Wiring module

Abstract

To provide a wiring module that facilitates the routing of electrical wires. [Solution] The wiring module 10 is attached to a plurality of energy storage elements, each having electrode terminals, and comprises a plurality of electric wires 11 and a protector 20, the protector 20 comprising a first protector 21 and a second protector 22 to which the first protector 21 is assembled, each of the plurality of electric wires 11 is electrically connected to an electrode terminal, the first protector 21 comprises a first wiring section 42 to which the plurality of electric wires 11 are routed and a second wiring section 43 that branches off from the first wiring section 42 and to which each of the plurality of electric wires 11 are routed individually, the second protector 22 does not have each of the plurality of electric wires 11 routed individually.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , ,

[0003] , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a battery module described in Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 115032550 (Patent Document 1 below) is known. This battery module includes a bracket, a sampling terminal, an electric wire connected to the sampling terminal, and a connector connected to the sampling terminal via the electric wire. The sampling terminal has a welding portion, a bent portion, and a through hole. The welding portion is welded to a tab of a battery inserted into an avoidance slot of the bracket. The bent portion is inserted into a slot provided in the bracket. A column of the bracket is inserted into the through hole. A head having a diameter larger than that of the column is provided at the tip of the column. By the head contacting the hole edge portion of the through hole, the column is prevented from coming out of the through hole. Thereby, the sampling terminal is supported so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction with respect to the bracket. Further, the bracket is provided with a recess for routing the electric wire. The recess is disposed around the avoidance slot. The electric wire is bundled by a strap at the upper part of the bracket.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above configuration, the recess is provided to bypass the avoidance slot, extending from the area where the sampling terminal is located to the top of the bracket where the strap is mounted. As a result, it becomes necessary to route each wire into the recess one by one along almost the entire length of the bracket. Therefore, there is a concern that routing the wires into the recess will be time-consuming.

[0005] This disclosure has been completed based on the circumstances described above, and aims to provide a wiring module that facilitates the routing of electrical wires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The wiring module of the present disclosure is a wiring module attached to a plurality of energy storage elements, each having electrode terminals, and comprises a plurality of wires and a protector, the protector comprising a first protector and a second protector to which the first protector is assembled, each of the plurality of wires being electrically connected to the electrode terminals, the first protector comprising a first wiring section to which the plurality of wires are routed and a second wiring section branching off from the first wiring section and to which each of the plurality of wires is routed individually, the second protector not having each of the plurality of wires routed individually. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a wiring module that facilitates the routing of electric wires. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a wiring module according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the energy storage module. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view of the wiring module. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of Figure 3, showing a magnified view of the area around the left and right center of the wiring module. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of Figure 3, showing a magnified view of the rightmost part of the wiring module. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of Figure 3, showing a magnified view of the area around where multiple wires are drawn out from the first protector to the second protector. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the wiring module. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 4. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 4. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the CC shown in Figure 4. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4, shown in DD. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of EE in Figure 4. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the FF in Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of GG in Figure 6. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the first protector. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is an enlarged bottom view of the first protector. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is an enlarged perspective view of the second protector. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of the second protector. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The wiring module of the present disclosure is a wiring module attached to a plurality of power storage elements each having an electrode terminal, and includes a plurality of electric wires and a protector. The protector includes a first protector and a second protector to which the first protector is assembled. Each of the plurality of electric wires is electrically connected to the electrode terminal. The first protector includes a first wiring portion through which the plurality of electric wires are routed, and a second wiring portion that branches from the first wiring portion and through which each of the plurality of electric wires is individually routed. Each of the plurality of electric wires is not individually routed in the second protector.

[0010] According to such a configuration, since the protector includes the second protector in which each of the plurality of electric wires is not individually routed, for example, compared with the case where each of the plurality of electric wires is individually routed substantially over the entire protector made of a single member, it becomes easier to route the electric wires in the wiring module. Specifically, after routing the plurality of electric wires in the first protector, the first protector can be assembled to the second protector, whereby the routing of the electric wires can be easily performed.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], it is preferable that the second protector includes a frame-shaped portion into which the first protector is fitted.

[0012] According to such a configuration, by fitting the first protector into the frame-shaped portion, the plurality of electric wires can be held not only by the first protector but also by the frame-shaped portion. Therefore, for example, by providing many gaps in the first protector to make the routing of the electric wires even easier, it is possible to suppress the electric wires from coming out of the protector.

[0013] [3] In the above [2], the plurality of energy storage elements are arranged in a row in a first direction, and the first wiring portion has a bottom, at least one first side piece extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from one side edge of the bottom, at least one second side piece extending in a second direction from the other side edge of the bottom, at least one first space provided adjacent to the first side piece in the first direction, and at least one second space provided adjacent to the second side piece in the first direction, wherein the first space is positioned in a position corresponding to the second side piece in the first direction, and the second space is positioned in a position corresponding to the first side piece in the first direction.

