Wiring module

Abstract

To provide a wiring module including a protector having a first unit and a second unit that are slidable relative to each other, and an assembling member that allows their sliding.SOLUTION: A wiring module to be attached to a battery multilayer body in which a plurality of power storage elements including electrode terminals are stacked and includes a plurality of conductive members to be electrically connected to the electrode terminals, a protector including a first unit and a second unit and holding the conductive members, and an assembling member that can slide relative to the first unit and the second unit. The first unit, the second unit, and the assembling member have counter surfaces. One of the first unit and the assembling member includes a first protrusion protruding from the counter surface, the other includes a first penetration hole in which the first protrusion is inserted, one of the second unit and the assembling member includes a second protrusion protruding from the counter surface, and the other includes a second penetration hole in which the second protrusion is inserted. A first clearance is set among the first protrusion, a first contact part facing an inner wall of the first penetration hole, and an inner wall of the first penetration hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] High-voltage battery packs used in electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc. usually have a number of battery cells stacked and electrically connected in series or in parallel by a wiring module. Conventionally, a wiring module described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-16380 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) is known. The battery wiring module described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of connection members that connect between electrode terminals of single cells, and a synthetic resin-made connection unit that houses the plurality of connection members. The connection unit includes a first unit and a second unit that are slidable relative to each other in the direction in which the single cells are stacked. Thereby, the battery wiring module of Patent Document 1 can absorb the assembly tolerance between the single cells and the battery wiring module in the direction in which the single cells are stacked.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when a separate member is added in the above configuration or the like, the separate member may be assembled to both the first unit and the second unit. In this case, it is conceivable that the slide movement between the first unit and the second unit is inhibited by the separate member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The wiring module of the present disclosure is a wiring module to be attached to a battery stack composed of a plurality of energy storage elements having electrode terminals, and comprises a plurality of conductive members electrically connected to the electrode terminals, a first unit, a second unit separate from the first unit, a protector for holding the plurality of conductive members, and an assembly member, wherein the first unit and the second unit are connected so as to be slidable relative to each other in the stacking direction in which the energy storage elements are stacked, the assembly member is assembled to both the first unit and the second unit in a first direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, and each of the first unit, the second unit, and the assembly member has an opposing surface, and the opposing surface of the first unit and the opposing surface of the assembly member are The wiring module is configured such that the two units face each other in a first direction, the opposing surface of the second unit and the opposing surface of the assembly member face each other in a first direction, one of the first unit and the assembly member has a first projection that protrudes from the opposing surface in a first direction, the other of the first unit and the assembly member has a first through hole through which the first projection is inserted, one of the second unit and the assembly member has a second projection that protrudes from the opposing surface in a first direction, the other of the second unit and the assembly member has a second through hole through which the second projection is inserted, the first projection has a first contact portion that faces the inner wall of the first through hole in the stacking direction, and a first clearance is set between the first contact portion and the inner wall of the first through hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to this disclosure, a wiring module can be provided comprising a protector having a first unit and a second unit that are slidable relative to each other, and an assembly member that is attached to both the first unit and the second unit, wherein the assembly member allows sliding movement between the first unit and the second unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a perspective view showing how the assembly members are attached to the protector in an energy storage 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 energy storage module with the assembly components removed. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view of the energy storage module. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the convex and concave parts located on the top of the protector. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the upper part of the protector with the protrusion housed within the recess. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the convex and concave parts located at the bottom of the protector. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the assembly components. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the first projection of the assembly member. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 4. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 4. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the CC shown in Figure 4. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4, shown in DD. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first clearance, second clearance, third clearance, and fourth clearance. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the front of the battery stack. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the main components of a laminated battery. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described.

[0009] (1) The wiring module of the present disclosure is a wiring module to be attached to a battery stack which is composed of a plurality of energy storage elements having electrode terminals stacked together, and comprises a plurality of conductive members electrically connected to the electrode terminals, a first unit, a second unit separate from the first unit, a protector for holding the plurality of conductive members, and an assembly member, wherein the first unit and the second unit are connected so as to be slidable from each other in the stacking direction in which the energy storage elements are stacked, the assembly member is assembled to both the first unit and the second unit in a first direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, and each of the first unit, the second unit, and the assembly member has an opposing surface, and the opposing surface of the first unit and the assembly member The opposing surface faces the first direction, the opposing surface of the second unit and the opposing surface of the assembly member face the first direction, one of the first unit and the assembly member has a first projection projecting from the opposing surface in the first direction, the other of the first unit and the assembly member has a first through hole through which the first projection is inserted, one of the second unit and the assembly member has a second projection projecting from the opposing surface in the first direction, the other of the second unit and the assembly member has a second through hole through which the second projection is inserted, the first projection has a first contact portion facing the inner wall of the first through hole in the stacking direction, and a first clearance is set between the first contact portion and the inner wall of the first through hole.

