Wiring module and method for manufacturing energy storage module

Abstract

A wiring module 20 is attached to an energy storage element group 11G comprising a plurality of energy storage elements 11, each of which has an electrode terminal 12, stacked in a first direction. The wiring module 20 comprises: a conductive member connected to the electrode terminal 12; a wiring member connected to the conductive member; and a protector 50 in which the conductive member and the wiring member are arranged. The conductive member comprises: a positioning part 35 for positioning the conductive member in the first direction with respect to the electrode terminal 12; a first connecting part 32 connected to the electrode terminal 12; a second connecting part 33 connected to the wiring member; and an engaging part 34A that engages the protector 50. The protector 50 has an engagement-receiving part 54 that engages with the engaging part 34A while also allowing the conductive member to move a prescribed amount in the first direction.

Description

Manufacturing Method of Wiring Module and Energy Storage Module

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a manufacturing method of a wiring module and an energy storage module.

[0002] Conventionally, an energy storage module described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024-55095 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) is known. The energy storage module described in Patent Document 1 includes a battery stack including a plurality of laminated batteries, and a wiring module attached to the battery stack. The battery stack is provided with a joint portion in which a plurality of electrode leads of the laminated batteries arranged continuously in the stacking direction are electrically connected. The wiring module includes a terminal connected to the joint portion and a protector that holds the terminal. The protector has a terminal accommodating portion that accommodates the terminal.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024-55095

[0004] In the above configuration, the protector is composed of a plurality of members that can slide relative to each other in the stacking direction (left - right direction) of the laminated batteries. Thereby, the protector (wiring module) can follow the expansion and contraction of the laminated batteries. However, in the above configuration, when connecting the terminal and the electrode lead by welding or the like, the protector may slide in the left - right direction, and it may be difficult to position the terminal and the electrode lead. Such a problem is not limited to the configuration of Patent Document 1 above, and may also occur, for example, when the terminal or the bus bar is arranged with a clearance with respect to the protector.

[0005] The wiring module of the present disclosure is a wiring module attached to a group of energy storage elements, each of which has electrode terminals, stacked in a first direction, and comprises a conductive member connected to the electrode terminals, a wiring member connected to the conductive member, and a protector on which the conductive member and the wiring member are arranged, wherein the conductive member comprises a positioning portion for positioning the conductive member in the first direction relative to the electrode terminals, a first connection portion connected to the electrode terminals, a second connection portion connected to the wiring member, and a locking portion for locking with the protector, and the protector has a locking receiving portion that allows the conductive member to move by a predetermined amount in the first direction while being locked with the locking portion.

[0006] Furthermore, the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing an energy storage module, comprising: a group of energy storage elements comprising a plurality of energy storage elements having electrode terminals stacked in a first direction; and a wiring module connected to the group of energy storage elements, wherein the wiring module comprises: a conductive member connected to the electrode terminals; a wiring member connected to the conductive member; and a protector holding the conductive member and the wiring member, wherein the conductive member comprises: a positioning portion for positioning the conductive member in the first direction relative to the electrode terminals; a first connection portion connected to the electrode terminals; a second connection portion connected to the wiring member; and a locking portion for locking with the protector, wherein the protector has a locking receiving portion that allows the conductive member to move by a predetermined amount in the first direction while being locked with the locking portion, and the method for manufacturing the energy storage module is a method for manufacturing an energy storage module, comprising: a positioning step of positioning the conductive member in the first direction relative to the electrode terminals by engaging a jig with the positioning portion; and a connection step of electrically connecting the first connection portion of the positioned conductive member to the electrode terminals.

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a wiring module and an energy storage module in which a conductive member can follow the movement of electrode terminals due to the expansion and contraction of energy storage elements, and in which the conductive member can be easily positioned relative to the group of energy storage elements.

[0008] Figure 1 is a plan view of the energy storage module according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the energy storage module. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the group of energy storage elements. Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view of the energy storage module. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 4. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in Figure 6. Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the protector. Figure 9 is a plan view of the terminals. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the terminals. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the jig. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positioning of the terminals using the jig. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the terminal positioning section of Embodiment 2. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the terminal positioning section of Embodiment 3. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the jig of Embodiment 3. Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the terminal positioning section of Embodiment 4. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the terminal positioning section of Embodiment 5. Figure 18 is a plan view showing the terminal positioning section. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in Figure 18. Figure 20 is a perspective view of the jig of Embodiment 5. Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the terminal positioning section of Embodiment 6. Figure 22 is a perspective view of the jig of Embodiment 6. Figure 23 is a plan view showing the terminal positioning section of Embodiment 7. Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of Figure 23. Figure 25 is a perspective view of the jig of Embodiment 7.