[0014] With this configuration, the provision of a first space and a second space in the first wiring section makes it easier to route multiple electric wires into the first wiring section.

[0015] [4] In the above [3], the first side piece is provided with a first claw portion that protrudes toward the second space from the edge of the first side piece in the second direction, and the second side piece is provided with a second claw portion that protrudes toward the first space from the edge of the second side piece in the second direction, and the first claw portion and the second claw portion preferably have portions that overlap in the first direction.

[0016] With this configuration, the first and second claws make contact with multiple wires, making it difficult for multiple wires to come loose from the first wiring section.

[0017] [5] In the above [3] or [4], it is preferable that the frame-shaped portion has a protrusion that fills a part of the second space.

[0018] With this configuration, the frame-shaped portion and the first protector can be positioned by providing a protrusion.

[0019] [6] In any one of the above [3] to [5], the second cable section preferably comprises a bottom wall and a pair of side wall sections extending from both side edges of the bottom wall in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions, wherein the side wall sections also serve as the bottom.

[0020] This configuration reduces the space required to form the first and second cable routing sections, allowing the first protector to be miniaturized.

[0021] [7] In any one of the above [3] to [6], the first cable section is preferably further provided with a rib that protrudes from the bottom and connects the first side piece and the second side piece.

[0022] With this configuration, the strength of the first and second side pieces can be increased by providing ribs.

[0023] [8] In any one of the above [3] to [7], it is preferable that the first side piece and the second side piece do not overlap in a third direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

[0024] With this configuration, the first wiring section can be easily formed by sliding the mold in the third direction.

[0025] [9] In any one of the above [1] to [8], it is preferable that the plurality of energy storage elements are arranged in a line in the first direction, the second protector has a shape that is elongated in the first direction and in a fourth direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the first protector is assembled to the end of the second protector in the fourth direction.

[0026] This configuration reduces the space occupied by the first protector within the protector, and also makes it easier to miniaturize the entire protector in the fourth direction. Furthermore, by reducing the space occupied by the first protector, the space required for individually routing each of the multiple wires within the protector is reduced, making wire routing even easier.

[0027]

[10] In any one of the above [1] to [9], the plurality of energy storage elements are arranged in a line in the first direction, and the second protector comprises a third protector and a fourth protector separate from the third protector, wherein the third protector and the fourth protector are slidable in the first direction.

[0028] With this configuration, tolerances of the energy storage element in the first direction can be absorbed.

[0029]

[11] Preferably, any one of the wiring modules described in [1] to

[10] above further comprises a plurality of conductive members connected to each of the plurality of electric wires, wherein the plurality of electric wires and the plurality of electrode terminals are electrically connected via the plurality of conductive members.

[0030] This configuration can sometimes facilitate the electrical connection between the wire and the electrode terminal.

[0031] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. This disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included. In the drawings, some parts of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified for illustrative purposes. Also, the dimensional ratios of the parts may differ in the drawings. In this specification, “orthogonal” includes not only strictly orthogonal but also approximately orthogonal to the extent that the function and effect of the present embodiment is achieved.

[0032] Furthermore, in this specification, "facing" means that two surfaces or members are in a position where they face each other, and includes not only cases where they are completely facing each other, but also cases where they are partially facing each other. Furthermore, in this specification, "facing" includes both cases where a member other than the two parts is interposed between the two parts, and cases where nothing is interposed between the two parts.

[0033] <Embodiment> Embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 18. The energy storage module 1 equipped with the wiring module 10 of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle, for example, as a power source for driving a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. In the following description, the direction indicated by arrow Z is described as upward, the direction indicated by arrow X is described as forward, and the direction indicated by arrow Y is described as rightward. In this embodiment, the left-right direction is an example of a first direction. The up-down direction is an example of a second and fourth direction. The front-back direction is an example of a third direction. Note that for multiple identical components, reference numerals may be assigned to only some of the components, while the reference numerals for other components may be omitted.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the energy storage module 1 comprises an energy storage element group 2 and a wiring module 10. Although not shown in detail, the energy storage element group 2 is configured substantially the same as the battery body described in Patent Document 1. The energy storage element group 2 comprises a plurality of energy storage elements arranged in a single row in the left-right direction. In the energy storage element group 2, the plurality of energy storage elements are stacked in the left-right direction via spacers. Each energy storage element has two electrode terminals. One of the two electrode terminals protrudes forward, and the other of the two electrode terminals protrudes backward. In this embodiment, the electrode terminals of a plurality of adjacent energy storage elements are bent and overlapped in the front-rear direction, and connected by welding or the like. That is, the energy storage element group 2 comprises an electrode connector in which the plurality of electrode terminals are electrically connected.