[0010] With this configuration, a first clearance is set between the first contact portion of the first projection and the inner wall of the first through hole, allowing the first unit to slide relative to the assembly member in the stacking direction. Therefore, even when the assembly member is assembled to the protector, it is easier to allow the first unit and the second unit to slide relative to each other in the stacking direction.

[0011] (2) Preferably, the assembly member comprises the first projection and the second projection, the first unit has the first through hole formed therein, and the second unit has the second through hole formed therein.

[0012] With such a configuration, since the first unit and the second unit do not have protrusions, the protrusions do not interfere with the operation of attaching the conductive member to the first unit and the second unit.

[0013] (3) The second protrusion includes a second abutting portion disposed to face the inner wall of the second through hole in the stacking direction, and a second clearance is set between the second abutting portion and the inner wall of the second through hole, and it is preferable that the second clearance is smaller than the first clearance.

[0014] With such a configuration, by setting a second clearance smaller than the first clearance between the second abutting portion of the second protrusion and the inner wall of the second through hole, the second unit is less likely to slide in the stacking direction with respect to the assembling member compared to the first unit. Thereby, it is easy to position the assembling member on the protector.

[0015] (4) The first protrusion includes a first extending portion extending from the facing surface in the first direction, and a first diameter-expanded portion disposed at the tip of the first extending portion and protruding in a direction orthogonal to the first direction from the first extending portion. The first diameter-expanded portion includes a first locking portion that locks to the edge portion of the first through hole in the first direction. The second protrusion includes a second extending portion extending from the facing surface in the first direction, and a second diameter-expanded portion disposed at the tip of the second extending portion and protruding in a direction orthogonal to the first direction from the second extending portion. The second diameter-expanded portion preferably includes a second locking portion that locks to the edge portion of the second through hole in the first direction.

[0016] With such a configuration, by locking the first locking portion and the edge portion of the first through hole, it is possible to prevent the first protrusion from coming out of the first through hole. By locking the second locking portion and the edge portion of the second through hole, it is possible to prevent the second protrusion from coming out of the second through hole.

[0017] (5) The direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the stacking direction is designated as the second direction, and it is preferable that the dimensions of the first through-hole in the second direction are smaller than the dimensions of the first through-hole in the stacking direction.

[0018] With this configuration, by reducing the dimensions of the first through-hole in a second direction perpendicular to the stacking direction in which the first clearance is provided, the first locking portion and the edge of the first through-hole become easier to lock together.

[0019] (6) Preferably the first enlarged diameter portion protrudes from the first extension portion in the second direction and is positioned inward of the first extension portion in the stacking direction.

[0020] With this configuration, if the first enlarged diameter portion were to protrude in the stacking direction, the amount of protrusion of the first enlarged diameter portion from the first extended portion would need to be increased by the amount of the first clearance. However, in the above configuration, the first enlarged diameter portion does not protrude from the first extended portion in the stacking direction, but rather in the second direction. Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the first enlarged diameter portion from the first extended portion can be reduced, and the first enlarged diameter portion can be made smaller.

[0021] (7) The first enlarged diameter portion is preferably a pair of first flexible pieces extending from the first extended portion to both sides in the second direction, and the pair of first flexible pieces is preferably elastically deformable in the second direction.

[0022] With this configuration, the first projection is easily inserted into the first through-hole.

[0023] (8) Preferably, the first projection has a first deflection space between the pair of first deflection pieces that allows the pair of first deflection pieces to bend.

[0024] With this configuration, the first bending space is provided, making the first bending piece more flexible, and thus making it even easier to insert the first projection into the first through hole.

[0025] (9) Preferably, the plurality of conductive members are provided with busbars, and only one of the first unit and the second unit is provided with a busbar holding portion that holds the busbars.

[0026] Since busbars carrying large currents tend to generate heat, protectors equipped with busbar holders are made of highly heat-resistant materials. With the above configuration, the manufacturing cost of the protector can be reduced by using a highly heat-resistant material only for one of the first and second units that has a busbar holder, and using an inexpensive, ordinary heat-resistant material for the other unit that does not have a busbar holder.

[0027] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. The present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended.

[0028] <Embodiment> Embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 16. The energy storage module 10 equipped with the wiring module 20 of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle and used as a power source for the vehicle. In the following description, for multiple identical components, only some components may be given reference numerals, and the reference numerals of other components may be omitted. In the following description, the direction indicated by arrow X is forward, the direction indicated by arrow Y is left, and the direction indicated by arrow Z is upward. In this embodiment, the left-right direction is an example of the stacking direction, the front-rear direction is an example of the first direction, and the up-down direction is an example of the second direction.

[0029] [Battery stack] The energy storage module 10 comprises a battery stack 11L shown in Figure 15 and a wiring module 20 attached to the battery stack 11L as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the energy storage module 10 of this embodiment further comprises a housing 15 that covers the battery stack 11L from all four sides (top, bottom, left, and right). The housing 15 consists of a bottom portion 15A located on the underside of the battery stack 11L, a top portion 15B located on the top side of the battery stack 11L, and a pair of side portions 15C that connect the bottom portion 15A and the top portion 15B on both the left and right sides.

