Method for manufacturing electrical connection unit and metal component

Abstract

To provide a method for manufacturing an electrical connection unit and a metal component capable of improving assemblability.SOLUTION: A method for manufacturing an electrical connection unit according to one embodiment sequentially includes: fixing a metal component to a connection target component using a first fastening member to form an assembly in which the connection target component and the metal component are integrated; and electrically connecting the connection target component and a bus bar by fixing the metal component included in the assembly to the bus bar using a second fastening member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for manufacturing an electrical connection unit and a metal part. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art An electrical connection unit including an electronic component and a bus bar connected to the electronic component is used as one type of in-vehicle device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 059767 [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-093711 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is expected that the assembly of the electrical connection unit will be improved.

[0005] One embodiment provides a method for manufacturing an electrical connection unit and a metal part that can improve assembly efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing an electrical connection unit includes using a first fastening member to fasten a metal component to a component to be connected to form an assembly in which the component to be connected and the metal component are integrated, and after forming the assembly, using a second fastening member to fasten the metal component included in the assembly to a bus bar, thereby electrically connecting the component to be connected to the bus bar.

[0007] In one embodiment, the metal component is a metal component used in an electrical connection unit. The metal component has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is fixed to an electronic component using a first fastening member. The second portion is fixed to a bus bar using a second fastening member after the electronic component and the metal component are integrated using the first fastening member. The metal component electrically connects the electronic component and the bus bar. 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. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment, the assembly of the electrical connection unit can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a first electronic component and a metal component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrical connection unit according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrical connection unit according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrical connection unit according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of an electrical connection unit according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the electrical connection unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of the electrical connection unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of an electrical connection unit according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be assigned the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of these components may be omitted. In this disclosure, terms are defined as follows: "Connection" is not limited to mechanical connection, but may also include electrical connection. That is, "connection" is not limited to direct connection between two elements to be connected, but may also include connection between two elements via another element interposed therebetween. "Parallel," "orthogonal," or "same" may include "substantially parallel," "substantially orthogonal," or "substantially the same," respectively.

[0011] 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 to be described later toward the first metal component 60 (see FIG. 1). The -X direction is the direction opposite to the +X direction. Hereinafter, when the +X direction and the -X direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "X direction". The +Y direction is the direction from the first terminal portion 23A to the second terminal portion 23B of the first electronic component 20 (see FIG. 3). The -Y direction is the direction opposite to the +Y direction. Hereinafter, when the +Y direction and the -Y direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Y direction". The +Z direction is the direction from the base member 11 to be described later toward the bus bar 40 (see FIG. 1). The -Z direction is the direction opposite to the +Z direction. Hereinafter, when the +Z direction and the -Z direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Z direction".

[0012] (First Embodiment) 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".

[0013] <A1. Configuration of Electrical Connection Unit> FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit 1 of the first embodiment. The electrical connection unit 1 is used in a vehicle such as an EV (Electric Vehicle), HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), for example. The electrical connection unit 1 is a component called, for example, an electrical connection box or a junction box.

[0014] FIG. 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, 30, a plurality of bus bars 40 (only one is shown in FIG. 1), and a plurality of metal components 60, 70.

[0015] <A1.1 Housing> The housing 10 is an outer shell member that forms the outer shape of the electrical connection unit 1. The housing 10 houses a plurality of electronic components 20, 30, a plurality of bus bars 40, and a plurality of metal components 60, 70. The housing 10 has, for example, a base member 11 and a cover member 12.

[0016] The base member 11 is, for example, a member that forms the bottom of the housing 10. The base member 11 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has insulating properties. The base member 11 has a support surface 11a exposed inside the housing 10. At least a part of the support surface 11a has a plane 11s along the X direction and the Y direction.

