Wiring system

Abstract

The objective is to further shorten the circuit length and reduce the number of circuits in a wiring system that includes splice sections. [Solution] The wiring system 20 comprises a main wiring member 30 including a plurality of main circuits 32 and a plurality of main connectors 34, and a plurality of branch wiring members 40, 50, 60, each including at least one branch circuit 42, 52, 62 and branch relay connectors 42, 52, 62 connected to one of the plurality of main connectors. The main wiring member has a main splice portion 36. At least one of the plurality of branch wiring members has a first branch circuit 52(1), a second branch circuit 52(2), and a third branch circuit 52(3), each connected to an electrical component, and further has a first branch splice portion 56 to which the first branch circuit, the second branch circuit, and the third branch circuit are connected.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a wire harness including a main line and a plurality of branch lines. In Patent Document 1, the main line includes a linear flexible printed wiring board, and a plurality of connectors each having one or more installed at a first side end and a second side end of the flexible printed wiring board.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For a wiring system provided with a splice portion, it is desired to further shorten the circuit length and further reduce the number of circuits.

[0005] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to further shorten the circuit length and further reduce the number of circuits in a wiring system provided with a splice portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The wiring system of the present disclosure comprises a main wiring member including a plurality of main circuits and a plurality of main connectors, and a plurality of branch wiring members, each including at least one branch circuit and a branch relay connector connected to one of the plurality of main connectors, wherein the main wiring member has a main splice portion to which at least two of the plurality of main circuits are connected, and at least one of the plurality of branch wiring members has at least one branch circuit, a first branch circuit, a second branch circuit, and a third branch circuit, each connected to an electrical component, and further has a first branch splice portion to which the first branch circuit, the second branch circuit, and the third branch circuit are connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, a wiring system with a splice can have its circuit length further shortened and its number of circuits further reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a wiring system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing branch wiring components. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a main wiring component. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the first wiring member. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the second wiring member. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the second wiring member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] The wiring system of this disclosure is as follows:

[0011] (1) A wiring system comprising: a main wiring member including a plurality of main circuits and a plurality of main connectors; and a plurality of branch wiring members, each including at least one branch circuit and a branch relay connector connected to one of the plurality of main connectors, wherein the main wiring member has a main splice portion to which at least two of the plurality of main circuits are connected, and at least one of the plurality of branch wiring members has at least one branch circuit, a first branch circuit, a second branch circuit, and a third branch circuit, each connected to an electrical component, and further has a first branch splice portion to which the first branch circuit, the second branch circuit, and the third branch circuit are connected.

[0012] In this wiring system, since the main wiring member has a main splice section and at least one branch wiring member has a first branch splice section, each circuit can be shortened and the number of circuits can be easily reduced, and each circuit can be easily spliced ​​together at a location that facilitates this. Furthermore, at least one branch wiring member has a first branch circuit, a second branch circuit, and a third branch circuit, each connected to an electrical component, and also has a first branch splice section to which the first, second, and third branch circuits are connected. Therefore, the length can be shortened compared to the case where the first, second, and third branch circuits are extended to the main wiring member and interconnected, and the number of circuits in the main wiring member can also be reduced. As a result, the wiring system with splice sections can have its circuit length further shortened and the number of circuits further reduced.

[0013] (2) The wiring system of (1), wherein the plurality of trunk circuits include a first trunk circuit, a second trunk circuit, and a third trunk circuit, the first trunk circuit, the second trunk circuit, and the third trunk circuit are each connected to a plurality of separate trunk connectors, and the trunk splice portion may have a first trunk splice portion to which the first trunk circuit, the second trunk circuit, and the third trunk circuit are connected.

[0014] In this case, the main wiring member has the first main splice portion that connects the first main circuit, the second main circuit, and the third main circuit, so that the first main circuit, the second main circuit, and the third main circuit can be shortened, and no extra circuits need to be added.

[0015] (3) The wiring system according to (1) or (2), wherein the plurality of branch wiring members further include a first branch wiring member, a second branch wiring member, and a third branch wiring member, the plurality of main circuits include a first main circuit, a second main circuit, and a third main circuit, the first main circuit is connected to the branch circuit of the first branch wiring member, the second main circuit is connected to the branch circuit of the second branch wiring member, the third main circuit is connected to the branch circuit of the third branch wiring member, and the main splice portion may have a first main splice portion to which the first main circuit, the second main circuit, and the third main circuit are connected.

[0016] In this case, the main wiring member has the first main splice portion that connects the first main circuit, the second main circuit, and the third main circuit, so that the first main circuit, the second main circuit, and the third main circuit can be shortened, and no extra circuits need to be added.

