Method for manufacturing electrical connection unit and metal component

Abstract

A method of manufacturing an electrical connection unit includes: fixing a metal member to a member to be connected using a first fastening member to form an assembly in which the member to be connected and the metal member are integrated; and after forming the assembly, electrically connecting the connection target member to the bus bar by fixing the metal member included in the assembly to the bus bar with a second fastening member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for manufacturing an electrical connection unit and a metal component.

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-062275, filed on April 8, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] As one of the in-vehicle devices, it uses an electrical connection unit that includes electronic components and busbars connected to the electronic components.

[0004] [List of Citations]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] [Patent Document 1]

[0007] PCT International Publication No. WO2021 / 059767

[0008] [Patent Document 2]

[0009] Japanese unexamined patent application, first publication number 2018-093711 Summary of the Invention

[0010] [Technical Issues]

[0011] Improved assemblability is desired for electrical connection units.

[0012] One embodiment provides a method for manufacturing an electrical connection unit and a metal component that can improve assemblability.

[0013] [Solution to the problem]

[0014] One embodiment of a method for manufacturing an electrical connection unit includes: fixing a metal component to a connection target component using a first fastening component to form an assembly in which the connection target component and the metal component are integrated; and after forming the assembly, electrically connecting the connection target component to the busbar by fixing the metal component included in the assembly to the busbar using a second fastening component.

[0015] One embodiment of the metal component is a metal component used in an electrical connection unit. The metal component includes a first part and a second part. The first part is secured to an electronic component using a first fastening member. After the electronic component and the metal component are integrated using the first fastening member, the second part is secured to a busbar using a second fastening member. The metal component electrically connects the electronic component to the busbar. In the metal component, the width of the metal component in the longitudinal direction of the electronic component is smaller than the width of the electronic component in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] [Beneficial Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the embodiments, the assemblability of the electrical connection unit can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a plan view showing the first electronic component and the metal component of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view used to describe the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view used to describe the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view used to describe the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view used to describe the function of the electrical connection unit in the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit of a first modified example according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit of a second variation according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit of a third variation of the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the electrical connection unit according to a third variation of the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the electrical connection unit of the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the electrical connection unit of the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view used to describe the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view used to describe the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the electrical connection unit of the third embodiment.

[0035] Reference tag list

[0036] 1 Electrical connection unit

[0037] 10. Shell

[0038] 11. Base components

[0039] 12 Cover components

[0040] 20 First Electronic Components

[0041] Terminal sections 23, 23A, and 23B

[0042] 30 Second electronic components

[0043] Terminal sections 33, 33A, and 33B

[0044] 40 busbars

[0045] 60 First metal component

[0046] 61 Part One

[0047] 61h First mounting hole

[0048] 62 Part Two

[0049] 62h Second mounting hole

[0050] 70 Second metal component

[0051] 71 Part One

[0052] 71h First mounting hole

[0053] 72 Part Two

[0054] 72h Second mounting hole

[0055] 81 First fastening component

[0056] 82 Second fastening component

[0057] 91 First fastening component

[0058] 92 Second fastening member

[0059] 100 Metal member

[0060] 100A First metal member

[0061] 101 First part

[0062] 102 Second part

[0063] 100B Second metal member

[0064] SA First component

[0065] SB Second component Detailed implementation manners

[0066] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. Redundant descriptions of these components may be omitted. In the present disclosure, the terms are defined as follows. The term "connection" is not limited to mechanical connection and may also include electrical connection. That is, the term "connection" is not limited to the case where two components as connection objects are directly connected, and may include the case where two components as connection objects are connected through another component interposed therebetween. "Parallel", "orthogonal", or "identical" may respectively include "substantially parallel", "substantially orthogonal", or "substantially identical".

[0067] In the present disclosure, the +X direction, -X direction, +Y direction, -Y direction, +Z direction, and -Z direction are defined as follows. The +X direction is the direction from the first electronic component 20 described later toward the first metal member 60 (see Figure 1 ). The -X direction is the direction opposite to the +X direction. Hereinafter, when the +X direction and the -X direction are not distinguished from each other, they are simply referred to as the "X direction". The +Y direction is the direction from the first terminal portion 23A of the first electronic component 20 toward the second terminal portion 23B (see Figure 3 ). The -Y direction is the direction opposite to the +Y direction. Hereinafter, when the +Y direction and the -Y direction are not distinguished from each other, they are simply referred to as the "Y direction". The +Z direction is the direction from the base member 11 described later toward the bus bar 40 (see Figure 1 ). The -Z direction is the direction opposite to the +Z direction. Hereinafter, when the +Z direction and the -Z direction are not distinguished, these directions will be simply referred to as the "Z direction".

[0068] (First Embodiment)

[0069] First, the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the X direction is an example of the "first direction". The Z direction is an example of the "second direction".

[0070] <A1. Structure of electrical connection unit>

[0071] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit 1 according to the first embodiment. For example, the electrical connection unit 1 is used in vehicles such as electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The electrical connection unit 1 is a component such as an electric connection box or a junction box, for example.

[0072] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit 1. The electrical connection unit 1 includes, for example, a housing 10, a plurality of electronic components 20 and 30, a plurality of bus bars 40 ( Figure 1 only one is shown in the figure), and a plurality of metal components 60 and 70.

[0073] <A1.1 Housing>

[0074] The housing 10 is an external member that forms the external shape of the electrical connection unit 1. The housing 10 houses a plurality of electronic components 20 and 30, a plurality of bus bars 40, and a plurality of metal components 60 and 70. The housing 10 includes, for example, a base member 11 and a cover member 12.

[0075] The base member 11 is a member that forms the bottom of the housing 10, for example. The base member 11 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has insulation properties. The base member 11 has a support surface 11a that is exposed to the inside of the housing 10. At least a part of the support surface 11a has a flat surface 11s along the X direction and the Y direction.

[0076] In the present embodiment, a plurality of fastening members 51 (for example, bolts) are fixed to the base member 11. For example, the fastening members 51 are fixed to the base member 11 by insert molding into the base member 11. For example, the heads of the fastening members 51 are embedded in the base member 11. The shaft portions of the fastening members 51 protrude from the flat surface 11s of the base member 11 in the +Z direction and extend in the +Z direction. The shaft portions of the fastening members 51 have bolts. The fastening members 51 can also be fixed to the base member 11 by a method different from insert molding. In the present embodiment, the plurality of bus bars 40 described later are fixed to the base member 11. The base member 11 is an example of a "support member".

[0077] The cover member 12 is a member that forms the cover portion of the housing 10, for example. In the present embodiment, the housing 10 is formed by combining the base member 11 and the cover member 12. The cover member 12 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has insulation properties. Instead of being fixed to the base member 11, the bus bars 40 can also be fixed to the cover member 12. The cover member 12 is another example of a "support member".

