 50. The circuit board 50 is disposed on the first surface 31 of the frame member 30. The thickness direction of the circuit board 50 is along the inner-outer direction. The circuit board 50 has a main surface 51 extending along the longitudinal direction and the height direction. The main surface 51 faces the first surface 31.

[0035] The circuit board 50 includes a conductive layer 52 and an insulating layer 54. The conductive layer 52 of the circuit board 50 is one of the parallel conductors. The conductive layer 52 has a plurality of conductive patterns. Some of the plurality of conductive patterns are signal parallel conductors 52S. Other of the plurality of conductive patterns are ground parallel conductors 52G.

[0036] Terminals 60 are mounted on the main surface 51 of the circuit board 50. The terminals 60 protrude from the main surface 51 of the circuit board 50 toward the frame member 30. Here, the terminals 60 protrude inward from the main surface 51 in the inward-outward direction. A through hole 35 is formed in the frame member 30, penetrating the first surface 31 and the second surface 32. A first opening 36 of the through hole 35 is formed in the first surface 31, and a second opening 37 of the through hole 35 is formed in the second surface 32. The terminals 60 are inserted into the through holes 35 through the first opening 36. The tips of the terminals 60 fit within the through holes 35. The base ends of the terminals 60 are connected to the conductive layer 52. For example, the terminals 60 may be mounted such that the base ends are inserted into through holes in the circuit board 50. For example, the terminals 60 may be mounted such that the base ends are disposed on lands on the main surface 51 of the circuit board 50. The presence or absence of terminals 60 may be determined at the design stage, and may be provided only in locations (through holes 35 to be used) appropriate for device 80. In this case, there may be through holes 35 without terminals 60. Terminals 60 may be provided in all through holes 35 regardless of whether terminals 60 are used or not.

[0037] The frame member 30 and the parallel conductors (here, the power conductors 40 and the circuit board 50) are integrated to form a power distribution unit 22. Here, four power distribution units 22 are arranged in a square shape. The four power distribution units 22 form one power distribution layer 24. A plurality of power distribution layers 24 may be stacked. The direction in which the plurality of power distribution layers 24 are stacked is the stacking direction. The stacking direction may be the height direction. The stacking direction may be one of the horizontal directions.

[0038] The power distribution units 22 are fixed to each other via fixing members 70. The fixing members 70 include an outer bracket 72, an inner bracket 74, and a fastening member 76. The outer bracket 72 secures two adjacent frame members 30 on the inner side in the inward / outward direction. The inner bracket 74 secures two adjacent frame members 30 on the inner side in the inward / outward direction. The outer bracket 72 and the inner bracket 74 are formed in shapes corresponding to the positional relationship of the two adjacent frame members 30. In this example, the two adjacent frame members 30 are arranged in an L-shape, and therefore the outer bracket 72 and the inner bracket 74 are also formed in an L-shape. The fastening members 76 are bolts, rivets, or the like. The frame members 30 are formed with fastening holes 38 to which the fastening members 76 are fastened. One end of the outer bracket 72 is fastened to the first surface 31 of one frame member 30, and the other end is fastened to the first surface 31 of the other frame member 30. One end of the inner bracket 74 is fastened to the second surface 32 of one frame member 30 , and the other end is fastened to the second surface 32 of the other frame member 30 .

[0039] The fixing member 70 also functions as a member for fixing the frame member 30 and the circuit board 50. Here, holes 56 through which fastening members 76 are inserted are formed in the circuit board 50, and the fastening members 76 for the outer bracket 72 are fastened to the first surface 31 while being inserted through the holes 56. In this way, the circuit board 50 is fixed to the frame member 30.

[0040] The conductors include intermediate conductors 62, 64 that connect the parallel conductors 40, 52 of the power distribution unit 22. Here, the intermediate conductors 62, 64 are provided as a bus bar 62 and an electric wire 64 with a terminal.

[0041] The busbar 62 connects the power supply conductors 40 together. The busbar 62 is a member in which a conductor plate is processed to follow a predetermined path. One end of the busbar 62 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of one power distribution unit 22. The other end of the busbar 62 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of the other power distribution unit 22.