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Embodiments of the Present Disclosure will be described by listing them. [1] A wiring module of the Present Disclosure is a wiring module attached to a group of energy storage elements configured by stacking a plurality of energy storage elements having electrode terminals in a first direction, and comprises a conductive member connected to the electrode terminals, a wiring member connected to the conductive member, and a protector on which the conductive member and the wiring member are arranged, wherein the conductive member comprises a positioning portion for positioning the conductive member in the first direction with respect to the electrode terminals, a first connection portion connected to the electrode terminals, a second connection portion connected to the wiring member, and a locking portion for locking with the protector, and the protector has a locking receiving portion that allows the conductive member to move by a predetermined amount in the first direction while being locked with the locking portion.

[0010] With this configuration, when attaching the wiring module to the group of energy storage elements, the conductive member can be positioned in a first direction relative to the electrode terminals by engaging the positioning part with the jig.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], the first connecting portion is plate-shaped, and the positioning portion has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface that are inclined with respect to the first connecting portion, wherein the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are arranged side by side in the first direction, the first inclined surface slopes downward as it moves toward one side in the first direction, and the second inclined surface slopes upward as it moves toward one side in the first direction.

[0012] With this configuration, the conductive member can be positioned in the first direction by engaging the first and second inclined surfaces of the positioning section with the jig.

[0013] [3] In the above [2], the locking receiving portion allows the conductive member to move by a predetermined amount in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the positioning portion has a third inclined surface and a fourth inclined surface that are inclined with respect to the first connecting portion, the third inclined surface and the fourth inclined surface are arranged side by side in the second direction, the third inclined surface slopes downward as it moves toward one side of the second direction, and the fourth inclined surface slopes upward as it moves toward one side of the second direction, which is preferable.

[0014] With this configuration, the conductive member can be positioned in the second direction by engaging the third and fourth inclined surfaces of the positioning section with the jig.

[0015] [4] In any one of [1] to [3] above, the group of energy storage elements may have a joint where the electrode terminals are superimposed and joined together, and the first connection part may be connected to the joint part.

[0016] [5] A method for manufacturing an energy storage module according to the present disclosure, comprising: a group of energy storage elements comprising a plurality of energy storage elements having electrode terminals stacked in a first direction; and a wiring module connected to the group of energy storage elements, wherein the wiring module comprises: a conductive member connected to the electrode terminals; a wiring member connected to the conductive member; and a protector holding the conductive member and the wiring member, wherein the conductive member comprises: a positioning portion for positioning the conductive member in the first direction relative to the electrode terminals; a first connection portion connected to the electrode terminals; a second connection portion connected to the wiring member; and a locking portion for locking with the protector, wherein the protector has a locking receiving portion that allows the conductive member to move by a predetermined amount in the first direction while being locked with the locking portion, and the method for manufacturing the energy storage module comprises: a positioning step of positioning the conductive member in the first direction relative to the electrode terminals by engaging a jig with the positioning portion; and a connection step of electrically connecting the first connection portion of the positioned conductive member to the electrode terminals.

[0017] According to this method of manufacturing an energy storage module, the conductive member can be positioned in a first direction relative to the electrode terminals by the positioning step.

[0018] [Details of Embodiments of the Disclosure] Embodiments of the Disclosure are described below. The Disclosure is not limited to these examples, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the Claims as indicated by the Claims. In the drawings, some parts of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified for illustrative purposes. Also, the dimensional ratios of the parts may differ in the drawings. In this specification, “orthogonal” includes not only strictly orthogonal but also approximately orthogonal to the extent that the function and effect of the Embodiment is achieved.

[0019] <Embodiment 1> Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12. The energy storage module 10 equipped with the wiring module 20 of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle as a power source for driving a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. In the following description, for multiple identical components, only some components may be given reference numerals, and the reference numerals of other components may be omitted. In the following description, the direction indicated by arrow Z will be described as upward, the direction indicated by arrow X will be described as forward, and the direction indicated by arrow Y will be described as left. In this embodiment, the left and right directions are an example of a first direction.

[0020] The energy storage module 10 comprises an energy storage element group 11G (see Figure 3) and a wiring module 20 (see Figures 1 and 2) attached to the energy storage element group 11G. As shown in Figure 3, the energy storage element group 11G is composed of multiple energy storage elements 11 stacked in the left-right direction. Note that only the upper portion of the energy storage element group 11G is shown in Figure 3. The energy storage element group 11G of this embodiment includes a holding member 16 that holds multiple energy storage elements 11 together. The holding member 16 includes a pair of end plates 16A arranged on both sides in the stacking direction (left-right direction) of the multiple energy storage elements 11, and a connecting portion 16B that connects the pair of end plates 16A.

