Frame wiring module

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of preventing wiring from being complicated in a small mobility. This frame wiring module comprises: a frame member; and conductors. The frame member forms the framework of a chassis. The conductors include parallel conductors disposed along the frame member and integrated with the frame member. A plurality of connection portions for connecting a device wiring of a device supported by the chassis to the conductors are provided.

Description

Frame wiring module

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that makes it possible to predict the appropriate number of automatic guided vehicles required to be introduced into a factory or the like.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-116332

[0004] Compact mobility vehicles such as automated guided vehicles, autonomous transport robots, and personal mobility vehicles have chassis. It is desirable to be able to prevent wiring in compact mobility vehicles from becoming complicated.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can prevent wiring in small mobility vehicles from becoming complicated.

[0006] The frame wiring module of the present disclosure is a frame wiring module comprising a frame member forming the skeleton of a chassis, and a conductor including parallel conductors arranged along the frame member and integrated with the frame member, and is provided with a plurality of connection portions for connecting equipment-side wiring of equipment supported by the chassis to the conductor.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent wiring in a small mobility vehicle from becoming complicated.

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

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

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

[0011] (1) A frame wiring module comprising a frame member forming the skeleton of a chassis, and a conductor including parallel conductors arranged along the frame member and integrated with the frame member, and having a plurality of connection portions for connecting equipment-side wiring of equipment supported by the chassis to the conductor.

[0012] According to the frame wiring module (1), the conductors of the frame wiring module can be used as wiring to connect multiple devices supported by the chassis. The conductors of the frame wiring module are arranged along the frame member and integrated with the frame member, so they are less likely to become complicated. Furthermore, each device is connected to the conductors via one of multiple connection parts selected from multiple connection parts. Since each device can be connected to a connection part close to it, the wiring on the device side can be shortened. As a result, wiring in small mobility vehicles can be prevented from becoming complicated.

[0013] (2) In the frame wiring module of (1), the conductors may include power supply conductors and signal conductors that are provided separately from each other, and the plurality of connection parts may include power supply connection parts to the power supply conductors and signal connection parts to the signal conductors, thereby making it possible to incorporate a power supply circuit and a signal circuit into the frame wiring module.

[0014] (3) In the frame wiring module of (2), the plurality of connectors may include a plurality of connector sets each having the power connector and the signal connector, the plurality of connector sets may be arranged at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the frame member, and the arrangement of the power connectors and the signal connectors may be the same among the plurality of connector sets. This allows the connector shapes of the device-side wiring connected to the connector sets to be uniform.

[0015] (4) In the frame wiring module of (2) or (3), the power supply conductor may be disposed inside the frame member, which makes it easier for the power supply circuit to handle large currents.

[0016] (5) In the frame wiring module of any one of (2) to (4), a circuit board having the signal conductors may be disposed on a first surface of the frame member, thereby integrating a plurality of signal circuits onto a single circuit board.

[0017] (6) In the frame wiring module of (5), the signal connection portion may be provided on a second surface opposite to the first surface, the frame member may have a through hole penetrating the first surface and the second surface, and the conductor may include a terminal that protrudes from the circuit board and fits into the through hole. This eliminates the need to directly connect a connector of the device-side wiring to the circuit board.

[0018] (7) In the frame wiring module of (5) or (6), the conductors may include a ground conductor provided separately from the power supply conductor and the signal conductor, and the ground conductor may be provided on the circuit board, thereby allowing a ground circuit to be incorporated into the frame wiring module.

[0019] (8) In the frame wiring module of any one of (1) to (7), the frame member may be made of metal, the conductor may include an inner portion located inside the frame member, and an insulator may be provided to insulate the inner portion from a portion of the frame member located around the inner portion. This can prevent a short circuit between the frame member and the conductor.

[0020] (9) In the frame wiring module of any one of (1) to (8), the frame members may be arranged to form an enclosure, and the connection portions may be provided on surfaces of the frame members facing inward of the enclosure. This makes it possible to prevent the chassis from becoming larger in size in a plan view when device-side wiring is connected to the connection portions.

[0021] (10) In the frame wiring module of any one of (1) to (9), a plurality of power distribution layers each including the frame member and the parallel conductor may be provided, and the plurality of power distribution layers may be stacked along a height direction of the chassis. This makes it easier to add connections and increase the flexibility of arranging a plurality of devices while suppressing an increase in the size of the chassis in a plan view.

[0022] (11) In the frame wiring module of any one of (1) to (10), the frame members may include a first frame member and a second frame member, the parallel conductors may include a first power supply conductor arranged along the first frame member and a second power supply conductor arranged along the second frame member, and a converter may be provided connecting the first power supply conductor and the second power supply conductor. This allows the converter to change the voltage of the first power supply conductor and the voltage of the second power supply conductor. This allows multiple electrical devices with different operating voltages to be connected to the frame wiring module.

[0023] (12) In the frame wiring module of any one of (1) to (11), the frame members may include a first frame member and a second frame member, and the conductors may include first parallel conductors arranged along the first frame member, second parallel conductors arranged along the second frame member, and intermediate conductors connecting the first parallel conductors and the second parallel conductors, thereby enabling the first parallel conductors and the second parallel conductors to be connected by the intermediate conductors.