[0035] The energy storage element group 2 may include a housing that covers multiple energy storage elements. The housing comprises an upper plate, a lower plate, a right plate, and a left plate. Providing a housing can increase the mechanical strength of the energy storage module 1.

[0036] (Wiring module 10) The energy storage module 1 includes wiring modules 10 attached to the front and rear sides of the energy storage element group 2. Since the wiring module 10 attached to the front side of the energy storage element group 2 and the wiring module 10 attached to the rear side of the energy storage element group 2 are configured substantially the same, the wiring module 10 attached to the front side of the energy storage element group 2 will be described below. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the wiring module 10 includes a plurality of electric wires 11 and a protector 20.

[0037] (Wire 11, terminal 12) Multiple electric wires 11 are held by a protector 20. A terminal 12 (an example of a conductive material) is provided at one end of each electric wire 11. The terminal 12 is electrically connected to the electrode connector by welding or the like (see Figure 12). That is, the electric wires 11 are electrically connected to the electrode connector via the terminal 12. The other end of each electric wire 11 is connected to an external device, for example, via a connector. The external device is a device provided outside the energy storage module 1. The external device is, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The ECU is equipped with a microcomputer, elements, etc., and has a well-known configuration that has functions for detecting the voltage, current, temperature, etc. of each energy storage element, and controlling the charging and discharging of each energy storage element.

[0038] (Protector 20, Second Protector 22) The protector 20 is made of an insulating synthetic resin. As shown in Figure 1, the protector 20 comprises a first protector 21 and a second protector 22 to which the first protector 21 is assembled. As shown in Figure 17, the second protector 22 has a main body portion 23 and an insertion hole 24 that penetrates the main body portion 23. The main body portion 23 is roughly plate-shaped and elongated in the left-right and up-down directions. An electrode connector is inserted through the insertion hole 24.

[0039] (Third protector 25, fourth protector 26) As shown in Figure 18, the second protector 22 comprises a third protector 25 and a fourth protector 26 formed separately from the third protector 25. The third protector 25 and the fourth protector 26 are slidable relative to each other in the left-right direction. Specifically, one of the third protector 25 and the fourth protector 26 has a protruding portion 27 extending in the left-right direction, and the other of the third protector 25 and the fourth protector 26 has a recessed portion 28 extending in the left-right direction and capable of engaging with the protruding portion 27. The protruding portion 27 and the recessed portion 28 are arranged around the insertion hole 24. The engagement of the protruding portion 27 and the recessed portion 28 allows the third protector 25 and the fourth protector 26 to slide relative to each other in the left-right direction. With this configuration, manufacturing tolerances of the energy storage element and the second protector 22 in the left-right direction, as well as assembly tolerances of the electrode connector and the insertion hole 24, can be absorbed. Furthermore, it can absorb dimensional differences in the left-right direction between multiple energy storage elements due to thermal expansion.

[0040] (Frame part 29) As shown in Figure 17, the second protector 22 includes a frame-shaped portion 29 formed at the lower end of the main body portion 23. The frame-shaped portion 29 is positioned below the insertion hole 24. The frame-shaped portion 29 includes a base wall 30 and a first support wall 31 and a second support wall 32 extending forward from the base wall 30. The second support wall 32 is positioned at the lower end of the main body portion 23. The first support wall 31 is positioned above the second support wall 32. The first support wall 31 is positioned between adjacent insertion holes 24 in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 7, the first protector 21 is fitted into the frame-shaped portion 29.

[0041] As shown in Figure 17, the frame-shaped portion 29 includes a locking piece 33 that is shaped as a cutout in the first support wall 31. As shown in Figure 8, a locking portion 33A is provided at the front end of the locking piece 33. The locking portion 33A protrudes from the first support wall 31 toward the second support wall 32. The locking piece 33 is designed to engage with the first protector 21. The first protector 21 includes a locking receiving portion 55 that receives the locking portion 33A. The engagement between the locking portion 33A and the locking receiving portion 55 prevents the first protector 21 from coming out of the frame-shaped portion 29. A predetermined clearance is provided in the left-right direction between the locking receiving portion 55 and the locking portion 33A. This allows tolerance absorption by sliding between the third protector 25 and the fourth protector 26 when the first protector 21, third protector 25, and fourth protector 26 are assembled.