[0030] [Laminated batteries, electrode leads] As shown in Figure 15, the battery stack 11L is composed of multiple laminate-type batteries 11 (an example of an energy storage element) stacked in the stacking direction (left-right direction) (18 in this embodiment). Note that Figure 15 shows only the front portion of the battery stack 11L. As shown in Figure 16, the laminate-type battery 11 has a shape that is long in the front-to-back direction and flattened in the left-to-right direction. Energy storage elements (not shown) are housed inside the laminate-type battery 11. A pair of electrode leads 12 (an example of electrode terminals) are arranged on both sides of the laminate-type battery 11 in the front-to-back direction, protruding in opposite directions from each other. The pair of electrode leads 12 are plate-shaped and have opposite polarities from each other.

[0031] [Joint part] As shown in Figure 15, the battery stack 11L is provided with a junction 13 where the four electrode leads 12 of the laminate-type batteries 11, which are arranged continuously in the left-right direction, are electrically connected. That is, the four electrode leads 12 are bent at approximately right angles to the left or right, overlapped, and joined by laser welding to form the junction 13. The electrode leads 12 that make up the junction 13 are called connecting electrode leads 12A. Of the four connecting electrode leads 12A, the two connecting electrode leads 12A on the right and the two connecting electrode leads 12A on the left have opposite polarity. For example, the two connecting electrode leads 12A on the right are the positive electrodes, and the two connecting electrode leads 12A on the left are the negative electrodes. Therefore, in the battery stack 11L, the junction 13 connects two laminate-type batteries 11 that are connected in parallel in series. The battery stack 11L has four junctions 13 at its front. Although not shown in the diagram, the battery stack 11L also has four connecting parts 13 at its rear.

[0032] The battery stack 11L has an output section 14 at the front left end. Although not shown in the figures, the battery stack 11L also has an output section 14 at the rear right end. The output section 14 is formed by joining two electrode leads 12 that do not form a junction 13. The electrode leads 12 that make up the output section 14 are called output electrode leads 12B. The two output electrode leads 12B that make up one output section 14 have the same polarity. The output section 14 constitutes either the positive or negative electrode of the entire battery stack 11L. That is, for example, if the front output section 14 is the overall positive electrode of the battery stack 11L, then the rear output section 14 is the overall negative electrode of the battery stack 11L.

[0033] [Wiring Module] As shown in Figure 1, the wiring module 20 of this embodiment includes a terminal 30 connected to the connection electrode lead 12A, a busbar 40 connected to the output electrode lead 12B, a protector 50 that holds the terminal 30 and the busbar 40, and an assembly member 60 that is attached to the protector 50. Note that the terminal 30 and the busbar 40 are examples of conductive members. The configuration of the wiring module 20 arranged on the front side of the energy storage module 10 will be described in detail below. Although not shown, the wiring module 20 arranged on the rear side of the energy storage module 10 is configured similarly to the wiring module 20 arranged on the front side of the energy storage module 10.

[0034] [Bus bar] The busbar 40 has a plate-like shape and is formed by processing a conductive metal plate. As shown in Figure 3, the busbar 40 comprises a first portion 40A extending in the vertical direction and a second portion 40B connected to the upper end of the first portion 40A. The first portion 40A is flattened in the front-rear direction. The second portion 40B extends to the right from the upper end of the first portion 40A and is flattened in the vertical direction. The busbar 40 is held by the busbar holding portion 53 of the protector 50 (first unit 50A) and is connected to the output electrode lead 12B at the vertical center of the first portion 40A. A busbar-side connection portion 41 is provided at the right end of the second portion 40B.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the busbar-side connector 41 has an insertion hole 41A through which a bolt is inserted. An external connection terminal (not shown) is placed on top of the busbar-side connector 41 and bolted to the busbar-side connector 41. In this way, the busbar-side connector 41 is electrically connected to the external connection terminal. The external connection terminal is used to connect an external device (not shown) to the energy storage module 10.

[0036] [Terminals] The terminal 30 is made by processing a conductive metal plate. As shown in Figure 3, the terminal 30 comprises a main body 31, a connecting portion 32 extending to the right from the main body 31, and a wire connecting portion 34 extending upward from the main body 31. The main body 31 is housed and held in the terminal housing portion 54 of the protector 50. The connecting portion 32 is configured to connect by surface contact with the joint 13 or a part of the connecting electrode lead 12A that constitutes the joint 13. In other words, the terminal 30 is not a member for connecting adjacent connecting electrode leads 12A, but a member for connecting a pre-connected connecting electrode lead 12A (joint 13) and a wire (not shown).

