Case for flat wiring material

Abstract

A case (1) for a flat wiring material comprises: a first case (10) having a storage space for storing a first portion of a flat wiring material, a holding part, and a first engagement part (12); and a second case (20) having a storage space for storing a second portion of the flat wiring material, a holding part, and a second engagement part (22). The first case and the second case have an extension direction (X) in which the flat wiring material extends, the first case and the second case are configured so as to be able to be arranged at a first relative position and a second relative position, the first case and the second case are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction at the first relative position, the first case and the second case are linearly arranged along the extension direction at the second relative position, and the first case and the second case are fixed at the second relative position.

Description

Flat cable case

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are cases for housing wiring materials. For example, a battery bus bar module disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a case for housing a plurality of bus bars and a battery sensing unit.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-108301

[0004] It is desirable to improve the transportability of cases that store flat wiring materials. For example, when the case is enlarged to accommodate the longer flat wiring materials to be stored, the transportability of the case is likely to decrease.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a case for flat wiring material that can improve transportability.

[0006] The case for flat wiring material of the present invention comprises a first case having a storage space for accommodating a first portion of the flat wiring material, a holding portion for holding the first portion, and a first engagement portion, and a second case having a storage space for accommodating a second portion of the flat wiring material, a holding portion for holding the second portion, and a second engagement portion, wherein the first case and the second case have an extension direction in which the flat wiring material extends, and the first case and the second case are configured to be able to be arranged both in a first relative position and in a second relative position, and at the first relative position, the first case and the second case are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction, and at the second relative position, the first case and the second case are aligned linearly along the extension direction, and at the second relative position, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engage with each other to fix the first case and the second case.

[0007] In the case for flat wiring material according to the present invention, the first case and the second case are configured to be able to be arranged in both a first relative position and a second relative position. In the first relative position, the first case and the second case are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction, and in the second relative position, the first case and the second case are aligned linearly along the extension direction. In the second relative position, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engage with each other to fix the first case and the second case. The case for flat wiring material according to the present invention has the effect of improving transportability.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a case for flat wiring material according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a case for flat wiring material according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a case for flat wiring material according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a case for flat wiring material according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a flat wiring material according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a case for flat wiring material assembled to a flat wiring material. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a case for flat wiring material assembled to a flat wiring material. FIG. 8 is a plan view of a case for flat wiring material assembled to a flat wiring material. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an intermediate part accommodated in a case for flat wiring material. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a case for flat wiring material according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a case for flat wiring material according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a case for flat wiring material according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a flat wiring material. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a flat wiring material. FIG. 15 is a plan view of a case for flat wiring material according to an embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a flat wiring material. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a flat wiring material. FIG. 18 is a development view of a case for flat wiring material according to a modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a case for flat wiring material according to a modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 20 is a plan view of a flat wiring material according to a modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a flat wiring material housed in a case according to a modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 22 is a plan view of a case for flat wiring material with the cover closed. FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a first case and a second case positioned at an intermediate relative position. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a folded flat wiring material. FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating the relative rotation of the second case with respect to the first case. FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the first case and the second case positioned at a second relative position. FIG. 27 is a plan view of a case for flat wiring material having a connecting structure. FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing an example of the connecting structure. FIG. 29 is a view showing a first case and a second case positioned at an intermediate relative position in a modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing an example of a rotation structure.FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the first case and the second case positioned in a second relative position in the modified embodiment.

[0009] The following describes in detail a case for flat cable routing according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the components in the following embodiments include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art or that are substantially the same.