[0017] (4) The wiring system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein at least one of the plurality of branch wiring members has, as at least one of the branch circuits, a fourth branch circuit connected to the main circuit of the main wiring member and an electrical component, and a fifth branch circuit connected to the electrical component, and may further have a second branch splice portion to which the fourth branch circuit and the fifth branch circuit are connected.

[0018] In this case, since the fourth branch circuit can be branched into the fifth branch circuit within at least one branch wiring member, the fifth branch circuit can be shortened and the number of circuits in the main wiring member can be reduced compared to the case where branching is performed within the main wiring member.

[0019] (5) The wiring system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the plurality of main circuits include a fourth main circuit and a fifth main circuit, the fourth main circuit relays and connects two of the plurality of main connectors, the fifth main circuit is connected to one of the plurality of main connectors, and the main splice part may include a second main splice part to which the fourth main circuit and the fifth main circuit are connected.

[0020] In this way, when the main wiring member has the fourth main circuit that relays and connects two of the plurality of main connectors, it is possible to branch into the fifth main circuit using the fourth main circuit. Since the circuit is branched using the fourth main circuit required in the design of the wiring system, the circuit length is unlikely to increase. In addition, the splice part can be set in the main wiring member.

[0021] (6) The wiring system according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the plurality of main circuits include a fourth main circuit and a fifth main circuit, the fourth main circuit relays and connects two of the plurality of branch wiring members, the fifth main circuit is connected to one of the plurality of branch wiring members, and the main splice part may include a second main splice part to which the fourth main circuit and the fifth main circuit are connected.

[0022] In this way, when the main wiring member has the fourth main circuit that relays and connects two of the plurality of branch wiring members, it is possible to branch into the fifth main circuit using the fourth main circuit. Since the circuit is branched using the fourth main circuit required in the design of the wiring system, the circuit length is unlikely to increase. In addition, the splice part can be set in the main wiring member.

[0023] (7) The wiring system according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the main wiring member includes a first wiring member and a second wiring member that are laminated, and the main splice parts may be collectively arranged on the first wiring member.

[0024] In this way, by concentrating the splice parts on the first wiring member, the main wiring member can be easily manufactured.

[0025] (8) A wiring system according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the main wiring member comprises a plurality of conductors, a pair of insulating sheets sandwiching the plurality of conductors, and a connecting wiring material, wherein the plurality of conductors have exposed portions that are partially exposed from at least one of the pair of insulating sheets, and the main splice portion may be the portion to which the connecting wiring material is joined to the exposed portion.

[0026] This makes it easy to form the main line splice section.

[0027] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of the wiring systems of this disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to these examples, and all modifications are intended to be included in the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims as indicated by the claims.

[0028] [Embodiment] The wiring system according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0029] <Overall Configuration of the Wiring System> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the wiring system 20. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the branch wiring members. The overall configuration of the wiring system 20 will now be described. The wiring system 20 comprises a main wiring member 30 and a plurality of branch wiring members 40, 50, and 60. Note that the circuits shown in Figures 1 and below are illustrative circuits for explanatory purposes, and the actual number, routes, and branch locations and numbers may be set according to the number, location, and electrical connection points of the electrical components to which it is applied.

[0030] The wiring system 20 is a system for electrically connecting the electrical components 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H in a vehicle.

[0031] For example, the main wiring member 30 is connected to electrical component 10A. For example, electrical component 10A is a component that is connected to multiple electrical components 10B, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H. For example, electrical component 10A may be an electronic control unit (ECU). In this case, the electronic control unit may control multiple electrical components 10B, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H. For example, electrical component 10A may be a power supply source. In this case, the power supply source may supply power to multiple electrical components 10B, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H.

[0032] Each of the branch wiring members 40, 50, and 60 is connected to one or more of the electrical components 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H. For example, branch wiring member 40 is connected to electrical components 10B and 10C, branch wiring member 50 is connected to electrical components 10D, 10E, and 10F, and branch wiring member 60 is connected to electrical components 10G and 10H.

[0033] For example, electrical component 10A is connected from the main wiring member 30 to multiple electrical components 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H via multiple branch wiring members 40, 50, and 60. In other words, the main wiring member 30 may be understood as a wiring member that bundles multiple circuits from electrical component 10A to multiple electrical components 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H, while the branch wiring members 40, 50, and 60 may be understood as wiring members that bundle these multiple circuits into easily manageable units.

