Circuit components

Abstract

To provide a circuit component in which the force applied to the terminals is suppressed. [Solution] The junction box is fixed to a base 2000. The junction box includes a relay 10 having fixed contacts 14, a flexible busbar 30 connected to the fixed contacts 14, a heat sink 23 thermally connected to the relay 10 via the flexible busbar 30, a holding member 60 that holds the relay 10 and the heat sink 23 and is fixed to the base 2000, and a heat dissipation sheet 70 that receives a load from the heat sink 23 and generates a reaction force to that load. The flexible busbar 30 has a flexible portion 33 that absorbs the reaction force of the heat dissipation sheet 70.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to circuit components.

Background Art

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, as an example of a circuit component, there is a circuit structure including a relay. The relay has terminals to which bus bars are connected. The relay is mounted on a base member provided with a heat dissipation member. And the bus bar is thermally connected to the heat dissipation member via a heat transfer member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the bus bar is in contact with the terminal of the relay and the heat transfer member. Also, the bus bar is elastically deformed by being pressed by the heat transfer member. Therefore, there is a possibility that a reaction force of the heat transfer member is applied to the terminal via the bus bar in the relay. Also, from the above viewpoint or other viewpoints not mentioned, further improvement of the circuit component is required.

[0005] One object of the disclosure is to provide a circuit component in which the force applied to the terminal is suppressed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The circuit component disclosed herein is a circuit component fixed to a pedestal (2000), an electronic component (10) having terminals (14), a conductive terminal connection member (30) connected to the terminals, A heat sink (23) made primarily of metal and thermally connected to an electronic component via a terminal connecting member, A holding member (60) that holds the electronic components and heat sink and is fixed to the base, The device comprises a heat dissipation member (70) which is thermally connected to the heat sink, positioned between the heat sink and the base, and which generates a reaction force to the load applied from the heat sink, The terminal connection member and at least one of the spaces between the holding member and the electronic component are provided with absorbing members (33, 51) that absorb the reaction force of the heat dissipation member.

[0007] The circuit component disclosed herein has an electronic component and a heat sink thermally connected via a terminal connector. Therefore, the circuit component can cool the electronic component. Furthermore, because the circuit component is equipped with an absorption member, the reaction force of the heat sink can be suppressed from being applied to the terminals.

[0008] The various embodiments disclosed in this specification employ different technical means to achieve their respective objectives. The claims and the reference numerals in parentheses in this section are intended to illustrate an example of correspondence with parts of the embodiments described later, and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The objectives, features, and effects disclosed in this specification will become clearer by referring to the subsequent detailed description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of a junction box equipped with relays in an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a circuit diagram showing the schematic configuration of a junction box in an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the relay in the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the insert busbar in the embodiment. [Figure 6]This is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the insert busbar in the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the retaining member in the embodiment. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged plan view showing the schematic configuration of a junction box in an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In this embodiment, a junction box 1000 is used as an example of a circuit component. Also in this embodiment, a relay 10 is used as an example of an electronic component. The relay 10 corresponds to an electrical relay. Note that electronic components can also be called circuit components.

[0011] <Junction Box> The junction box 100 is configured to be mounted on a mobile vehicle, for example. Examples of mobile vehicles include electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles; aircraft such as electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft and drones; ships; construction machinery; and agricultural machinery. The junction box 1000 can also be mounted on devices other than mobile vehicles. The circuit components are applicable to devices other than junction boxes. In this embodiment, as an example, a junction box 1000 mounted on an electric vehicle is used.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, the junction box 1000 includes a relay 10, an insert busbar 20, a flexible busbar 30, busbars 40-42, bushings 51, 52, a retaining member 60, a heat dissipation sheet 70, an insulating sheet 80, and the like. The junction box 1000 also includes other relays 110-170, fuses 210-250, resistors 310-340, and current sensors 410, 420, which are held by the retaining member 60. Furthermore, the junction box 1000 includes drive wiring 510-530 and multiple terminals 610p-650p, 610n-650n, and 660, which are held by the retaining member 60.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 4, the junction box 1000 is fixed to the pedestal 2000. The pedestal 2000 is composed mainly of, for example, metal. Also, the pedestal 2000 can be employed as a case of a cooler through which a refrigerant such as cooling water flows. Note that FIG. 4 is a simplified drawing of a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 1.

[0014] The junction box 1000 is disposed between the battery device and the power conversion device. As shown in FIG. 2, the junction box 1000 is configured with a switching circuit for switching the power supply voltage. The junction box 1000 may be referred to as a voltage switching junction box, a voltage switching junction block, etc.

[0015] Note that it can be said that the junction box 1000 includes circuit elements for forming the switching circuit. The circuit elements include relays 10, 110 to 170, fuses 210 to 250, resistors 310 to 340, current sensors 410, 420, drive wirings 510 to 530, and a plurality of terminals 610p to 650p, 610n to 650n, 660.

[0016] The battery device has two batteries, a first battery and a second battery. Each battery includes a plurality of battery cells connected in series. Each battery outputs a power supply voltage of, for example, 400V. The battery device outputs a 400V power supply voltage individually from each battery. Also, the battery device outputs an 800V power supply voltage integrated from the two batteries. In a state where the two batteries are connected in series, the rated voltage of the battery device is 800V. In a state where the two batteries are connected in parallel, the rated voltage of the battery device is 400V. The junction box 1000 performs switching of the output of the power supply voltage by turning on and off the relays 10, 110 to 170.