[0021] The energy storage element 11 in this embodiment is a laminate-type battery. The energy storage element 11 is elongated in the vertical direction and flattened in the horizontal direction. An energy storage element (not shown) is housed inside the energy storage element 11. A pair of electrode terminals 12 are arranged on both sides of the energy storage element 11 in the vertical direction, protruding in opposite directions from each other. The electrode terminals 12 are plate-shaped. The pair of electrode terminals 12 have opposite polarities from each other.

[0022] The energy storage element group 11G is provided with a joint 13 in which two adjacent electrode terminals 12 are electrically connected in the left-right direction. That is, the joint 13 is formed when two adjacent electrode terminals 12 are bent at approximately a right angle to the left or right, overlapped, and joined by welding or the like.

[0023] The energy storage element group 11G has an electrode terminal 12 (hereinafter referred to as the output section) at the upper right end that does not form a junction 13. Although not shown in the figures, the energy storage element group 11G also has an output section at the lower left end. The output section constitutes either the positive or negative electrode of the entire energy storage element group 11G. That is, for example, if the upper output section is the overall positive electrode of the energy storage element group 11G, then the lower output section is the overall negative electrode of the energy storage element group 11G.

[0024] (Wiring Module 20) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wiring module 20 includes a terminal 30 (an example of a conductive member) connected to the electrode terminal 12 constituting the joint 13, an electric wire 21 (an example of a wiring member) connected to the terminal 30, and a protector 50 that holds the terminal 30 and the electric wire 21. In this embodiment, the wiring module 20 further includes a busbar 40 connected to the output section. The configuration of the wiring module 20 located above the energy storage module 10 will be described in detail below. Although not shown, the wiring module 20 located below the energy storage module 10 is configured similarly to the wiring module 20 located above the energy storage module 10.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the busbar 40 has a plate-like shape and is formed by processing a conductive metal plate. The busbar 40 comprises a first portion 41 extending in the front-rear direction and a second portion 42 extending to the left from the front end of the first portion 41. The busbar 40 is housed in the busbar housing portion 52 of the protector 50. The first portion 41 is connected to the output section by welding or the like. The left end of the second portion 42 is electrically connected to the electric wire 21 via a relay terminal 43. The busbar 40 is electrically connected to an external connection terminal by bolt fastening or the like. The external connection terminal is used to connect the energy storage module 10 to external equipment (including other energy storage modules) not shown.

[0026] (Terminal 30) The terminal 30 is made of a conductive metal. The terminal 30 is provided, for example, by processing a conductive metal plate. Alternatively, the terminal 30 may be formed by casting or the like. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the terminal 30 comprises a main body 31, a first connecting portion 32, a second connecting portion 33, a locking piece 34, and a positioning portion 35. The main body 31 is plate-shaped. The first connecting portion 32 is plate-shaped and is formed in connection with the main body 31. The first connecting portion 32 extends to the left from the main body 31. The main body 31 and the first connecting portion 32 are thin plates in the vertical direction. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first connecting portion 32 is superimposed on the electrode terminal 12 that constitutes the joint 13 from above and connected to the electrode terminal 12 by welding or the like.

[0027] As shown in Figure 10, the second connection portion 33 is provided to the right of the main body portion 31. The second connection portion 33 is bent from the main body portion 31 and extends downward relative to the main body portion 31. As shown in Figure 4, the electric wire 21 is connected to the second connection portion 33 by soldering or the like. The terminal 30 also has a crimping portion 33A near the second connection portion 33. The electric wire 21 is fixed by the crimping portion 33A.

[0028] As shown in Figure 10, the locking pieces 34 extend substantially downward from both the front and rear ends of the main body 31. That is, the terminal 30 has two locking pieces 34. At the extended end of each locking piece 34, a locking portion 34A is formed that protrudes in the direction toward the main body 31 in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 6, the locking pieces 34 are housed in the locking piece housing portion 55 of the protector 50. The locking portion 34A is positioned to be able to lock with the locking projection 56 of the protector 50.

[0029] (Positioning section 35) As shown in Figure 10, the positioning section 35 is located approximately in the center of the main body section 31. The positioning section 35 has a first inclined surface 35A and a second inclined surface 35B that are inclined with respect to the first connection section 32. The first inclined surface 35A and the second inclined surface 35B are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The first inclined surface 35A slopes downward as it moves to the right (one side of the first direction). The second inclined surface 35B slopes upward as it moves to the right. In this embodiment, the positioning section 35 comprises a first engaging piece 36A having the first inclined surface 35A and a second engaging piece 36B having the second inclined surface 35B. The first engaging piece 36A and the second engaging piece 36B are formed in a cut-and-bent shape with respect to the main body section 31. As will be described later, the positioning section 35 is a member for positioning the terminal 30 in the left-right direction with respect to the electrode terminal 12 when connecting the wiring module 20 to the energy storage element group 11G.