[0034] Furthermore, for example, a circuit connecting one of the electrical components 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H to another of them passes through one of the branch wiring members 40, 50, and 60, then through the main wiring member 30, and then through another of the branch wiring members 40, 50, and 60. The main wiring member 30 is a wiring member that combines multiple circuits between multiple electrical components 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H into one, and the branch wiring members 40, 50, and 60 may be understood as wiring members that branch off the combined circuits toward each of the electrical components 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H, and are bundled into units that are easy to handle.

[0035] Multiple circuits may be grouped in units of electrical components 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H in multiple branch wiring members 40, 50, and 60, or they may be grouped in units of placement areas of said electrical components 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H. The placement area unit may be a functional unit in the vehicle (for example, a door, center console, or instrument panel display unit).

[0036] The main wiring member 30 described above may be fixed to the vehicle. The fixing location may be, for example, a reinforcement on the vehicle.

[0037] The branch wiring members 40, 50, and 60 branch off from the main wiring member 30 and are arranged toward the installation locations of electrical components 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H in the vehicle. For example, the branch wiring members 40, 50, and 60 may be arranged so as to extend from the main wiring member 30, which is located in the instrument panel, toward the doors, center console, or instrument panel display units.

[0038] <Main wiring components> The main wiring component 30 will now be described. The main wiring component 30 includes a plurality of main circuits 32 and a plurality of main connectors 34. For each component described below, when referring to the component collectively, a code will be added after the name; when distinguishing between the components, a number will be added in parentheses after the code. For example, with respect to a main connector, when referring to the main connector collectively, it will be written as main connector 34; when distinguishing between multiple main connectors, a number will be added in parentheses after the code 34, such as 34(1), 34(2), ...

[0039] The main circuit 32 is a circuit that can conduct electricity. Each component of the main circuit 32 is formed by an elongated conductor. The main circuit 32 may be a conductor within an insulated wire, or a conductor formed from a metal plate or metal foil. Each conductor may be insulated from each other by a coating made of resin or the like, or by a film or the like.

[0040] Each of the multiple main connectors 34 has a terminal 35a (one terminal 35a is exemplified for the main connector 34(2)) and a housing 35b that accommodates the terminal 35a, and is an electrical connector that can be connected to a mating connector. The multiple main connectors 34 are connectors that are directly or indirectly connected to one or more of the electrical components 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H. When a circuit is said to be connected to a connector, it means that the circuit is connected to the terminals of the connector.

[0041] In this embodiment, the trunk connector 34 includes trunk connectors 34(1), 34(2), 34(3), and 34(4).

[0042] For example, the main connector 34(1) is a connector connected to the electrical component 10A. The main connector 34(1) may be connected to a connector integrally provided with the electrical component 10A, or it may be connected to the electrical component 10A via other wiring members.

[0043] For example, the main line connector 34(2) is connected to the branch line wiring member 40, the main line connector 34(3) is connected to the branch line wiring member 50, and the main line connector 34(4) is connected to the branch line wiring member 60.

[0044] For example, multiple circuits connected to one main connector 34 in the main wiring member 30 may be connected to one or more electrical components via any of the branch wiring members.

[0045] Multiple main circuits 32 are configured as circuits that connect at least two of the main connectors 34(1), 34(2), 34(3), and 34(4).

[0046] The main circuit 32 connecting two of the main connectors 34(1), 34(2), 34(3), and 34(4) can be realized by a single elongated conductor.

[0047] A main circuit 32 connecting three or more of the main connectors 34(1), 34(2), 34(3), and 34(4) can be realized by splicing together multiple elongated conductors. The main wiring member 30 has a main splice section 36 to which at least two of the multiple main circuits 32 are connected.

[0048] When a main wiring member 30 has a main splice section 36, it becomes necessary to partially remove the insulating material from multiple elongated conductors to partially expose them, or to connect multiple elongated conductors to each other. Therefore, if a main wiring member 30 has a large number of main splice sections 36, the manufacturing of the main wiring member 30 may become complicated. In addition, the structure of splicing elongated conductors together may lead to an increase in the size of the main wiring member 30. For this reason, it is desirable to avoid concentrating a large number of main splice sections 36 on the main wiring member 30.

[0049] <Branch wiring components> The branch wiring member 40 includes at least one branch circuit 42 and a branch relay connector 44.

[0050] The branch circuit 42 is a circuit that can conduct electricity. Each branch circuit 42 is formed by an elongated conductor. The branch circuit 42 may be a conductor within an insulated wire, or a conductor formed from a metal plate or metal foil. Each conductor may be insulated from each other by a coating made of resin or the like, or by a film or the like. In this embodiment, the branch wiring member 40 includes a plurality of branch circuits 42.