[0042] As shown in Figure 17, the frame-shaped portion 29 is provided with an engagement recess 34 at the front end of the first support wall 31. The engagement recess 34 is formed as a recess from the front and top surfaces of the first support wall 31. As shown in Figure 9, the engagement recess 34 and the first support wall 31 are configured to engage with the hook-shaped portion 35 of the first protector 21. The hook-shaped portion 35 comprises an engagement projection 35A disposed within the engagement recess 34 and an extension wall 35B extending rearward from the engagement projection 35A and slidably contacting the first support wall 31. The engagement of the hook-shaped portion 35 and the engagement recess 34 guides the assembly of the first protector 21 to the second protector 22 from the front. A predetermined clearance is provided in the left-right direction between the engagement recess 34 and the hook-shaped portion 35. As a result, tolerances can be absorbed by the sliding motion of the third protector 25 and the fourth protector 26 when the first protector 21, the third protector 25, and the fourth protector 26 are assembled.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the frame-shaped portion 29 has a receiving recess 36 in which a part of the second support wall 32 and the base wall 30 are cut out. As shown in Figures 4 and 10, the first protector 21 is provided with an entry portion 37 that enters into the receiving recess 36. The entry portion 37 may be formed integrally with the first wiring portion 42, which will be described later. The engagement of the entry portion 37 and the receiving recess 36 guides the assembly of the first protector 21 to the second protector 22 from the front. It also positions the first protector 21 relative to the second protector 22. A predetermined clearance is provided in the left-right direction between the receiving recess 36 and the entry portion 37. This allows tolerance absorption by sliding of the third protector 25 and the fourth protector 26 when the first protector 21, third protector 25, and fourth protector 26 are assembled.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the frame-shaped portion 29 is provided with an engaging projection 38 protruding from the base wall 30. The engaging projection 38 has a shape that is elongated in the left-right direction. The first protector 21 has a receiving hole 39 through which the engaging projection 38 is inserted. The receiving hole 39 may be provided in an area of ​​the first protector 21 where the electric wire 11 is not routed (for example, the right end or left end of the first protector 21). By inserting the engaging projection 38 into the receiving hole 39, the second protector 22 is positioned relative to the first protector 21. A predetermined clearance is provided in the left-right direction between the inner wall of the receiving hole 39 and the engaging projection 38. This allows tolerance absorption by sliding of the third protector 25 and the fourth protector 26 when the first protector 21, the third protector 25, and the fourth protector 26 are assembled.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the second protector 22 may include a third wiring section 40 through which multiple wires 11 are routed. Multiple wires 11 are routed together in the third wiring section 40. No individual wires 11 are routed through the second protector 22. The third wiring section 40 is located between two adjacent insertion holes 24 and may extend vertically. For example, the third wiring section 40 includes a bottom plate 40A and a pair of side plates 40B extending forward from both side edges of the bottom plate 40A. The third wiring section 40 may include a locking claw 40C extending from one side plate 40B toward the other side plate 40B. As shown in Figure 14, the internal space of the third wiring section 40 is in communication with an outlet 41 through which multiple wires 11 are led out from the first protector 21. The third wiring section 40 may contain a bundle of wires, each consisting of multiple wires 11 bundled together with a binding member such as a heat-shrinkable tube.

[0046] (First protector 21) As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first protector 21 has a long shape in the left-right direction. As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the first protector 21 includes a first wiring section 42 and a second wiring section 43 that branches off from the first wiring section 42. Multiple electric wires 11 are routed through the first wiring section 42. Each electric wire 11 is routed individually through the second wiring section 43. That is, one electric wire 11 is routed through the second wiring section 43. Also, as shown in Figure 14, the first protector 21 is provided with an outlet 41 through which multiple electric wires 11 are routed together. The outlet 41 opens upwards. The outlet 41 is in communication with the first wiring section 42.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the first protector 21 has a terminal arrangement space 44 that communicates with the internal space of the second wiring section 43 and the insertion hole 24. A terminal 12 connected to one end of the electric wire 11 is arranged in the terminal arrangement space 44. The first protector 21 has a terminal holding structure (not shown) formed in the terminal arrangement space 44. The terminal holding structure holds the terminal 12 in the first protector 21. The terminal holding structure may allow the terminal 12 to be displaced by a predetermined amount in the terminal arrangement space 44.

[0048] The terminal holding structure is, for example, a limiting column member described in Patent Document 1. This limiting column member comprises a column body and a head formed at the tip of the column body and expanding in diameter from the column body. The column body is inserted through a through hole provided in the sampling terminal. The edge of the through hole of the sampling terminal abuts against the head, preventing the sampling terminal from coming off the limiting column member. In other words, the sampling terminal is held in place by the limiting column member.