[0030] (Electric wire 21) As shown in Figure 1, the electric wire 21 is routed through the routing recess 53 of the protector 50. One end of the electric wire 21 is connected to the terminal 30 or busbar 40. The other end of the electric wire 21 is connected to an external device such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) via a connector or the like. The ECU is a well-known device equipped with a microcomputer, elements, etc., and has functions for detecting the voltage, current, temperature, etc. of each energy storage element 11, and for controlling the charging and discharging of each energy storage element 11.

[0031] (Protector 50) The protector 50 is made of an insulating synthetic resin and is plate-shaped. The protector 50 includes an electrode housing recess 51, a busbar housing portion 52, a cable routing recess 53, and a locking receiving portion 54. The electrode housing recess 51 is provided in the center of the protector 50 in the front-to-back direction, in parallel in the left-to-right direction. The electrode housing recess 51 is formed to penetrate in the vertical direction and has a long rectangular shape in the front-to-back direction. The electrode terminals 12 are housed in the electrode housing recess 51.

[0032] The busbar housing section 52 houses the busbar 40. The first portion 41 of the busbar 40 is positioned inside the electrode housing recess 51 where the output section is housed. The cable routing recess 53 is groove-shaped, and the electric wire 21 is routed inside the cable routing recess 53.

[0033] (Locking Receiving Part 54) As shown in Figure 4, the locking receiving part 54 is provided near the electrode housing recess 51 in which the joint 13 is housed. The locking receiving part 54 is located within the cable routing recess 53. The locking receiving part 54 supports the terminal 30 so that the terminal 30 can move by a predetermined amount in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 8, the locking receiving part 54 includes a locking piece housing part 55 and a locking projection 56. As shown in Figure 6, the locking piece housing part 55 is cylindrical and capable of housing the locking piece 34. As shown in Figure 7, the internal space of the locking piece housing part 55 is larger in the left-right direction compared to the locking piece 34. When the locking piece 34 is housed in the locking piece housing part 55, a gap is provided between the locking piece 34 and the peripheral wall of the locking piece housing part 55 that extends in the left-right direction.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, the locking projection 56 is positioned at the upper end of the peripheral wall of the locking piece housing 55. The locking projection 56 protrudes inward from the peripheral wall of the locking piece housing 55. The locking projection 56 is positioned above the locking portion 34A of the locking piece 34 housed in the locking piece housing 55. By the locking projection 56 engaging with the locking portion 34A from above, the locking piece 34 is prevented from coming out of the locking piece housing 55.

[0035] To support the terminal 30 in the locking receiver 54, the locking piece 34 of the terminal 30 is inserted into the internal space of the locking piece housing 55. When the locking portion 34A engages with the locking projection 56, the locking piece 34 is inserted into the locking piece housing 55 while undergoing elastic deformation. When the locking portion 34A overcomes the locking projection 56, the locking piece 34 elastically returns to its original position and is housed within the locking piece housing 55.

[0036] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the locking receiver 54 may have an entry recess 57 to prevent interference between the locking receiver 54 and the positioning portion 35 when the terminal 30 moves in the left-right direction.

[0037] A jig 80, as shown in Figure 11, is used to position the terminal 30 relative to the electrode terminal 12. The jig 80 includes, for example, a mountain-shaped engaging projection 81. The engaging projection 81 has a first engaging surface 81A and a second engaging surface 81B. The first engaging surface 81A is arranged to be engageable with the first inclined surface 35A. The second engaging surface 81B is arranged to be engageable with the second inclined surface 35B.

[0038] The jig 80 may further include a pressing portion for pressing the first connecting portion 32 against the electrode terminal 12. Furthermore, this pressing portion may be provided with a through hole for inserting a welding tool used to weld the first connecting portion 32 and the electrode terminal 12.

[0039] (Manufacturing Method for Energy Storage Module 10) An example of a manufacturing method for the energy storage module 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. First, the energy storage element group 11G and the wiring module 20 described above are manufactured. The manufacturing method for the energy storage module 10 according to this embodiment includes a positioning step and a connection step.

[0040] In the positioning process, the wiring module 20 is positioned relative to the energy storage element group 11G, and the terminals 30 are positioned relative to the electrode terminals 12.