[0024] (13) In the frame wiring module of any one of (1) to (12), a plurality of the parallel conductors may be arranged along one of the frame members, and the conductors may include a short-circuiting conductor at an end of the frame member, connecting the plurality of parallel conductors together. This allows the plurality of parallel conductors to be connected together by the short-circuiting conductor. For example, this is effective when connecting devices connected to different connection portions of one frame member.

[0025] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the frame wiring module of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0026] First Embodiment A frame wiring module 20 according to a first embodiment will be described below.

[0027] First, a compact mobility vehicle 10 to which a frame wiring module 20 is applied will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the compact mobility vehicle 10 to which a frame wiring module 20 is applied. In Fig. 1, X, Y, and Z directions that are orthogonal to one another are shown. The Z direction is the height direction of the chassis 12.

[0028] The compact mobility 10 may be, for example, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or an autonomous mobile robot (AMR). Furthermore, the compact mobility 10 may be, for example, a manned personal mobility. The compact mobility 10 includes a chassis 12 and a plurality of devices 80.

[0029] The chassis 12 supports, for example, a mounting portion of an automated guided vehicle or an autonomous transport robot. The chassis 12 also supports, for example, a seat of a personal mobility device. The chassis 12 includes, for example, rolling elements 14, a cover 16, and a frame wiring module 20. The rolling elements 14 are, for example, wheels or spheres. The chassis 12 can move when the rolling elements 14 rotate. Typically, a plurality of rolling elements 14 are provided. At least one of the plurality of rolling elements 14 is a drive wheel. The drive wheel is driven to rotate by a drive source such as a motor. The frame wiring module 20 includes a frame member 30 that forms the framework of the chassis 12. The rolling elements 14 are rotatably supported by the frame member 30. The cover 16 forms the exterior design of the chassis 12. The cover 16 covers the frame wiring module 20.

[0030] The multiple devices 80 are supported by the frame member 30 or the like. The multiple devices 80 include, for example, drive devices related to driving the chassis 12. For example, the drive devices include a battery 80A, an inverter 80B, a motor 80C, converters 80D1 and 80D2, an ECU 80E (electronic control unit), and sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3 (see FIG. 6 ). The motor 80C is a drive source that drives the rolling elements 14. The battery 80A supplies power to the multiple devices 80. The inverter 80B is interposed between the battery 80A and the motor 80C. The inverter 80B converts direct current supplied from the battery 80A into alternating current and supplies it to the motor 80C. The converters 80D1 and 80D2 are interposed between the battery 80A and the ECU 80E or the sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3. The converters 80D1 and 80D2 step down the power supply voltage supplied from the battery 80A and supply it to the ECU 80E or the sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3. The ECU 80E controls the compact mobility 10. The sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3 include sensors for smoothly moving the chassis 12, for example, by detecting the conditions of the environment surrounding the chassis 12 or the conditions of the chassis 12 itself. The sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3 may include one or more of a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a camera, a laser radar, and the like. The detection results of the sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3 are sent to, for example, the ECU 80E. The ECU 80E controls the operation of the compact mobility 10 based on the detection results of the sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3.

[0031] The frame wiring module 20 includes a conductor. The conductor is used as part of the wiring that connects a plurality of devices 80 together. The conductor is incorporated into the frame member 30. The frame wiring module 20 will be described in more detail with further reference to FIGS. 2 to 7. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the frame wiring module 20 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view seen from the arrow A1 in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a front view showing the frame member 30 and the circuit board 50.

[0032] The frame member 30 is a member that is elongated in one of three mutually perpendicular directions. Here, the frame member 30 extends linearly. The frame member 30 is formed by cutting a long base material to a length appropriate for the chassis 12. The frame member 30 may extend in a curved shape. Through holes are formed in the frame member 30 in a direction that intersects with the elongated direction. The cross section of the portion of the frame member 30 where no through holes are formed is basically the same at any position along the elongated direction. The frame member 30 is made of metal or resin.

[0033] The frame wiring module 20 includes a plurality of frame members 30. The plurality of frame members 30 are arranged to form an enclosure. The enclosure has a shape that follows the outer edge of the chassis 12. In this example, the enclosure is rectangular. Four frame members 30 are arranged in a rectangular shape. The enclosure may be angular, such as triangular or pentagonal, or may be circular. When the frame members 30 are linear, three or more frame members 30 may form an angular enclosure. When the frame members 30 are curved, two or more frame members 30 may form a circular enclosure. A plurality of devices 80 are arranged in the inner space of the enclosure formed by the frame members 30. The frame wiring module 20 may include only one frame member 30. When the frame wiring module 20 includes a plurality of frame members 30, the frame members 30 do not have to be arranged to form an enclosure. For example, two frame members 30 may be arranged in an L-shape. Furthermore, when a plurality of frame members 30 are provided, some of the frame members 30 may not have conductors incorporated therein.

[0034] In the chassis 12, the frame members 30 are arranged, for example, so that their longitudinal direction is along the horizontal direction. One of the two directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the frame members 30 is the height direction of the chassis 12. The other of the two directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is the inward / outward direction relative to the enclosure shape. Two of the four frame members 30 are arranged so that their longitudinal direction is the X direction. In these two frame members 30, the Y direction is the inward / outward direction. The other two of the four frame members 30 are arranged so that their longitudinal direction is the Y direction. In these two frame members 30, the X direction is the inward / outward direction.