[0037] The wire connection part 34 has a crimping piece that is crimped onto the wire. The wire connected to the terminal 30 by the wire connection part 34 is routed into the routing recess 56 of the protector 50 and routed to a predetermined position. The wire is connected to an external ECU (Electronic Control Unit) etc. via a connector etc. (not shown). The ECU is a well-known configuration equipped with a microcomputer, elements etc., and has functions for detecting the voltage, current, temperature etc. of each laminate type battery 11, and for controlling the charging and discharging of each laminate type battery 11.

[0038] [Protector, Unit 1, Unit 2] The protector 50 is made of an insulating synthetic resin and is plate-shaped. As shown in Figure 1, the protector 50 is positioned relative to the housing 15 (and battery stack 11L). The protector 50 consists of a first unit 50A and a second unit 50B, which is separate from the first unit 50A. The first unit 50A constitutes the left side of the protector 50, and the second unit 50B constitutes the right side of the protector 50. The first unit 50A and the second unit 50B are slidable relative to each other in the left-right direction. This allows for tolerance in the assembly between the protector 50 and the battery stack 11L. Furthermore, the protector 50 can follow the expansion and contraction of the battery stack 11L in the stacking direction due to the use of the energy storage module 10.

[0039] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the first unit 50A and the second unit 50B are equipped with a slide structure 51. This slide structure 51 is provided at the upper part of the protector 50, near the left-right center (see Figures 5 and 6), and at the lower part of the protector 50, near the left end (see Figure 7). As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the slide structure 51 is composed of a protrusion 51A and a recess 51B capable of housing the protrusion 51A inside. The slide structure 51 is designed so that the first unit 50A and the second unit 50B can move from one another by a predetermined distance in the left-right direction when the protrusion 51A is housed in the recess 51B.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, electrode housing recesses 52 are provided in the central part of the protector 50 in the vertical direction, arranged in parallel in the left-right direction. The electrode housing recesses 52 are formed to penetrate in the front-to-back direction and have a long rectangular shape in the vertical direction. The electrode housing recesses 52 consist of a connecting electrode housing recess 52A that receives the joint portion 13 and the connecting electrode lead 12A, and an output electrode housing recess 52B that receives the output electrode lead 12B and the output portion 14. The connecting electrode housing recess 52A is provided in the first unit 50A. The output electrode housing recess 52B consists of the edge of the first unit 50A and the edge of the second unit 50B.

[0041] In the first unit 50A, busbar holding portions 53 for holding the busbar 40 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the output electrode housing recess 52B. A bolt fastening portion 53A for bolting the busbar 40 is provided on the right side of the upper busbar holding portion 53. A terminal housing portion 54 for housing the main body portion 31 of the terminal 30 is provided on the lower left side of the connecting electrode housing recess 52A of the second unit 50B.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first unit 50A that holds the busbar 40 has high heat resistance. Furthermore, since the first unit 50A is also provided with a bolt fastening portion 53A, the first unit 50A has high strength. Unlike the first unit 50A, which requires high heat resistance and high strength, the second unit 50B may be made of a resin material with lower heat resistance and strength than the first unit 50A. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the protector 50.

[0043] [First through-hole] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a first through-hole 55A is formed in the upper and left-right center of the first unit 50A, penetrating the first unit 50A in the front-to-back direction. The first through-hole 55A is provided on the front surface 50AS (an example of an opposing surface) of the first unit 50A. The first through-hole 55A has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The left-to-right dimension of the first through-hole 55A is larger than the up-to-down dimension of the first through-hole 55A.

[0044] [Second through-hole] A second through-hole 55B is formed near the lower and right end of the second unit 50B, penetrating the second unit 50B in the front-to-back direction. The second through-hole 55B is located on the front surface 50BS of the second unit 50B (an example of an opposing surface). The second through-hole 55B has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The left-to-right dimension of the second through-hole 55B is smaller than the up-to-down dimension of the second through-hole 55B.

[0045] Third through-holes 55C are formed in the second unit 50B, penetrating it in the front-to-back direction, at the upper and rightmost positions of the second unit 50B, and at the lower and leftmost positions of the second unit 50B. The third through-holes 55C are located on the front surface 50BS of the second unit 50B. The third through-holes 55C have a rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The left-to-right dimension of the third through-holes 55C is larger than the up-to-down dimension of the third through-holes 55C. The third through-holes 55C are formed with the same dimensions as the first through-holes 55A.

[0046] [Assembly components] The assembly member 60 is made of an insulating synthetic resin and is plate-shaped. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the assembly member 60 is assembled to both the first unit 50A and the second unit 50B in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the assembly member 60 is assembled to the protector 50 from the front and serves as a cover that covers the entire terminal 30 and a part of the busbar 40.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 and 8, the assembly member 60 is provided with a first projection 61, a second projection 71, and a third projection 81 that protrude rearward from the rear surface 60S (an example of an opposing surface) of the assembly member 60. The first projection 61 is located on the upper left of the assembly member 60. The second projection 71 is located on the lower right of the assembly member 60. The third projection 81 is located on the lower left and upper right of the assembly member 60. As shown in Figure 1, the first projection 61, the second projection 71, and the third projection 81 are inserted into the first through hole 55A, the second through hole 55B, and the third through hole 55C, respectively.