[0017] In the present embodiment, a plurality of fastening members 51 (for example, screws) are fixed to the base member 11. For example, the fastening members 51 are fixed to the base member 11 by insert molding in 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 plane 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 threads. Note that the fastening members 51 may be fixed to the base member 11 by means different from insert molding. In the present embodiment, a plurality of bus bars 40 described later are fixed to the base member 11. The base member 11 is an example of a "support".

[0018] The cover member 12 is, for example, a member that forms the lid portion of the housing 10. 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 insulating properties. The bus bar 40 may be fixed to the cover member 12 instead of the base member 11. The cover member 12 is another example of a "support".

[0019] <A1.2 Electronic Components> The plurality of electronic components 20, 30 are electronic components mounted according to the functions or applications required for the electrical connection unit 1. The electronic components 20, 30 are, for example, connectors, fuses, relays (e.g., mechanical relays or semiconductor relays), capacitors, branching components, electronic control units, or electronic component units formed by unitizing two or more of these. Note that the types of the electronic components 20, 30 are not limited to the above examples. The electronic component 20 and the electronic component 30 may be of the same type or different types. The electronic components 20, 30 are, for example, heat-generating components that generate heat when energized.

[0020] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the electronic component 20 may be referred to as the "first electronic component 20". Also, the electronic component 30 may be referred to as the "second electronic component 30". Note that instead of having a plurality of electronic components 20, 30, the electrical connection unit 1 may have only one electronic component (e.g., only one of the electronic components 20, 30). The first electronic component 20 is an example of a "component to be connected". The second electronic component 30 is another example of a "component to be connected".

[0021] <A1.2.1 First Electronic Component> The first electronic component 20 has, for example, a case 21, a main body portion 22, a plurality of terminal portions 23 (see FIG. 3), and a plurality of mounting portions 24 (see FIG. 4).

[0022] (Case) The case 21 is an outer member that forms most of the outer shape of the first electronic component 20. The case 21 is, for example, made of synthetic resin and has insulating properties. The case 21 houses the main body portion 22. Note that the case 21 and the main body portion 22 may be integrally formed.

[0023] (Main Body Portion) The main body 22 is a part that performs the main function of the first electronic component 20. For example, if the first electronic component 20 is a relay, the main body 22 includes a switching part (e.g., a contact part) that switches between a conductive state and a non-conductive state. For example, if the first electronic component 20 is a fuse, the main body 22 includes a fusing part that melts when an overcurrent flows. For example, if the first electronic component 20 is a capacitor, the main body 22 includes a part that stores electric charge.

[0024] (terminal part) The terminal portion 23 is an electrical connection portion exposed to the outside of the case 21. The terminal portion 23 is electrically connected to the main body portion 22 inside the case 21. In this embodiment, the first electronic component 20 includes a first terminal portion 23A and a second terminal portion 23B as the multiple terminal portions 23 (see FIG. 3). One of the first terminal portion 23A and the second terminal portion 23B is a positive terminal portion. The other of the first terminal portion 23A and the second terminal portion 23B is a negative terminal portion. The terminal portions 23 are arranged at a position away from the support surface 11a of the base member 11.

[0025] In this embodiment, the first terminal portion 23A and the second terminal portion 23B are provided at an end portion 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 FIG. 3). Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first terminal portion 23A and the second terminal portion 23B, they will be simply referred to as "terminal portion 23." The terminal portion 23 has a mounting hole 23h to which a first fastening member 81 (e.g., a screw) described below is attached. The mounting hole 23h opens in the X direction. For example, the mounting hole 23h has a thread groove on its inner circumferential surface. The terminal portion 23 may also be referred to as a "fastening portion."

[0026] (Mounting part) The mounting portion 24 is a portion for fixing the first electronic component 20. For example, the mounting portion 24 is a portion for fixing the first electronic component 20 to the base member 11. In the present embodiment, the first electronic component 20 includes a first mounting portion 24A and a second mounting portion 24B as a plurality of mounting portions 24 (see FIG. 4). The first mounting portion 24A and the second mounting portion 24B are arranged separately on both sides in the Y direction of the case 21. For example, the first mounting portion 24A protrudes from the case 21 in the -Y direction. The second mounting portion 24B protrudes from the case 21 in the +Y direction.