[0041] Next, by engaging the jig 80 with the positioning portion 35 of the terminal 30, the terminal 30 is positioned in the left - right direction with respect to the electrode terminal 12. At this time, the jig 80 is positioned in the left - right direction and the front - rear direction with respect to the power storage element group 11G and moves (descends) in the up - down direction until it reaches a predetermined height. As shown in the upper stage of FIG. 12, the jig 80 is brought closer to the positioning portion 35 from above. When the terminal 30 is deviated from the preset optimal position, as shown in the middle stage of FIG. 12, the engaging projection 81 and the positioning portion 35 come into contact. In the example of this figure, the first engaging surface 81A and the first inclined surface 35A are in contact. Then, while the jig 80 descends to the predetermined height, the engaging projection 81 (here, the first engaging surface 81A) and the positioning portion 35 (here, the first inclined surface 35A) are in sliding contact, causing the terminal 30 to move in the left - right direction. As a result, as shown in the lower stage of FIG. 12, the terminal 30 can be moved to the optimal position. Here, the terminal 30 has deviated leftward by ΔY and reached the optimal position. Thereby, the positioning process is completed.

[0042] The optimal position of the terminal 30 is set so that a sufficient contact portion between the first connection portion 32 and the electrode terminal 12 is ensured.

[0043] Also, when the terminal 30 is in the optimal position, the terminal 30 may be movable to the left and right with respect to the protector 50. According to such a configuration, after the power storage module 10 is configured, the terminal 30 can move with respect to the protector 50 so as to follow both the contraction and expansion of the power storage element 11.

[0044] After the positioning process, electrical connection between the first connection portion 32 and the electrode terminal 12 is performed by welding or the like (connection process). While the connection process is being performed, it is preferable that the jig 80 be maintained at the position at the end of the positioning process. Thereby, displacement of the terminal 30 can be suppressed.

[0045] (Operation and Effect of Embodiment 1) (1-1) The wiring module 20 according to Embodiment 1 is a wiring module 20 attached to a power storage element group 11G formed by stacking a plurality of power storage elements 11 having electrode terminals 12 in a first direction (left-right direction). The wiring module 20 includes a conductive member (terminal 30) connected to the electrode terminal 12, a wiring member (electric wire 21) connected to the conductive member, and a protector 50 in which the conductive member and the wiring member are arranged. The conductive member includes a positioning portion 35 for positioning the conductive member in the first direction with respect to the electrode terminal 12, a first connection portion 32 connected to the electrode terminal 12, a second connection portion 33 connected to the wiring member, and a locking portion 34A that locks with the protector 50. The protector 50 has a locking receiving portion 54 that allows the conductive member to move a predetermined amount in the first direction while locking with the locking portion 34A.

[0046] According to such a configuration, when attaching the wiring module 20 to the power storage element group 11G, by engaging the positioning portion 35 with the jig 80, the conductive member can be positioned in the first direction with respect to the electrode terminal 12.

[0047] (1-2) In Embodiment 1, the first connection portion 32 is plate-shaped, and the positioning portion 35 has a first inclined surface 35A and a second inclined surface 35B that are inclined with respect to the first connection portion 32. The first inclined surface 35A and the second inclined surface 35B are arranged side by side in the first direction. The first inclined surface 35A slopes downward as it goes toward one side (right side) in the first direction, and the second inclined surface 35B slopes upward as it goes toward one side in the first direction.

[0048] According to such a configuration, by engaging the first inclined surface 35A and the second inclined surface 35B of the positioning portion 35 with the jig 80, the conductive member can be positioned in the first direction.

[0049] (1-3) In Embodiment 1, the power storage element group 11G includes a joint portion 13 in which the electrode terminals 12 are overlapped and joined, and the first connection portion 32 may be connected to the joint portion 13.

[0050] (1-4) The method for manufacturing the energy storage module 10 of Embodiment 1 comprises an energy storage element group 11G formed by stacking a plurality of energy storage elements 11 having electrode terminals 12 in a first direction, and a wiring module 20 connected to the energy storage element group 11G, wherein the wiring module 20 comprises a conductive member connected to the electrode terminals 12, a wiring member connected to the conductive member, and a protector 50 that holds the conductive member and the wiring member, and the conductive member has a positioning part 35 for positioning the conductive member in a first direction with respect to the electrode terminals 12, The power storage module 10 includes a first connection portion 32 connected to an electrode terminal 12, a second connection portion 33 connected to a wiring member, and a locking portion 34A that locks with the protector 50. The protector 50 has a locking receiving portion 54 that locks with the locking portion 34A and allows the conductive member to move by a predetermined amount in a first direction. The manufacturing method of the power storage module 10 includes a positioning step of positioning the conductive member in a first direction relative to the electrode terminal 12 by engaging a jig 80 with a positioning portion 35, and a connection step of electrically connecting the first connection portion 32 of the positioned conductive member with the electrode terminal 12.