[0078] <A1.2 Electronic Components>

[0079] The plurality of electronic components 20 and 30 are electronic components installed according to the functions or applications required by the electrical connection unit 1. The electronic components 20 and 30 are, for example, connectors, fuses, relays (e.g., mechanical relays or semiconductor relays), capacitors, branch components, electronic control units, or electronic component units in which two or more of them are unitized. Note that the types of the electronic components 20 and 30 are not limited to the above examples. The electronic component 20 and the electronic component 30 may be components of the same type or different types. The electronic components 20 and 30 are, for example, heat-generating components that generate heat when powered on. <0000​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Terminal portion 23 is an electrical connection portion exposed outside the housing 21. Terminal portion 23 is electrically connected to the main body portion 22 inside the housing 21. In this embodiment, the first electronic component 20 includes a first terminal portion 23A and a second terminal portion 23B, which are multiple terminal portions 23 (see...). Figure 3 One of the first terminal portion 23A and the second terminal portion 23B is the positive terminal portion. The other of the first terminal portion 23A and the second terminal portion 23B is the negative terminal portion. The terminal portion 23 is arranged at a position away from the support surface 11a of the base member 11.

[0089] In this embodiment, the first terminal portion 23A and the second terminal portion 23B are disposed at the end of the first electronic component 20 on the +X direction side. The first terminal portion 23A and the second terminal portion 23B are arranged side by side in the Y direction (see...). Figure 3 Hereinafter, when the first terminal portion 23A and the second terminal portion 23B are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as "terminal portion 23". Terminal portion 23 has a mounting hole 23h to which a first fastening member 81 (e.g., a bolt), described later, is mounted. The mounting hole 23h is open in the X direction. For example, the mounting hole 23h has a threaded groove on its inner circumferential surface. Terminal portion 23 may be referred to as a "fastening portion".

[0090] (Assembly section)

[0091] The mounting portion 24 is used to fix the first electronic component 20. For example, the mounting portion 24 is used to fix the first electronic component 20 to the base member 11. In this embodiment, the first electronic component 20 includes a first mounting portion 24A and a second mounting portion 24B, which are multiple mounting portions 24 (see...). Figure 4 The first mounting portion 24A and the second mounting portion 24B are respectively arranged on both sides of the housing 21 in the Y direction. For example, the first mounting portion 24A protrudes from the housing 21 in the -Y direction. The second mounting portion 24B protrudes from the housing 21 in the +Y direction.

[0092] Hereinafter, when the first attachment portion 24A and the second attachment portion 24B are not distinguished from each other, they are simply referred to as "attachment portion 24". The attachment portion 24 has an attachment hole 24h, and a fastening member 29 (for example, a bolt) is attached to the attachment hole 24h. The attachment hole 24h opens in the Z direction. The attachment hole 24h is an insertion hole through which the fastening member 29 passes. In the present embodiment, the base member 11 has an attachment hole 11h at a position corresponding to the attachment hole 24h. The attachment hole 11h opens in the Z direction. For example, the attachment hole 11h has a thread groove on its inner peripheral surface. In the present embodiment, the fastening member 29 passing through the attachment hole 24h of the attachment portion 24 engages with the attachment hole 11h, thereby fixing the first electronic component 20 to the base member 11. The attachment hole 11h may be an attachment hole directly provided in the base member 11, or may be an attachment hole of a joining member (for example, a nut) embedded in the base member 11 by, for example, insert molding or other means.

[0093] <A1.2.2 Second Electronic Component>

[0094] The second electronic component 30 includes, for example, a housing 31, a main body portion 32, a plurality of terminal portions 33, and a plurality of attachment portions 34. For example, the details of the second electronic component 30 are similar to those of the first electronic component 20. Therefore, in the description of the second electronic component 30, the "first electronic component 20", "housing 21", "main body portion 22", "terminal portion 23", "attachment hole 23h", "attachment portion 24", "attachment hole 24h", "fastening member 29", and "+X direction" in the above description of the first electronic component 20 can be respectively replaced with "second electronic component 30", "housing 31", "main body portion 32", "terminal portion 33", "attachment hole 33h", "attachment portion 34", "attachment hole 34h", "fastening member 39", and "-X direction".

[0095] <A1.3 Bus Bar>

[0096] The bus bar 40 is a connecting component included in the electrical connection unit 1. The bus bar 40 is, for example, a connecting component that electrically connects a plurality of electronic components. Alternatively, the bus bar 40 may be a connecting component that connects one electronic component to the outside of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0097] At least a part of the bus bar 40 has a plate shape. In the present embodiment, the entire bus bar 40 has a plate shape. The bus bar 40 is arranged along the base member 11. The bus bar 40 has a flat plate surface 40s. The plate surface 40s of the bus bar 40 is parallel to the plane 11s of the base member 11 throughout the entire length of the bus bar 40. For example, the bus bar 40 is fixed to the base member 11. The bus bar 40 has a plate thickness T3. The plate thickness T3 is the thickness of the bus bar 40 in the Z direction. The bus bar 40 is an example of the "first bus bar".

[0098] Here, an example of the bus bar 40 is described in detail by citing the bus bar 40 that electrically connects the first electronic component 20 and the second electronic component 30. The bus bar 40 includes, for example, a first connection portion 41, a second connection portion 42, and an extension portion 43. In the present embodiment, each of the first connection portion 41, the second connection portion 42, and the extension portion 43 has a plate shape in the X direction and the Y direction.

[0099] (First connection portion)

[0100] The first connection portion 41 is a portion electrically connected to the first electronic component 20. The first connection portion 41 is provided at one end portion of the bus bar 40. The first connection portion 41 has a mounting hole 41h through which a second fastening member 82 (for example, a bolt) passes. The mounting hole 41h opens in the Z direction. In the present embodiment, the first connection portion 41 is arranged away from the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20. For example, the first connection portion 41 is arranged along the base member 11.

[0101] (Second connection portion)

[0102] The second connection portion 42 is a portion electrically connected to the second electronic component 30. The second connection portion 42 is provided at the other end portion of the bus bar 40. The second connection portion 42 has a mounting hole 42h through which a fastening member 92 (for example, a bolt) passes. The mounting hole 42h opens in the Z direction. In the present embodiment, the second connection portion 42 is arranged away from the terminal portion 33 of the second electronic component 30. For example, the second connection portion 42 is arranged along the base member 11.

[0103] (Extension portion)

[0104] The extension portion 43 is provided between the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42. The extension portion 43 extends, for example, in the X direction along the base member 11 and connects the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42. In the present embodiment, the extension portion 43 has a mounting hole 43h through which a fastening member 51 passes. The bus bar 40 is placed on the plane 11s of the base member 11 in a state where the shaft portion of the fastening member 51 passes through the mounting hole 43h. In a state where the shaft portion of the fastening member 51 passes through the mounting hole 43h, a joining member 52 (for example, a nut) is attached to the shaft portion of the fastening member 51 from the +Z direction side, thereby fixing the bus bar 40 to the base member 11.

[0105] <A1.4 Metal component>

[0106] The plurality of metal components 60 and 70 are heat storage components (heat absorption components) that increase the heat capacity of the current-carrying path of the electrical connection unit 1. For example, the plurality of metal components 60 and 70 store (absorb) at least a part of the heat generated by the electronic components 20 and 30. Alternatively / additionally, the plurality of metal components 60 and 70 may store (absorb) at least a part of the heat generated by the bus bar 40 due to energization. Each of the metal components 60 and 70 may be referred to as a "heat storage component" or a "heat absorption component".