[0035] The frame member 30 has a first surface 31 and a second surface 32. The first surface 31 and the second surface 32 face in opposite directions. Here, the first surface 31 is the surface of the frame member 30 that faces outward in the inward-outward direction. The second surface 32 is the surface that faces inward in the inward-outward direction.

[0036] A plurality of conductors are provided. Focusing on functional differences among the plurality of conductors, the plurality of conductors include conductors for a power supply circuit, conductors for a signal circuit, and conductors for a ground circuit. The conductors for the power supply circuit transmit power from the battery 80A to each device 80. The conductors for the signal circuit transmit electrical signals between corresponding devices 80. The signal circuit may be a bus circuit or an I / O (Input / Output) circuit. A bus circuit is a circuit shared by three or more devices 80. An I / O (Input / Output) circuit is basically a circuit that connects two devices 80, and two devices 80 correspond one-to-one. The signal circuit may have both a bus circuit and an I / O circuit. The conductors for the ground circuit are used as a reference point (ground) for potential. The conductors for the power supply circuit can accommodate a larger current than the conductors for the signal circuit and the conductors for the ground circuit. The conductor cross-sectional area of ​​the conductor for the power supply circuit is larger than the conductor cross-sectional areas of the conductors for the signal circuit and the conductor for the ground circuit. When focusing on the differences in the physical shapes or positions of the multiple conductors, the multiple conductors include parallel conductors, terminals 60, and intermediate conductors 62, 64.

[0037] The parallel conductors are arranged along the frame member 30. The parallel conductors extend from one end to the other end of the frame member 30 in the longitudinal direction of the frame member 30. The parallel conductors are integrated with the frame member 30. The parallel conductors include power supply conductors 40.

[0038] The power supply conductor 40 is disposed inside the frame member 30. The frame member 30 has a recess 33 formed therein that continues from one end to the other along the longitudinal direction. The power supply conductor 40 is disposed in the recess 33. An opening 34 that is continuous with the recess 33 is formed in the second surface 32. The opening 34 serves as a connection portion with the device-side wiring 82. The recess 33 may be a through-hole that penetrates the frame member 30 in the longitudinal direction. If the recess 33 is a through-hole, the frame member 30 may have multiple through-holes. Each of the multiple through-holes extends from the through-hole toward the second surface 32 to form the opening 34. The multiple through-holes are formed at intervals along the longitudinal direction. The recess 33 may be a groove that extends in the longitudinal direction of the frame member 30. If the recess 33 is a groove, the groove has an opening 34 on the opposite side to the bottom. For example, the opening 34 may open inward in the inward-outward direction.

[0039] The power supply conductor 40 includes a plate-shaped main body 42 and a receiving portion 44. The plate-shaped main body 42 is continuous in the longitudinal direction. The receiving portion 44 is a portion that receives the power supply terminal 84P of the device-side wiring 82. The receiving portion 44 has, for example, a pin-receiving structure. The receiving portion 44 has a pair of spring pieces 46. The pair of spring pieces 46 protrude inward and outward from the plate-shaped main body 42. The pair of spring pieces 46 are spaced apart in the height direction. The plate-shaped power supply terminal 84P is inserted between the pair of spring pieces 46. This electrically connects the power supply conductor 40 and the power supply terminal 84P. A plurality of receiving portions 44 may be provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction. The receiving portion 44 may be continuous in the longitudinal direction.

[0040] Here, the frame wiring module 20 includes a circuit board 50. The circuit board 50 is disposed on the first surface 31 of the frame member 30. The thickness direction of the circuit board 50 is along the inner-outer direction. The circuit board 50 has a main surface 51 extending along the longitudinal direction and the height direction. The main surface 51 faces the first surface 31.

[0041] The circuit board 50 includes a conductive layer 52 and an insulating layer 54. The conductive layer 52 of the circuit board 50 is one of the parallel conductors. The conductive layer 52 has a plurality of conductive patterns. Some of the plurality of conductive patterns are signal parallel conductors 52S. Other of the plurality of conductive patterns are ground parallel conductors 52G.

[0042] Terminals 60 are mounted on the main surface 51 of the circuit board 50. The terminals 60 protrude from the main surface 51 of the circuit board 50 toward the frame member 30. Here, the terminals 60 protrude inward from the main surface 51 in the inward-outward direction. A through hole 35 is formed in the frame member 30, penetrating the first surface 31 and the second surface 32. A first opening 36 of the through hole 35 is formed in the first surface 31, and a second opening 37 of the through hole 35 is formed in the second surface 32. The terminals 60 are inserted into the through holes 35 through the first opening 36. The tips of the terminals 60 fit within the through holes 35. The base ends of the terminals 60 are connected to the conductive layer 52. For example, the terminals 60 may be mounted such that the base ends are inserted into through holes in the circuit board 50. For example, the terminals 60 may be mounted such that the base ends are disposed on lands on the main surface 51 of the circuit board 50. The presence or absence of terminals 60 may be determined at the design stage, and may be provided only in locations (through holes 35 to be used) appropriate for the device 80. In this case, there may be through holes 35 without terminals 60. Terminals 60 may be provided in all through holes 35 regardless of whether terminals 60 are used or not.