[0051] Each branch line relay connector 44 has a terminal 45a (one terminal 45a is exemplified for each branch line relay connector 44) and a housing 45b that accommodates the terminal 45a. The branch line relay connector 44 is connected to one of the main line connectors 34. In this embodiment, the branch line relay connector 44 is connected to the main line connector 34(1).

[0052] For example, one of the main circuits 32 is electrically and mechanically connected to terminal 35a of the main connector 34(2). One of the branch circuits 42 is electrically and mechanically connected to terminal 45a of the branch relay connector 44. When the main connector 34(2) and terminal 45a of the branch relay connector 44 are connected, terminals 35a and terminal 45a are mated together. As a result, one of the main circuits 32 and one of the branch circuits 42 are electrically connected.

[0053] At least one branch circuit 42 is connected to either one of the electrical components 10B or 10C.

[0054] For example, the end of at least one branch circuit 42 is connected to terminal T. One or more terminals T are housed in the housing of connector CB. Connector CB is connected to the connector of electrical component 10B. This electrically connects the at least one branch circuit 42 to the circuit in electrical component 10B.

[0055] Furthermore, in the branch wiring member 40, other branch circuits 42 may be connected to other electrical components 10C. For example, the terminal T of the other branch circuit 42 is housed in the housing of a connector CC separate from the connector CB. Connector CC is connected to the connector of electrical component 10C. This electrically connects the other branch circuit 42 to the circuit within electrical component 10C.

[0056] The branch circuit 42 may be connected to the electrical components 10B and 10C without using a connector. For example, the branch circuit 42 may be directly introduced into the electrical components 10B and 10C without using a connector and connected to the circuits within the electrical components 10B and 10C by soldering or crimping.

[0057] Multiple branch circuits 42 may be combined into one at the branch relay connector 44. For example, if the branch circuits 42 are made of insulated wires, multiple insulated wires may be bundled together with a binding member B. The binding member B may be adhesive tape wrapped around multiple insulated wires, or it may be a cable tie.

[0058] Multiple branch circuits 42 may be grouped according to the electrical component they are connected to. For example, if the branch circuits 42 are made of insulated wires, multiple insulated wires connected to the electrical component 10B may be bundled together with a bundling member B.

[0059] A branch wire circuit 42 connecting three or more of the branch wire relay connector 44 and electrical components 10A and 10B can be realized by splicing together multiple elongated conductors. The branch wire wiring member 40 may have a branch wire splice section 46 to which at least two of the multiple branch wire circuits 42 are connected.

[0060] When forming the branch wire splice section 46, it is necessary to partially remove the insulating material of multiple elongated conductors to partially expose the elongated conductors, or to connect multiple elongated conductors to each other. Therefore, if the branch wire wiring member 40 has many branch wire splice sections 46, the manufacturing of the branch wire wiring member 40 may become complicated. In addition, the structure of splicing elongated conductors together may lead to an increase in the size of the branch wire wiring member 40. For this reason, it is desirable to avoid having many branch wire splice sections 46 on the branch wire wiring member 40.

[0061] The branch wiring member 50 includes at least one branch circuit 52 corresponding to at least one branch circuit 42, and at least one branch relay connector 54 corresponding to the branch relay connector 44. In this embodiment, the branch wiring member 50 includes a plurality of branch circuits 52. The plurality of branch circuits 52 are appropriately separated and connected to electrical component 10D via connector CD, to electrical component 10E via connector CE, or to electrical component 10F via connector CF.

[0062] The branch wiring member 60 includes at least one branch circuit 62 corresponding to at least one branch circuit 42, and at least one branch relay connector 64 corresponding to the branch relay connector 44. In this embodiment, the branch wiring member 60 includes a plurality of branch circuits 62. The plurality of branch circuits 62 are appropriately separated and connected to electrical component 10G via connector CG or to electrical component 10H via connector CH.

[0063] The branch wire wiring members 50 and 60 may also have branch wire splice portions 56 and 66.

[0064] Depending on the connection relationships of electrical components 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H, a main line splice portion 36 may be provided on the main line wiring member 30, or branch line splice portions 46, 56, and 66 may be provided on the branch line wiring members 40, 50, and 60.

[0065] As described above, forming a splice requires partial removal of the insulator and connection of conductors. If splices are concentrated in the main wiring component, it becomes difficult to manufacture the main wiring component, and the main wiring component becomes larger. If splices are concentrated in the branch wiring component, it becomes difficult to manufacture the branch wiring component, and the branch wiring component becomes larger.