[0017] In Figure 2, the 800V current path is indicated by a dashed line. Also, the 400V current paths are indicated by a long-dashed line and a dotted line. The relays 10, 110 to 170 are such that the relays forming the current path are on, and the relays not forming the current path are off. That is, the relays through which each line indicating the current path passes are on. That is, the relays through which each line indicating the current path does not pass are off. For example, in the case of 800V, relays 140d, 140s, etc. are on, and relays 130, etc. are off.

[0018] The power conversion device mainly has an inverter. The inverter is connected to the motor generator of the electric vehicle. The inverter converts the supplied DC power supply voltage into an AC voltage. This AC voltage is supplied to the motor generator.

[0019] The motor generator is powered by this AC voltage. By the power, the driving wheels of the electric vehicle rotate. Also, the motor generator converts the kinetic energy of the driving wheels into electrical energy. The motor generator performs regenerative power generation.

[0020] The AC generated voltage generated by the regenerative power generation is converted into a DC voltage by the inverter. This DC voltage is supplied to the battery device via the junction box 1000.

[0021] The electric vehicle is provided with a charging port. The electric vehicle is configured to be connectable to a charging stand provided outside the vehicle via a charging cable. The charging port may be referred to as an inlet or a charging port, etc.

[0022] A DC voltage for charging the battery device is applied to the charging port. The charging port supplies the DC voltage input from the charging stand to the junction box 100. The charging stand is provided at a charging facility or the like. Charging from the charging stand to the battery device is performed via the charging port. There are a normal charger and a rapid charger at the charging stand.

[0023] An example of a standard charger is one that includes a single-phase AC power supply with a voltage of 200V or 100V and is configured to supply AC power with an output of approximately 3kW (voltage 200V, maximum current 15A). Charging with a standard charger is sometimes referred to as standard charging or AC charging.

[0024] One example of a fast charger is one configured to supply DC power with a maximum output of 160kW (maximum voltage 400V, maximum current 400A). This type of fast charger is sometimes referred to as a low-voltage fast charger. Another example of a fast charger is one configured to supply DC power with a maximum output of 160kW (maximum voltage 800V, maximum current 200A). This type of fast charger is sometimes referred to as a high-voltage fast charger. Charging with a fast charger is sometimes referred to as fast charging or DC charging.

[0025] Rapid charging is a charging method that aims to charge the battery in a short time by supplying a large current to the battery. A large current means a current greater than that used in normal charging. A short time means a shorter time than that used in normal charging. Specific values ​​such as 400V and 800V are merely examples.

[0026] In Figures 1 and 2, the battery terminal 610p is connected to the positive terminal of the first battery. The battery neutral terminal 630p is connected to the negative terminal of the first battery. The battery terminal 610n is connected to the negative terminal of the second battery. The battery neutral terminal 630n is connected to the positive terminal of the second battery.

[0027] Additionally, the inverter-side terminal 620p is connected to the inverter's high-potential wiring. The inverter-side terminal 620n is connected to the inverter's low-potential wiring. The DC charging terminal 640p is connected to the positive terminal of the fast charger. The DC charging terminal 640n is connected to the negative terminal of the fast charger. The AC charging terminal 650p is connected to the positive terminal of the standard charger. The AC charging terminal 650n is connected to the negative terminal of the standard charger. The inverter-side neutral terminal 660 is connected to the inverter's high-potential wiring.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the circuit elements are configured to be electrically connectable. The circuit elements are configured to be electrically connectable via wiring such as flexible busbars 30 and 40-42.

[0029] Relays 10, 110-170 are equipped with at least two fixed contacts, a movable contact, a drive unit that drives the movable contact, and a connector to which drive wiring 510-53 and the like are connected. Relays 10, 110-170 are sometimes called mechanical relays. The fixed contacts, movable contact, drive unit, and connector can be collectively called a relay mechanism.

[0030] In this embodiment, as an example, relays 10 and 140, which integrate two relay mechanisms, are used. As shown in Figure 2, relay 10 can be said to have a first relay mechanism 10s and a second relay mechanism 10d. Relay 140 can be said to have a first relay mechanism 140s and a second relay mechanism 140d.

[0031] Each fixed contact is connected to a different busbar. The movable contacts are driven by a drive unit and can take on a closed state (contacting a fixed contact) or an open state (not contacting a fixed contact). The busbars connected to each fixed contact are conductive when closed and non-conductive when open. Each relay 10, 110-170 is ON when closed and OFF when open.

[0032] The drive unit is electrically connected to a control device located outside the junction box 1000 via drive wiring 510-530 and the like. The control device controls the opening and closing of relays 10, 110-170. The control device includes a processing unit such as a CPU, and a storage device such as ROM or RAM. The control device outputs a drive signal to the drive unit. The drive unit drives the movable contacts according to the drive signal. The drive signal consists of an ON signal to close the contacts and an OFF signal to open them.