[0043] The frame member 30 and the parallel conductors (here, the power conductors 40 and the circuit board 50) are integrated to form a power distribution unit 22. Here, four power distribution units 22 are arranged in a square shape. The four power distribution units 22 form one power distribution layer 24. A plurality of power distribution layers 24 may be stacked. The direction in which the plurality of power distribution layers 24 are stacked is the stacking direction. The stacking direction may be the height direction. The stacking direction may be one of the horizontal directions.

[0044] The power distribution units 22 are fixed to each other via fixing members 70. The fixing members 70 include an outer bracket 72, an inner bracket 74, and a fastening member 76. The outer bracket 72 secures two adjacent frame members 30 on the inner side in the inward / outward direction. The inner bracket 74 secures two adjacent frame members 30 on the inner side in the inward / outward direction. The outer bracket 72 and the inner bracket 74 are formed in shapes corresponding to the positional relationship of the two adjacent frame members 30. In this example, the two adjacent frame members 30 are arranged in an L-shape, and therefore the outer bracket 72 and the inner bracket 74 are also formed in an L-shape. The fastening members 76 are bolts, rivets, or the like. The frame members 30 are formed with fastening holes 38 to which the fastening members 76 are fastened. One end of the outer bracket 72 is fastened to the first surface 31 of one frame member 30, and the other end is fastened to the first surface 31 of the other frame member 30. One end of the inner bracket 74 is fastened to the second surface 32 of one frame member 30 , and the other end is fastened to the second surface 32 of the other frame member 30 .

[0045] The fixing member 70 also functions as a member for fixing the frame member 30 and the circuit board 50. Here, holes 56 through which fastening members 76 are inserted are formed in the circuit board 50, and the fastening members 76 for the outer bracket 72 are fastened to the first surface 31 while being inserted through the holes 56. In this way, the circuit board 50 is fixed to the frame member 30.

[0046] The conductors include intermediate conductors 62, 64 that connect the parallel conductors 40, 52 of the power distribution unit 22. Here, the intermediate conductors 62, 64 are provided as a bus bar 62 and an electric wire 64 with a terminal.

[0047] The busbar 62 connects the power supply conductors 40 together. The busbar 62 is a member in which a conductive plate is processed to follow a predetermined path. One end of the busbar 62 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of one power distribution unit 22. The other end of the busbar 62 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of the other power distribution unit 22.

[0048] The terminal-equipped electric wire 64 connects the conductive layers 52 together. The terminal-equipped electric wire 64 includes an electric wire 66 and plug terminals 65 connected to both ends of the electric wire 66. The electric wire 66 is, for example, a coated electric wire having a conductor core and a coating layer. The plug terminal 65 is connected to the conductor core by, for example, stripping the coating at the end of the electric wire 66. The plug terminal 65 at one end of the electric wire 66 is connected to the conductive layer 52 of one power distribution unit 22. The plug terminal 65 at the other end of the electric wire 66 is connected to the conductive layer 52 of the other power distribution unit 22. When multiple terminal-equipped electric wires 64 are connected between two power distribution units 22, a connector may be provided to keep the ends of the multiple terminal-equipped electric wires 64 in a predetermined arrangement. The multiple terminal-equipped electric wires 64 may also be connected individually without a connector.

[0049] The frame wiring module 20 is provided with a plurality of connection portions for connecting the device-side wiring 82 of the device 80 to the conductor. Here, each connection portion is provided on a surface of the frame member 30 facing inward of the enclosure shape (here, the second surface 32). Here, a portion of the second surface 32 including the opening 34 of the recess 33 and a portion including the second opening 37 of the through-hole 35 are each considered to be a connection portion. The opening 34 and the second opening 37 can be considered to be connection ports.

[0050] The multiple connection portions include a power connection portion to the power conductor 40, a signal connection portion to the signal conductor 52S, and a ground connection portion to the ground conductor 52G. Here, the portion of the recess 33 including the opening 34 forms the power connection portion. Hereinafter, the reference numeral of the opening 34 may be used to refer to the power connection portion 34. Hereinafter, some of the second openings 37 of the multiple through holes 35 form the signal connection portion, and the other portions form the ground connection portion. Hereinafter, the reference numeral of the second openings 37 may be used to refer to the signal connection portion 37.

[0051] The multiple connection portions include multiple connection portion sets. Each connection portion set has a power connection portion 34, a signal connection portion 37, and a ground connection portion. The multiple connection portion sets are arranged at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the frame member 30. The arrangements of the power connection portions 34, the signal connection portions 37, and the ground connection portions are the same among the multiple connection portion sets. In this example, one opening 34, four second openings 37 above the opening 34, and four second openings 37 below the opening 34 form one connection portion set.