[0107] Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of description, the metal component 60 may be referred to as the "first metal component 60". In addition, the metal component 70 may be referred to as the "second metal component 70". Note that instead of including the plurality of metal components 60 and 70, the electrical connection unit 1 may also include only one metal component (for example, only one of the metal components 60 and 70).

[0108] <A1.4.1 First Metal Component>

[0109] The first metal component 60 is disposed between the first electronic component 20 and the bus bar 40. In the present disclosure, the expression "a metal component is disposed between an electronic component and a bus bar" is not limited to the case where a part of the metal component is located between the electronic component and the bus bar when viewed in the X direction or the Y direction. The expression "a metal component is disposed between an electronic component and a bus bar" may also correspond to the case where a part of the metal component is located between the electronic component and the bus bar when viewed in a direction inclined with respect to the X direction or the Y direction. The first metal component 60 electrically connects the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20 and the first connection portion 41 of the bus bar 40. The first metal component 60 includes, for example, a first portion 61 and a second portion 62.

[0110] (First Portion)

[0111] The first portion 61 is a portion connected to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20. The first portion 61 is a relatively thick plate portion along the Y direction and the Z direction. The first portion 61 extends in the Z direction along the end portion on the +X direction side of the first electronic component 20. The first portion 61 is in a posture erected with respect to the support surface 11a (for example, the plane 11s) of the base member 11.

[0112] The first portion 61 is adjacent to the first electronic component 20 in the X direction. For example, the first portion 61 is adjacent to at least a part of the main body portion 22 of the first electronic component 20 in the X direction. The first portion 61 faces the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20 from the +X direction side. The first portion 61 is connected to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20 in the X direction.

[0113] In this embodiment, the first portion 61 has a first mounting hole 61h through which a first fastening member 81 (e.g., a bolt) passes. The first mounting hole 61h is open in the X direction. The first portion 61 has a recess 65 on the +X direction side of the first mounting hole 61h. The recess 65 is a receiving portion that accommodates the head of the first fastening member 81 inserted into the first mounting hole 61h. The first fastening member 81 passing through the first mounting hole 61h engages with the mounting hole 23h of the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20, thereby physically connecting and electrically connecting the first portion 61 to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20.

[0114] (Part Two)

[0115] The second portion 62 is the part that connects to the first connecting portion 41 of the busbar 40. The second portion 62 protrudes in the +X direction from the end of the first portion 61 on the -Z direction side. The second portion 62 is a plate portion along the X and Y directions. The second portion 62 extends along the first connecting portion 41 of the busbar 40 in the X direction. In this embodiment, the first portion 61 and the second portion 62 form an L-shaped first metal component 60.

[0116] The second part 62 is adjacent to the first connecting portion 41 of the busbar 40 in the Z direction. The first part 61 is laterally adjacent to the first connecting portion 41 of the busbar 40 in the +Z direction. The second part 62 is connected to the first connecting portion 41 of the busbar 40 in the Z direction.

[0117] In this embodiment, the second portion 62 has a second mounting hole 62h through which a second fastening member 82 (e.g., a bolt) passes. The second mounting hole 62h is open in the Z direction. The second fastening member 82 passing through the second mounting hole 62h engages with the mounting hole 41h of the first connecting portion 41 of the busbar 40, thereby physically connecting and electrically connecting the second portion 62 to the first connecting portion 41 of the busbar 40.

[0118] (The shape of the first metal component)

[0119] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the first metal component 60 has a thickness greater than the plate thickness T3 of the busbar 40. For example, the thickness T1 of at least a portion of the first metal component 60 in the X direction is greater than the plate thickness T3 of the busbar 40. In this embodiment, the thickness T1 of the first portion 61 of the first metal component 60 in the X direction is greater than the plate thickness T3 of the busbar 40. In this embodiment, the thickness T1 of the first portion 61 is greater than the plate thickness T3 of the busbar 40, and the thickness T1 is the thickness of the first portion 61 in the X direction over its entire width in the Z direction. From another perspective, the thickness T2 of the second portion 62 of the first metal component 60 in the Z direction can be greater than the plate thickness T3 of the busbar 40.

[0120] In this embodiment, the thickness T1 of the first portion 61 of the first metal component 60 in the X direction is greater than the thickness T2 of the second portion 62 of the first metal component 60 in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the first portion 61 has a thickness T1 that is greater than the thickness T2 of the second portion 62 over its entire width in the Z direction.

[0121] In this embodiment, the length direction of the first electronic component 20 is the X direction. The width WA2 of the first metal component 60 in the X direction is, for example, smaller than the width WA1 of the first electronic component 20 in the X direction. For example, when the length direction of the first electronic component 20 is the Y direction, the width of the first metal component 60 in the Y direction is smaller than the width of the first electronic component 20 in the Y direction.

[0122] (Example of the arrangement of the first metal component)

[0123] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the electrical connection unit 1. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the electrical connection unit 1. In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 includes metal components 60A and 60B, which are a plurality of first metal components 60. Metal components 60A and 60B have, for example, the same shape.

[0124] Metal component 60A is arranged correspondingly to half of the first electronic component 20 on the -Y direction side. Metal component 60A is adjacent to and connected to the terminal portion 23A of the first electronic component 20 in the X direction. Conversely, metal component 60B is arranged correspondingly to half of the first electronic component 20 on the +Y direction side. Metal component 60B is adjacent to and connected to the terminal portion 23B of the first electronic component 20 in the X direction.

[0125] In this embodiment, the outer casing 21 has an insulating wall 21a protruding in the +X direction (see...). Figure 2 An insulating wall 21a is disposed at the center of the housing 21 in the Y direction. The insulating wall 21a extends in both the X and Y directions. For example, the insulating wall 21a extends over the entire height of the housing 21 in the Z direction. The insulating wall 21a is disposed between the first terminal portion 23A and the second terminal portion 23B. The insulating wall 21a electrically insulates the first terminal portion 23A from the second terminal portion 23B. In this embodiment, the insulating wall 21a is disposed between the first portion 61 of the metal component 60A and the first portion 61 of the metal component 60B. The insulating wall 21a electrically insulates the first portion 61 of the metal component 60A from the first portion 61 of the metal component 60B.

[0126] Figure 4is a plan view showing the first electronic component 20 and the metal components 60A and 60B. In the present embodiment, the housing 21 of the first electronic component 20 has an end portion 21e1 in the -Y direction and an end portion 21e2 in the +Y direction.

[0127] A part of the metal component 60A protrudes from the end portion 21e1 of the housing 21 of the first electronic component 20 toward the -Y direction side. When viewed in the X direction, a part of the metal component 60A protrudes into a region that does not overlap with the first electronic component 20. As a result, the heat capacity of the metal component 60A increases.