[0042] The electric wire with terminal 64 connects the conductive layers 52 together. The electric wire with terminal 64 includes an electric wire 66 and plug terminals 65 connected to both ends of the electric wire 66. The electric wire 66 is, for example, a covered electric wire having a conductor core and a covering layer. The plug terminal 65 is connected to the conductor core by, for example, stripping the covering at the end of the electric wire 66. The plug terminal 65 at one end of the electric wire 66 is connected to the conductive layer 52 of one power distribution unit 22. The plug terminal 65 at the other end of the electric wire 66 is connected to the conductive layer 52 of the other power distribution unit 22. When multiple electric wires with terminals 64 are connected between two power distribution units 22, a connector may be provided to keep the ends of the multiple electric wires with terminals 64 in a predetermined arrangement. The multiple electric wires with terminals 64 may also be connected individually without a connector.

[0043] The frame wiring module 20 is provided with a plurality of connection parts for connecting the device-side wiring 82 of the device 80 to the conductor. Here, each connection part is provided on a surface of the frame member 30 facing inward of the enclosure shape (here, the second surface 32). Here, a portion of the second surface 32 including the third opening 34 of the recess 33 and a portion including the second opening 37 of the through-hole 35 are each considered to be a connection part. The third opening 34 and the second opening 37 can be considered to be connection ports.

[0044] The multiple connection portions include a power connection portion to the power conductor 40, a signal connection portion to the signal conductor 52S, and a ground connection portion to the ground conductor 52G. Here, the portion of the recess 33 including the third opening 34 forms the power connection portion. Hereinafter, the reference numeral for the third opening 34 may be used to refer to the power connection portion 34. Hereinafter, some of the second openings 37 of the multiple through holes 35 form the signal connection portions, and the other portions form the ground connection portions. Hereinafter, the reference numeral for the second openings 37 may be used to refer to the signal connection portion 37.

[0045] The multiple connection portions include multiple connection portion sets. Each connection portion set has a power connection portion 34, a signal connection portion 37, and a ground connection portion. The multiple connection portion sets are arranged at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the frame member 30. The arrangements of the power connection portions 34, signal connection portions 37, and ground connection portions are the same among the multiple connection portion sets. Here, one third opening 34, four second openings 37 above the third opening 34, and four second openings 37 below the third opening 34 form one connection portion set.

[0046] A connector 83 provided at an end of the device-side wiring 82 is connected to each connection portion. The connector 83 includes a connector terminal 84 and a connector housing 85. The connector terminal 84 is connected to the conductor of the frame wiring module 20. A plurality of connector terminals 84 are provided. The plurality of connector terminals 84 include a power terminal 84P, a signal terminal 84S, and a ground terminal 84G. The power terminal 84P is connected to the receiving portion 44 of the power conductor 40 through a power connection portion. The signal terminal 84S is connected to the terminal 60 of the signal circuit through a signal connection portion. The ground terminal 84G is connected to the terminal 60 of the ground circuit through a ground connection portion. One of the signal terminal 84S and the terminal 60 may be a cylindrical (female) terminal and the other may be a pin (male) terminal. The pin-type terminal is inserted into the cylindrical terminal and connected. The signal terminal 84S and the terminal 60 may both be plate-shaped and connected by overlapping in the thickness direction and in contact. The relationship between the ground terminal 84G and the terminal 60 is similar to the relationship between the signal terminal 84S and the terminal 60.

[0047] The correspondence between the connector 83 of the device 80 and the connection part set of the frame wiring module 20 may not be specified. Alternatively, the correspondence between the connector 83 and the connection part set may be specified only for the power distribution unit 22 of a predetermined voltage value. In these cases, the connector 83 may be connectable to any one of multiple connection part sets. In this case, the signal circuit of the connector 83 may be only a bus circuit. The correspondence between the connector 83 of the device 80 and the connection part may be specified at the time of design. In this case, the signal circuit of the connector 83 may have a one-to-one circuit. The one-to-one signal circuit is designed according to the connection position of the device 80.

[0048] Here, the frame member 30 is made of metal. In this case, the frame wiring module 20 includes an insulator 26 that insulates the inner surface of the through hole 35 in the frame member 30 from the terminal 60. Here, the insulator 26 is provided on the inner surface of the through hole 35. The insulator 26 may be provided on the outer surface of the terminal 60. Here, the insulator 26 is also provided between the inner surface of the recess 33 and the power supply conductor 40. This allows insulation between the frame member 30 and the power supply conductor 40. Here, the insulator 26 is provided on the inner surface of the recess 33. The insulator 26 may be provided on the outer surface of the power supply conductor 40.