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

[0011] Figures 13 and 14 are diagrams showing an example of a flat wiring material, Figure 15 is a plan view of a case for a flat wiring material according to an embodiment, and Figures 16 and 17 are diagrams showing an example of a flat wiring material. Figure 3 shows a cross section taken along line III-III in Figure 2. Figure 7 shows a cross section taken along line VII-VII in Figure 6.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the case 1 for flat wiring material of this embodiment has a first case 10 and a second case 20. The first case 10 and the second case 20 are molded, for example, from an insulating synthetic resin. The first case 10 and the second case 20 shown in Figures 1 and 2 are connected so as to be rotatable relative to each other. The case 1 for flat wiring material is used, for example, when a flat wiring material 100 having a substantially U-shape as shown in Figure 5 is deformed into a linear shape and held.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, the first case 10 has a main body 11, a first engagement portion 12, and a first connecting portion 13. The main body 11, the first engagement portion 12, and the first connecting portion 13 are, for example, molded integrally. The second case 20 has a main body 21, a second engagement portion 22, and a second connecting portion 23. The main body 21, the second engagement portion 22, and the second connecting portion 23 are, for example, molded integrally. The first case 10 and the second case 20 are each configured to be able to accommodate a flat wiring material 100.

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

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3 , the main body 11 of the first case 10 has a storage space 11d capable of accommodating the flat wiring material. More specifically, the main body 11 of the first case 10 has a support wall 11a, a pair of side walls 11b, and a plurality of holding portions 11c. The support wall 11a, the side walls 11b, and the holding portions 11c are, for example, integral. The illustrated support wall 11a and side walls 11b have a flat plate shape. The side walls 11b are erected from the edge of the support wall 11a and are perpendicular to the support wall 11a. The pair of side walls 11b face each other in the width direction Y. The support wall 11a and the pair of side walls 11b form a storage space 11d that accommodates the flat wiring material 100.

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

[0017] The main body 21 of the second case 20 has a shape substantially similar to that of the main body 11 of the first case 10. As shown in Fig. 4, the main body 21 has a support wall 21a, a pair of side walls 21b, and a plurality of holding portions 21c. The side walls 21b are erected from the edge of the support wall 21a and are perpendicular to the support wall 21a. The pair of side walls 21b face each other in the width direction Y. The support wall 21a and the pair of side walls 21b form a storage space 21d that stores the flat wiring material 100.

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

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

[0020] The first engagement portion 12 has a frame shape into which the piece 22a can be inserted. More specifically, the first engagement portion 12 is connected to each of the support wall 11a and the side wall 11b and has a through hole 12a. The through hole 12a is provided along the extension direction X and has a cross-sectional shape into which the piece 22a can be inserted. The first engagement portion 12 is provided with a locking portion 12b that locks the protrusion 22b. The locking portion 12b is formed on a column portion extending in the height direction Z. When the piece 22a is inserted into the through hole 12a along the extension direction X, the protrusion 22b is locked by the locking portion 12b, and the first engagement portion 12 and the second engagement portion 22 engage with each other. The first engagement portion 12 and the second engagement portion 22 engage with each other, thereby fixing the first case 10 and the second case 20 together.

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

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

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

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

[0025] The second relative position is the relative position shown in FIG. 2 . In the second relative position, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are aligned linearly along the extension direction X. In this case, the side wall 21 b of the second case 20 is positioned on an extension of the extension direction X relative to the side wall 11 b of the first case 10. As indicated by arrow AR1 in FIG. 2 , the rotation structure 40 can rotate the second case 20 relative to the first case 10 from the first relative position to the second relative position. The rotation structure 40 guides the second engagement portion 22 to the first engagement portion 12, causing the second engagement portion 22 to engage with the first engagement portion 12. In other words, when the second case 20 is positioned linearly relative to the first case 10, the first engagement portion 12 and the second engagement portion 22 automatically engage with each other.

[0026] The case 1 for flat wiring material of this embodiment is applied to, for example, a flat wiring material 100 shown in Fig. 5. The flat wiring material 100 is, for example, an FPC (flexible printed circuit board). The flat wiring material 100 of Fig. 5 is disposed in a battery module and detects the voltage and temperature of the battery cells of the battery module.

[0027] When the flat wiring material 100 is an FPC, the flat wiring material 100 has a base film, a conductive layer, and a coverlay. The conductive layer is sandwiched and protected between the base film and the coverlay. The conductive layer is, for example, a conductive metal foil and has a circuit pattern including a plurality of detection lines 140. The flat wiring material 100 is flexible and can be bent when being wired.