[0033] The first relay mechanism 10s of relay 10 is a negative-side system main relay 10s for switching the path between the battery device and the power converter on and off. The second relay mechanism 10d of relay 10 is a negative-side DC charging relay 10d that is closed during DC charging.

[0034] Relay 120 is a series relay 120 for connecting two batteries in series. Relays 110 and 130 are parallel relays 110 and 130 for connecting two batteries in parallel.

[0035] The first relay mechanism 140s of relay 140 is a positive-side system main relay 140s for switching the path between the battery device and the power converter on and off. The second relay mechanism 140d of relay 140 is a positive-side DC charging relay 140d that is closed during DC charging.

[0036] Relay 150 is an AC charging relay 150 that closes during AC charging. Relays 160 and 170 are pre-charge relays 160 and 170 that prevent large inrush currents that occur when the system, including the battery device, is started up.

[0037] The electronic component is applied to at least one of relays 10 and 110-170. In this embodiment, an example is adopted in which the electronic component is applied to relay 10. The configuration of relay 10, which corresponds to the electronic component, will be explained in detail later.

[0038] Relay 10 has two relay mechanisms. Therefore, relay 10 has two drive wires 510 and 520 connected to it. On the other hand, relay 110 and the like have only one relay mechanism. Therefore, relay 110 and the like have one drive wire 530 connected to them.

[0039] Fuses 210-250 blow when the current flowing through them exceeds their rated value. Fuses 210-250 interrupt the circuit by blowing. Fuses 181-183 may require some time (blown-out time) from the moment an excessive current begins to flow through them until they blow and interrupt the circuit.

[0040] Resistors 310 and 320 are pre-charge resistors connected to pre-charge relay 170. Resistors 330 and 340 are pre-charge resistors connected to pre-charge relay 160.

[0041] Current sensor 410 is used to detect the current flowing to the second battery during charging. Current sensor 420 is used to detect the current flowing to the first battery during charging.

[0042] The junction box 1000 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is merely an example. The junction box 1000 only needs to include at least a relay 10, an insert busbar 20, a flexible busbar 30, busbars 40-42, bushings 51, 52, a retaining member 60, a heat dissipation sheet 70, an insulating sheet 80, and the like.

[0043] <Retaining member, heat dissipation sheet> As shown in Figure 4, the retaining member 60 holds the relay 10 and the insert busbar 20, etc. The retaining member 60 also holds the heat sink 23 via the frame member 21, which will be explained later. It can also be said that the retaining member 60 is mounted on relays 10, 110-170, fuses 210-250, resistors 310-340, current sensors 410, 420, etc. The retaining member 60 has a mounting surface on which the relays 10, etc. are mounted, and an opposing surface S60 which is the opposite surface of the mounting surface. The opposing surface S60 is the surface that faces the base 2000.

[0044] The retaining member 60 is, for example, mainly composed of resin. The retaining member 60 can also be called a resin case or a junction box case.

[0045] Furthermore, the retaining member 60 is mounted on the base 2000 and fixed to the base 2000. More specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, the retaining member 60 has a heat dissipation opening 60h at a position facing the heat sink 23. The heat dissipation opening 60h is a through hole provided from the mounting surface to the opposing surface S60. The distance between the mounting surface and the opposing surface S60 can be said to be the thickness of the retaining member 60. Also, the direction along the thickness of the retaining member 60 can be said to be the thickness direction.

[0046] The holding member 60 holds the insert busbar 20 such that the heat sink 23 is exposed through the heat dissipation opening 60h. The holding member 60 is provided with a heat dissipation opening 60h to dissipate the heat transferred from the relay 10 to the heat sink 23 to the base 2000.

[0047] As will be explained later, the insert busbar 20 is equipped with three heat sinks 23. Therefore, the retaining member 60 is provided with three heat dissipation openings 60h (Figure 7). In other words, the retaining member 60 is provided with heat dissipation openings 60h at positions facing each heat sink 23.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, it is preferable that the retaining member 60 is provided with ribs 60r around the heat dissipation opening 60h. The ribs 60r may be provided around the entire circumference of the heat dissipation opening 60h, or only partially. This ensures that the retaining member 60 maintains rigidity even when the heat dissipation opening 60h is provided.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8, the retaining member 60 is equipped with a plurality of bolt fastening portions 61 that are fixed to the base 2000 around the heat dissipation opening 60h. For example, the bolt fastening portions 61 are provided at three locations around the heat dissipation opening 60h. Alternatively, the bolt fastening portions 61 may be provided at two or four or more locations.

[0050] The bolt fastening portion 61 is a part that protrudes from the surrounding area. In other words, the bolt fastening portion 61 is a part of the retaining member 60 that is thicker than the area surrounding the bolt fastening portion 61. Therefore, the retaining member 60 can be made rigid against screw fastening. The bolt fastening portion 61 is also provided with a through hole into which the fixing member 60f is inserted. The fixing member 60f is, for example, a screw member (bolt) mainly composed of metal.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the retaining member 60 is positioned on the base 2000 such that its opposing surface S60 faces the base 2000. The retaining member 60 and the base 2000 are then screwed (fixed) together by a fixing member 60f. A collar 60c is provided on the retaining member 60 to reinforce the screw fastening.