[0049] (First cable section 42) As shown in Figure 15, the first cable routing section 42 is located at the bottom of the first protector 21. The first cable routing section 42 extends in the left-right direction. The first cable routing section 42 comprises a bottom 45, a first side piece 46, and a second side piece 47. The first side piece 46 extends downward from one side edge (front end) of the bottom 45. The second side piece 47 extends downward from the other side edge (rear end) of the bottom 45. The first cable routing section 42 has a first space 48 provided adjacent to the first side piece 46 in the left-right direction, and a second space 49 provided adjacent to the second side piece 47 in the left-right direction. The first space 48 is located in a position corresponding to the second side piece 47 in the left-right direction. The second space 49 is located in a position corresponding to the first side piece 46 in the left-right direction. The first space 48 is located in front of the second side piece 47. The second space 49 is located behind the first side piece 46. By providing the first space 48 and the second space 49 in the first wiring section 42, the first wiring section 42 has a configuration with many gaps. Therefore, it becomes easier to route multiple electric wires 11 through the first wiring section 42.

[0050] In the left-right direction, the first side piece 46 is larger than the second side piece 47. For example, the left-right dimension of the first side piece 46 may be set to be greater than twice the left-right dimension of the second side piece 47. Similarly, in the left-right direction, the second space 49 is larger than the first space 48.

[0051] The first side piece 46 comprises a first side piece body 46A and a first claw portion 46B extending rearward from the lower end of the first side piece body 46A. The second side piece 47 comprises a second side piece body 47A and a second claw portion 47B extending forward from the lower end of the second side piece body 47A. The first claw portion 46B and the second claw portion 47B define the internal space of the first cable routing portion 42 from below. As shown in Figure 16, the first claw portion 46B and the second claw portion 47B are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The first claw portion 46B and the second claw portion 47B have overlapping portions in the left-right direction.

[0052] When the first protector 21 is fitted into the frame-shaped portion 29, a portion of the gap in the first wiring portion 42 is covered by the frame-shaped portion 29 (see Figures 11 to 13). For example, as shown in Figure 13, the frame-shaped portion 29 closes the second space 49 and the space between the first claw portion 46B and the second claw portion 47B. This prevents multiple electric wires 11 from sticking out of the first wiring portion 42 and protects multiple electric wires 11. Also, when the first protector 21 is fitted into the frame-shaped portion 29, as shown in Figure 9, the electric wires 11 are exposed to the outside from the first space 48, but as mentioned above, the first space 48 is smaller in the left-right direction than the second space 49, so the portion of the electric wires 11 that is exposed to the outside can be made as small as possible.

[0053] (Protrusion 50) Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the frame-shaped portion 29 may also include a protrusion 50 that extends from the base wall 30 and fills a portion of the second space 49. The protrusion 50 is positioned between adjacent second side pieces 47 in the left-right direction. By providing the protrusion 50, the frame-shaped portion 29 and the first protector 21 can be positioned. Preferably, the protrusion 50 has a contact portion 50A that abuts against the first claw portion 46B. The contact between the contact portion 50A and the first claw portion 46B can suppress deformation of the first side piece 46.

[0054] As shown in Figure 15, the first cable section 42 may include a plurality of ribs 51 protruding from the bottom 45. The ribs 51 have an elongated shape in the front-rear direction. The ribs 51 are provided at the left and right ends of the first side piece 46 and the second side piece 47. In detail, the first cable section 42 includes a rib 51 connecting the right end of the first side piece 46 and the left end of the second side piece 47, and a rib 51 connecting the left end of the first side piece 46 and the right end of the second side piece 47. The ribs 51 can increase the strength of the first side piece 46 and the second side piece 47.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first side piece 46 and the second side piece 47 do not overlap in the front-rear direction. In other words, the first side piece 46 and the second side piece 47 are not positioned to face each other in the front-rear direction. However, in this embodiment, since a rib 51 is formed connecting the first side piece 46 and the second side piece 47, the portion of the first side piece 46 that overlaps with the rib 51 in the front-rear direction, and the portion of the second side piece 47 that overlaps with the rib 51 in the front-rear direction may overlap in the front-rear direction. With the first side piece 46 and the second side piece 47 arranged in this way, the first wiring portion 42 can be easily formed by sliding the mold in the front-rear direction.

[0056] (Second cable section 43) The second cable routing section 43 is positioned above the first cable routing section 42. The second cable routing section 43 extends in the left-right direction along the first cable routing section 42. The second cable routing section 43 comprises a bottom wall section 52 and a pair of side wall sections 53 extending forward from both side edges (upper and lower ends) of the bottom wall section 52. The lower of the pair of side wall sections 53 also serves as the bottom 45 of the first cable routing section 42. A connecting recess 54 is formed in the side wall section 53 that also serves as the bottom 45, connecting the first cable routing section 42 and the second cable routing section 43. A rib 51 may be provided in the connecting recess 54. A terminal placement space 44 is provided at the end of the first cable routing section 42 opposite to the connecting recess 54. A lock receiving section 55 is provided in the upper of the pair of side wall sections 53. The lock receiving portion 55 is formed by recessing from the front end of the side wall portion 53.