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

[0029] The flat wiring material 100 is mounted with, for example, electronic components such as fuses and thermistors, and metal plate components. The U-shaped flat wiring material 100 enables the efficiency and cost reduction of the mounting process for mounting various components. A plurality of bus bars 200 are attached to the flat wiring material 100 of FIG. 5. The bus bars 200 are arranged in each of the first portion 110 and the second portion 120. The bus bars 200 are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first portion 110 and the second portion 120.

[0030] Each busbar 200 is electrically connected to a detection wire 140 for detecting voltage. When a thermistor is surface-mounted on the flat wiring material 100, the thermistor is electrically connected to a detection wire 140 for detecting temperature. Each detection wire 140 is connected to, for example, an electronic control device that monitors the battery module. Each detection wire 140 is equipped with, for example, a chip fuse.

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

[0032] The process of assembling the case 1 for flat wiring material to the flat wiring material 100 is carried out, for example, by a worker. The worker, for example, covers the case 1 for flat wiring material over the flat wiring material 100 placed on a jig plate and fits the case 1 for flat wiring material to the flat wiring material 100. The first case 10 of the case 1 for flat wiring material is assembled to the first part 110 of the flat wiring material 100. The second case 20 of the case 1 for flat wiring material is assembled to the second part 120 of the flat wiring material 100.

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

[0034] Next, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are positioned at the second relative position shown in FIG. 8 . The process of rotating the first case 10 and the second case 20 relative to each other is performed, for example, by a worker. The worker rotates the second case 20 relative to the first case 10, and positions the first case 10 and the second case 20 at the second relative position. At this time, the middle portion 130 of the flat wiring material 100 is flexed and deformed outside the case 1 for flat wiring material. The middle portion 130 is deformed, for example, so as to float up from the jig plate. When the first case 10 and the second case 20 are positioned at the second relative position, the middle portion 130 is accommodated in the case 1 for flat wiring material. For example, the middle portion 130 is folded by mountain folds or valley folds along lines along the radial direction.

[0035] 9 shows an example of an intermediate portion 130 accommodated in the case 1 for flat wiring material. The folded intermediate portion 130 is accommodated, for example, in the first case 10. In this case, the intermediate portion 130 may be inserted between the first portion 110 and the main body 11 of the first case 10. The intermediate portion 130 may also be accommodated in the second case 20. As shown in FIG. 9, the case 1 for flat wiring material holds the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100 aligned in a straight line along the extension direction X. The second engaging portion 22 engages with the first engaging portion 12 of the case 1 for flat wiring material, locking the first case 10 and the second case 20 together.

[0036] The case 1 for flat wiring material of this embodiment can deform the U-shaped flat wiring material 100 into a straight line. Therefore, the case 1 for flat wiring material of this embodiment can achieve both reduction in the manufacturing cost and surface mounting cost of the flat wiring material 100 and increase in the length of the flat wiring material 100.

[0037] In the process of rotating the first case 10 and the second case 20 relative to each other, the flat wiring material 100 is housed in the cases 10 and 20 and is held by the cases 10 and 20. Therefore, in the process of rotating the first case 10 and the second case 20 relative to each other, unexpected deformation of the flat wiring material 100 is suppressed. Also, in the process of rotating the first case 10 and the second case 20 relative to each other, a jig plate or the like is less likely to interfere with the components mounted on the flat wiring material 100, and the mounted components are less likely to be damaged.

[0038] As a comparative example of the case 1 for flat wiring material of this embodiment, a case formed in an entirely linear shape will be described. When a U-shaped flat wiring material 100 is housed in the case of the comparative example, a process of deforming the flat wiring material 100 outside the case is required. This process includes, for example, folding and unfolding the flat wiring material 100 to which the bus bar 200 is attached to deform it into a linear shape. At this time, it is necessary to suppress the movement of the bus bar 200, and for example, dedicated equipment for suppressing the movement of the bus bar 200 is required.

[0039] According to this embodiment, before the folding and unfolding work, the bus bar 200 and the U-shaped flat wiring material 100 can be placed in the flat wiring material case 1. Since the bus bar 200 is held by the flat wiring material case 1, equipment for suppressing the movement of the bus bar 200 is not required.