[0128] Similarly, a part of the metal component 60B protrudes from the end portion 21e2 of the housing 21 of the first electronic component 20 toward the +Y direction side. When viewed in the X direction, a part of the metal component 60B protrudes into a region that does not overlap with the first electronic component 20. As a result, the heat capacity of the metal component 60B increases.

[0129] <A1.4.2 Second Metal Component>

[0130] Next, returning to Figure 1 , the second metal component 70 will be described. The second metal component 70 is disposed between the second electronic component 30 and the bus bar 40. The second metal component 70 electrically connects the terminal portion 33 of the second electronic component 30 and the second connection portion 42 of the bus bar 40. The second metal component 70 includes, for example, a first portion 71 and a second portion 72.

[0131] For example, the details of the second metal component 70 are similar to those of the first metal component 60. Therefore, in the description of the second metal component 70, the "first portion 61", "first mounting hole 61h", "second portion 62", "second mounting hole 62h", "first electronic component 20", "main body portion 22", "terminal portion 23", "mounting hole 23h", "first fastening member 81", "second fastening member 82", "first connection portion 41", "mounting hole 41h", and "+X direction" in the above description of the first metal component 60 can be respectively replaced with "first portion 71", "first mounting hole 71h", "second portion 72", "second mounting hole 72h", "second electronic component 30", "main body portion 32", "terminal portion 33", "mounting hole 33h", "first fastening member 91", "second fastening member 92", "second connection portion 42", "mounting hole 42h", and "-X direction".

[0132] In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the second electronic component 30 is the X direction. The width WB2 of the second metal component 70 in the X direction is, for example, smaller than the width WB1 of the second electronic component 30 in the X direction. When the longitudinal direction of the second electronic component 30 is the Y direction, the width of the second metal component 70 in the Y direction is, for example, smaller than the width of the second electronic component 30 in the Y direction.

[0133] <A2. Manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit>

[0134] Next, the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit 1 will be described.

[0135] Figures 5 to 7 is a cross-sectional view for describing the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0136] (First step)

[0137] Figure 5 FIG. shows the first step. In the first step, the first metal component 60 is fixed to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20 using the fastening member 81. As a result, the first assembly SA in which the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60 are integrated is formed.

[0138] For example, the first step is performed as follows. First, the first electronic component 20 is placed on the placement table MP with the mounting hole 23h of the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20 facing the vertical direction. Next, the first metal component 60 is placed on the first electronic component 20 with the first mounting hole 61h of the first metal component 60 facing the vertical direction. The first mounting hole 61h of the first metal component 60 is aligned with the mounting hole 23h of the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20. The first step is performed in a state where the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60 are in the first posture. The first posture is a posture in which the mounting hole 23h and the first mounting hole 61h face the vertical direction.

[0139] Next, the fastening member 81 is inserted into the first mounting hole 61h of the first metal component 60 in the vertical direction. The fastening member 81 passing through the mounting hole 61h of the first metal component 60 engages with the mounting hole 23h of the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20. As a result, the first assembly SA in which the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60 are integrated is formed. The vertical direction is an example of the "first mounting direction".

[0140] Similarly, the second metal component 70 is fixed to the terminal portion 33 of the second electronic component 30 using the fastening member 91. As a result, the second assembly SB in which the second electronic component 30 and the second metal component 70 are integrated is formed.

[0141] (Second step)

[0142] Figure 6 The second step is shown. In the second step, the busbar 40 is secured to the base member 11. This step can be performed before, after, or in parallel with the first step.

[0143] For example, the second step is performed as follows. As described above, for example, the fastening member 51 is pre-fixed to the base member 11. The fastening member 51 protrudes in the vertical direction. The busbar 40 is placed on the base member 11 such that the fastening member 51 is inserted vertically into the mounting hole 43h of the busbar 40. Then, the engaging member 52 (e.g., a nut) is engaged vertically with the upper end of the fastening member 51. As a result, the busbar 40 is fixed to the base member 11. In this embodiment, the busbar 40 is fixed to the base member 11 before the electronic components 20 and 30 are fixed to the base member 11.

[0144] (Step 3)

[0145] Figure 7 The third step is shown. The third step is performed after the first and second steps. In the third step, the first component SA is secured to the first connection portion 41 of the busbar 40 using the second fastening member 82. For example, the first metal component 60 included in the first component SA is secured to the first connection portion 41 of the busbar 40 using the second fastening member 82. As a result, the first electronic component 20 is electrically connected to the busbar 40.

[0146] For example, the third step is performed as follows. First, the orientation of the first component SA is rotated 90 degrees from the first step. That is, the first orientation in which the mounting hole 23h and the first mounting hole 61h are oriented towards the vertical direction is changed (see...). Figure 5 The first mounting hole 61h and the first mounting hole 23h are changed to a second orientation in which the second mounting hole 62h of the first metal part 60 is oriented horizontally and vertically (see [reference]). Figure 7 ).

[0147] In the second posture, the second portion 62 of the first metal component 60 is placed on the first connecting portion 41 of the busbar 40. The second mounting hole 62h of the first metal component 60 is aligned with the mounting hole 41h of the first connecting portion 41 of the busbar 40.

[0148] Next, the second fastening member 82 is inserted vertically into the second mounting hole 62h of the first metal member 60. The second fastening member 82, passing through the second mounting hole 62h of the first metal member 60, engages with the mounting hole 41h of the first connecting portion 41 of the busbar 40. As a result, the first metal member 60 is fixed to the first connecting portion 41 of the busbar 40. That is, the first component SA is fixed to the first connecting portion 41 of the busbar 40. As a result, the first electronic component 20 is electrically connected to the first connecting portion 41 of the busbar 40. In this embodiment, the direction in which the busbar 40 is fixed to the base member 11 is consistent with the direction in which the first component SA is fixed to the busbar 40.

[0149] In the third step, the fastening member 29 can be used to secure the mounting portion 24 of the first electronic component 20 to the base member 11. This operation is performed, for example, as follows: First, align the mounting hole 24h of the mounting portion 24 of the first electronic component 20 with the mounting hole 11h of the base member 11. Next, insert the fastening member 29 vertically into the mounting hole 24h of the first electronic component 20. The fastening member 29, passing through the mounting hole 24h of the first electronic component 20, engages with the mounting hole 11h of the base member 11. As a result, the first electronic component 20 is secured to the base member 11. The operation of securing the first electronic component 20 to the base member 11 using the fastening member 29 can be performed before or after the operation of securing the first metal component 60 to the busbar 40 using the second fastening member 82. In this embodiment, the direction in which the busbar 40 is fixed to the base member 11, the direction in which the first component SA is fixed to the busbar 40, and the direction in which the first electronic component 20 is fixed to the base member 11 are consistent with each other.

[0150] Similarly, the orientation of the second component SB is rotated 90 degrees from the first step. That is, the first orientation in which the mounting hole 33h and the first mounting hole 71h are oriented vertically is changed (see...). Figure 5 The second orientation is changed so that the mounting hole 33h and the first mounting hole 71h face horizontally and the second mounting hole 72h of the second metal part 70 faces vertically (see...). Figure 7 ).