[0052] A connector 83 provided at the end of the device-side wiring 82 is connected to each connection portion. The connector 83 includes a connector terminal 84 and a connector housing 85. The connector terminal 84 is connected to the conductor of the frame wiring module 20. A plurality of connector terminals 84 are provided. The plurality of connector terminals 84 include a power terminal 84P, a signal terminal 84S, and a ground terminal 84G. The power terminal 84P is connected to the receiving portion 44 of the power conductor 40 through a power connection portion. The signal terminal 84S is connected to the terminal 60 of the signal circuit through a signal connection portion. The ground terminal 84G is connected to the terminal 60 of the ground circuit through a ground connection portion. One of the signal terminal 84S and the terminal 60 may be a cylindrical (female) terminal and the other may be a pin (male) terminal. The pin-type terminal is inserted into the cylindrical terminal and connected. The signal terminal 84S and the terminal 60 may both be plate-shaped and connected by overlapping in the thickness direction and in contact. The relationship between the ground terminal 84G and the terminal 60 is similar to the relationship between the signal terminal 84S and the terminal 60.

[0053] The correspondence between the connector 83 of the equipment 80 and the connection part set of the frame wiring module 20 may not be specified. Alternatively, the correspondence between the connector 83 and the connection part set may be specified only for the power distribution unit 22 of a predetermined voltage value. In these cases, the connector 83 may be connectable to any one of multiple connection part sets. In this case, the signal circuit of the connector 83 may be only a bus circuit. The correspondence between the connector 83 of the equipment 80 and the connection part may be specified at the time of design. In this case, the signal circuit of the connector 83 may have a one-to-one circuit. The one-to-one signal circuit is designed according to the connection position of the equipment 80.

[0054] The conductor includes an inner disposed portion located inside the frame member 30. Here, the power supply conductor 40 and the terminal 60 can be considered to be the inner disposed portion. When the frame member 30 is made of metal, the frame wiring module 20 includes an insulator 26 that insulates the inner disposed portion from the portion of the frame member 30 that is located around the inner disposed portion. Here, the insulator 26 is provided on the inner surface of the frame member 30. Here, the insulator 26 is provided on the inner surface of the recess 33 and the inner surface of the through hole 35. The insulator 26 may also be provided on the outer surface of the conductor.

[0055] If the frame member 30 is made of insulating resin, the insulator 26 between the frame member 30 and the inner portion of the conductor may be omitted.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of wiring using the frame wiring module 20. In FIG.

[0057] The frame wiring module 20 includes multiple power distribution layers 24A, 24B. Each of the multiple power distribution layers 24A, 24B includes a frame member 30 and a conductor. Here, the multiple power distribution layers 24A, 24B are stacked along the height direction of the chassis 12. The multiple power distribution layers 24A, 24B may be stacked in an inward-outward direction. That is, the multiple power distribution layers 24A, 24B may be stacked to include inner power distribution layers 24A, 24B and outer power distribution layers 24A, 24B. The outer power distribution layers 24A, 24B have a larger enclosure than the inner power distribution layers 24A, 24B.

[0058] The power distribution layer 24A includes four power distribution units 22A1-22A4. A battery 80A is connected to the power distribution unit 22A1. An inverter 80B is connected to each of the two power distribution units 22A2 and 22A4. A motor 80C that drives the rolling elements 14 is connected to each inverter 80B. A converter 80D1 is connected to the power distribution units 22A2 and 22A3.

[0059] The power distribution layer 24B includes four power distribution units 22B1-22B4. Sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3 are connected to the three power distribution units 22B1-22B3. A converter 80D2 is connected to the power distribution units 22B2 and 22B3.

[0060] The power distribution units 22 are connected to each other via intermediate conductors 62, 64. The power distribution units 22 and devices 80 are connected to each other via device-side wiring 82. Some of the devices 80 are also connected to each other via device-side wiring 82.

[0061] In Figure 6, the intermediate conductors 62, 64 and the device-side wiring 82, indicated by solid lines, represent power supply circuits. Figure 6 shows three power supply circuits P1, P2, and P3, each with a different solid line thickness. The power supply circuit P1 has a higher voltage than the power supply circuits P2 and P3. The power supply circuit P2 has a higher voltage than the power supply circuit P3. The power supply circuit P1 is for the drive motor 80C, and the voltage of the power supply circuit P1 is, for example, 48V. The power supply circuit P2 is for a first accessory such as the ECU 80E, and the voltage of the power supply circuit P2 is, for example, 12V or 24V. The power supply circuit P3 is for a second accessory such as sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3, and the voltage of the power supply circuit P3 is, for example, 5V.

[0062] In the power distribution unit 22, the power conductors 40 are connected to the power supply circuits P1, P2, and P3. The voltage of the power conductors 40 of the power distribution units 22A1, 22A2, and 22A4 is equal to the voltage of the power supply circuit P1. The voltage of the power conductors 40 of the power distribution units 22A3 and 22B3 is equal to the voltage of the power supply circuit P2. The voltage of the power conductors 40 of the power distribution units 22B1, 22B2, and 22B4 is equal to the voltage of the power supply circuit P3.

[0063] The power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A1 is connected to battery 80A via device-side wiring 82P1. The power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A2 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A1 via bus bar 62P1. The power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A4 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A1 via bus bar 62P1.