[0027] Hereinafter, when the first mounting portion 24A and the second mounting portion 24B are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as "mounting portion 24". The mounting portion 24 has a mounting hole 24h to which a fastening member 29 (for example, a screw) is attached. The mounting hole 24h opens in the Z direction. The mounting hole 24h is an insertion hole through which the fastening member 29 passes. In the present embodiment, the base member 11 has a mounting hole 11h at a position corresponding to the mounting hole 24h. The mounting hole 11h opens in the Z direction. For example, the mounting hole 11h has a screw groove on its inner peripheral surface. In the present embodiment, the first electronic component 20 is fixed to the base member 11 by engaging the fastening member 29 passed through the mounting hole 24h of the mounting portion 24 with the mounting hole 11h. Note that the mounting hole 11h may be a mounting hole provided directly in the base member 11, or may be a mounting hole of an engaging member (for example, a nut) embedded in the base member 11 by insert molding or other means.

[0028] <A1.2.2 Second Electronic Component> The second electronic component 30 has, for example, a case 31, a main body 32, a plurality of terminals 33, and a plurality of mounting portions 34. Details of the second electronic component 30 are similar to those of the first electronic component 20, for example. Therefore, in the description of the second electronic component 30, the terms "first electronic component 20," "case 21," "main body 22," "terminals 23," "mounting holes 23h," "mounting portions 24," "mounting holes 24h," "fastening members 29," and "+X direction" in the above description of the first electronic component 20 can be read as "second electronic component 30," "case 31," "main body 32," "terminals 33," "mounting holes 33h," "mounting portions 34," "mounting holes 34h," "fastening members 39," and "-X direction," respectively.

[0029] <A1.3 バスバー> The bus bar 40 is a connection member included in the electrical connection unit 1. The bus bar 40 is, for example, a connection member that electrically connects a plurality of electronic components. Alternatively, the bus bar 40 may be a connection member that connects a single electronic component to the outside of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0030] At least a portion of the busbar 40 is plate-shaped. In this embodiment, the busbar 40 is plate-shaped throughout the entire busbar 40. The busbar 40 is arranged along the base member 11. The busbar 40 has a planar plate surface 40s. The plate surface 40s of the busbar 40 is parallel to the plane 11s of the base member 11 over the entire length of the busbar 40. The busbar 40 is fixed to the base member 11, for example. The busbar 40 has a plate thickness T3. The plate thickness T3 is the thickness of the busbar 40 in the Z direction. The busbar 40 is an example of a "first busbar."

[0031] Here, an example of the busbar 40 will be described in detail, focusing on a busbar 40 that electrically connects the first electronic component 20 and the second electronic component 30. The busbar 40 has, for example, a first connection portion 41, a second connection portion 42, and an extension portion 43. In this embodiment, the first connection portion 41, the second connection portion 42, and the extension portion 43 are each plate-shaped and extend along the X and Y directions.

[0032] (First connection part) The first connection part 41 is a part that is electrically connected to the first electronic component 20. The first connection part 41 is provided at one end of the bus bar 40. The first connection part 41 has a mounting hole 41h through which a second fastening member 82 (for example, a screw) is passed. The mounting hole 41h opens in the Z direction. In the present embodiment, the first connection part 41 is arranged away from the terminal part 23 of the first electronic component 20. For example, the first connection part 41 is arranged along the base member 11.

[0033] (Second connection part) The second connection part 42 is a part that is electrically connected to the second electronic component 30. The second connection part 42 is provided at the other end of the bus bar 40. The second connection part 42 has a mounting hole 42h through which a fastening member 92 (for example, a screw) is passed. The mounting hole 42h opens in the Z direction. In the present embodiment, the second connection part 42 is arranged away from the terminal part 33 of the second electronic component 30. For example, the second connection part 42 is arranged along the base member 11.