[0066] To mitigate the difficulties and size increases associated with the unilateral manufacturing of main wiring components or branch wiring components, it is desirable to appropriately distribute the splice portion between the main wiring components and branch wiring components.

[0067] Therefore, by having the main wiring member 30 include a main splice portion 36, and at least one of the branch wiring members 40, 50, and 60 include branch splice portions 46, 56, and 66, the concentration of splice portions in the main wiring member or branch wiring member is suppressed. This prevents the main wiring member or branch wiring member from becoming excessively large and facilitates manufacturing.

[0068] Furthermore, each circuit 32, 42, 52, and 62 can be shortened, and it is easy to splice each circuit 32, 42, 52, and 62 in a position that makes it easy to reduce the number of circuits.

[0069] When distributing splices between main and branch wiring components, the location of the splices can affect the total length and number of circuits in the entire wiring system. A longer total circuit length leads to increased material costs and weight. Similarly, an increase in the number of circuits leads to increased material costs, weight, and the number of components. Therefore, it is desirable to distribute the splices between main and branch wiring components while keeping the total circuit length as short as possible and minimizing the increase in the number of circuits.

[0070] Examples of main line splice sections 36 set on main line wiring member 30, and examples of branch line splice sections 46, 56, and 66 set on branch line wiring members 40, 50, and 60 are described below.

[0071] <First branch line splice section> The branch wire wiring member 50 includes a branch wire splice portion 56 as the first branch wire splice portion.

[0072] In other words, the branch wiring member 50 includes a first branch circuit 52(1), a second branch circuit 52(2), and a third branch circuit 52(3). The first branch circuit 52(1), the second branch circuit 52(2), and the third branch circuit 52(3) are each circuits connected to one of the electrical components.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first branch circuit 52(1) is connected to electrical component 10D, the second branch circuit 52(2) is connected to electrical component 10E, and the third branch circuit 52(3) is connected to electrical component 10F.

[0074] The first branch splice section 56 is the portion where the first branch circuit 52(1), the second branch circuit 52(2), and the third branch circuit 52(3) are connected. For example, the first branch circuit 52(1) and the third branch circuit 52(3) are made up of a single conductor, and the conductor constituting the second branch circuit 52(2) is spliced ​​to the longitudinal middle portion of this conductor. The splice connection may be made by welding, such as ultrasonic bonding, or by crimping.

[0075] Note that the first branch circuit 52(1), the second branch circuit 52(2), and the third branch circuit 52(3) are not connected to the circuit of the main wiring member 30. One of the first branch circuit 52(1), the second branch circuit 52(2), and the third branch circuit 52(3) may be connected to the circuit of the main wiring member 30 via the branch relay connector 54.

[0076] By providing the first branch splice section 56 on the branch wiring member 50 in this way, the length of each circuit can be shortened compared to the case where the first branch circuit 52(1), the second branch circuit 52(2), and the third branch circuit 52(3) are extended to the main wiring member 30 and interconnected. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide a circuit for splicing the branch circuits 52(1), 52(2), and 52(3) on the main wiring member 30, the number of circuits on the main wiring member 30 can also be reduced. As a result, the wiring system 20 equipped with splice sections can have its circuit length further shortened and its number of circuits further reduced.

[0077] The circuit composed of the first branch circuit 52(1), the second branch circuit 52(2), the third branch circuit 52(3), and the first branch splice portion 56 may be a circuit that is completed by connecting multiple electrical components. This circuit may be, for example, a ground circuit, or a signal circuit that is completed by sending and receiving signals between electrical components (for example, a signal circuit for a power window within a branch wiring member for a door).

[0078] <First main line splice section> The main wiring member 30 includes a first main splice portion 36(1). In this embodiment, one of the main splice portions 36 is the first main splice portion 36(1).

[0079] In other words, the main wiring member 30 includes a first main circuit 32(1), a second main circuit 32(2), and a third main circuit 32(3). The first main circuit 32(1), the second main circuit 32(2), and the third main circuit 32(3) are each connected to a separate set of main connectors 34(1), 34(2), and 34(3).

[0080] Furthermore, the multiple branch wiring members 40, 50, and 60 are designated as the first branch wiring member 40, the second branch wiring member 50, and the third branch wiring member 60.

[0081] The first main circuit 32(1) is connected to the branch circuit 42 of the first branch wiring member 40, the second main circuit 32(2) is connected to the branch circuit 52 of the second branch wiring member 50, and the third main circuit 32(3) is connected to the branch circuit 62 of the third branch wiring member 60.