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

[0041] FIG. 10 shows another example of the case 1 for flat wiring material according to the embodiment. The first engagement portion 12 in FIG. 10 is a recess or through-hole formed in the side wall 11b of the first case 10. The second engagement portion 22 has a piece 22c arranged on the side wall 21b of the second case 20 and a protrusion 22d. The piece 22c protrudes from the inner surface of the side wall 21b and extends along the extension direction X toward the first case 10. The protrusion 22d protrudes from the piece 22c in the width direction Y. The protrusion 22d engages with the first engagement portion 12, thereby engaging the first engagement portion 12 and the second engagement portion 22. The first engagement portion 12 and the second engagement portion 22 engage with each other, thereby fixing the first case 10 and the second case 20.

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

[0043] The first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 23 may be connected by a member such as a pin. The first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 23 in FIG. 11 are connected by a pin 310 of a jig plate 300. The first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 23 have a cylindrical shape. More specifically, the first connecting portion 13 has a cylindrical tubular portion 16. The tubular portion 16 is disposed at the end of the first case 10 on the side connected to the second case 20. The tubular portion 16 has a through-hole 16a that penetrates in the height direction Z.

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

[0045] The step of rotating the two cases 10, 20 relative to one another is performed, for example, on a jig plate 300. The jig plate 300 has pins 310 that can be inserted into the through holes 16 a, 23 f. By inserting the pins 310 into the two through holes 16 a, 23 f, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are rotatably connected to one another.

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

[0047] The first case 10 and the second case 20 do not have to have the rotation structure 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 12 , the first case 10 does not have to have the first connecting portion 13. The second case 20 does not have to have the second connecting portion 23. The first case 10 and the second case 20 in FIG. 12 can be arranged in both a first relative position and a second relative position. The process of engaging the first case 10 and the second case 20 is performed, for example, by a worker. The case 1 for flat wiring material may have a guide structure that guides the second engagement portion 22 to the first engagement portion 12.

[0048] The application of the case 1 for flat wiring material is not limited to the flat wiring material 100 having a U-shape. For example, the case 1 for flat wiring material may be applied to the linear flat wiring material 100 shown in FIG. 13. In the case 1 for flat wiring material in FIG. 13, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are linearly engaged. The flat wiring material 100 is housed in the linearly engaged first case 10 and second case 20. The case 1 for flat wiring material of this embodiment allows the cases 10 and 20 to be made smaller for the long flat wiring material 100.

[0049] The flat wiring material 100 housed in the flat wiring material case 1 may be constructed by connecting multiple parts. For example, as shown in Fig. 14, the flat wiring material 100 may have a first wiring material 100A and a second wiring material 100B that can be connected. The first wiring material 100A and the second wiring material 100B are each formed in a straight line.

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

[0051] The first wiring material 100A is housed in the first case 10 as a first part of the flat wiring material 100. The second wiring material 100B is housed in the second case 20 as a second part of the flat wiring material 100. The flat wiring material case 1 housing the two wiring materials 100A and 100B can be transported, for example, with the first case 10 and the second case 20 positioned in a first relative position as shown in FIG.

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

[0053] As described above, the case 1 for flat wiring material of this embodiment has a first case 10 and a second case 20. The first case 10 has an accommodation space 11d that accommodates the first portion 110 of the flat wiring material 100, a holding portion 11c that holds the first portion 110, and a first engagement portion 12. The second case 20 has an accommodation space 21d that accommodates the second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100, a holding portion 21c that holds the second portion 120, and a second engagement portion 22. The first case 10 and the second case 20 have an extension direction X in which the flat wiring material 100 extends.

[0054] The first case 10 and the second case 20 are configured to be able to be arranged in both a first relative position and a second relative position. In the first relative position, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction X. In the second relative position, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are aligned linearly along the extension direction X. In the second relative position, the first engaging portion 12 and the second engaging portion 22 engage with each other to fix the first case 10 and the second case 20. The case 1 for flat routing material of this embodiment includes two engageable cases 10, 20, thereby enabling cost reduction. For example, manufacturing costs can be reduced by reducing the size of each case 10, 20. For example, transportation costs can be reduced by positioning the cases 10, 20 in the first relative position.