[0048] [First protrusion, first extension part, first contact part] As shown in Figure 9, the first projection 61 comprises a first extension portion 62 extending rearward from the rear surface 60S of the assembly member 60, and a first enlarged diameter portion 63 located at the tip (rear end) of the first extension portion 62. The first extension portion 62 comprises two first column portions 64 and a first beam portion 65 connecting the rear ends of the two first column portions 64. The two first column portions 64 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 11, the first column portion 64 is located inside the first through hole 55A and comprises a first contact portion 64A facing the inner wall of the first through hole 55A in the left-right direction.

[0049] [First enlarged diameter section, pair of first flexible pieces] As shown in Figure 9, the first enlarged diameter portion 63 protrudes upward and downward from the first beam portion 65 of the first extension portion 62. The first enlarged diameter portion 63 is positioned between the two first column portions 64 and is positioned inward from the first extension portion 62 in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 10, the first enlarged diameter portion 63 is made up of a pair of first flexible pieces 66 that can bend and deform in the vertical direction. The first flexible piece 66 positioned above the first beam portion 65 extends upward and forward from the first beam portion 65. The first flexible piece 66 positioned below the first beam portion 65 extends downward and forward from the first beam portion 65. The tip portion (front end) of the first flexible piece 66 is made up of a first locking portion 66A. The first locking portion 66A is a surface that is substantially parallel to the rear surface 60S of the assembly member 60.

[0050] [First flex space] A first deflection space 66B is provided between the pair of first deflection pieces 66, into which the first deflection pieces 66 can bend and deform. As shown in Figure 11, the first deflection space 66B is provided between the two first column portions 64.

[0051] [Regarding the assembly of the first projection into the first through-hole] When the first projection 61 is inserted through the first through hole 55A, the front surface 50AS of the first unit 50A and the rear surface 60S of the assembly member 60 are positioned to face each other, bringing the first unit 50A and the assembly member 60 closer together. The first enlarged diameter portion 63 engages with the inner wall of the first through hole 55A, causing the pair of first flexible pieces 66 to bend and deform. The upper first flexible piece 66 bends downward and enters the first flexible space 66B, while the lower first flexible piece 66 bends upward and enters the first flexible space 66B, causing the first enlarged diameter portion 63 to enter the interior of the first through hole 55A. When the first enlarged diameter portion 63 moves forward of the first through hole 55A, the pair of first flexible pieces 66 return to their natural state (see Figure 10). The first locking portion 66A at the tip of the first flexible piece 66 is positioned opposite the edge of the first through hole 55A of the first unit 50A, and can be locked into the edge of the first through hole 55A. Therefore, the first projection 61 is prevented from coming out when it is inserted into the first through hole 55A.

[0052] [First Clearance] As shown in Figure 11, with the first projection 61 inserted through the first through hole 55A, a first clearance CL1 is set between the first contact portion 64A and the inner wall of the first through hole 55A facing the first contact portion 64A. More specifically, the first clearance CL1 is the sum of the right first clearance CL1A provided between the right first contact portion 64A and the inner wall of the right first through hole 55A, and the left first clearance CL1B provided between the left first contact portion 64A and the inner wall of the left first through hole 55A. The provision of the first clearance CL1 allows the first unit 50A to move left and right relative to the assembly member 60 by the amount of the first clearance CL1. Therefore, the first unit 50A is allowed to slide left and right relative to the second unit 50B.

[0053] As shown in Figure 10, a third clearance CL3 is provided in the vertical direction between the first extension 62 and the first through hole 55A. More specifically, an upper third clearance CL3A is provided between the upper surface of the first extension 62 and the inner wall of the upper first through hole 55A. A lower third clearance CL3B is provided between the lower surface of the first extension 62 and the inner wall of the lower first through hole 55A. The third clearance CL3 is the sum of the upper third clearance CL3A and the lower third clearance CL3B. As shown in Figure 14, the third clearance CL3 is set to be smaller than the first clearance CL1. Therefore, the first unit 50A is less likely to move in the vertical direction relative to the assembly member 60 than in the horizontal direction.

[0054] [Third protrusion] As shown in Figure 8, the third projection 81 is configured similarly to the first projection 61, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Between the third projection 81 and the inner wall of the third through hole 55C, there is a relatively large clearance in the left-right direction, the same size as the first clearance CL1, and a relatively small clearance in the up-down direction, the same size as the third clearance CL3 (referred to as the fifth clearance) (see Figure 14).