[0057] By configuring the side wall portion 53 of the second cable routing portion 43 to also serve as the bottom portion 45 of the first cable routing portion 42, the second cable routing portion 43 and the first cable routing portion 42 can be connected in a space-saving manner. As a result, the first protector 21 can be miniaturized. Furthermore, with this configuration, the second cable routing portion 43 can be molded in the same way as the first cable routing portion 42 by sliding the mold in the front-rear direction.

[0058] The second wiring section 43 of this embodiment is equipped with a pair of locking pieces 56. The pair of locking pieces 56 extend from the front ends of the pair of side wall sections 53 so as to face each other in the vertical direction and move closer to each other. As shown in Figure 11, the pair of locking pieces 56 hold the electric wire 11 from the front, preventing the electric wire 11 from coming out of the second wiring section 43. The minimum vertical distance L1 between the pair of locking pieces 56 is preferably equal to or smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the electric wire 11.

[0059] (Regarding the routing of multiple wires 11 to the protector 20) In this embodiment, multiple electric wires 11 are first routed to the first protector 21. The multiple electric wires 11 are routed to the first routing section 42, and each electric wire 11 is individually routed to the second routing section 43. Terminals 12 connected to one end of the electric wires 11 are arranged in the terminal arrangement space 44. The first routing section 42 has a configuration with many gaps, making it easy to route multiple electric wires 11 together. The second routing section 43 is provided along the first routing section 42 and connects the terminal arrangement space 44 and the branch portion (connection recess 54) from the first routing section 42 by approximately the shortest distance. Therefore, it is easy to route each of the multiple electric wires 11 individually to the second routing section 43. The multiple electric wires 11 and terminals 12 are assembled to the first protector 21 to form the electric wire routing body 60 (see Figure 1). Here, the wire routing body 60 is configured to include a first protector 21, a plurality of wires 11 routed to the first protector 21, and a plurality of terminals 12 arranged on the first protector 21.

[0060] Next, the wire routing body 60 is assembled to the second protector 22. The first protector 21 is assembled to the frame-shaped portion 29 of the second protector 22. Although there are many gaps in the first routing section 42, the frame-shaped portion 29 can close off most of these gaps. Therefore, the protector 20 can protect multiple wires 11. The multiple wires 11 drawn out from the first protector 21 are routed together to the third routing section 40. In the second protector 22, it is not necessary to route each wire 11 individually. For this reason, routing multiple wires 11 to the second protector 22 is made easier.

[0061] As described above, according to this embodiment, the routing of multiple electric wires 11 to the first protector 21 and the routing of multiple electric wires 11 to the second protector 22 can be easily performed. Furthermore, the assembly of the electric wire routing body 60 to the second protector 22 can be easily completed by fitting the first protector 21 into the frame-shaped part 29 from the front. Therefore, according to this embodiment, multiple electric wires 11 can be easily routed to the protector 20.

[0062] For example, compared to the case where the wires are individually routed around substantially the entire bracket, as in the configuration of Patent Document 1, in this embodiment, the wires 11 are individually routed only in the first protector 21, which is a part of the protector 20, making it easier to route the wires 11 to the protector 20.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first protector 21 has a shape that is elongated in the left-right direction, which is the arrangement direction of the multiple energy storage elements, and is assembled to the lower end (frame-shaped portion 29) of the second protector 22. That is, the first protector 21 is concentrated on the lower side with respect to the insertion hole 24. With this configuration, for example, compared to the case where the first protector 21 is arranged to bypass the perimeter of the insertion hole 24, it becomes easier to miniaturize the first protector 21 in the vertical direction. It also becomes easier to miniaturize the entire protector 20 in the vertical direction. In addition, by reducing the space occupied by the first protector 21 in the protector 20, the portion of the protector 20 where the electric wires 11 are individually routed can be reduced. Therefore, routing the electric wires 11 to the protector 20 becomes even easier.

[0064] (Effects of the embodiment) (1) The wiring module 10 according to the embodiment is a wiring module 10 that is attached to a plurality of energy storage elements, each having an electrode terminal, and comprises a plurality of electric wires 11 and a protector 20, the protector 20 comprises a first protector 21 and a second protector 22 to which the first protector 21 is assembled, each of the plurality of electric wires 11 is electrically connected to an electrode terminal, the first protector 21 comprises a first wiring section 42 to which the plurality of electric wires 11 are routed and a second wiring section 43 that branches off from the first wiring section 42 and to which each of the plurality of electric wires 11 are routed individually, and the plurality of electric wires 11 are not routed individually to the second protector 22.

[0065] With this configuration, the protector 20 includes a second protector 22 to which each of the multiple wires 11 is not individually routed. Therefore, compared to, for example, a case where each of the multiple wires is individually routed to substantially the entire protector made of a single component, it becomes easier to route the wires 11 to the wiring module 10. Specifically, after routing the multiple wires 11 to the first protector 21, the first protector 21 can be easily assembled to the second protector 22, thereby facilitating the routing of the wires 11.