[0055] The case 1 for flat wiring material may have a rotation structure 40. The rotation structure 40 rotates the first case 10 and the second case 20 relative to each other between a first relative position and a second relative position. The rotation structure 40 can improve the workability when rotating the two cases 10, 20 relative to each other.

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

[0057] As shown in Fig. 15, the third case 30 can be positioned in a first relative position with respect to the first case 10. Moreover, the third case 30 can rotate relative to the first case 10 and be positioned in a second relative position with respect to the first case 10. According to the case 1 for flat wiring material shown in Fig. 15, the size of each of the cases 10, 20, 30 can be reduced.

[0058] The flat wiring material 100 is not limited to an FPC, and may be another flat wiring material such as an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable).

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

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

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

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

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

[0064] In the case 1 for flat wiring material according to the modified embodiment, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are positioned at an intermediate relative position between the first relative position and the second relative position. As shown in FIG. 25 , the first case 10 and the second case 20 are connected so as to be rotatable relative to each other. The second case 20 rotates relative to the first case 10 from the intermediate relative position toward the second relative position. The case 1 for flat wiring material according to the modified embodiment is transported, for example, with the first case 10 and the second case 20 positioned at the intermediate relative position. By overlapping the first case 10 and the second case 20, transportability can be improved.

[0065] As shown in Figure 18, a first case 10 according to a modified embodiment has a main body 11 and a cover 18. The main body 11 and the cover 18 are, for example, molded integrally. In the first case 10 of Figure 18, the main body 11 and the cover 18 are connected via a hinge portion 11e. The main body 11 has a support wall 11a that supports the first portion 110 of the flat wiring material 100. The support wall 11a is formed in a straight line along the extension direction X. The cover 18 has an opposing wall 18a that covers the support wall 11a. The first portion 110 of the flat wiring material 100 is accommodated and held between the support wall 11a and the opposing wall 18a.

[0066] A first shaft support portion 19A and a second shaft support portion 19B are provided at an end portion of the main body 11 in the extension direction X. The first shaft support portion 19A rotatably supports a first rotating shaft 25A of the second case 20. The second shaft support portion 19B rotatably supports a second rotating shaft 25B of the second case 20.

[0067] The second case 20 according to a modified embodiment has a main body 21 and a cover 24. The main body 21 and the cover 24 are, for example, molded integrally. In the second case 20 of FIG. 18, the main body 21 and the cover 24 are connected via a hinge portion 21e. The main body 21 has a support wall 21a that supports the second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100. The support wall 21a is formed in a straight line along the extension direction X. The cover 24 has an opposing wall 24a that covers the support wall 21a. The second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100 is accommodated and held between the support wall 21a and the opposing wall 24a.

[0068] A first rotation shaft 25A is provided at an end of the main body 21 in the extension direction X. A second rotation shaft 25B is provided at an end of the cover 24 in the extension direction X. The first rotation shaft 25A protrudes from a side surface of the main body 21 in the width direction Y. The second rotation shaft 25B extends in the width direction Y so as to cross the end of the cover 24. Both end portions of the second rotation shaft 25B are supported by second bearing portions 19B.

[0069] In the case 1 for flat wiring material according to the modified embodiment, a rotation structure 60 is formed by two pivotal support portions 19A, 19B of the first case 10 and two rotation shafts 25A, 25B of the second case 20. The rotation structure 60 enables the two cases 10, 20 to rotate relative to each other as shown in FIG.

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

[0071] The second engagement portion 22 in Fig. 19 has a piece 22g standing upright in the height direction Z so as to face the end face of the main body 21. The second engagement portion 22 has a protrusion that rises from the piece 22g in the extension direction X. The first engagement portion 12 in Fig. 19 has a frame shape into which the piece 22g can be inserted. The first engagement portion 12 protrudes from the end face of the main body 11 in the extension direction X and has a through-hole that passes through in the height direction Z. The first case 10 and the second case 20 are fixed together by the first engagement portion 12 and the second engagement portion 22 engaging with each other.

[0072] The case 1 for flat wiring material of the modified embodiment is applied to, for example, a flat wiring material 100 shown in Fig. 20. The flat wiring material 100 is, for example, an FPC (flexible printed circuit board). The flat wiring material 100 of Fig. 20 is arranged, for example, in a battery module.