[0051] According to this method of manufacturing the energy storage module 10, the conductive member can be positioned in a first direction relative to the electrode terminal 12 by the positioning step.

[0052] <Embodiment 2> Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 13. Hereinafter, explanations of the same components and effects as in Embodiment 1 may be omitted.

[0053] The positioning portion 135 of the terminal 130 in this embodiment is a bent portion 136 formed by bending a part of the main body portion 31 into a valley shape. The bent portion 136 has a first inclined surface 135A and a second inclined surface 135B. The positioning portion 135 can be engaged with a jig 80 similar to that in Embodiment 1.

[0054] <Embodiment 3> Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Hereinafter, explanations of the same components and effects as in Embodiment 1 may be omitted.

[0055] As shown in Figure 14, the positioning portion 235 of the terminal 230 in this embodiment has a third inclined surface 235C and a fourth inclined surface 235D in addition to the first inclined surface 35A and the second inclined surface 35B. The third inclined surface 235C and the fourth inclined surface 235D are inclined with respect to the main body portion 31 (first connection portion 32). The third inclined surface 235C and the fourth inclined surface 235D are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction (an example of the second direction). The third inclined surface 235C slopes downward as it moves forward (to one side of the second direction). The fourth inclined surface 235D slopes upward as it moves forward. In this embodiment, the positioning portion 235 includes a first engaging piece 36A, a second engaging piece 36B, a third engaging piece 236C having the third inclined surface 235C, and a fourth engaging piece 236D having the fourth inclined surface 235D. The third engaging piece 236C and the fourth engaging piece 236D are formed in a cut-and-bent shape relative to the main body 31.

[0056] In this embodiment, the locking receiver 54 allows the terminal 230 to move by a predetermined amount in the left-right direction, and also allows the terminal 230 to move by a predetermined amount in the front-rear direction. For example, when the locking piece 34 is housed in the locking piece housing 55, a gap is provided between the locking piece 34 and the peripheral wall of the locking piece housing 55 that extends in the front-rear direction.

[0057] As shown in Figure 15, the jig 280 of this embodiment is equipped with a substantially square pyramidal engaging projection 281. The engaging projection 281 has a first engaging surface 281A, a second engaging surface 281B, a third engaging surface 281C, and a fourth engaging surface 281D. The third engaging surface 281C is arranged to be engageable with the third inclined surface 235C. The fourth engaging surface 281D is arranged to be engageable with the fourth inclined surface 235D. Therefore, by engaging the jig 280 with the positioning part 235, the terminal 230 can be positioned in the left-right and front-back directions.

[0058] (Effects of Embodiment 3) (3-1) The locking receiving portion 54 according to Embodiment 3 allows the conductive member (terminal 230) to move by a predetermined amount in a second direction (front-rear direction) perpendicular to the first direction, and the positioning portion 235 has a third inclined surface 235C and a fourth inclined surface 235D that are inclined with respect to the first connecting portion 32, the third inclined surface 235C and the fourth inclined surface 235D are arranged side by side in the second direction, the third inclined surface 235C slopes downward as it moves toward one side (forward) in the second direction, and the fourth inclined surface 235D slopes upward as it moves toward one side in the second direction.

[0059] With this configuration, the conductive member can be positioned in the second direction by engaging the third inclined surface 235C and the fourth inclined surface 235D of the positioning portion 235 with the jig 280.

[0060] <Embodiment 4> Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 16. Hereinafter, the same components and effects as in Embodiment 3 may be omitted from the description.

[0061] The positioning portion 335 of the terminal 330 in this embodiment includes a recess 336 that is recessed relative to the main body portion 31. The recess 336 has a first inclined surface 335A, a second inclined surface 335B, a third inclined surface 335C, and a fourth inclined surface 335D. The recess 336 has a shape that corresponds to the jig 280. By engaging the positioning portion 335 and the jig 280, the terminal 330 can be positioned in the left-right and front-back directions.

[0062] <Embodiment 5> Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 20. Hereinafter, the same components and effects as in Embodiment 3 may be omitted from the description.

[0063] As shown in Figure 17, the positioning portion 435 of the terminal 430 in this embodiment has a shape in which a protruding portion 437 is provided on the bent portion 136 of Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 18, the protruding portion 437 is located approximately in the center of the bent portion 136. As shown in Figure 19, the protruding portion 437 protrudes in a mountain shape from the bottom of the bent portion 136. The protruding portion 437 has a third inclined surface 435C and a fourth inclined surface 435D. The third inclined surface 435C and the fourth inclined surface 435D are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. The third inclined surface 435C slopes downward as it moves towards the rear (one side in the second direction). The fourth inclined surface 435D slopes upward as it moves towards the rear.