[0049] If the frame member 30 is made of insulating resin, the insulator 26 between the frame member 30 and the terminal 60 or the power conductor 40 may be omitted.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of wiring using the frame wiring module 20. In FIG.

[0051] The frame wiring module 20 includes a plurality of power distribution layers 24A, 24B. Each of the plurality of power distribution layers 24A, 24B includes a frame member 30 and a conductor. Here, the plurality of power distribution layers 24A, 24B are stacked along the height direction of the chassis 12. The plurality of power distribution layers 24A, 24B may be stacked in an inward-outward direction. That is, the plurality of power distribution layers 24A, 24B may be stacked to include inner power distribution layers 24A, 24B and outer power distribution layers 24A, 24B. The outer power distribution layers 24A, 24B have a larger enclosure than the inner power distribution layers 24A, 24B.

[0052] The power distribution layer 24A includes four power distribution units 22A1-22A4. A battery 80A is connected to the power distribution unit 22A1. An inverter 80B is connected to each of the two power distribution units 22A2 and 22A4. A motor 80C that drives the rolling elements 14 is connected to each inverter 80B. A converter 80D1 is connected to the power distribution units 22A2 and 22A3.

[0053] Power distribution layer 24B includes four power distribution units 22B1-22B4. Sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3 are connected to three power distribution units 22B1-22B3. Converter 80D2 is connected to power distribution units 22B2 and 22B3.

[0054] The power distribution units 22 are connected to each other via intermediate conductors 62, 64. The power distribution units 22 and devices 80 are connected to each other via device-side wiring 82. Some of the devices 80 are also connected to each other via device-side wiring 82.

[0055] In Figure 6, the intermediate conductors 62, 64 and the device-side wiring 82, indicated by solid lines, represent power supply circuits. Figure 6 shows three power supply circuits P1, P2, and P3, each with a different solid line thickness. The power supply circuit P1 has a higher voltage than the power supply circuits P2 and P3. The power supply circuit P2 has a higher voltage than the power supply circuit P3. The power supply circuit P1 is for the drive motor 80C, and the voltage of the power supply circuit P1 is, for example, 48V. The power supply circuit P2 is for a first accessory such as the ECU 80E, and the voltage of the power supply circuit P2 is, for example, 12V or 24V. The power supply circuit P3 is for a second accessory such as sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3, and the voltage of the power supply circuit P3 is, for example, 5V.

[0056] In the power distribution unit 22, the power conductor 40 is connected to the power circuits P1, P2, and P3. The voltage of the power conductor 40 of the power distribution units 22A1, 22A2, and 22A4 is equal to the voltage of the power circuit P1. The voltage of the power conductor 40 of the power distribution units 22A3 and 22B3 is equal to the voltage of the power circuit P2. The voltage of the power conductor 40 of the power distribution units 22B1, 22B2, and 22B4 is equal to the voltage of the power circuit P3.

[0057] The power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A1 is connected to battery 80A via device-side wiring 82P1. The power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A2 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A1 via bus bar 62P1. The power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A4 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A1 via bus bar 62P1.

[0058] A converter 80D1 is interposed between the power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22A2 and the power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22A3. The converter 80D1 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22A2 via device-side wiring 82P1. The converter 80D1 is also connected to the power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22A3 via device-side wiring 82P2. The converter 80D1 steps down the voltage (e.g., 48 V) of the power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22A1 to a lower voltage (e.g., 24 V or 12 V) and supplies the voltage to the power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22A3. The power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22B3 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22A3 via a bus bar 62P2.

[0059] A converter 80D2 is interposed between the power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22B3 and the power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22B2. The converter 80D2 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22B3 via device-side wiring 82P2. The converter 80D2 is also connected to the power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22B2 via device-side wiring 82P3. The converter 80D2 steps down the voltage of the power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22B3 (e.g., 24 V or 12 V) to a lower voltage (e.g., 5 V) and supplies the voltage to the power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22B2. The power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22B1 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22B3 via a bus bar 62P3. The power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22B4 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of the power distribution unit 22B1 via a bus bar 62P3.

[0060] 6, the intermediate conductors 62, 64 and the device-side wiring 82 indicated by dashed and dotted lines represent signal circuits. The signal circuit S1 indicated by dashed and dotted lines represents a bus circuit. The signal circuit S2 indicated by dashed lines represents an I / O circuit.