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

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

[0075] The flat wiring material 100 according to the modified example of the embodiment is provided with branch portions 170 connected to the bus bar 200. The branch portions 170 extend in the width direction from the first portion 110 and the second portion 120. The tip portions of the branch portions 170 are connected to the bus bar 200 by solder or the like.

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

[0077] The process of accommodating the flat wiring material 100 in the case 1 for the flat wiring material is carried out, for example, using a jig plate. As an example, the flat wiring material 100 may be assembled to the first case 10 and the second case 20 placed on the jig plate. At this time, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are placed on the jig plate in a first relative position. The worker places the first part 110 of the flat wiring material 100 on the main body 11 of the first case 10, and places the second part 120 of the flat wiring material 100 on the main body 21 of the second case 20. If a bus bar 200 has been attached to the flat wiring material 100 in advance, the bus bar 200 is assembled to the main bodies 11, 21 together with the flat wiring material 100.

[0078] Once the flat wiring material 100 is housed in the two cases 10, 20, a closing process is carried out to close the covers 18, 24. In the closing process, the cover 18 of the first case 10 is assembled to the main body 11 while bending the hinge portion 11e. In the closing process, the cover 24 of the second case 20 is assembled to the main body 21 while bending the hinge portion 21e. Figure 22 shows the covers 18, 24 in a closed state. The opposing wall 18a of the cover 18 covers the first portion 110 of the flat wiring material 100. The opposing wall 24a of the cover 24 covers the second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100.

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

[0080] A first rotation step is performed to rotate the second case 20 relative to the first case 10 from the state shown in FIG. 22 . In the first rotation step, the second case 20 is rotated relative to the first case 10 around a rotation axis Cx shown in FIG. 22 as the rotation center. The rotation axis Cx is, for example, a straight line extending in the extension direction X between the two covers 18, 24. This rotation may be performed using, for example, a jig plate. In this case, the jig plate may have a main body that supports the first case 10 and a support member that supports the second case 20. The support member is supported by the main body so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis Cx.

[0081] The second case 20 is rotated relative to the first case 10 with the rotation axis Cx as the center of rotation, and the second case 20 is overlapped on the first case 10. As a result, the second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100 overlaps with the first portion 110 and faces the first portion 110. At this time, the middle portion 130 of the flat wiring material 100 is bent along the rotation axis Cx.

[0082] Figure 23 shows the state in which the second case 20 is stacked on the first case 10 after the first rotation step is completed. Figure 24 shows a cross section taken along line XXIV-XXIV of Figure 23. As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the first case 10 has a protective cover 11g that protects the middle portion 130 of the flat wiring material 100. The protective cover 11g is connected to the support wall 11a via a hinge portion 11f. The first case 10 accommodates the middle portion 130, which is folded back into a U-shape, between the support wall 11a and the protective cover 11g. The opposing wall 18a of the cover 18 is sandwiched inside the folded middle portion 130.

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

[0084] The second rotating shaft 25B of the second case 20 is rotatably supported by the second shaft support portion 19B of the first case 10. The second shaft support portion 19B has a slit 19f provided in the side wall 11h. The side wall 11h is arranged on both sides of the support wall 11a in the width direction Y. The end of the second rotating shaft 25B is inserted into the slit 19f and rotatably supported by the side wall 11h. By inserting the two rotating shafts 25A, 25B into the two shaft support portions 19A, 19B, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are rotatably connected. This forms a busbar module 400. The busbar module 400 includes the case 1 for flat wiring material of the embodiment, the flat wiring material 100, and the busbar 200.

[0085] 25 is a diagram illustrating the second rotation process. The second rotation process is performed, for example, in a factory where the busbar module 400 is assembled to a vehicle or the like. As shown in FIG. 25 , in the second rotation process, the second case 20 is rotated relative to the first case 10 from the intermediate relative position toward the second relative position. In the second rotation process, the second case 20 rotates relative to the first case 10 around the central axes of the two rotation shafts 25A.