[0151] In the second posture, the second portion 72 of the second metal component 70 is placed on the second connecting portion 42 of the busbar 40. The second mounting hole 72h of the second metal component 70 is aligned with the mounting hole 42h of the second connecting portion 42 of the busbar 40.

[0152] Next, the second fastening member 92 is inserted vertically into the second mounting hole 72h of the second metal member 70. The second fastening member 92 passing through the second mounting hole 72h of the second metal member 70 engages with the mounting hole 42h of the second connecting portion 42 of the bus bar 40. As a result, the second metal member 70 is fixed to the second connecting portion 42 of the bus bar 40. That is, the second assembly SB is fixed to the second connecting portion 42 of the bus bar 40. As a result, the second electronic component 30 and the second connecting portion 42 of the bus bar 40 are electrically connected. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the bus bar 40 is fixed to the base member 11 is the same as the direction in which the second assembly SB is fixed to the bus bar 40.

[0153] In the third step, the mounting portion 34 of the second electronic component 30 can be fixed to the base member 11 using the fastening member 39. For example, the operation is performed as follows. First, the mounting hole 34h of the mounting portion 34 of the second electronic component 30 is aligned with the mounting hole 11h of the base member 11. Next, the fastening member 39 is inserted vertically into the mounting hole 34h of the second electronic component 30. The fastening member 39 passing through the mounting hole 34h of the second electronic component 30 engages with the mounting hole 11h of the base member 11. As a result, the second electronic component 30 is fixed to the base member 11. The operation of fixing the second electronic component 30 to the base member 11 using the fastening member 39 can be performed before or after the operation of fixing the second metal member 70 to the bus bar 40 using the second fastening member 92. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the bus bar 40 is fixed to the base member 11, the direction in which the second assembly SB is fixed to the bus bar 40, and the direction in which the second electronic component 30 is fixed to the base member 11 are the same as each other.

[0154] <A3. Function of the Invention>

[0155] Next, the function of the electrical connection unit 1 in the present invention will be described.

[0156] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view for describing the function of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0157] When the first electronic component 20 is powered on, the main body portion 22 of the first electronic component 20 generates heat, and the terminal portion 23 connected to the main body portion 22 becomes hot. A part of the heat of the terminal portion 23 (identified by the arrow HE in Figure 8 is transferred to the metal member 60. A part of the heat transferred to the metal member 60 is dissipated from the metal member 60 to the inside of the housing 10. Another part of the heat transferred to the metal member 60 is transferred from the metal member 60 to the bus bar 40. A part of the heat transferred to the bus bar 40 is dissipated from the bus bar 40 to the inside of the housing 10.

[0158] Here, when a short-term large current flows through the first electronic component 20 and the main body portion 22 of the first electronic component generates heat, the terminal portion 23 connected to the main body portion 22 will generate heat. In the present embodiment, at a position adjacent to the terminal portion 23, there is a metal component 60 having a heat capacity per unit length greater than that of the bus bar 40. Therefore, a part of the heat of the terminal portion 23 is stored (absorbed) by the metal component 60. As a result, even when a short-term large current flows through the first electronic component 20, excessive heat can be suppressed from moving to the bus bar 40 and other electronic components 30. The function of the present invention is also applicable to the metal component 70.

[0159] <A4. Advantages>

[0160] <A4.1 Advantages of the heat storage component (heat absorption component)>

[0161] In the present embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 includes a bus bar 40 and a first metal component 60. At least a part of the bus bar 40 has a plate shape. The first metal component 60 is disposed between the bus bar 40 and the first electronic component 20. The first metal component 60 electrically connects the bus bar 40 and the first electronic component 20. The thickness of at least a part of the first metal component 60 is greater than the plate thickness T3 of the bus bar 40.

[0162] According to such a configuration, the heat capacity per unit length of the first metal component 60 is greater than the heat capacity per unit length of the bus bar 40. Therefore, even when a short-term large current flows through the first electronic component 20 and the first electronic component 20 generates heat, a part of the heat generated by the first electronic component 20 is stored by the metal component 60. As a result, the temperature change inside the electrical connection unit 1 can be suppressed. As a result, the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1 can be improved.

[0163] In the present embodiment, the first metal component 60 is connected to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20 in the X direction by a first fastening component 81. According to such a configuration, the metal component 60 firmly fixed to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20 by the first fastening component 81 can be used to store a part of the heat generated by the first electronic component 20. As a result, the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1 can be further improved.

[0164] In the present embodiment, the first metal component 60 is connected to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20 in the X direction. The thickness T1 of at least a part of the first metal component 60 in the X direction is greater than the plate thickness T3 of the bus bar 40. According to such a configuration, in the first electronic component 20, a metal portion having a large heat capacity is disposed near the terminal portion 23 that is likely to get hot, and heat is more easily transferred from the terminal portion 23 to the first metal component 60. As a result, the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1 can be further improved.

[0165] In this embodiment, the first metal component 60 has: a first portion 61 connected in the X direction to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20; and a second portion 62 protruding from the first portion 61 and connected in the Z direction to the busbar 40. With this configuration, the direction in which the busbar 40 is fixed to the base member 11 can be aligned with the direction in which the first metal component 60 is fixed to the busbar 40. Therefore, the assemblability of the electrical connection unit 1 can be improved.

[0166] In this embodiment, the thickness T1 in the X direction of the first portion 61 of the first metal component 60 is greater than the thickness T2 in the Z direction of the second portion 62 of the first metal component 60. With this configuration, a larger heat capacity can be ensured through the first portion 61 of the first metal component 60. As a result, the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1 can be further improved.

[0167] In this embodiment, the busbar 40 includes a first connecting portion 41 arranged along the base member 11. The first metal member 60 has: a first portion 61 connected to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20 in an upright position relative to the base member 11; and a second portion 62 connected to the first connecting portion 41 of the busbar 40. With this configuration, the first portion 61 can be easily made larger, and the heat capacity of the first portion 61 can be easily ensured. With the above configuration, a busbar 40 having a first connecting portion 41 arranged along the base member 11 can be used. As a result, the shape of the busbar 40 can be simplified. As a result, the cost of the electrical connection unit 1 can be reduced.

[0168] <4.2A Advantages of Connecting Components>

[0169] In this embodiment, when the first metal component 60 is fixed to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20 using the first fastening member 81, a first assembly SA integrating the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60 is formed. Then, after forming the first assembly SA, the first metal component 60 included in the first assembly SA is fixed to the busbar 40 using the second fastening member 82, thereby electrically connecting the first electronic component 20 to the busbar 40. With this configuration, the first assembly SA integrating the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60 is first formed. Therefore, the assemblability of the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60 to the busbar 40 can be improved. Therefore, the assemblability of the electrical connection unit 1 can be improved.

[0170] Furthermore, according to the above structure, since the first metal component 60 can form an upright energized portion in the housing 10, it is easy to use a busbar 40 with a simple shape (e.g., a plate-shaped busbar 40 with fewer bends). Therefore, the assemblability of the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60 to the busbar 40 can be improved.