[0052] The retaining member 60 is fixed to the base 2000 such that the heat sink 23 is positioned opposite the base 2000. Furthermore, the retaining member 60 is fixed to the base 2000 with the heat dissipation sheet 70 positioned between the heat sink 23 and the base 2000.

[0053] In this embodiment, as an example, an insulating sheet 80 is placed between the heat dissipation sheet 70 and the base 2000 (Figure 4). The insulating sheet 80 has electrical insulating properties. The insulating sheet 80 is placed between the heat dissipation sheet 70 and the base 2000. The insulating sheet 80 is in contact with both the heat dissipation sheet 70 and the base 2000. This ensures that the junction box 1000 can dissipate heat to the base 2000 and maintain electrical insulation from the base 2000. The insulating sheet 80 corresponds to an insulating member.

[0054] Furthermore, the holding member 60 is fixed to the base 2000 with a load applied to the heat dissipation sheet 70 via the heat sink 23. In other words, the holding member 60 is fixed to the base 2000 such that the heat dissipation sheet 70 is compressed between the heat sink 23 and the base 2000. Therefore, the heat sink 23 applies a load to the heat dissipation sheet 70. In addition, the heat dissipation sheet 70 is compressed between the heat sink 23 and the base 2000. This is to increase the contact area of ​​the heat dissipation sheet 70 and improve heat dissipation. The contact area is the area where the heat dissipation sheet 70 and the heat sink 23 are in contact. Also, the contact area is the area where the heat dissipation sheet 70 and the insulating sheet 80 are in contact.

[0055] The retaining member 60 has a bolt fastening portion 61 as described above. Therefore, the junction box 1000 can apply a load to the heat dissipation sheet 70 while suppressing damage to the retaining member 60.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, the heat dissipation sheet 70 is placed between the base 2000 and the heat sink 23. The heat dissipation sheet 70 is an elastic material with good thermal conductivity. The heat dissipation sheet 70 is provided to reduce the thermal resistance between the heat sink 23 and the base 2000.

[0057] As described above, the heat dissipation sheet 70 is subjected to a load from the heat sink 23. Therefore, the heat dissipation sheet 70 generates a reaction force against the load from the heat sink 23. The heat dissipation sheet 70 corresponds to a heat dissipation component.

[0058] <Relay> Here, we will explain the relay 10 using Figures 1 and 3. The relay 10 comprises a drive unit 11, a contact case 12, a movable contact 13, a fixed contact 14, and a relay case 15.

[0059] The drive unit 11 includes a coil, a contact spring, and the like. The drive unit 11 drives the movable contact 13 in accordance with the drive signal output from the control device. As shown in Figure 3, the drive unit 11 is positioned adjacent to the contact case 12.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3, the contact case 12 has, for example, a hollow rectangular prism shape. The contact case 12 is made of, for example, ceramics. The contact case 12 forms a contact chamber in which an arc extinguishing gas, such as hydrogen, is sealed. The contact case 12 seals the hydrogen so that, for example, the hydrogen concentration does not fall between 4% and 75%.

[0061] The fixed contact 14 is fixed to the contact case 12. Part of the fixed contact 14 is exposed to the outside of the contact case 12 and the outside of the relay case 15. The other part of the fixed contact 14 is located in the contact chamber.

[0062] As described above, relay 10 is equipped with two relay mechanisms 10s and 10d. Therefore, relay 10 is equipped with four fixed contacts 14. It can also be said that each relay mechanism 10s and 10d is equipped with a pair of fixed contacts 14. As shown in Figure 3, the two fixed contacts 14 are located adjacent to each other. Furthermore, the two fixed contacts 14 are located between one other fixed contact 14 and the remaining fixed contact 14. The fixed contacts 14 correspond to terminals.

[0063] On the other hand, a portion of the movable contact 13 is located in the contact chamber. Another portion of the movable contact 13 is located in the drive unit 11. Within the contact chamber, the movable contact 13 can be in a closed state, in contact with the fixed contact 14, or in an open state, not in contact with the fixed contact 14. The relay 10 is equipped with two movable contacts 13. Furthermore, the relay 10 is equipped with a movable contact 13 for each relay mechanism 10s, 10d. The contact case 12, movable contact 13, and fixed contact 14 can be collectively referred to as the contact section.

[0064] The fixed contact 14 has a portion exposed from the relay case 15 to which the fixed portion 32 of the flexible busbar 30, which will be described later, is connected. The fixed contact 14 and the fixed portion 32 are fixed together by a fixing member 14f. The fixing member 14f is, for example, a screw member mainly composed of metal. In other words, the fixed contact 14 and the fixed portion 32 are screwed together by the fixing member 14f. However, the fixed contact 14 and the fixed portion 32 may also be connected by welding or other means. The flexible busbar 30 is a conductive wiring member.

[0065] The four fixed contacts 14 are electrically connected to the three heat sinks 23 via the flexible busbar 30. That is, two fixed contacts 14 are electrically connected to one heat sink 23. Another fixed contact 14 is electrically connected to another heat sink 23. Furthermore, the remaining fixed contact 14 is electrically connected to the remaining heat sink 23.

[0066] Two fixed contacts 14 are electrically connected to busbar 40. Another fixed contact 14 is electrically connected to busbar 41. The remaining fixed contact 14 is electrically connected to busbar 42.