[0066] (2) In this embodiment, the second protector 22 includes a frame-shaped portion 29 into which the first protector 21 is fitted.

[0067] With this configuration, by fitting the first protector 21 into the frame-shaped portion 29, multiple electric wires 11 can be held not only by the first protector 21 but also by the frame-shaped portion 29. Therefore, for example, by providing many gaps in the first protector 21, it is possible to make the routing of the electric wires 11 even easier, while preventing the electric wires 11 from coming out of the protector 20.

[0068] (3) In the embodiment, the multiple energy storage elements are arranged in a row in a first direction (left-right direction), and the first wiring section 42 has a bottom 45, at least one first side piece 46 extending in a second direction (up-down direction) perpendicular to the first direction from one side edge (front end) of the bottom 45, at least one second side piece 47 extending in a second direction from the other side edge (rear end) of the bottom 45, at least one first space 48 provided adjacent to the first side piece 46 in the first direction, and at least one second space 49 provided adjacent to the second side piece 47 in the first direction, wherein the first space 48 is positioned in a position corresponding to the second side piece 47 in the first direction, and the second space 49 is positioned in a position corresponding to the first side piece 46 in the first direction.

[0069] With this configuration, the provision of a first space 48 and a second space 49 in the first wiring section 42 makes it easier to route multiple electric wires 11 through the first wiring section 42.

[0070] (4) In this embodiment, the first side piece 46 is provided with a first claw portion 46B that protrudes toward the second space 49 from the edge (lower end) of the first side piece 46 in a second direction, and the second side piece 47 is provided with a second claw portion 47B that protrudes toward the first space 48 from the edge (lower end) of the second side piece 47 in a second direction, and the first claw portion 46B and the second claw portion 47B have portions that overlap in a first direction.

[0071] With this configuration, the first claw portion 46B and the second claw portion 47B make contact with the multiple electric wires 11, making it difficult for the multiple electric wires 11 to come loose from the first wiring portion 42.

[0072] (5) In this embodiment, the frame-shaped portion 29 has a protrusion 50 that fills a part of the second space 49.

[0073] With this configuration, the frame-shaped portion 29 and the first protector 21 can be positioned by providing the protrusion 50.

[0074] (6) In this embodiment, the second cable section 43 comprises a bottom wall section 52 and a pair of side wall sections 53 extending from both side edges (upper and lower ends) of the bottom wall section 52 in a third direction (front-rear direction) perpendicular to both the first and second directions, with the side wall sections 53 also serving as the bottom section 45.

[0075] With this configuration, the space required to form the first wiring section 42 and the second wiring section 43 can be reduced, and the first protector 21 can be made smaller.

[0076] (7) In this embodiment, the first cable section 42 further includes a rib 51 that protrudes from the bottom 45 and connects the first side piece 46 and the second side piece 47.

[0077] With this configuration, the strength of the first side piece 46 and the second side piece 47 can be increased by providing the rib 51.

[0078] (8) In this embodiment, the first side piece 46 and the second side piece 47 do not overlap in a third direction that is perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

[0079] With this configuration, the first wiring section 42 can be easily formed by sliding the mold in the third direction.

[0080] (9) In this embodiment, the multiple energy storage elements are arranged in a line in the first direction, the second protector 22 has a shape that is elongated in the first direction and in a fourth direction (up and down direction) perpendicular to the first direction, and the first protector 21 is assembled to the end (lower end) of the second protector 22 in the fourth direction.

[0081] This configuration reduces the space occupied by the first protector 21 in the protector 20, and also makes it easier to miniaturize the entire protector 20 in the fourth direction. Furthermore, by reducing the space occupied by the first protector 21, the space required for individually routing each of the multiple electric wires 11 in the protector 20 is reduced, making the routing of the electric wires 11 even easier.

[0082] (10) In this embodiment, the multiple energy storage elements are arranged in a line in the first direction, and the second protector 22 comprises a third protector 25 and a fourth protector 26 which is separate from the third protector 25, and the third protector 25 and the fourth protector 26 are slidable in the first direction.

[0083] With this configuration, tolerances of the energy storage element in the first direction can be absorbed.

[0084] (11) The wiring module 10 according to the embodiment further comprises a plurality of conductive members (terminals 12) connected to a plurality of electric wires 11, and the plurality of electric wires 11 and the plurality of electrode terminals are electrically connected via the plurality of conductive members.

[0085] This configuration may facilitate the electrical connection between the electric wire 11 and the electrode terminal.