[0082] It should be noted that multiple branch wiring component connectors may be connected to a single main line connector. In this case, the first main line circuit, the second main line circuit, and the third main line circuit only need to be connected to separate branch wiring component circuits, regardless of which connector they pass through.

[0083] The first main circuit 32(1), the second main circuit 32(2), and the third main circuit 32(3) are each connected to separate electrical components 10B, 10D, and 10G via separate branch wiring members 40, 50, and 60, respectively.

[0084] The first main line splice section 36(1) is the portion where the first main line circuit 32(1), the second main line circuit 32(2), and the third main line circuit 32(3) are connected. For example, the first main line circuit 32(1) and the third main line circuit 32(3) are composed of a single conductor, and the conductor constituting the second main line circuit 32(2) is spliced ​​to the longitudinal middle portion of this conductor. The splice connection may be made, for example, by welding such as ultrasonic bonding between conductors, or by crimping.

[0085] Furthermore, at least one of the first main circuit 32(1), the second main circuit 32(2), and the third main circuit 32(3) may be connected to an electrical component 10A or the like via another connector. The electrical component 10A may be an ECU or a power supply source.

[0086] At least one of the first main circuit 32(1), the second main circuit 32(2), and the third main circuit 32(3) may be connected to another circuit leading to yet another branch wiring member.

[0087] By providing the first main line splice section 36(1) in the main line wiring member 30 in this manner, the first main line circuit 32(1), the second main line circuit 32(2), and the third main line circuit 32(3) can be spliced ​​together within the main line wiring member 30 without extending the branch line wiring members 40, 50, and 60. As a result, the first main line circuit 32(1), the second main line circuit 32(2), and the third main line circuit 32(3) can be shortened, and the number of extra circuits within the branch line wiring members 40, 50, and 60 can be avoided.

[0088] The circuit, comprising the first trunk circuit 32(1), the second trunk circuit 32(2), the third trunk circuit 32(3), and the first trunk splice section 36, may be a circuit used for connecting to three or more electrical components, for example, a circuit that branches from a common source electrical component to three or more electrical components. The circuit may be, for example, a power supply circuit, or a signal line through which a common signal flows (for example, a bus communication line).

[0089] <Second branch line splice section> At least one of the multiple branch wire wiring members 40, 50, and 60 may be provided with second branch wire splice portions 46 and 66.

[0090] For example, the branch wiring member 40 includes a fourth branch circuit 42(4) and a fifth branch circuit 42(5). The fourth branch circuit 42(4) is a circuit connected to the main circuit 32 of the main wiring member 30 and to the electrical component 10B. The fifth branch circuit 42(5) is a circuit connected to the electrical component 10C.

[0091] The second branch splice section 46 is the portion where the fourth branch circuit 42(4) and the fifth branch circuit 42(5) are connected. For example, the fourth branch circuit 42(4) is composed of a single conductor, and the conductor constituting the fifth branch circuit 42(5) is spliced ​​to the longitudinal middle portion of this conductor. The splice connection may be made, for example, by welding such as ultrasonic bonding between conductors, or by crimping.

[0092] Similarly, the branch wiring member 60 also includes a fourth branch circuit 62(4) and a fifth branch circuit 62(5), and a second branch splice portion 66 to which the fourth branch circuit 62(4) and the fifth branch circuit 62(5) are connected.

[0093] In this case, within the branch wiring members 40 and 50, the fourth branch circuits 42(4) and 62(4) can be branched into the fifth branch circuits 42(5) and 62(5). Compared to the case where both of these circuits are extended to the main wiring member and branched within the main wiring member, the fifth branch circuits 42(5) and 62(5) can be made shorter, and the number of circuits in the main wiring member can be reduced.

[0094] <Second main line splice section> The main wiring member 30 includes a second main splice section 36(2). In this embodiment, two of the main splice sections 36 are second main splice sections 36(2).

[0095] In other words, the trunk wiring member 30 has a fourth trunk circuit 32(4) and a fifth trunk circuit 32(5). The fourth trunk circuit 32(4) relays two trunk connectors 34(1) and 34(2), which are two of the multiple trunk connectors. The fifth trunk circuit 32(5) is connected to one of the multiple trunk connectors. In this embodiment, the trunk wiring member 30 has two fifth trunk circuits 32(5), one of which is connected to trunk connector 34(1) and the other fifth trunk circuit 32(5) is connected to trunk connector 34(2).