[0067] Current flows through the movable contact 13 and the fixed contact 14 when they are in contact with each other. The relay 10 generates heat when current flows through the movable contact 13 and the fixed contact 14. Therefore, it is preferable for the junction box 1000 to have a configuration that dissipates the heat from the relay 10. For this reason, the junction box 1000 is equipped with a flexible busbar 30, a heat sink 23, and the like.

[0068] As shown in Figure 1, the relay case 15 includes multiple fixing parts 16 and two connectors 17. In this embodiment, as an example, a relay 10 having three fixing parts 16 is used.

[0069] As shown in Figure 4, the relay 10 is mounted on the retaining member 60. The relay 10 is mounted on the retaining member 60 in a horizontal position. In other words, the fixed contacts 14 of the relay 10 protrude in a direction intersecting the mounting direction of the retaining member 60 relative to the base 2000. This allows the junction box 1000 to be made smaller in size in the mounting direction. The mounting direction coincides with the thickness direction of the retaining member 60.

[0070] The fixing portion 16 is the part for fixing the relay 10 to the retaining member 60. The fixing portion 16 is fixed by a fixing member 16f. The fixing member 16f is, for example, a screw member mainly composed of metal. In other words, the fixing portion 16 and the retaining member 60 are screwed together by the fixing member 16f.

[0071] The fixing portion 16 has a bush 51 provided in a through hole into which the fixing member 16f is inserted. The bush 51 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The bush 51 is in contact with the fixing member 16f. The bush 51 is subjected to force from the fixing member 16f due to screw fastening. The bush 51 corresponds to an absorbent member.

[0072] The bush 51 is provided between the retaining member 60 and the relay 10. The bush 51 is, for example, an elastic member mainly composed of resin. The bush 51 can be made of rubber or sponge. The bush 51 is a member that absorbs the reaction force of the heat dissipation sheet 70. The bush 51 can also be said to be a member that suppresses the application of the load due to the reaction force of the heat dissipation sheet 70 to the fixed contact 14. It is preferable that the bush 51 is softer than the retaining member 60 and the heat dissipation sheet 70.

[0073] Furthermore, the bush 51 is positioned such that the load applied to the fixed contact 14 due to the reaction force of the heat dissipation sheet 70 is smaller than the allowable load of the fixed contact 14. The allowable load of the fixed contact 14 can also be considered as the allowable load between the fixed contact 14 and the contact case 12. The allowable load of the fixed contact 14 is the maximum load at which the contact case 12, to which the fixed contact 14 is fixed, will not crack, even if a load is applied to the fixed contact 14.

[0074] Furthermore, one end of connector 17 is connected to the drive wiring 510, and the other end of connector 17 is connected to the drive wiring 520.

[0075] <Insert Bass Bar> As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, the insert busbar 20 comprises a frame member 21 mainly composed of resin and a heat sink 23 mainly composed of metal. The heat sink 23 is connected to the frame member 21. In this embodiment, as an example, an insert busbar 20 with three heat sinks 23 is used. The heat sinks 23 are integrated with the frame member 21, for example, by insert molding.

[0076] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the frame member 21 is provided with an opening 21a. The frame member 21 is configured so that both sides of the heat sink 23 are exposed through the opening 21a. The frame member 21 is provided with an opening 21a for each heat sink 23. Therefore, in this embodiment, a frame member 21 with three openings 21a is used. The frame member 21 has electrical insulating properties. The three heat sinks 23 are electrically insulated by the frame member 21. Thus, the openings 21a are through holes.

[0077] The frame member 21 is provided with a plurality of fixing parts 22a to 22d. In this embodiment, as an example, a frame member 21 having four fixing parts 22a to 22d is used. As shown in Figure 4, the fixing parts 22a to 22d are parts for fixing the insert busbar 20 to the holding member 60.

[0078] The fixing parts 22a to 22d are provided with fixing holes 22h. The fixing parts 22a to 22d are fixed by a fixing member 20f. The fixing member 20f is, for example, a screw member mainly composed of metal. The fixing member 20f is inserted into the fixing holes 22h. The fixing parts 22a to 22d and the retaining member 60 are screwed together by the fixing member 22f. The insert busbar 20 can be made rigid by being fixed to the retaining member 60.

[0079] The fixing portion 16 may have a bush 52 provided in the through hole into which the fixing member 20f is inserted. The bush 52 has the same configuration as the bush 51. The bush 52 can also absorb the reaction force of the heat dissipation sheet 70. Furthermore, the bush 52 can suppress the application of the load due to the reaction force of the heat dissipation sheet 70 to the fixing contact 14. It can also be said that the junction box 1000 is equipped with an absorbent member between the insert busbar 20 and the retaining member 60. In this case, the bush 52 corresponds to the absorbent member.

[0080] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the heat sink 23 is provided with fixing holes 23a. The fixing holes 23a are located in the portion of the heat sink 23 that is exposed from the frame member 21. The fixing holes 23a are holes that penetrate the heat sink 23 in the thickness direction. A bolt 40f1, which is one of the fixing members, is inserted into the fixing holes 23a. The bolt 40f1 is paired with a nut 40f2, which is another fixing member. The thickness direction of the heat sink 23 coincides with the thickness direction of the retaining member 60.