[0034] (Extension part) The extension part 43 is provided between the first connection part 41 and the second connection part 42. The extension part 43 extends in the X direction along, for example, the base member 11, and connects the first connection part 41 and the second connection part 42. In the present embodiment, the extension part 43 has a mounting hole 43h through which a fastening member 51 is passed. The bus bar 40 is placed on the plane 11s of the base member 11 with the shaft part of the fastening member 51 passed through the mounting hole 43h. Then, with the shaft part of the fastening member 51 passed through the mounting hole 43h, an engaging member 52 (for example, a nut) is attached to the shaft part of the fastening member 51 from the +Z direction side, so that the bus bar 40 is fixed to the base member 11.

[0035] <A1.4 Metal part> The plurality of metal parts 60 and 70 are heat storage members (heat absorption members) that increase the heat capacity of the current path of the electrical connection unit 1. The plurality of metal parts 60 and 70 store (absorb) at least a part of the heat generated by the electronic parts 20 and 30, for example. Instead of / In addition to this, the plurality of metal parts 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 parts 60 and 70 may be referred to as a "heat storage part" or a "heat absorption part".

[0036] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the metal part 60 may be referred to as the "first metal part 60" in some cases. Also, the metal part 70 may be referred to as the "second metal part 70" in some cases. Note that the electrical connection unit 1 may have only one metal part (for example, only one of the metal parts 60 and 70) instead of having the plurality of metal parts 60 and 70.

[0037] <A1.4.1 First Metal Part> The first metal part 60 is disposed between the first electronic part 20 and the bus bar 40. In the present disclosure, "a metal part is disposed between an electronic part and a bus bar" is not limited to the case where a part of the metal part is located between the electronic part and the bus bar when viewed in the X direction or the Y direction. "A metal part is disposed between an electronic part and a bus bar" may also apply to the case where a part of the metal part is located between the electronic part and the bus bar when viewed in a direction inclined with respect to the X direction or the Y direction. The first metal part 60 electrically connects the terminal part 23 of the first electronic part 20 and the first connection part 41 of the bus bar 40. The first metal part 60 has, for example, a first part 61 and a second part 62.

[0038] (First Part) The first part 61 is a part connected to the terminal part 23 of the first electronic part 20. The first part 61 is a relatively thick plate part along the Y direction and the Z direction. The first part 61 extends in the Z direction along the end part on the +X direction side of the first electronic part 20. The first part 61 is in a posture standing up with respect to the support surface 11a (for example, the flat surface 11s) of the base member 11.

[0039] 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 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 from the X direction.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first portion 61 has a first mounting hole 61h through which a first fastening member 81 (e.g., a screw) is passed. The first mounting hole 61h is open in the X direction. The first portion 61 also has a recess 65 on the +X direction side of the first mounting hole 61h. The recess 65 is an accommodating portion that accommodates the head of the first fastening member 81 inserted into the first mounting hole 61h. The first fastening member 81 passed 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 and electrically connecting the first portion 61 to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20.

[0041] (Second part) The second portion 62 is a portion that is connected to the first connection portion 41 of the bus bar 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 that extends along the X and Y directions. The second portion 62 extends in the X direction along the first connection portion 41 of the bus bar 40. In this embodiment, the first portion 61 and the second portion 62 form an L-shaped, single piece first metal component 60.

[0042] The second portion 62 is adjacent to the first connection portion 41 of the busbar 40 in the Z direction. The first portion 61 faces the first connection portion 41 of the busbar 40 from the +Z direction side. The second portion 62 is connected to the first connection portion 41 of the busbar 40 from the Z direction.

[0043] In this embodiment, the second portion 62 has a second mounting hole 62h through which a second fastening member 82 (e.g., a screw) is passed. The second mounting hole 62h is open in the Z direction. The second fastening member 82 passed through the second mounting hole 62h engages with the mounting hole 41h of the first connecting portion 41 of the bus bar 40, thereby physically and electrically connecting the second portion 62 to the first connecting portion 41 of the bus bar 40.