[0171] Furthermore, according to the above structure, since the first metal component 60 can form an upright energized portion within the housing 10, the number of bends in the busbar 40 can be reduced. Here, to suppress self-heating of the busbar, the busbar 40, corresponding to high current, has a large cross-sectional area, and the bending processing cost tends to increase. Therefore, if the number of bends in the busbar 40 can be reduced, the cost of the electrical connection unit 1 can be lowered.

[0172] In this embodiment, the width of the first metal component 60 in the longitudinal direction of the first electronic component 20 is smaller than the width of the first electronic component 20 in the longitudinal direction. With this configuration, when the first component SA is formed by fixing the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60, the relatively small size of the first component SA improves the assemblability relative to the busbar 40 pre-integrated with the base component 11. As a result, the assemblability of the electrical connection unit 1 can be further improved.

[0173] In this embodiment, with the busbar 40 fixed to the insulating base member 11, the first component SA is secured to the busbar 40 using the second fastening member 82. With this configuration, since the busbar 40 is pre-fixed to the base member 11, the assemblability of the first component SA relative to the base member 11 and the busbar 40 can be improved. As a result, the assemblability of the electrical connection unit 1 can be further improved.

[0174] In this embodiment, when the first metal component 60 is in a first orientation, the first fastening component 81 is used to fix the first metal component 60 to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20. When the first metal component 60 is in a second orientation different from the first orientation, the second fastening component 82 is used to fix the first metal component 60, which is included in the first assembly SA, to the busbar 40. With this configuration, by changing the orientation of the first metal component 60, it is possible to perform fixing using the first fastening component 81 and fixing using the second fastening component 82 in a more suitable orientation. As a result, the assemblability of the electrical connection unit 1 can be further improved.

[0175] In this embodiment, the first metal component 60 has a first mounting hole 61h and a second mounting hole 62h. The first fastening component 81 is inserted into the first mounting hole 61h, and the second fastening component 82 is inserted into the second mounting hole 62h. The first posture is the posture in which the first mounting hole 61h faces the first mounting direction (e.g., the vertical direction). The second posture is the posture in which the first mounting hole 61h faces a direction different from the first mounting direction and the second mounting hole 62h faces the first mounting direction (Z direction). With such a configuration, it is possible to make the direction of fixing the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60 using the first fastening component 81 consistent with the direction of fixing the first metal component 60 and the bus bar 40 using the second fastening component 82. As a result, the operability can be improved, and the assembling property of the electrical connection unit 1 can be further improved.

[0176] <A5. Variant example>

[0177] Next, several variant examples will be described. Note that, in each variant example, the configuration other than the following configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0178] <A5.1 First variant example>

[0179] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection unit 1 showing the first variant example. In the first variant example, the bus bar 40 includes an extension portion 45 and an extension portion 46. The extension portion 45 extends in the -X direction beyond the first connection portion 41. When viewed in the Z direction, the extension portion 45 overlaps with the first portion 61 of the first metal component 60. On the other hand, the extension portion 46 extends in the +X direction beyond the second connection portion 42. When viewed in the Z direction, the extension portion 46 overlaps with the first portion 71 of the second metal component 70. The extension portion 45 and the extension portion 46 have a plate shape along the X direction and the Y direction.

[0180] With such a configuration, the heat capacity and the heat dissipation area of the bus bar 40 are increased by the extension portions 45 and 46. As a result, the temperature change inside the electrical connection unit 1 can be further suppressed, and the heat dissipation property of the electrical connection unit 1 can be improved.

[0181] <A5.2 Second variant example>

[0182] Figure 10This is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection unit 1 showing a second modification. In the second modification, the bus bar 40 includes an extension portion 47 and an extension portion 48. The extension portion 47 extends in the -X direction beyond the extension portion 45. When viewed in the Z direction, the extension portion 47 overlaps with the first electronic component 20. The extension portion 47 extends in the X direction between the first electronic component 20 and the base member 11. On the other hand, the extension portion 48 extends in the +X direction beyond the extension portion 46. When viewed in the Z direction, the extension portion 48 overlaps with the second electronic component 30. The extension portion 48 extends in the X direction between the second electronic component 30 and the base member 11. The extension portion 47 and the extension portion 48 have a plate shape along the X and Y directions.

[0183] According to such a configuration, the heat capacity and the heat dissipation area of the bus bar 40 are increased by the extension portion 47 or the extension portion 48. Here, for example, by providing the first metal component 60, it is not necessary to bend the bus bar 40 according to the first electronic component 20. Therefore, a part of the bus bar 40 can extend, for example, between the first electronic component 20 and the base member 11. As a result, the rapid temperature change inside the electrical connection unit 1 can be further suppressed, and the heat dissipation performance of the electrical connection unit 1 can be further improved.

[0184] Note that the heat transfer component 150 can be provided between the first electronic component 20 and the extension portion 47. The heat transfer component 150 transfers a part of the heat generated by the first electronic component 20 to the extension portion 47. A part of the heat transferred to the extension portion 47 is dissipated through the base member 11. Similarly, the heat transfer component 150 can be provided between the second electronic component 30 and the extension portion 48. A part of the heat transferred to the extension portion 48 is dissipated through the base member 11. The heat transfer component 150 transfers a part of the heat generated by the second electronic component 30 to the extension portion 48. The heat transfer component 150 is, for example, a resin component having excellent thermal conductivity. Therefore, the heat dissipation performance of the electrical connection unit 1 can be further improved.

[0185] <A5.3 Third Modification>

[0186] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection unit 1 showing a third modification. In the third modification, in addition to the first part 61 and the second part 62, the first metal component 60 further includes a third part 63. In addition to the first part 71 and the second part 72, the second metal component 70 further includes a third part 73. The third part 73 has the same shape as the third part 63 of the first metal component 60. Therefore, the third part 63 of the first metal component 60 will be described below.

[0187] Figure 12It is a perspective view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1 of the third modification example. The third part 63 is a standing wall (side wall) erected on the sides of the fastening members 81 and 82. For example, the first metal member 60 has the third part 63 at both end portions in the Y direction of the first metal member 60. The third part 63 is a wall along the X direction and the Y direction. The third part 63 is connected to the first part 61 and is also connected to the second part 62. For example, the third part 63 extends obliquely in a manner of expanding in the +X direction while extending in the -Z direction.

[0188] According to such a configuration, the heat capacity and the heat dissipation area of the first metal member 60 are increased by the third part 63. As a result, the temperature change inside the electrical connection unit 1 can be further suppressed, and the heat dissipation performance of the electrical connection unit 1 can be further improved. Instead of being provided at both end portions in the Y direction of the first metal member 60, the third part 63 may also be provided at one end portion in the Y direction of the first metal member 60.

[0189] (Second Embodiment)

[0190] Next, the second embodiment will be described. The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the first fastening member 81 is attached in the Z direction. The configuration other than the configuration described below is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the Z direction is an example of the "first direction". The X direction is an example of the "second direction".