[0081] The heat sink 23 is connected to the fixing portion 31 of the flexible busbar 30. For example, the heat sink 23 and the fixing portion 31 are screwed together with a bolt 40f1 and a nut 40f2. In this embodiment, for example, the fixing portion 31 and the busbar 40 are fastened together to the heat sink 23. The fixing portion 31 is in contact with the busbar 40. The busbar 40 is in contact with the heat sink 23. However, the fixing portion 31 may also be in direct contact with the heat sink 23.

[0082] As described above, the flexible busbar 30 is connected to the fixed contact 14. Therefore, the heat sink 23 is thermally connected to the relay 10 via the flexible busbar 30. The heat sink 23 primarily serves to dissipate heat from the relay 10.

[0083] The heat sink 23 may be connected to the frame member 21 by fitting, screwing, or other means. In this case, the insert busbar 20 can be referred to as a heat dissipation busbar or heat dissipation structure. Furthermore, this disclosure does not require the frame member 21.

[0084] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, a portion of each heat sink 23 is exposed from the frame member 21. Each heat sink 23 is configured such that a portion of the surface to which the flexible busbar 30 is connected and a portion of the surface facing the base 2000 are exposed from the frame member 21. The exposed portion of each heat sink 23 on the side facing the base 2000 corresponds to the portion of each heat sink 23 exposed from the frame member 21.

[0085] The heat dissipation sheet 70 is provided only on the portion of the heat sink 23 that is exposed from the frame member 21. In other words, the heat dissipation sheet 70 is provided only on the exposed portion of each heat sink 23 that faces the base 2000. Furthermore, each heat sink 23 is exposed to the opposing surface S60 side from the heat dissipation opening 60h. The heat sink 23 is positioned opposite the base 2000. This allows the insert busbar 20 to easily dissipate the heat from the relay 10 to the base 2000.

[0086] Furthermore, the heat dissipation sheet 70 may come into contact with the frame member 21 when compressed by the load. In this state, the heat dissipation sheet 70 is considered to be provided only on the portion of the heat sink 23 that is exposed from the frame member 21.

[0087] Preferably, the heat sink 23 protrudes toward the base 2000 side than the opposing surface S60. However, the heat sink 23 may be located toward the mounting surface side than the opposing surface S60. In other words, the heat sink 23 may be contained within the heat dissipation opening 60h. Also, the heat sink 23 may be at the same position as the opposing surface S60 in the height direction. The height direction coincides with the thickness direction of the retaining member 60.

[0088] The insert busbar 20 corresponds to a relay 10 equipped with two relay mechanisms. The insert busbar 20 may have a different configuration depending on the relay connected via the flexible busbar 30. In other words, the insert busbar 20 corresponding to a relay 110 equipped with only one relay mechanism may have a different configuration than described above. For example, the insert busbar 20 corresponding to a relay 110 may have only two heat sinks 23. Furthermore, the heat sinks 23 may be insert-molded with the base 2000.

[0089] <Flexible bus bar> The flexible busbar 30 is a conductive wiring component connected to the fixed contact 14. The flexible busbar 30 is part of the wiring of the junction box 100. The flexible busbar 30 can also be described as a power conducting component with flexibility and high conductivity. The flexible busbar 30 is a flexible busbar made of a conductive material such as copper or aluminum.

[0090] As described above, the relay 10 has four fixed contacts 14. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, four flexible busbars 30 are connected to the relay 10. The four flexible busbars 30 are arranged in a line in one direction. Hereafter, the direction in which the four flexible busbars 30 are arranged will also be referred to as the alignment direction.

[0091] As shown in Figure 4, the flexible busbar 30 comprises fixed portions 31 and 32 and a flexible portion 33. The flexible portion 33 is provided in connection with the fixed portions 31 and 32. The fixed portion 31 is provided on one end side of the flexible portion 33. The fixed portion 32 is provided on the other end side of the flexible portion 33. The fixed portion 31 corresponds to the first fixed portion. The fixed portion 32 corresponds to the second fixed portion. The flexible busbar 30 corresponds to a terminal connecting member.

[0092] As described above, the fixing portion 31 is the part that is connected to the heat sink 23. In addition, the fixing portion 31 of each flexible busbar 30 is fastened together with the busbars 40-42 and the heat sink 23. The fixing portion 32 is the part that is connected to the fixed contact 14. The fixing portion 32 of each flexible busbar 30 is connected to a different fixed contact 14.

[0093] As shown in Figure 3, the two flexible busbars 30 connected to the two fixed contacts 14 are arranged adjacent to each other. The fixing portions 31 of the two flexible busbars 30 are fastened together with the busbar 40 and one heat sink 23. The two flexible busbars 30 connected to the busbar 40 are the flexible busbars 30 positioned in the center in the direction of alignment.

[0094] The flexible busbar 30 connected to the other fixed contact 14 is located adjacent to one of the two flexible busbars 30. The fixing portion 31 of the flexible busbar 30 is fastened together with the other heat sink 23 and the busbar 41. The flexible busbar 30 connected to the busbar 41 is the flexible busbar 30 located at one end in the direction of alignment.