[0086] 26 shows the state in which the two cases 10, 20 are positioned in a second relative position after the second rotation process is completed. The first portion 110 and the second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100 are aligned in a straight line. In other words, the second portion 120 is positioned on an extension of the first portion 110 in a plan view. The bus bars 200 are aligned in a straight line along the extension direction X. The cover 18 of the first case 10 covers the first portion 110 with the opposing wall 18a, protecting the first portion 110. The cover 24 of the second case 20 covers the second portion 120 with the opposing wall 24a, protecting the second portion 120.

[0087] When the two cases 10, 20 are positioned in the second relative position, the busbar module 400 is assembled to the battery pack. Each busbar 200 is connected to an electrode of a battery cell of the battery pack. The detection wire 140 of the flat wiring material 100 is connected to, for example, a monitoring unit that monitors the state of the battery cell. The case 1 for flat wiring material of this embodiment can transport the flat wiring material 100 and the case 1 for flat wiring material with the two cases 10, 20 stacked on top of each other. Therefore, the case 1 for flat wiring material of this embodiment can improve transportability.

[0088] The case 1 for flat wiring material may have a connecting structure 70 described below. Fig. 27 shows the case 1 for flat wiring material having the connecting structure 70. The connecting structure 70 has a first connecting portion 71 and a second connecting portion 72.

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

[0090] The second connecting portion 72 is disposed on the outer surface of the side wall 21b of the second case 20. The second connecting portion 72 has a hollow bearing portion 72a that rotatably holds the ball portion 71b. The inner surface of the bearing portion 72a is spherical. The bearing portion 72a slidably supports the outer peripheral surface of the ball portion 71b. The bearing portion 72a has a slit 72b that corresponds to the arm 71a. The slit 72b is formed so that the first case 10 and the second case 20 can rotate relative to each other from a first relative position to an intermediate relative position.

[0091] The connecting structure 70 is configured to be able to position the first case 10 and the second case 20 in a first relative position as shown in Fig. 27. The connecting structure 70 is also configured to be able to position the first case 10 and the second case 20 in an intermediate relative position as shown in Fig. 29.

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

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

[0094] 31 shows the first case 10 and the second case 20 positioned in the second relative position. When the second rotation process is performed, the second connecting portion 72 is disengaged from the first connecting portion 71. The work of releasing the connection between the two connecting portions 71, 72 may be performed by an operator. When the two cases 10, 20 are positioned in the second relative position, the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 of the flat wiring material 100 are aligned in a straight line.

[0095] As described above, the case 1 for flat wiring material according to the modified embodiment has a rotation structure 60. The first case 10 and the second case 20 are configured to be able to be arranged in an intermediate relative position. In the intermediate relative position, the first case 10 and the second case 20 overlap so that the first part 110 and the second part 120 of the flat wiring material 100 face each other. The rotation structure 60 is configured to allow the first case 10 and the second case 20 to rotate relative to each other between the intermediate relative position and the second relative position. The case 1 for flat wiring material according to the modified embodiment can improve transportability.

[0096] The flat cable routing case 1 according to the modified embodiment may have a connecting structure 70. The connecting structure 70 connects the first case 10 and the second case 20 so that the first case 10 and the second case 20 can rotate relative to each other between a first relative position and an intermediate relative position. Such a connecting structure 70 can improve the workability of the first rotation step. For example, the first rotation step can be performed without using a dedicated jig plate.

[0097] The contents disclosed in the above-described embodiments and modifications can be implemented in appropriate combinations.

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

Claims

1. A first case having an accommodation space for accommodating a first portion of the flat cable material, a holding portion for holding the first portion, and a first engaging portion; a second case having an accommodation space for accommodating a second portion of the flat cable material, a holding portion for holding the second portion, and a second engaging portion; wherein the first case and the second case have an extending direction in which the flat cable material extends, and the first case and the second case are configured to be capable of being arranged in both a first relative position and a second relative position. In the first relative position, the first case and the second case are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction. In the second relative position, the first case and the second case are linearly arranged along the extending direction. In the second relative position, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engage with each other to fix the first case and the second case. A case for a flat cable material, characterized by the above.

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

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

4. The case for a flat cable material according to claim 3, having a connection structure for connecting the first case and the second case so that the first case and the second case are relatively rotatable between the first relative position and the intermediate relative position.

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