[0064] Converter 80D1 is interposed between the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A2 and the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A3. Converter 80D1 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A2 via device-side wiring 82P1. Converter 80D1 is also connected to the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A3 via device-side wiring 82P2. Converter 80D1 steps down the voltage of the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A1 (e.g., 48 V) to a lower voltage (e.g., 24 V or 12 V) and supplies the voltage to the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A3. The power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22B3 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A3 via bus bar 62P2.

[0065] Converter 80D2 is interposed between the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22B3 and the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22B2. Converter 80D2 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22B3 via device-side wiring 82P2. Converter 80D2 is also connected to the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22B2 via device-side wiring 82P3. Converter 80D2 steps down the voltage of the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22B3 (e.g., 24 V or 12 V) to a lower voltage (e.g., 5 V) and supplies it to the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22B2. The power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22B1 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22B3 via bus bar 62P3. The power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22B4 is connected to the power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22B1 via bus bar 62P3.

[0066] 6, the intermediate conductors 62, 64 and the device-side wiring 82 indicated by dashed and dotted lines represent signal circuits. The signal circuit S1 indicated by dashed and dotted lines represents a bus circuit. The signal circuit S2 indicated by dashed lines represents an I / O circuit.

[0067] The signal circuits of the two inverters 80B and the signal circuit of the ECU 80E are bus-connected. Specifically, the two inverters 80B are each connected to the signal conductors 52S (bus circuits) of the power distribution units 22A2 and 22A4 via device-side wiring 82S1. The ECU 80E is also connected to the signal conductors 52S (bus circuits) of the power distribution unit 22A4 via device-side wiring 82S1. The signal conductors 52S (bus circuits) of the power distribution unit 22A4 are also connected to the signal conductors 52S (bus circuits) of the power distribution unit 22A1 via terminal-equipped electric wires 64S1. The signal conductors 52S (bus circuits) of the power distribution unit 22A1 are also connected to the signal conductors 52S (bus circuits) of the power distribution unit 22A2 via terminal-equipped electric wires 64S1.

[0068] The signal circuits of the three sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3 are I / O-connected to the signal circuit of the ECU 80E. Specifically, the three sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3 are each connected to the signal conductors 52S (I / O circuits) of the power distribution units 22B1, 22B2, and 22B4 via device-side wiring 82S2. The ECU 80E is also connected to the signal conductors 52S (I / O circuit) of the power distribution unit 22A3 via device-side wiring 82S2. The signal conductors 52S (I / O circuit) of the power distribution unit 22A3 are also connected to the signal conductors 52S (I / O circuit) of the power distribution unit 22B3 via the terminal-equipped electric wire 64S2. Furthermore, the signal conductor 52S (I / O circuit) of power distribution unit 22B3 is connected to the signal conductor 52S (I / O circuit) of power distribution unit 22B2 via a terminal-equipped electric wire 64S2. The signal conductor 52S (I / O circuit) of power distribution unit 22B2 is connected to the signal conductor 52S (I / O circuit) of power distribution unit 22B1 via a terminal-equipped electric wire 64S2. The signal conductor 52S (I / O circuit) of power distribution unit 22B1 is connected to the signal conductor 52S (I / O circuit) of power distribution unit 22B4 via a terminal-equipped electric wire 64S2. In power distribution unit 22B1, a signal conductor 52S for transmitting a signal from sensor 80F3 is provided separately from the signal conductor 52S for transmitting a signal from sensor 80F1. The power distribution units 22A3, 22B2, and 22B3 are provided with signal conductors 52S that transmit signals from the three sensors 80F1, 80F2, and 80F3, respectively, separately from one another.

[0069] Converter 80D1 is interposed between power distribution units 22A2 and 22A3. The frame member 30 and power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A2 are an example of a first frame member and a first power supply conductor, and the frame member 30 and power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22A3 are an example of a second frame member and a second power supply conductor. Similarly, converter 80D2 is interposed between power distribution units 22B2 and 22B3. The frame member 30 and power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22B2 are an example of a first frame member and a first power supply conductor, and the frame member 30 and power supply conductor 40 of power distribution unit 22B3 are an example of a second frame member and a second power supply conductor.

[0070] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of wiring using the frame wiring module 20. In FIG.

[0071] 7 includes five signal conductors 52S1, 52S2A-52S2D. Each of the five signal conductors 52S1, 52S2A-52S2D is, for example, a conductive pattern on the conductive layer 52 of the circuit board 50. The signal conductor 52S1 is a bus circuit, and the signal conductors 52S2A-52S2D are I / O circuits.

[0072] Four auxiliaries 80G1-80G4 are connected to the power distribution unit 22C1. The auxiliaries 80G1 are connected to the signal conductor 52S2D. The auxiliaries 80G2 are connected to the signal conductor 52S2B. The two auxiliaries 80G3 and 80G4 are connected to the signal conductor 52S1.

[0073] The power distribution unit 22C2 is connected to the ECU 80E and one auxiliary device 80G5. The ECU 80E is connected to the signal conductors 52S1, 52S2B, 52S2C, and 52S2D. The auxiliary device 80G5 is connected to the signal conductor 52S2A.

[0074] The signal conductors 52S1 of the two power distribution units 22C1 and 22C2 are connected to each other by the intermediate conductor 64S1, thereby forming a bus connection between the ECU 80E and the two accessories 80G3 and 80G4 via the two power distribution units 22C1 and 22C2 and the intermediate conductor 64S1.