[0095] The flexible busbar 30 connected to the remaining fixed contact 14 is located adjacent to the other of the two flexible busbars 30. The fixing portion 31 of this flexible busbar 30 is fastened together with the remaining heat sink 23 and busbar 42. The flexible busbar 30 connected to busbar 42 is the flexible busbar 30 located at the other end in the direction of alignment.

[0096] The flexible portion 33 is a part that possesses flexibility. Furthermore, the flexible portion 33 can be said to be the part that provides flexibility in the flexible busbar 30. Note that the fixed portions 31 and 32 may also possess flexibility. The flexible portion 33 corresponds to an absorbent member.

[0097] The flexible portion 33 is, for example, a portion in which conductive thin plates are laminated. In this case, the flexible busbar 30 may also be called a laminated busbar. Alternatively, the flexible portion 33 may be a portion in which conductive wire members are woven together (braided wire).

[0098] The flexible portion 33 is a member (part) that absorbs the reaction force of the heat dissipation sheet 70. The flexible portion 33 can also be described as a member that suppresses the application of the load due to the reaction force of the heat dissipation sheet 70 to the fixed contact 14. Therefore, it is preferable that the flexible busbar 30 is configured so that no force is applied in a direction that presses the heat dissipation sheet 70 against the base 2000. It is preferable that the flexible portion 33 is softer than the holding member 60 and the heat dissipation sheet 70. Furthermore, it can be said that the flexible portion 33 is provided such that the load applied to the fixed contact 14 due to the reaction force of the heat dissipation sheet 70 is smaller than the allowable load of the fixed contact 14.

[0099] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, it is preferable that the flexible portion 33 is narrower than the fixed portion 32. That is, the width 33w of the flexible portion is smaller than the width 32w of the fixed portion 32. It is preferable that the width of the fixed portion 31 is the same as the width 33w of the flexible portion. Here, width refers to the length in the direction of alignment.

[0100] This improves the flexibility of the flexible busbar 30 in its flexible portion 33. Furthermore, two flexible busbars 30 connected to different heat sinks 23 can increase the distance between their flexible portions 33. Therefore, electrical insulation between the two flexible busbars 30 connected to different heat sinks 23 can be improved. It is preferable that the relay case 15 has an insulating partition wall between the fixed portions 32 of the two flexible busbars 30 connected to different heat sinks 23.

[0101] <Effects> As described above, the junction box 1000 is thermally connected to the relay 10 and the heat sink 23 via the flexible busbar 30. Therefore, the junction box 1000 can cool the relay 10. In particular, the junction box 1000 is thermally connected to the base 2000 via the heat sink 23 and the heat dissipation sheet 70. Therefore, the junction box 1000 can cool the relay 10 even more effectively.

[0102] Furthermore, since the junction box 1000 is equipped with a flexible portion 33, it is possible to suppress the application of the reaction force of the heat dissipation sheet 70 to the fixed contact 14. Similarly, since the junction box 1000 is equipped with a bush 51, it is possible to suppress the application of the reaction force of the heat dissipation sheet 70 to the fixed contact 14.

[0103] Therefore, the junction box 1000 can suppress cracking of the contact case 12. In addition, the junction box 1000 can prevent the hydrogen concentration from falling between 4% and 75% due to cracking of the contact case 12.

[0104] In this embodiment, an example is adopted in which the absorbent member includes a flexible portion 33 and a bush 51. However, this disclosure can achieve the above effects if at least one of the flexible portion 33 and the bush 51 is provided.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a relay 10 is used as an example of an electronic component. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The electronic component can also be, for example, a relay 110. The relay 110 comprises a relay mechanism. The relay 110 comprises a relay case 115, a fixing part 116, a connector 117, and the like.

[0106] The relay case 115 is the same as the relay case 15. The fixing part 116 is the same as the fixing part 16. The connector 117 is the same as the connector 17.

[0107] The fixed contacts of relay 110 are connected to busbar 30a by a fixing member 114f. Busbar 30a is configured similarly to flexible busbar 30. Therefore, the same effect as described above can be achieved in this case as well. Furthermore, the electronic component can also be applied to at least one of the other relays 120-170, fuses 210-250, and current sensors 410, 420.

[0108] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. The present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments or structures. The present disclosure encompasses a variety of modifications and variations within the scope of equivalents. In addition, while various combinations and forms are shown in the present disclosure, other combinations and forms that include only one, more, or fewer of these elements also fall within the scope and idea of ​​the present disclosure.

[0109] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses several technical concepts, as listed in the following paragraphs. Some paragraphs are written in a multiple dependent form, where subsequent paragraphs optionally refer to preceding paragraphs. Furthermore, some paragraphs are written in a multiple dependent form, referring to other multiple dependent forms. These paragraphs written in multiple dependent forms define several technical concepts.

[0110] (Technical thought 1) A circuit component fixed to a base (2000), An electronic component (10) having terminals (14), A conductive terminal connecting member (30) connected to the terminal, A heat sink (23) made primarily of metal and thermally connected to the electronic component via the terminal connecting member, A holding member (60) that holds the electronic component and the heat sink and is fixed to the base, The system includes a heat dissipation member (70) which is thermally connected to the heat sink and positioned between the heat sink and the base, and which generates a reaction force to the load applied from the heat sink, A circuit component comprising an absorbing member (33, 51) that absorbs the reaction force of the heat dissipation member, located in part of the terminal connecting member and at least one of the spaces between the holding member and the electronic component.