[0061] The signal circuits of the two inverters 80B and the signal circuit of the ECU 80E are bus-connected. Specifically, the two inverters 80B are each connected to the signal conductors 52S (bus circuits) of the power distribution units 22A2 and 22A4 via device-side wiring 82S1. The ECU 80E is also connected to the signal conductors 52S (bus circuit) of the power distribution unit 22A4 via device-side wiring 82S1. The signal conductors 52S (bus circuit) of the power distribution unit 22A4 are also connected to the signal conductors 52S (bus circuit) of the power distribution unit 22A1 via a terminal-equipped electric wire 64S1. The signal conductors 52S (bus circuit) of the power distribution unit 22A1 are also connected to the signal conductors 52S (bus circuit) of the power distribution unit 22A2 via a terminal-equipped electric wire 64S1.

[0062] The signal circuits of the three sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3 are I / O connected to the signal circuit of the ECU 80E. Specifically, the three sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3 are connected to the signal conductors 52S (I / O circuits) of the power distribution units 22B1, 22B2, and 22B4 via device-side wiring 82S2, respectively. The ECU 80E is also connected to the signal conductors 52S (I / O circuit) of the power distribution unit 22A3 via device-side wiring 82S2. The signal conductors 52S (I / O circuit) of the power distribution unit 22A3 are also connected to the signal conductors 52S (I / O circuit) of the power distribution unit 22B3 via a terminal-equipped electric wire 64S2. Furthermore, the signal conductor 52S (I / O circuit) of power distribution unit 22B3 is connected to the signal conductor 52S (I / O circuit) of power distribution unit 22B2 via a terminal-equipped electric wire 64S2. Furthermore, the signal conductor 52S (I / O circuit) of power distribution unit 22B2 is connected to the signal conductor 52S (I / O circuit) of power distribution unit 22B1 via a terminal-equipped electric wire 64S2. Furthermore, the signal conductor 52S (I / O circuit) of power distribution unit 22B1 is connected to the signal conductor 52S (I / O circuit) of power distribution unit 22B4 via a terminal-equipped electric wire 64S2. In power distribution unit 22B1, a signal conductor 52S for transmitting a signal from sensor 80F3 is provided separately from the signal conductor 52S for transmitting a signal from sensor 80F1. The power distribution units 22A3, 22B2, and 22B3 are provided with signal conductors 52S that transmit signals from the three sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3, respectively, separately from one another.

[0063] Converter 80D1 is interposed between power distribution units 22A2 and 22A3. The frame member 30 and power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A2 are an example of a first frame member and a first power supply conductor, and the frame member 30 and power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A3 are an example of a second frame member and a second power supply conductor. Similarly, converter 80D2 is interposed between power distribution units 22B2 and 22B3. The frame member 30 and power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22B2 are an example of a first frame member and a first power supply conductor, and the frame member 30 and power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22B3 are an example of a second frame member and a second power supply conductor.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of wiring using the frame wiring module 20.

[0065] 7 includes five signal conductors 52S1, 52S2A-52S2D. Each of the five signal conductors 52S1, 52S2A-52S2D is, for example, a conductive pattern on the conductive layer 52 of the circuit board 50. The signal conductor 52S1 is a bus circuit, and the signal conductors 52S2A-52S2D are I / O circuits.

[0066] Four auxiliaries 80G1-80G4 are connected to power distribution unit 22C1. Auxiliary 80G1 is connected to signal conductor 52S2D. Auxiliary 80G2 is connected to signal conductor 52S2B. Two auxiliaries 80G3 and 80G4 are connected to signal conductor 52S1.

[0067] The power distribution unit 22C2 is connected to the ECU 80E and one auxiliary device 80G5. The ECU 80E is connected to the signal conductors 52S1, 52S2B, 52S2C, and 52S2D. The auxiliary device 80G5 is connected to the signal conductor 52S2A.

[0068] The signal conductors 52S1 of the two power distribution units 22C1 and 22C2 are connected to each other by the intermediate conductor 64S1, thereby forming a bus connection between the ECU 80E and the two accessories 80G3 and 80G4 via the two power distribution units 22C1 and 22C2 and the intermediate conductor 64S1.

[0069] The signal conductors 52S2D of the two power distribution units 22C1 and 22C2 are connected to each other by the intermediate conductor 64S2D, thereby providing an I / O connection between the ECU 80E and the single auxiliary device 80G1 via the two power distribution units 22C1 and 22C2 and the intermediate conductor 64S2D.