[0055] [Second protrusion, second extension part, second contact part] As shown in Figure 8, the second projection 71 has a structure in which the first projection 61 is rotated 90° with respect to an axis extending in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 13, the second projection 71 comprises a second extension portion 72 and a second enlarged diameter portion 73. As shown in Figure 12, the second extension portion 72 comprises two second column portions 74 arranged in the vertical direction and a second beam portion 75 connecting the rear ends of the second column portions 74. As shown in Figure 13, the second column portion 74 is positioned inside the second through-hole 55B and has a second contact portion 74A facing the inner wall of the second through-hole 55B in the left-right direction.

[0056] [Second enlarged diameter part, second locking part] The second enlarged diameter section 73 is made up of a pair of second flexible pieces 76 that can be deflected and deformed in the left-right direction. The second flexible piece 76 located on the right side of the second beam section 75 extends forward to the right from the second beam section 75. The second flexible piece 76 located on the left side of the second beam section 75 extends forward to the left from the second beam section 75. The tip (front end) of the second flexible piece 76 is made up of a second locking portion 76A. Between the pair of second flexible pieces 76, there is a second flexible space 76B into which the second flexible piece 76 can be deflected and deformed.

[0057] [Second Clearance] With the second projection 71 inserted through the second through-hole 55B, a second clearance CL2 is provided between the second contact portion 74A and the inner wall of the second through-hole 55B facing the second contact portion 74A. More specifically, the second clearance CL2 is the sum of the right-side second clearance CL2A, provided between the right-side second contact portion 74A and the inner wall of the right-side second through-hole 55B, and the left-side second clearance CL2B, provided between the left-side second contact portion 74A and the inner wall of the left-side second through-hole 55B. As shown in Figure 14, the second clearance CL2 is set to be smaller than the first clearance CL1. Therefore, the second unit 50B is less likely to move in the left-right direction relative to the assembly member 60 compared to the first unit 50A.

[0058] As shown in Figure 12, a fourth clearance CL4 is provided in the vertical direction between the second extension portion 72 and the second through hole 55B. More specifically, an upper fourth clearance CL4A is provided between the upper surface of the second extension portion 72 and the inner wall of the upper second through hole 55B. A lower fourth clearance CL4B is provided between the lower surface of the second extension portion 72 and the inner wall of the lower second through hole 55B. The fourth clearance CL4 is the sum of the upper fourth clearance CL4A and the lower fourth clearance CL4B. As shown in Figure 14, the fourth clearance CL4 is larger than the second clearance CL2. On the other hand, as mentioned above, the fifth clearance (not shown) in the vertical direction between the third projection 81 and the third through hole 55C is the same size as the third clearance CL3 and smaller than the fourth clearance CL4. Therefore, the length to which the second unit 50B is movable relative to the assembly member 60 in the vertical direction is defined by the fifth clearance (which is the same length as the third clearance CL3). Thus, the second unit 50B is also difficult to move in the vertical direction relative to the assembly member 60.

[0059] [Effects of the Embodiment] According to the embodiment, the following actions and effects are achieved. The wiring module 20 according to the embodiment is a wiring module 20 that is attached to a battery stack 11L which is composed of a plurality of energy storage elements (laminated batteries 11) equipped with electrode terminals (electrode leads 12) stacked together, and comprises a plurality of conductive members (terminals 30 and busbars 40) electrically connected to the electrode terminals, a first unit 50A, a second unit 50B which is separate from the first unit 50A, a protector 50 that holds the plurality of conductive members, and an assembly member 60, wherein the first unit 50A and the second unit 50B are connected so as to be slidable from each other in the stacking direction (left-right direction) in which the energy storage elements are stacked, and the assembly member 60 is assembled to both the first unit 50A and the second unit 50B in a first direction (front-back direction) perpendicular to the stacking direction, and each of the first unit 50A, the second unit 50B, and the assembly member 60 has opposing surfaces, and the first unit The opposing surface of unit 50A (front surface 50AS) and the opposing surface of assembly member 60 (rear surface 60S) face each other in a first direction, the opposing surface of second unit 50B (front surface 50BS) and the opposing surface of assembly member 60 face each other in a first direction, one of the first unit 50A and assembly member 60 is provided with a first projection 61 that protrudes from the opposing surface in a first direction, and the other of the first unit 50A and assembly member 60 has a first through hole 55A through which the first projection 61 is inserted. Furthermore, one of the second unit 50B and the assembly member 60 is provided with a second projection 71 that protrudes in a first direction from the opposing surface, and the other of the second unit 50B and the assembly member 60 has a second through hole 55B through which the second projection 71 is inserted, and the first projection 61 is provided with a first contact portion 64A that faces the inner wall of the first through hole 55A in the stacking direction, and a first clearance CL1 is set between the first contact portion 64A and the inner wall of the first through hole 55A.

[0060] With this configuration, a first clearance CL1 is set between the first contact portion 64A of the first projection 61 and the inner wall of the first through hole 55A, allowing the first unit 50A to slide relative to the assembly member 60 in the stacking direction. Therefore, even when the assembly member 60 is assembled to the protector 50, it is easier to allow the first unit 50A and the second unit 50B to slide relative to each other in the stacking direction.