[0111] (Technical thought 2) The absorbing member is a circuit component according to Technical Concept 1, which is softer than the heat dissipation member and the holding member.

[0112] (Technical Thought 3) The aforementioned electronic component is a circuit component according to technical concept 1 or 2, wherein the terminals protrude in a direction intersecting the mounting direction of the holding member on the base.

[0113] (Technical Thought 4) The aforementioned electronic component is a relay, which is a circuit component as described in any one of the technical concepts 1 to 3.

[0114] (Technical Thought 5) The aforementioned terminal is a fixed contact in the relay, The relay is a circuit component according to technical concept 4, comprising, in addition to the fixed contacts, a contact case (12) to which the fixed contacts are fixed.

[0115] (Technical Thought 6) The terminal connecting member comprises a first fixed portion (31) connected to the heat sink, a second fixed portion (32) connected to the terminal, and a flexible portion (33) as an absorbent member connected to the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion, according to any one of the technical concepts 1 to 5.

[0116] (Technical Thought 7) The flexible portion is a circuit component according to technical concept 6, wherein the width of the flexible portion is smaller than that of the second fixed portion.

[0117] (Technical Thought 8) The retaining member is provided with a heat dissipation opening (60h) at a position facing the heat sink, The heat sink is exposed from the heat dissipation opening and is positioned opposite the base, as described in any one of technical concepts 1 to 7.

[0118] (Technical Thought 9) The circuit component according to technical concept 8, comprising an electrically insulating insulating member (80) that is in contact with both the heat dissipation member and the base and disposed between the heat dissipation member and the base.

[0119] (Technical Thought 10) The device comprises an electrically insulating frame member (21) on which multiple heat sinks are provided, Multiple heat sinks are electrically insulated by the frame member. A portion of each heat sink is exposed from the frame member. The heat dissipation member is provided only on the portion of the heat sink that is exposed from the frame member, as described in any one of technical concepts 1 to 9.

[0120] (Technical Thought 11) The retaining member is a circuit component according to technical concept 8 or 9, wherein a rib (60r) is provided around the heat dissipation opening.

[0121] (Technical Thought 12) The holding member comprises a plurality of bolt fastening portions (61) around the heat dissipation opening that are fixed to the base, and is fixed to the base while a load is applied to the heat dissipation member via the heat dissipation plate, as described in any one of technical concepts 8, 9, or 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 10…Relay, 14…Fixed contact, 20…Insert busbar, 21…Frame member, 23…Heat sink, 30…Flexible busbar, 31,32…Fixed part, 33…Flexible part, 51…Bush, 60…Holding member, 70…Heat dissipation sheet, 1000…Junction box, 2000…Base

Claims

1. A circuit component fixed to a base (2000), An electronic component (10) having terminals (14), A conductive terminal connecting member (30) connected to the terminal, A heat sink (23) made primarily of metal and thermally connected to the electronic component via the terminal connecting member, A holding member (60) that holds the electronic component and the heat sink and is fixed to the base, The system includes a heat dissipation member (70) which is thermally connected to the heat sink and positioned between the heat sink and the base, and which generates a reaction force to the load applied from the heat sink, A circuit component comprising an absorbing member (33, 51) that absorbs the reaction force of the heat dissipation member, located in part of the terminal connecting member and at least one of the spaces between the holding member and the electronic component.

2. The circuit component according to claim 1, wherein the absorbing member is softer than the heat dissipating member and the holding member.

3. The circuit component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic component has terminals protruding in a direction intersecting the mounting direction of the holding member to the base.

4. The circuit component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic component is a relay.

5. The aforementioned terminal is a fixed contact in the relay, The circuit component according to claim 4, wherein the relay comprises, in addition to the fixed contacts, a contact case (12) to which the fixed contacts are fixed.

6. The circuit component according to claim 5, wherein the terminal connecting member has a first fixed portion (31) connected to the heat sink, a second fixed portion (32) connected to the terminal, and a flexible portion (33) as an absorbent member connected to the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion.

7. The circuit component according to claim 6, wherein the flexible portion has a width smaller than the second fixed portion.

8. The retaining member is provided with a heat dissipation opening (60h) at a position facing the heat sink, The circuit component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat sink is exposed from the heat dissipation opening and is positioned opposite the base.

9. The circuit component according to claim 8, further comprising an electrically insulating insulating member (80) that is in contact with both the heat dissipation member and the base and disposed between the heat dissipation member and the base.

10. The electrical insulating frame member (21) is provided with a plurality of heat sinks, Multiple heat sinks are electrically insulated by the frame member. A portion of each heat sink is exposed from the frame member. The circuit component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat dissipation member is provided only on the portion of the heat sink that is exposed from the frame member.

11. The circuit component according to claim 8, wherein the retaining member is provided with ribs (60r) around the heat dissipation opening.

12. The circuit component according to claim 8, wherein the holding member is provided with a plurality of bolt fastening portions (61) around the heat dissipation opening that are fixed to the base, and is fixed to the base while a load is applied to the heat dissipation member via the heat dissipation plate.

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