[0075] The signal conductors 52S2D of the two power distribution units 22C1 and 22C2 are connected to each other by the intermediate conductor 64S2D, thereby establishing an I / O connection between the ECU 80E and the single auxiliary device 80G1 via the two power distribution units 22C1 and 22C2 and the intermediate conductor 64S2D.

[0076] The signal conductors 52S2B of the two power distribution units 22C1 and 22C2 are connected to each other by the intermediate conductor 64S2B, thereby establishing an I / O connection between the ECU 80E and the single auxiliary device 80G2 via the two power distribution units 22C1 and 22C2 and the intermediate conductor 64S2B.

[0077] Signal conductor 52S2A and signal conductor 52S2C of one power distribution unit 22C2 are connected by short-circuiting conductor 67. This allows I / O connection between ECU 80E and one auxiliary device 80G5 via power distribution unit 22C2 and short-circuiting conductor 67. Short-circuiting conductor 67 may be, for example, a terminal-equipped electric wire including a plug terminal and an electric wire, similar to intermediate conductor 64.

[0078] <Effects, etc.> According to the frame wiring module 20 configured as described above, the conductors of the frame wiring module 20 can be used as wiring for connecting multiple devices 80 supported by the chassis 12. The conductors of the frame wiring module 20 are arranged along the frame member 30 and are integrated with the frame member 30, so they are less likely to become complicated. Furthermore, each device 80 is connected to the conductors via any connection part selected from multiple connection parts. Since each device 80 can be connected to a connection part close to itself, the device-side wiring 82 can be shortened. As a result, it is possible to prevent the wiring in the small mobility 10 from becoming complicated.

[0079] The conductors include a power supply conductor 40 and a signal conductor 52S that are provided separately from each other, and the multiple connection portions include a power supply connection portion 34 to the power supply conductor 40 and a signal connection portion 37 to the signal conductor 52S. This allows a power supply circuit and a signal circuit to be incorporated into the frame wiring module 20.

[0080] Furthermore, a plurality of connection portion sets, each including a plurality of connection portion sets having a power supply connection portion 34 and a signal connection portion 37, are arranged at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the frame member 30, and the arrangements of the power supply connection portions 34 and the signal connection portions 37 are the same among the plurality of connection portion sets. This allows the shapes of the connectors 83 of the device-side wiring 82 connected to the connection portion sets to be uniform.

[0081] Furthermore, the power supply conductor 40 is disposed inside the frame member 30. This makes it easier for the power supply circuit to handle large currents.

[0082] Furthermore, a circuit board 50 having signal conductors 52S is disposed on the first surface 31 of the frame member 30. This allows a plurality of signal circuits to be integrated onto a single circuit board 50.

[0083] Furthermore, the signal connection portion 37 is provided on the second surface 32 opposite to the first surface 31, and the frame member 30 is formed with a through hole 35 penetrating the first surface 31 and the second surface 32, and the frame wiring module 20 is provided with a terminal 60 that protrudes from the circuit board 50 and fits into the through hole 35. This eliminates the need to directly connect the connector 83 of the device-side wiring 82 to the circuit board 50.

[0084] The conductors also include a ground conductor 52G that is provided separately from the power supply conductor 40 and the signal conductor 52S, and the ground conductor 52G is provided on the circuit board 50. This allows a ground circuit to be incorporated into the frame wiring module 20.

[0085] The frame member 30 is made of metal, and the conductors include the power supply conductors 40 and terminals 60 located inside the frame member 30, and are provided with an insulator 26 that insulates the power supply conductors 40 and terminals 60 from portions of the frame member 30 that are located around the power supply conductors 40 and terminals 60. This makes it possible to prevent short circuits between the frame member 30 and the power supply conductors 40 and terminals 60.

[0086] 2, the frame member 30 is arranged to form an enclosure, and the connection portion is provided on a surface of the frame member 30 that faces inward of the enclosure. This makes it possible to prevent the chassis 12 from becoming larger in size in a plan view when the device-side wiring 82 is connected to the connection portion.

[0087] 6, the frame wiring module 20 includes a plurality of power distribution layers 24A, 24B, each including a frame member 30 and a conductor, and the plurality of power distribution layers 24A, 24B are stacked along the height direction of the chassis 12. This makes it easier to add connection parts and increase the degree of freedom in arranging the plurality of devices 80, while preventing the chassis 12 from becoming larger in size in a plan view.

[0088] Furthermore, the power supply conductors 40 of the power distribution units 22A2 and 22A3 are connected via the converter 80D1. This allows the converter 80D1 to change the voltage of the power supply conductors 40 of the power distribution units 22A2 and 22A3. This allows multiple electrical devices 80 with different operating voltages to be connected to the frame wiring module 20.