[0064] As shown in Figure 20, the jig 480 of this embodiment has a shape in which an engaging recess 482 is provided on the engaging projection 81 of Embodiment 1. The engaging recess 482 is located approximately in the center of the engaging projection 81. The engaging recess 482 is recessed in a valley shape from the protruding end of the engaging projection 81. The engaging projection 81 has a first engaging surface 81A and a second engaging surface 81B. The engaging recess 482 has a third engaging surface 482C and a fourth engaging surface 482D. The third engaging surface 482C is arranged to be engageable with the third inclined surface 435C. The fourth engaging surface 482D is arranged to be engageable with the fourth inclined surface 435D. Therefore, by engaging the jig 480 with the positioning part 435, it becomes possible to position the terminal 430 in the left-right direction and the front-back direction.

[0065] <Embodiment 6> Embodiment 6 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 21 and 22. Hereinafter, the same components and effects as in Embodiment 3 may be omitted from the description.

[0066] As shown in Figure 21, the positioning portion 535 of the terminal 530 in this embodiment is formed by bending the main body portion 31 in a valley shape. The positioning portion 535 comprises a bottom wall 536, a first side wall 537, and a second side wall 538. The bottom wall 536 is substantially parallel to the main body portion 31 and is positioned below the main body portion 31. The first side wall 537 connects the left end of the bottom wall 536 to the main body portion 31. The first side wall 537 has a first inclined surface 535A. The second side wall 538 connects the right end of the bottom wall 536 to the main body portion 31. The second side wall 538 has a second inclined surface 535B.

[0067] A through hole 536A is provided in the approximate center of the bottom wall 536. The through hole 536A is approximately rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The portion of the edge of the through hole 536A located on the front side is designated as the first edge portion 536B. The portion of the edge of the through hole 536A located on the rear side is designated as the second edge portion 536C.

[0068] The jig 580 of this embodiment has an engaging projection 581. The engaging projection 581 comprises a first projection 582 and a second projection 583. The central parts of the first projection 582 and the second projection 583 overlap. The first projection 582 is formed thinly in the front-rear direction. The first projection 582 has a mountain shape when viewed from the front-rear direction. The first projection 582 has a first engaging surface 582A that can engage with the first inclined surface 535A and a second engaging surface 583B that can engage with the second inclined surface 535B. The second projection 583 is formed thinly in the left-right direction. The second projection 583 has a mountain shape when viewed from the left-right direction. The second projection 583 protrudes more downward than the first projection 582. When the jig 580 is brought close to the positioning part 535, the second projection 583 enters the interior of the through hole 536A. The second projection 583 has a third engagement surface 583C that can engage with the first edge portion 536B, and a fourth engagement surface 583D that can engage with the second edge portion 536C. That is, the terminal 530 is positioned in the front-rear direction by either the engagement of the first edge portion 536B and the third engagement surface 583C, or the engagement of the second edge portion 536C and the fourth engagement surface 583D.

[0069] <Embodiment 7> Embodiment 7 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 23 to 25. Hereinafter, explanations of the same components and effects as in Embodiment 3 may be omitted.

[0070] As shown in Figure 23, the positioning portion 635 of the terminal 630 in this embodiment has a through hole 636 provided in the main body portion 31 and an inclined portion 637 formed on the edge of the through hole 636. The through hole 636 is substantially circular in plan view. As shown in Figure 24, the inclined portion 637 slopes downward as it approaches the center of the through hole 636. The inclined portion 637 may be curved. The inclined portion 637 has inclined surfaces including a first inclined surface, a second inclined surface, a third inclined surface, and a fourth inclined surface.

[0071] As shown in Figure 25, the jig 680 of this embodiment has an engaging projection 681. The engaging projection 681 has a substantially cylindrical base portion 681A and a tip portion 681B provided at the lower end of the base portion 681A. The tip portion 681B is substantially conical in shape. The outer surface of the tip portion 681B engages with the inclined portion 637, thereby positioning the terminal 630 in the left-right and front-back directions.

[0072] (Other Embodiments) Embodiments 1 to 7 described above can be implemented with the following modifications. Embodiments 1 to 3 described above and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0073] In embodiments 1 to 7 described above, terminals 30, 130, 230, 430, 530, and 630 were exemplified as conductive members, but the conductive members may also be busbars connecting the electrode terminals.

[0074] In the above embodiment 1, an electric wire 21 was exemplified as the wiring member, but the wiring member may be a flexible printed circuit board or the like.