[0191] <B1. Structure of Electrical Connection Unit>

[0192] Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1 of the second embodiment. The electrical connection unit 1 includes, for example, an electronic component 20, a plurality of bus bars 40, and a plurality of metal members 100.

[0193] <B1.1 Electronic Component>

[0194] The electronic component 20 includes, for example, a main body portion 22 and a plurality of terminal portions 23 (first terminal portion 23A and second terminal portion 23B). The main body portion 22 has, for example, a columnar shape with an axis in the X direction. The plurality of terminal portions 23 are respectively provided on both end sides in the X direction of the main body portion 22. For example, the first terminal portion 23A extends in the +X direction from the end portion in the +X direction of the main body portion 22. The second terminal portion 23B extends in the -X direction from the end portion in the -X direction of the main body portion 22. Each of the first terminal portion 23A and the second terminal portion 23B has a mounting hole 23h. The mounting hole 23h opens in the Z direction.

[0195] <B1.2 Bus Bar>

[0196] A plurality of bus bars 40 are arranged separately in the X direction of the electronic component 20. The plurality of bus bars 40 include a first bus bar 40A and a second bus bar 40B. The first bus bar 40A is arranged on the +X direction side of the electronic component 20. The second bus bar 40B is arranged on the -X direction side of the electronic component 20.

[0197] <B1.3 Metal component>

[0198] The plurality of metal components 100 are heat storage components (heat absorption components) that increase the heat capacity of the current-carrying path of the electrical connection unit 1. For example, the plurality of metal components 100 store (absorb) at least a part of the heat generated by the electronic component 20. Alternatively / Addition ally, the plurality of metal components 100 may store (absorb) at least a part of the heat generated by the bus bar 40 due to energization. The plurality of metal components 100 include a first metal component 100A and a second metal component 100B.

[0199] <B1.3.1 First metal component>

[0200] The first metal component 100A is arranged between the electronic component 20 and the first bus bar 40A. The first metal component 100A electrically connects the terminal portion 23A of the electronic component 20 to the first connection portion 41 of the first bus bar 40A. The first metal component 100A includes, for example, a first portion 101, a second portion 102, and a third portion 103.

[0201] (First portion)

[0202] The first portion 101 is a portion connected to the terminal portion 23A of the electronic component 20. The first portion 101 is a rectangular parallelepiped metal portion. The first portion 101 extends in the Z direction. The first portion 101 is adjacent to at least a part of the main body portion 22 of the electronic component 20 in the X direction. The first portion 101 faces the terminal portion 23A of the electronic component 20 from the +Z direction side. The terminal portion 23A of the electronic component 20 is connected to the first portion 101 in the Z direction.

[0203] In the present embodiment, the first portion 101 has a first mounting hole 101h, and a first fastening member 81 (for example, a bolt) engages with the first mounting hole 101h. The first mounting hole 101h opens in the Z direction. The first fastening member 81 passing through the mounting hole 23h of the terminal portion 23A of the electronic component 20 engages with the first mounting hole 101h of the first portion 101, thereby physically connecting and electrically connecting the first portion 61 to the terminal portion 23A of the electronic component 20.

[0204] (Second portion)

[0205] The second portion 102 is a portion connected to the first connecting portion 41 of the first busbar 40A. The second portion 102 protrudes in the +X direction from the end of the first portion 101 on the -Z direction side. The second portion 102 is a plate portion along the X and Y directions. The second portion 102 extends in the X direction along the first connecting portion 41 of the first busbar 40A. In this embodiment, the first portion 101 and the second portion 102 form an L-shaped metal component.

[0206] The second part 102 is adjacent to the first connecting portion 41 of the first busbar 40A in the Z direction. The second part 102 is laterally opposite the first connecting portion 41 of the first busbar 40A in the +Z direction. The second part 102 is connected to the first connecting portion 41 of the first busbar 40A in the Z direction.

[0207] In this embodiment, the second portion 102 has a second mounting hole 102h through which a second fastening member 82 (e.g., a bolt) passes. The second mounting hole 102h is open in the Z direction. The second fastening member 82 passing through the second mounting hole 102h engages with the mounting hole 41h of the first connecting portion 41 of the first busbar 40A, thereby physically and electrically connecting the second portion 102 to the first connecting portion 41 of the busbar 40.

[0208] (Part Three)

[0209] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the electrical connection unit 1 according to the second embodiment. The third portion 103 is an upright wall (side wall) erected on the side of the second fastening member 82. For example, the first metal member 100A has the third portion 103 at both ends in the Y direction of the first metal member 100A. The third portion 103 is a wall along the X and Y directions. The third portion 103 is connected to the first portion 101 and also to the second portion 102. For example, the third portion 103 extends obliquely in a manner that extends in the -Z direction while expanding in the +X direction.

[0210] (The shape of the first metal component)

[0211] Back Figure 13, the shape of the first metal component 100A will be described. In this embodiment, the thickness of at least a part of the first metal component 100A is greater than the plate thickness T3 of the first bus bar 40A. For example, the thickness T11 of at least a part of the first metal component 100A in the Z direction is greater than the plate thickness T3 of the first bus bar 40A. In this embodiment, the thickness T11 of the first part 101 of the first metal component 100A in the Z direction is greater than the thickness T12 of the second part 102 of the first metal component 100A in the Z direction. From another perspective, the thickness T13 of the first part 101 of the first metal component 100A in the X direction is greater than the plate thickness T3 of the first bus bar 40A. From another perspective, the thickness T12 of the second part 102 of the first metal component 100A in the Z direction can be greater than the plate thickness T3 of the bus bar 40.

[0212] In this embodiment, the length direction of the electronic component 20 is the X direction. The width WA2 of the first metal component 100A in the X direction is, for example, smaller than the width WA1 of the electronic component 20 in the X direction. For example, when the length direction of the first electronic component 20 is the Y direction, the width of the first metal component 100A in the Y direction is smaller than the width of the electronic component 20 in the Y direction.

[0213] <B1.3.2 Second Metal Component>

[0214] Next, the second metal component 100B will be described. The second metal component 100B is arranged between the electronic component 20 and the second bus bar 40B. The second metal component 100B electrically connects the terminal portion 33B of the electronic component 30 to the first connection portion 41 of the second bus bar 40B. Similar to the first metal component 100A, the second metal component 100B includes a first part 101, a second part 102, and a third part 103.

[0215] The details of the second metal component 100B are, for example, similar to the details of the first metal component 100A. Therefore, in the description of the second metal component 100B, the "terminal portion 23A", "first bus bar 40A", and "+X direction" in the above description of the first metal component 100A can be replaced with "terminal portion 23B", "second bus bar 40B", and "-X direction", respectively.

[0216] <B2. Manufacturing Method of Electrical Connection Unit>

[0217] Next, the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit 1 of the second embodiment will be described.

[0218] Figure 15 and Figure 16 are cross-sectional views for describing the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit 1 of the second embodiment.