[0089] The frame member 30 includes a first frame member and a second frame member. The parallel conductors include a first parallel conductor arranged along the first frame member and a second parallel conductor arranged along the second frame member. The conductors include intermediate conductors 62, 64 connecting the first parallel conductors and the second parallel conductors. This allows the first parallel conductors and the second parallel conductors to be connected by the intermediate conductors 62, 64. If both the first parallel conductors and the second parallel conductors are power conductors 40, the voltages can be made uniform. Specifically, the power conductors 40 of the multiple power distribution units 22 are connected to each other by a bus bar 62. This allows the voltages of the power conductors 40 of the multiple power distribution units 22 to be made uniform. When multiple first signal conductors and multiple second signal conductors are provided as the first parallel conductors and the second parallel conductors, the intermediate conductors 62, 64 can adjust the connection relationship between the multiple first signal conductors and the multiple second signal conductors. Specifically, here, the conductive layers 52 of the multiple power distribution units 22 are connected to each other by terminal-equipped electric wires 64. This makes it possible to adjust the connection relationship of the multiple signal conductors between the multiple power distribution units 22.

[0090] The conductors also include multiple parallel conductors arranged along one frame member 30 and a short-circuiting conductor 67 that connects the multiple parallel conductors together at an end of the frame member 30. This allows the multiple parallel conductors to be connected together using the short-circuiting conductor 67. This is effective, for example, when connecting circuits of devices 80 connected to different connection portions of one frame member 30. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 , two signal conductors 52S2A and 52S2C of one power distribution unit 22C2 are connected by the short-circuiting conductor 67. This allows the ECU 80E and auxiliary device 80G5 connected to one power distribution unit 22C2 to be connected.

[0091] The configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

[0092] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Small mobility 12 Chassis 14 Rolling element 16 Cover 20 Frame wiring module 22, 22A1-22A4, 22B1-22B4 Power distribution unit 24A, 24B Power distribution layer 30 Frame member 31 First surface 32 Second surface 33 Recess 34 Opening (power connection portion) 35 Through hole 36 First opening 37 Second opening (signal connection portion) 38 Fastening hole 40 Power supply conductor (parallel conductor, inner-arranged portion) 42 Plate-shaped main body 44 Receiving portion 46 Spring piece 50 Circuit board 52 Conductive layer (parallel conductor) 52G Ground conductor (ground parallel conductor) 52S, 52S1, 52S2 Signal conductor (signal parallel conductor) 54 Insulating layer 56 Hole 60 Terminal (inner-arranged portion) 62 Bus bar (intermediate conductor) 64 Terminal-equipped electric wire (intermediate conductor) 64G Ground intermediate conductor 64S Signal intermediate conductor 65 Plug terminal 66 Insulated electric wire 67 Terminal-equipped electric wire (short-circuit conductor) 70 Fixing member 72 Outer bracket 74 Inner bracket 76 Fastening member 80 Device 80A Battery 80B Inverter 80C Motor 80D1, 80D2 Converter 80E ECU 80F1-80F3 Sensor 80G1-80G5 Auxiliary equipment 82 Device-side wiring 83 Connector 84 Connector terminal 84P Power supply terminal 84S Signal terminal 84G Ground terminal 85 Connector housing

Claims

1. A frame wiring module comprising: a frame member forming the framework of a chassis; and a conductor including parallel conductors arranged along the frame member and integrated with the frame member, wherein a plurality of connection portions are provided for connecting equipment-side wiring of equipment supported by the chassis to the conductor.

2. A frame wiring module according to claim 1, wherein the conductors include a power supply conductor and a signal conductor that are provided separately from each other, and the plurality of connection parts include a power supply connection part to the power supply conductor and a signal connection part to the signal conductor.

3. A frame wiring module as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of connection parts include a plurality of connection part sets, each having the power supply connection part and the signal connection part, the plurality of connection part sets are arranged at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the frame member, and the arrangement of the power supply connection parts and the signal connection parts is the same among the plurality of connection part sets.

4. A frame wiring module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the power supply conductor is disposed inside the frame member.

5. A frame wiring module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a circuit board having said signal conductors is disposed on a first surface of said frame member.

6. A frame wiring module according to claim 5, wherein the signal connection portion is provided on a second surface opposite to the first surface, the frame member has a through hole formed therein that penetrates between the first surface and the second surface, and the conductor includes a terminal that protrudes from the circuit board and fits into the through hole.

7. A frame wiring module according to claim 5, wherein the conductors include a ground conductor provided separately from the power supply conductor and the signal conductor, and the ground conductor is provided on the circuit board.

8. A frame wiring module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frame member is made of metal, the conductor includes an inner portion located inside the frame member, and an insulator is provided to insulate the inner portion from a portion of the frame member located around the inner portion.

9. A frame wiring module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frame members are arranged to form an enclosure shape, and the connection portion is provided on a surface of the frame member facing inward of the enclosure shape.

10. A frame wiring module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a plurality of power distribution layers each including the frame member and the parallel conductor, the plurality of power distribution layers overlapping along the height direction of the chassis.

11. A frame wiring module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frame members include a first frame member and a second frame member, the parallel conductors include a first power supply conductor arranged along the first frame member and a second power supply conductor arranged along the second frame member, and the frame wiring module is provided with a converter connecting the first power supply conductor and the second power supply conductor.

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

13. A frame wiring module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of the parallel conductors are arranged along one of the frame members, and the conductors include a short-circuiting conductor that connects the plurality of parallel conductors together at an end of one of the frame members.

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