[0075] In the above embodiment 1, the energy storage element 11 was a laminated battery, but the energy storage element may be a rectangular battery or the like.

[0076] 10: Energy storage module 11: Energy storage element 11G: Energy storage element group 12: Electrode terminal 13: Joint 16: Holding member 16A: End plate 16B: Connecting part 20: Wiring module 21: Electric wire (wiring member) 30: Terminal (conductive member) 31: Main body 32: First connection part 33: Second connection part 33A: Crimping part 34: Locking piece 34A: Locking part 35: Positioning part 35A: First inclined surface 35B: Second inclined surface 36A: First engaging piece 36B: Second engaging piece 40: Busbar 41: First part 42: Second part 43: Relay terminal 50: Protector 51: Electrode housing recess 52: Busbar housing part 53: Cable routing recess 54: Locking receiving part 55: Locking piece housing part 56: Locking projection 57: Entry recess 80: Jig 81: Engaging projection 81A: First engaging surface 81B: Second engaging surface 130: Terminal 135: Positioning part 135A: First inclined surface 135B: Second inclined surface 136: Bent part 230: Terminal 235: Positioning part 235C: Third inclined surface 235D: Fourth inclined surface 236C: Third engaging piece 236D: Fourth engaging piece 280: Jig 281: Engaging projection 281A: First engaging surface 281B: Second engaging surface 281C: Third engaging surface 281D: Fourth engaging surface 330: Terminal 335: Positioning part 335A: First inclined surface 335B: Second inclined surface 335C: Third inclined surface 335D: Fourth inclined surface 336: Recess 430: Terminal 435: Positioning part 435C: Third inclined surface 435D: Fourth inclined surface 437: Protrusion 480: Jig 482: Engaging recess 482C: Third engaging surface 482D: Fourth engaging surface 530: Terminal 535: Positioning part 535A: First inclined surface 535B: Second inclined surface 536: Bottom wall 536A: Through hole 536B: First edge part 536C: Second edge part 537: First side wall 538: Second side wall 580: Jig 581: Engaging projection 582: First projection 582A: First engaging surface 583: Second projection 583B: Second engaging surface 583C: Third engaging surface 583D: Fourth engaging surface 630: Terminal 635: Positioning part 636: Through hole 637: Inclined part 680: Jig 681: Engaging projection 681A: Base part 681B: Tip part

Claims

1. A wiring module to be attached to a group of energy storage elements, each having electrode terminals, which are stacked in a first direction, comprising: a conductive member connected to the electrode terminals; a wiring member connected to the conductive member; and a protector on which the conductive member and the wiring member are arranged, wherein the conductive member comprises a positioning portion for positioning the conductive member in the first direction relative to the electrode terminals, a first connection portion connected to the electrode terminals, a second connection portion connected to the wiring member, and a locking portion for locking with the protector, and the protector has a locking receiving portion that allows the conductive member to move by a predetermined amount in the first direction while being locked with the locking portion.

2. The wiring module according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting portion is plate-shaped, the positioning portion has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface that are inclined with respect to the first connecting portion, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are arranged side by side in the first direction, the first inclined surface slopes downward toward one side in the first direction, and the second inclined surface slopes upward toward one side in the first direction.

3. The wiring module according to claim 2, wherein the locking receiver allows the conductive member to move by a predetermined amount in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the positioning portion has a third inclined surface and a fourth inclined surface that are inclined with respect to the first connection portion, the third inclined surface and the fourth inclined surface are arranged side by side in the second direction, the third inclined surface slopes downward toward one side of the second direction, and the fourth inclined surface slopes upward toward one side of the second direction.

4. The wiring module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the group of energy storage elements includes a joint where the electrode terminals are superimposed and joined together, and the first connection portion is connected to the joint.

5. A method for manufacturing an energy storage module, comprising: a group of energy storage elements comprising a plurality of energy storage elements having electrode terminals stacked in a first direction; and a wiring module connected to the group of energy storage elements, wherein the wiring module comprises: a conductive member connected to the electrode terminals; a wiring member connected to the conductive member; and a protector holding the conductive member and the wiring member, wherein the conductive member comprises: a positioning portion for positioning the conductive member in a first direction relative to the electrode terminals; a first connection portion connected to the electrode terminals; a second connection portion connected to the wiring member; and a locking portion for locking with the protector, wherein the protector has a locking receiving portion that locks with the locking portion and allows the conductive member to move by a predetermined amount in the first direction, and the method for manufacturing the energy storage module comprises: a positioning step of positioning the conductive member in a first direction relative to the electrode terminals by engaging a jig with the positioning portion; and a connection step of electrically connecting the first connection portion of the positioned conductive member to the electrode terminals.

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