[0061] In this embodiment, the assembly member 60 includes a first projection 61 and a second projection 71, the first unit 50A has a first through hole 55A, and the second unit 50B has a second through hole 55B.

[0062] With this configuration, since the first unit 50A and the second unit 50B do not have protrusions, the protrusions do not interfere with the process of attaching conductive members to the first unit 50A and the second unit 50B.

[0063] In this embodiment, the second projection 71 includes a second contact portion 74A that is positioned opposite the inner wall of the second through hole 55B in the stacking direction, and a second clearance CL2 is set between the second contact portion 74A and the inner wall of the second through hole 55B, with the second clearance CL2 being smaller than the first clearance CL1.

[0064] With this configuration, a second clearance CL2 smaller than the first clearance CL1 is set between the second contact portion 74A of the second projection 71 and the inner wall of the second through hole 55B, so that the second unit 50B is less likely to slide in the stacking direction relative to the assembly member 60 compared to the first unit 50A. This makes it easier to position the assembly member 60 on the protector 50.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first projection 61 comprises a first extension portion 62 extending in a first direction from the opposing surface, and a first enlarged diameter portion 63 positioned at the tip of the first extension portion 62 and projecting from the first extension portion 62 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first enlarged diameter portion 63 comprising a first locking portion 66A that engages with the edge of the first through hole 55A in the first direction, and the second projection 71 comprises a second extension portion 72 extending in a first direction from the opposing surface, and a second enlarged diameter portion 73 positioned at the tip of the second extension portion 72 and projecting from the second extension portion 72 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the second enlarged diameter portion 73 comprising a second locking portion 76A that engages with the edge of the second through hole 55B in the first direction.

[0066] With this configuration, the first locking portion 66A and the edge of the first through hole 55A lock together, preventing the first projection 61 from coming out of the first through hole 55A. The second locking portion 76A and the edge of the second through hole 55B lock together, preventing the second projection 71 from coming out of the second through hole 55B.

[0067] In this embodiment, the direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the stacking direction is defined as the second direction (up and down direction), and the dimension of the first through-hole 55A in the second direction is smaller than the dimension of the first through-hole 55A in the stacking direction.

[0068] With this configuration, by reducing the dimensions of the first through-hole 55A in the second direction perpendicular to the stacking direction in which the first clearance CL1 is provided, the first locking portion 66A and the edge of the first through-hole 55A become easier to lock together.

[0069] In this embodiment, the first enlarged diameter portion 63 protrudes from the first extended portion 62 in the second direction and is positioned inward of the first extended portion 62 in the stacking direction.

[0070] With this configuration, if the first enlarged diameter portion 63 were to protrude in the stacking direction, the amount of protrusion of the first enlarged diameter portion 63 from the first extended portion 62 would need to be increased by the amount of the first clearance CL1. However, in the above configuration, the first enlarged diameter portion 63 does not protrude from the first extended portion 62 in the stacking direction, but rather in the second direction, so the amount of protrusion of the first enlarged diameter portion 63 from the first extended portion 62 can be reduced, and the first enlarged diameter portion 63 can be made smaller.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first enlarged diameter portion 63 is a pair of first flexible pieces 66 extending from the first extended portion 62 to both sides in the second direction, and the pair of first flexible pieces 66 are elastically deformable in the second direction.

[0072] With this configuration, the first projection 61 is easily inserted into the first through-hole 55A.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first projection 61 has a first deflection space 66B that allows the pair of first deflection pieces 66 to bend between the pair of first deflection pieces 66.

[0074] With this configuration, the first bending space 66B is provided, making the first bending piece 66 more flexible, and further facilitating the insertion of the first projection 61 into the first through hole 55A.

[0075] In this embodiment, the multiple conductive members include busbars 40, and only one of the first unit 50A and the second unit 50B includes a busbar holding portion 53 that holds the busbars 40.

[0076] Since the busbar 40 through which a large current flows is prone to generating heat, a highly heat-resistant material is used for the protector 50 equipped with the busbar holding portion 53. With the above configuration, the manufacturing cost of the protector 50 can be reduced by using a highly heat-resistant material only for one of the first unit 50A and second unit 50B that is equipped with the busbar holding portion 53, and using an inexpensive, ordinary heat-resistant material for the other unit that is not equipped with the busbar holding portion 53.