[0096] Using branch wiring members 40, 50, and 60 as a reference, the fourth main circuit 32(4) relays two of the branch wiring members 40 and 50, and the two fifth main circuits 32(5) are connected to one of the branch wiring members, which is either branch wiring member 40 or branch wiring member 50.

[0097] It should be noted that multiple branch wiring component connectors may be connected to a single main line connector. In this case, the first main line circuit, the second main line circuit, and the third main line circuit only need to be connected to separate branch wiring component circuits, regardless of which connector they pass through.

[0098] The second main line splice section 36(2) is the part where the fourth main line circuit 32(4) and the fifth main line circuit 32(5) are connected. For example, the fourth main line circuit 32(4) and the fifth main line circuit 32(5) are made up of a single conductor, and the conductor constituting the fifth main line circuit 32(5) is spliced ​​to the longitudinal middle portion of this conductor. The splice connection may be made by welding, such as ultrasonic bonding, or by crimping.

[0099] Thus, if the main wiring member 30 has a fourth main circuit 32(4) that relays two of the multiple main connectors, it is possible to branch off to a fifth main circuit 32(5) using the fourth main circuit 32(4). In the design of the wiring system 20, it is usually necessary for the main wiring member 30 to include a fourth main circuit 32(4). Since the circuit is branched to the fifth main circuit 32(5) using such a fourth main circuit 32(4), the overall circuit length of the system 20 does not tend to become long. In addition, since the second main splice section 36(2) can be set in the main wiring member 30, it is useful for distributing multiple splice sections.

[0100] <An example of a main wiring component> Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a main wiring member 30. Figure 4 is a plan view showing the first wiring member 100. Figure 5 is a plan view showing the second wiring member 110.

[0101] The main wiring member 30 may have a stacked first wiring member 100 and a second wiring member 110. The main wiring member 30 may further include other wiring members. For example, the main wiring member 30 may have three or more layers of wiring members.

[0102] The wiring members 100 and 110 are flat wiring members. For example, the wiring members 100 and 110 may be wiring components in which an insulated wire or enameled wire is fixed to a resin sheet. The wiring members 100 and 110 may also have a configuration in which a circuit conductor formed from a metal plate or metal foil is sandwiched between a pair of insulating films.

[0103] The main line splice sections 36 may be concentrated and arranged on the second wiring member 110. In other words, all the main line splice sections 36 in the main line wiring member 30 are arranged on the second wiring member 110, and the first wiring member 100 does not have any splice sections.

[0104] In the first wiring member 100, the multiple conductors constituting the circuit 32 are arranged in parallel or crossed with an insulator in between.

[0105] A main line connector 34 is positioned on the periphery of the main line wiring member 30. For example, with the wiring members 100 and 110 stacked, each circuit is connected to the terminals of the main line connector 34. The main line connector 34 may be a stacked connector in which separate connectors for each wiring member 100 and 110 are stacked.

[0106] The main line splice portion 36 in the second wiring member 110 may have the following configuration.

[0107] For example, as shown in Figure 6, the second wiring member 110 has a plurality of conductors 111, a pair of insulating sheets 120, 122 that sandwich the plurality of conductors 111, and a connecting wiring material 114.

[0108] The multiple conductors 111 are, for example, metal plates or metal foils, and are linear conductors that constitute the circuit to be spliced.

[0109] A pair of insulating sheets 120 and 122 sandwich a plurality of conductors 111 arranged in parallel. The plurality of conductors 111 are insulated from surrounding objects by the pair of insulating sheets 120 and 122. Since the plurality of conductors 111 are arranged in parallel with spacing between them, they are insulated from each other.

[0110] The connecting wiring material 114 is a wiring material that includes linear conductors that constitute the other circuit to be spliced. The connecting wiring material 114 may be a bare conductor or an insulated wire.

[0111] The second wiring member 110 has an exposed portion 111a that is partially exposed from at least one of the pair of insulating sheets 120, 122. For example, a partial opening 120h is formed in one of the insulating sheets 120. A portion of the conductor 111 in the longitudinal direction is exposed through this opening 120h.

[0112] The main line splice portion 36 is formed when the conductor portion of the connecting wiring material 114 is joined to the exposed portion 111a. The joining may be done by welding, such as ultrasonic welding, or by soldering.

[0113] As a result, a main line splice portion 36 can be formed on the second wiring member 110. With the above configuration, a large number of main line splice portions 36 can be easily formed on the second wiring member 110, and it is easy to concentrate the main line splice portions 36 on the second wiring member 110.

[0114] With the main wiring member 30 configured in this way, the main splice portion 36 is consolidated into the second wiring member 110. Therefore, the only component that requires special processing to form the splice portion is the second wiring member 110, and the main wiring member 30 can be manufactured easily.