[0070] The signal conductors 52S2B of the two power distribution units 22C1 and 22C2 are connected to each other by the intermediate conductor 64S2B, thereby providing an I / O connection between the ECU 80E and the single auxiliary device 80G2 via the two power distribution units 22C1 and 22C2 and the intermediate conductor 64S2B.

[0071] The signal conductor 52S2A and the signal conductor 52S2C of one power distribution unit 22C2 are connected by the short-circuiting conductor 67. This allows the ECU 80E and one auxiliary device 80G5 to be I / O-connected via the power distribution unit 22C2 and the short-circuiting conductor 67. The short-circuiting conductor 67 may be, for example, a terminal-equipped electric wire including a plug terminal and an electric wire, similar to the intermediate conductor 64.

[0072] <Effects, etc.> According to the frame wiring module 20 configured as described above, the parallel conductors 40, 52 arranged along the frame member 30 can be used as part of the wiring connecting the devices 80 together. This makes it possible to prevent the wiring from becoming complicated in the area where the frame member 30 is arranged. Furthermore, since the terminals 60 fit within the frame member 30, the frame member 30 can be used as a housing for the terminals 60, eliminating the need to provide a housing for the terminals 60 separately from the frame member 30.

[0073] The device also includes a circuit board 50 including an insulating layer 54 and a conductive layer 52 serving as a parallel conductor, and the frame member 30 includes a first surface 31 and a second surface 32 facing opposite each other, with a first opening 36 provided in the first surface 31 and a second opening 37 provided in the second surface 32, the circuit board 50 being arranged such that its main surface 51 is aligned with the first surface 31 of the frame member 30, and the terminals 60 protruding from the main surface 51 of the circuit board 50 toward the inside of the frame member 30. In this case, the circuit board 50 arranged along the frame member 30 can be used for part of the wiring connecting the devices 80 together. This prevents the wiring from becoming complicated where the frame member 30 is arranged.

[0074] The parallel conductors also include power supply conductors 40 that pass through the interior of the frame member 30, and a third opening 34 that leads to the power supply conductor 40 is formed on the second surface 32 next to the second opening 37. This allows the signal circuit to be covered by the circuit board 50, and the power supply circuit to be covered by the power supply conductor 40. This makes it easier to increase the allowable current of the power supply conductor 40, and makes it easier to use the frame wiring module 20 for wiring around the drive.

[0075] Furthermore, the frame member 30 is elongated along the first direction among the first, second, and third directions, which are perpendicular to one another. A plurality of through holes 35 are provided at regular intervals along the first direction, and each of the plurality of through holes 35 extends along the second direction. This allows the second opening 37 of a through hole 35 close to a device 80 arranged around the frame member 30 to serve as a connection port for that device 80. This shortens the device-side wiring 82, thereby preventing the wiring from becoming complicated at the location where the frame member 30 is arranged. Furthermore, the frame wiring module 20 facilitates electrical continuity at any position, increasing the flexibility of device 80 placement. Furthermore, because the frame wiring module 20 serves as a connection point for the electrical circuit, a separate distributor is not required. Furthermore, by absorbing most of the wiring in the frame wiring module 20, the space consumed by wiring connecting devices 80 can be significantly reduced and space can be used more efficiently.

[0076] The frame member 30 includes a first frame member and a second frame member. The conductors include first parallel conductors arranged along the first frame member, second parallel conductors arranged along the second frame member, and intermediate conductors 62, 64 connecting the first and second parallel conductors. This allows the first and second parallel conductors to be connected by the intermediate conductors 62, 64. If both the first and second parallel conductors are power conductors 40, the voltages can be made uniform. Specifically, the power conductors 40 of the multiple power distribution units 22 are connected to each other by a bus bar 62. This allows the voltages of the power conductors 40 of the multiple power distribution units 22 to be made uniform. When multiple first signal conductors and multiple second signal conductors are provided as the first and second parallel conductors, the intermediate conductor 64 can adjust the connection relationship between the multiple first signal conductors and multiple second signal conductors. Specifically, the conductive layers 52 of the multiple power distribution units 22 are connected to each other by terminal-attached electric wires 64. This allows the connection relationships of the multiple signal conductors between the multiple power distribution units 22 to be adjusted.