[0086] (Other embodiments) The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the second protector 22 was equipped with a third wiring section 40, but the second protector does not need to be equipped with a third wiring section. That is, the second protector may not have multiple wires wired to it, and the multiple wires may be directly led out from the first protector to the outside.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the second protector 22 included a third protector 25 and a fourth protector 26 that were slidable relative to each other, but the second protector may be configured as a single component.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the wiring module 10 was equipped with terminals 12 (an example of a conductive member), but conductive members are not required. For example, the electric wire may be directly connected to the electrode terminals.

[0090] In the above embodiment, terminal 12 was connected to a pre-connected electrode terminal (electrode connector), but the conductive member may also be a busbar connecting multiple electrode terminals.

[0091] The second protector may have a total negative electrode insertion hole through which a total negative electrode (an example of an electrode terminal) is inserted, and a total positive electrode insertion hole through which a total positive electrode (an example of an electrode terminal) is inserted. The wiring module may also include a total negative electrode busbar (an example of a conductive member) connected to the total negative electrode and held by the second protector, and a total positive electrode busbar (an example of a conductive member) connected to the total positive electrode and held by the second protector. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1: Energy storage module 2: Energy storage element group 10: Wiring Module 11: Electric wire 12: Terminals 20: Protector 21: First Protector 22: Second protector 23: Main body 24: Through hole 25: Third protector 26: Fourth protector 27:Protrusion part 28: Concave section 29: Frame-shaped part 30: Base wall 31: 1st support wall 32:Second support wall 33: Rock fragment 33A: Locking mechanism 34: Engaging recess 35: uncinate part 35A: Engagement convex part 35B: Extension wall 36: Receiving recess 37: Entrance section 38: Engagement protrusion 39:Reception hole 40: Third Cable Distribution Section 40A: Bottom plate 40B: Side plate 40C:Latching claw 41: Outlet 42: First Cable Section 43: Second Cable Distribution Section 44: Terminal placement space 45: Bottom 46: First side piece 46A: First side piece body 46B: 1st claw part 47: Second side 47A: Second side piece body 47B: Second claw section 48: 1st space 49:Second space 50: Convex part 50A: Contact part 51: Rib 52: Bottom wall section 53: Side wall section 54: Connection recess 55: Lock receiving part 56: Locking piece 60: Cable distribution system D1: Outer diameter of wire 11 L1: Minimum vertical spacing between the pair of locking pieces 56

Claims

1. A wiring module that is attached to multiple energy storage elements, each having an electrode terminal, Multiple power lines, Equipped with a protector, The protector comprises a first protector and a second protector to which the first protector is assembled. Each of the aforementioned plurality of wires is electrically connected to the electrode terminal, The first protector comprises a first wiring section through which the plurality of electric wires are routed, and a second wiring section branching off from the first wiring section through which each of the plurality of electric wires is routed individually. The second protector is a wiring module in which none of the multiple wires are individually routed.

2. The wiring module according to claim 1, wherein the second protector comprises a frame-shaped portion into which the first protector is fitted.

3. The plurality of energy storage elements are arranged in a line in the first direction. The first cable routing portion includes a bottom, at least one first side piece extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from one side edge of the bottom, at least one second side piece extending in the second direction from the other side edge of the bottom, at least one first space provided adjacent to the first side piece in the first direction, and at least one second space provided adjacent to the second side piece in the first direction. The first space is positioned in a location corresponding to the second side piece in the first direction, The wiring module according to claim 2, wherein the second space is positioned in a location corresponding to the first side piece with respect to the first direction.

4. The first side piece is provided with a first claw portion that protrudes toward the second space from the edge of the first side piece in the second direction, The second side piece is provided with a second claw portion that protrudes toward the first space from the edge of the second side piece in the second direction, The wiring module according to claim 3, wherein the first claw portion and the second claw portion have portions that overlap in the first direction.

5. The wiring module according to claim 3, wherein the frame-shaped portion has a protrusion that fills a part of the second space.

6. The second cable routing section comprises a bottom wall and a pair of side wall sections extending from both side edges of the bottom wall in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The wiring module according to claim 3, wherein the side wall portion also serves as the bottom portion.

7. The wiring module according to claim 3, wherein the first wiring portion further comprises a rib that protrudes from the bottom and connects the first side piece and the second side piece.

8. The wiring module according to claim 3, wherein the first side piece and the second side piece do not overlap in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

9. The plurality of energy storage elements are arranged in a line in the first direction. The second protector has a shape that is elongated in the first direction and in a fourth direction perpendicular to the first direction. The wiring module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first protector is assembled to the fourth end of the second protector.

10. The plurality of energy storage elements are arranged in a line in the first direction. The second protector comprises a third protector and a fourth protector separate from the third protector. The wiring module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the third protector and the fourth protector are slidable in the first direction.

11. The system further comprises a plurality of conductive members connected to each of the plurality of electric wires, The wiring module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of electric wires and the plurality of electrode terminals are electrically connected via the plurality of conductive members.

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