[0077] <Other Embodiments> (1) In the above embodiment, the assembly member 60 was provided with a first projection 61 and a second projection 71, the first unit 50A was provided with a first through hole 55A, and the second unit 50B was provided with a second through hole 55B, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the assembly member may be provided with a first through hole and a second through hole, the first unit may be provided with a first projection, and the second unit may be provided with a second projection. (2) In the above embodiment, the assembly member 60 was a cover, but it is not limited to this, and the assembly member may be a member that has a different purpose than a cover. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 10: Energy storage module 11: Laminated batteries 11L: Battery stack 12: Electrode leads 12A: Connecting electrode lead 12B: Output electrode lead 13: Joint 14: Output section 15: Cabinet 15A: Bottom 15B: Ceiling 15C: Lateral part 20: Wiring module 30: Terminal 31: Main body 32: Connection part 34: Wire connection section 40: Bus bar 40A: 1st part 40B: 2nd part 41: Busbar side connection 41A: Through hole 50: Protector 50A: Unit 1 50AS: Front 50B: Unit 2 50BS: Front 51: Sliding structure 51A: Convex part 51B: Recess 52: Electrode housing recess 52A: Recess for housing connecting electrode 52B: Output electrode housing recess 53: Busbar holder 53A: Bolt fastening section 54: Terminal housing section 55A: 1st through hole 55B: 2nd through hole 55C: 3rd through hole 56: Routing recess 60: Assembly components 60S: Rear 61: 1st protrusion 62: 1st extension section 63: 1st enlarged diameter section 64: 1st pillar part 64A: 1st contact part 65: 1st beam part 66: First flexing piece 66A: 1st locking part 66B: First Flexural Space 71: 2nd protrusion 72: 2nd extension section 73: Second enlarged diameter section 74: Second pillar part 74A: Second contact part 75: 2nd beam part 76: Second flexing piece 76A: Second locking part 76B: Second Flexural Space 81: Third protrusion CL1: First clearance CL1A: Right side first clearance CL1B: Left side first clearance CL2: Second clearance CL2A: Right side second clearance CL2B: Second clearance on the left side CL3: Third clearance CL3A: Upper third clearance CL3B: Lower third clearance CL4: 4th clearance CL4A: Upper fourth clearance CL4B: Lower fourth clearance

Claims

1. A wiring module is attached to a battery stack, which is composed of multiple energy storage elements equipped with electrode terminals stacked in the stacking direction, and the energy storage elements are elongated in a first direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and have a flattened shape in the stacking direction, Multiple conductive members electrically connected to the electrode terminals, A protector comprising a first unit and a second unit separate from the first unit, which holds the plurality of conductive members, It comprises assembly members, The first unit and the second unit are connected so as to be slidable relative to each other in the stacking direction in which the energy storage elements are stacked. The assembly member is assembled to both the first unit and the second unit in the first direction. Each of the first unit, the second unit, and the assembly member has an opposing surface, The opposing surfaces of the first unit and the opposing surfaces of the assembly member face each other in the first direction. The opposing surfaces of the second unit and the opposing surfaces of the assembly member face each other in the first direction. One of the first unit and the assembly member is provided with a first projection that protrudes in the first direction from the opposing surface, The other of the first unit and the assembly member has a first through-hole through which the first projection is inserted. One of the second unit and the assembly member is provided with a second projection that protrudes from the opposing surface in the first direction, The other of the second unit and the assembly member has a second through-hole through which the second projection is inserted. The first projection has a first contact portion that faces the inner wall of the first through hole in the stacking direction, A wiring module in which a first clearance is set between the first contact portion and the inner wall of the first through hole.

2. The assembly member comprises the first projection and the second projection, The first unit has the first through hole formed therein. The wiring module according to claim 1, wherein the second unit has the second through hole formed therein.

3. The second projection includes a second contact portion that is positioned opposite the inner wall of the second through hole in the stacking direction, A second clearance is provided between the second contact portion and the inner wall of the second through hole. The wiring module according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second clearance is smaller than the first clearance.

4. The first projection comprises a first extension portion extending in a first direction from the opposing surface, and a first enlarged diameter portion positioned at the tip of the first extension portion and projecting in a direction perpendicular to the first direction from the first extension portion. The first enlarged diameter portion is provided with a first locking portion that engages with the edge of the first through hole in the first direction, The second projection comprises a second extension portion extending from the opposing surface in the first direction, and a second enlarged diameter portion positioned at the tip of the second extension portion and projecting from the second extension portion in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The wiring module according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second enlarged diameter portion is provided with a second locking portion that locks into the edge of the second through hole in the first direction.

5. The direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the stacking direction is designated as the second direction. The wiring module according to claim 4, wherein the dimension of the first through-hole in the second direction is smaller than the dimension of the first through-hole in the stacking direction.

6. The wiring module according to claim 5, wherein the first enlarged diameter portion protrudes from the first extension portion in the second direction and is positioned inward of the first extension portion in the stacking direction.

7. The first enlarged diameter portion is a pair of first flexible pieces extending from the first extended portion to both sides in the second direction, The wiring module according to claim 6, wherein the pair of first flexible pieces are elastically deformable in the second direction.

8. The wiring module according to claim 7, wherein the first projection has a first flex space between the pair of first flex pieces that allows the pair of first flex pieces to flex.

9. The plurality of conductive members are equipped with busbars, The wiring module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein only one of the first unit and the second unit is provided with a busbar holding portion that holds the busbar.

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