[0077] The conductors also include a plurality of parallel conductors arranged along one frame member 30 and a short-circuiting conductor 67 that connects the plurality of parallel conductors together at an end of one frame member 30. This allows the plurality of parallel conductors to be connected together by the short-circuiting conductor 67. This is effective, for example, when connecting circuits of devices 80 connected to different connection portions of one frame member 30. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 , two signal conductors 52S2A and 52S2C of one power distribution unit 22C2 are connected by the short-circuiting conductor 67. This allows the ECU 80E and auxiliary device 80G5 connected to one power distribution unit 22C2 to be connected.

[0078] Furthermore, the frame member 30 is made of metal, and the frame wiring module 20 includes an insulator 26 that insulates the inner surface of the through hole 35 in the frame member 30 from the terminal 60. This makes it possible to prevent a short circuit between the frame member 30 and the terminal 60.

[0079] [Note] Although an example in which the frame wiring module 20 is applied to a compact mobility vehicle has been described above, this is not a required configuration. The frame wiring module 20 may be applied to a vehicle such as a general passenger car. When the frame wiring module 20 is applied to a vehicle, the frame member may be, for example, a reinforcement. The frame member may be, for example, an instrument panel reinforcement disposed inside an instrument panel. In this case, the frame wiring module may include only one frame member and one wiring unit.

[0080] The configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10. Small Mobility 12. Chassis 14 Rolling elements 16 Cover 20 Frame Wiring Module 22, 22A1-22A4, 22B1-22B4 Power Distribution Unit 24A, 24B power distribution layer 26 Insulators 30 Frame members 31 Page 1 32 2nd page 33 Recess 34 Third opening (power supply connection) 35 through holes 36 First Opening 37 Second opening (signal connection) 38 Fastening hole 40 Power conductors (parallel conductors) 42 Plate-shaped body 44 Receiving 46 Spring piece 50 Circuit Board 52 Conductive layer (parallel conductor) 52G Ground conductor (ground parallel conductor) 52S, 52S1, 52S2 Signal conductors (signal parallel conductors) 54 Insulating layer 56 holes 60 terminals 62 Busbar (intermediate conductor) 64 Terminaled wire (intermediate conductor) 64G Ground Intermediate Conductor 64S Signal Intermediate Conductor 65 plug terminal 66 Insulated wire 67 Wire with terminal (short-circuit conductor) 70 Fixing member 72 Outer bracket 74 Inner bracket 76 Fastening members 80 equipment 80A battery 80B inverter 80C motor 80D1, 80D2 Converter 80E ECU 80F1-80F3 Sensors 80G1-80G5 Auxiliary Equipment 82 Equipment side wiring 83 Connector 84 Connector terminal 84P power terminal 84S signal terminal 84G Ground terminal 85 Connector housing

Claims

1. a frame member having a through hole formed therein, the through hole having a first opening and a second opening; a conductor including parallel conductors arranged along the frame member and terminals protruding from the parallel conductors; Equipped with a frame wiring module, wherein a tip of the terminal extends into the through hole through the first opening and is connected to an external wiring through the second opening.

2. 2. The frame wiring module according to claim 1, a circuit board including an insulating layer and a conductive layer as the parallel conductor; The frame member includes a first surface and a second surface facing opposite each other, the first opening is provided in the first surface; the second opening is provided in the second surface; the circuit board is disposed so that a main surface thereof is along the first surface of the frame member, The terminals protrude from the main surface of the circuit board toward the inside of the frame member.

3. 3. The frame wiring module according to claim 2, the parallel conductors include power supply conductors that pass through the interior of the frame member; a third opening communicating with the power supply conductor is formed on the second surface adjacent to the second opening;

4. The frame wiring module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the frame member is elongated along the first direction among a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction perpendicular to each other; the through holes are provided at regular intervals along the first direction, Each of the plurality of through holes extends along the second direction.

5. The frame wiring module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the frame members include a first frame member and a second frame member; the conductors include first parallel conductors arranged along the first frame member, second parallel conductors arranged along the second frame member, and intermediate conductors connecting the first parallel conductors and the second parallel conductors.

6. The frame wiring module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a frame wiring module, wherein the conductors include a plurality of parallel conductors arranged along one of the frame members, and a short-circuiting conductor connecting the plurality of parallel conductors to each other at an end of one of the frame members.

7. The frame wiring module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the frame member is made of metal; a frame wiring module including an insulator that insulates the terminal from an inner surface of the through hole in the frame member;

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Wiring system for automobile

    JP2004182191A