[0219] (First Step)

[0220] Figure 15 The first step is shown. In the first step, the terminal portion 23A of the electronic component 20 is fixed to the first metal component 100A using the fastening member 81, and the terminal portion 23B of the electronic component 20 is fixed to the second metal component 100B using the fastening member 81. As a result, an assembly SC in which the electronic component 20, the first metal component 100A, and the second metal component 100B are integrated is formed.

[0221] For example, the first step is performed as follows. First, the first metal component 100A is placed on the placement stage MP with the first mounting hole 101h of the first metal component 100A facing the vertical direction. Next, with the mounting hole 23h of the terminal portion 23A of the electronic component 20 facing the vertical direction in the first orientation, the terminal portion 23A of the electronic component 20 is placed on the first portion 101 of the first metal component 100A. Then, the mounting hole 23h of the electronic component 20 is aligned with the first mounting hole 101h of the first metal component 100A.

[0222] Next, the fastening member 81 is inserted vertically into the mounting hole 23h of the electronic component 20. Then, the fastening member 81, passing through the mounting hole 23h of the electronic component 20, is engaged with the first mounting hole 101h of the first metal component 100A. As a result, the first metal component 100A is fixed to the electronic component 20. Following the same process, the second terminal portion 23B of the electronic component 20 is fixed to the second metal component 100B. As a result, an assembly SC in which the electronic component 20, the first metal component 100A, and the second metal component 100B are integrated is formed.

[0223] (Second step)

[0224] In the second step, the first busbar 40A and the second busbar 40B are fixed to the base member 11. Since the second step is the same as in the first embodiment, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0225] (Step 3)

[0226] Figure 16The third step is shown. The third step is carried out after the first step and the second step. In the third step, the component SC is fixed to the first bus bar 40A and the second bus bar 40B using the second fastening member 82. For example, the second fastening member 82 is attached in the vertical direction, and the first metal member 100A of the component SC is fixed to the first connection portion 41 of the first bus bar 40A. As a result, the electronic component 20 is electrically connected to the first bus bar 40A. Similarly, the second fastening member 82 is attached in the vertical direction, and the second metal member 100B of the component SC is fixed to the first connection portion 41 of the second bus bar 40B. As a result, the electronic component 20 is electrically connected to the second bus bar 40B.

[0227] <B3. Advantages>

[0228] In the present embodiment, the first metal member 100A includes a first portion 101 and a second portion 102. The first portion 101 is connected to the terminal portion 23A of the electronic component 20 in the Z direction. The second portion 102 protrudes from the first portion 101 in the X direction, is adjacent to the first bus bar 40A in the Z direction, and is connected to the first bus bar 40A. The thickness T11 of the first portion 101 in the Z direction is greater than the plate thickness T3 of the first bus bar 40A. According to such a configuration, the occurrence of rapid temperature changes inside the electrical connection unit 1 can be suppressed. As a result, the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1 can be improved.

[0229] In the present embodiment, the first fastening member 81 fixes the terminal portion 23A of the electronic component 20 to the first metal member 100A in the Z direction. The second fastening member 82 fixes the first metal member 100A to the first bus bar 40A in the Z direction. According to such a configuration, the direction in which the first fastening member 81 fixes the electronic component 20 and the first metal member 100A can be made the same as the direction in which the second fastening member 82 fixes the first metal member 100A and the first bus bar 40A. Therefore, the operability is improved, and the assembling property of the electrical connection unit 1 can be enhanced.

[0230] (Third Embodiment)

[0231] Next, the third embodiment will be described. The difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment is that the connection target component is the bus bar 201. The configuration other than that described below is the same as the configuration of the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the Z direction is an example of the "first direction".

[0232] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1 of the third embodiment. In the present embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 includes a bus bar 40, a metal member 100, and a bus bar 201. The bus bar 201 is an example of the "connection target component".

[0233] A metal component 100 is disposed between busbar 201 and busbar 40. Busbar 201 is laterally positioned opposite the first portion 101 of metal component 100 in the +Z direction. Busbar 201 has a mounting hole 201h. The mounting hole 201h is open in the Z direction. The mounting hole 201h of busbar 201 is arranged correspondingly to the mounting hole 101h of metal component 100. A first fastening member 81, passing through the mounting hole 201h of busbar 201 in the vertical direction, engages with the mounting hole 101h of metal component 100, thereby securing busbar 201 and metal component 100 together. Metal component 100 electrically connects busbar 201 and busbar 40.

[0234] With this configuration, a portion of the heat generated at the busbar 201 or at the connection destination of the busbar 201 can be stored (absorbed) by the metal component 100. As a result, the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1 can be improved.

[0235] Several embodiments and modifications have been described above. However, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the examples described above. For example, two or more of the above embodiments or modifications can be combined with each other. Furthermore, the above embodiments and modifications are merely examples. The electrical connection unit 1 is not limited to a structure including all the above dimensional relationships, and may have a structure including only a portion of the above dimensional relationships. In addition, when the function of metal parts 60 and 70 as connecting parts (for improving assemblability) is of concern, metal parts 60 and 70 are not necessarily limited to parts with heat storage capacity. For example, an L-shaped thin metal plate (metal part) can be used instead of metal parts 60 and 70.

[0236] [Industrial Applicability]

[0237] According to this disclosure, the assemblability of electrical connection units can be improved.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an electrical connection unit, the method comprising: The metal component is secured to the connecting component using a first fastening component to form an assembly in which the connecting component and the metal component are integrated. as well as After the assembly is formed, the metal component included in the assembly is fixed to the busbar by using a second fastening component, thereby electrically connecting the connection object component to the busbar.

2. The method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to claim 1, in, The connection component is an electronic component with terminals, and The metal component is fixed to the terminal portion of the electronic component using the first fastening component.

3. The method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to claim 2, wherein, The width of the metal component in the length direction of the electronic component is smaller than the width of the electronic component in the length direction.

4. The method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, With the busbar fixed to a support member having insulating properties, the metal component is fixed to the busbar using the second fastening member.

5. The method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, With the connecting object component and the metal component in a first posture, the metal component is secured to the connecting object component using the first fastening component, and... When the connecting object component and the metal component are in a second posture different from the first posture, the metal component included in the assembly is fixed to the busbar using the second fastening component.

6. The method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to claim 5, in, The metal component includes a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole. The first mounting hole is for insertion of the first fastening component, and the second mounting hole opens in a direction different from the first mounting hole and is for insertion of the second fastening component. Wherein, the first posture is the posture in which the first mounting hole faces the first mounting direction, and The second posture is the posture in which the first mounting hole faces a direction different from the first mounting direction and the second mounting hole faces the first mounting direction.

7. The method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to claim 2 or 3, in, The first fastening member secures the terminal portion to the metal component in the first mounting direction, and The second fastening component secures the metal component to the busbar in the first mounting direction.

8. A metal component for use in an electrical connection unit, the metal component comprising: The first part is secured to the electronic component using a first fastening component; as well as In the second part, after integrating the electronic component with the metal component using the first fastening component, the second part is secured to the busbar using a second fastening component. The electronic component is electrically connected to the busbar, and Wherein, the width of the metal component in the length direction of the electronic component is smaller than the width of the electronic component in the length direction.

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