[0115] The main wiring member 30 may comprise multiple first wiring members 100 or multiple second wiring members 110.

[0116] Furthermore, multiple conductors 111 have exposed portions 111a that are partially exposed from at least one of the pair of insulating sheets 120 and 122, and a main line splice portion 36 is formed when a conductor of the connecting wiring material 114 is joined to the exposed portion 111a. Thus, the main line splice portion 36 can be easily formed.

[0117] Furthermore, the configurations described in the above embodiments and each of the modified examples can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H Electrical Components 20 Wiring Systems 30 Main wiring components 32 Main Circuits 32(1) First main circuit 32(2) Second main circuit 32(3) Third main circuit 32(4) Fourth main circuit 32(5) Fifth main circuit 34 Main line connector 35a terminal 35b Housing 36(1) First main line splice section 36(2) Second main line splice section 40. First branch wiring component 42, 52, 62 branch circuit 42(4), 62(4) 4th branch circuit 42(5), 62(5) 5th branch circuit 44, 54, 64 Branch Line Relay Connectors 45a terminal 45b Housing 46, 66 Second branch line splice section 50 Second branch wiring component 52(1) 1st branch circuit 52(2) Second branch circuit 52(3) Third branch circuit 56. First branch line splice section 60 Third branch wiring component 100 First wiring component 110 Second wiring component 111 Conductor 111a Exposed part 114 Connecting Wiring Materials 120, 122 Insulating Sheets 120h opening B Binding member CB, CC, CD, CE, CF, CG, CH connectors T terminal

Claims

1. A trunk wiring component including multiple trunk circuits and multiple trunk connectors, Each of the branch wiring members includes at least one branch circuit and a branch relay connector connected to one of the multiple main connectors, Equipped with, The main wiring member has a main splice section to which at least two of the plurality of main circuits are connected. At least one of the plurality of branch wiring members is The branch circuit comprises at least one branch circuit, a first branch circuit, a second branch circuit, and a third branch circuit, each connected to an electrical component. Furthermore, a wiring system having a first branch splice section to which the first branch circuit, the second branch circuit, and the third branch circuit are connected.

2. A wiring system according to claim 1, The multiple main circuits include a first main circuit, a second main circuit, and a third main circuit. The first trunk circuit, the second trunk circuit, and the third trunk circuit are each connected to a separate set of trunk connectors. The wiring system has a first main line splice section to which the first main line circuit, the second main line circuit, and the third main line circuit are connected.

3. A wiring system according to claim 1, The plurality of branch wiring members further include a first branch wiring member, a second branch wiring member, and a third branch wiring member, The multiple main circuits include a first main circuit, a second main circuit, and a third main circuit. The first main circuit is connected to the branch circuit of the first branch wiring member, the second main circuit is connected to the branch circuit of the second branch wiring member, and the third main circuit is connected to the branch circuit of the third branch wiring member. The wiring system has a first main line splice section to which the first main line circuit, the second main line circuit, and the third main line circuit are connected.

4. A wiring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, At least one of the plurality of branch wiring members is The branch circuit comprises at least one branch circuit, a fourth branch circuit connected to the main circuit of the main wiring member and an electrical component, and a fifth branch circuit connected to an electrical component. Furthermore, the wiring system has a second branch splice section to which the fourth branch circuit and the fifth branch circuit are connected.

5. A wiring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The multiple main circuits include a fourth main circuit and a fifth main circuit. The fourth trunk circuit relays two of the multiple trunk connectors, The fifth trunk circuit is connected to one of the multiple trunk connectors, The wiring system has a second main line splice section to which the fourth main line circuit and the fifth main line circuit are connected.

6. A wiring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The multiple main circuits include a fourth main circuit and a fifth main circuit. The fourth main circuit relays two of the multiple branch wiring members, The fifth main circuit is connected to one of the multiple branch wiring members, The wiring system has a second main line splice section to which the fourth main line circuit and the fifth main line circuit are connected.

7. A wiring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The main wiring member has a stacked first wiring member and a second wiring member, A wiring system in which the main line splice section is aggregated and arranged on the first wiring member.

8. A wiring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The main wiring member comprises a plurality of conductors, a pair of insulating sheets sandwiching the plurality of conductors, and a connecting wiring material. The plurality of conductors have exposed portions that are partially exposed from at least one of the pair of insulating sheets, The main line splice portion is the portion to which the connecting wiring material is joined to the exposed portion, in a wiring system.

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