[0044] (Shape of the first metal part) In the present embodiment, the thickness of at least a portion of the first metal component 60 is greater than the thickness T3 of the bus bar 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 thickness T3 of the bus bar 40. In the present embodiment, the thickness T1 of the first portion 61 of the first metal component 60 in the X direction is greater than the thickness T3 of the bus bar 40. In the present embodiment, the first portion 61 has a thickness T1 in the X direction that is greater than the thickness T3 of the bus bar 40 across the entire width of the first portion 61 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 may be greater than the thickness T3 of the bus bar 40.

[0045] 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. In this embodiment, the first portion 61 has a thickness T1 across the entire width of the first portion 61 in the Z direction that is greater than the thickness T2 of the second portion 62.

[0046] In this embodiment, the longitudinal 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 smaller than, for example, the width WA1 of the first electronic component 20 in the X direction. Note that when the longitudinal 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, for example, the width of the first electronic component 20 in the Y direction.

[0047] (Example of placement of first metal part) Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a portion of the electrical connection unit 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a portion of the electrical connection unit 1 in an exploded state. In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 has metal parts 60A and 60B as the plurality of first metal parts 60. Metal parts 60A and 60B have, for example, the same shape.

[0048] The metal component 60A is disposed in correspondence with the half of the first electronic component 20 on the -Y direction side. The metal component 60A is adjacent to the terminal portion 23A of the first electronic component 20 in the X direction and is connected to the terminal portion 23A of the first electronic component 20 in the X direction. On the other hand, the metal component 60B is disposed in correspondence with the half of the first electronic component 20 on the +Y direction side. The metal component 60B is adjacent to the terminal portion 23B of the first electronic component 20 in the X direction and is connected to the terminal portion 23B of the first electronic component 20 in the X direction.

[0049] In this embodiment, the case 21 has an insulating wall 21a that protrudes in the +X direction (see FIG. 2). The insulating wall 21a is provided in the center of the case 21 in the Y direction. The insulating wall 21a extends along the X and Y directions. For example, the insulating wall 21a extends over the entire height of the case 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.

[0050] 4 is a plan view showing the first electronic component 20 and the metal components 60A and 60B. In this embodiment, the case 21 of the first electronic component 20 has an end 21e1 in the −Y direction and an end 21e2 in the +Y direction.

[0051] A portion of the metal component 60A protrudes in the -Y direction beyond the end 21e1 of the case 21 of the first electronic component 20. When viewed in the X direction, a portion of the metal component 60A protrudes to an area that does not overlap with the first electronic component 20. This increases the heat capacity of the metal component 60A.

[0052] Similarly, a part of the metal component 60B protrudes beyond the end 21e2 of the case 21 of the first electronic component 20 in the +Y direction. A part of the metal component 60B protrudes to a region that does not overlap with the first electronic component 20 when viewed in the X direction. As a result, the heat capacity of the metal component 60B is increased.

[0053] <A1.4.2 Second Metal Component> Next, returning to FIG. 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 has, for example, a first portion 71 and a second portion 72.

[0054] Note that the details of the second metal component 70 are the same as those of the first metal component 60, for example. Therefore, the description of the second metal component 70 may be read as "the first portion 71", "the first mounting hole 71h", "the second portion 72", "the second mounting hole 72h", "the second electronic component 30", "the main body portion 32", "the terminal portion 33", "the mounting hole 33h", "the first fastening member 91", "the second fastening member 92", "the second connection portion 42", "the mounting hole 42h", and "-X direction" in the description of the first metal component 60 described above, respectively.

[0055] In the present 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 smaller than the width WB1 of the second electronic component 30 in the X direction, for example. 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 smaller than the width of the second electronic component 30 in the Y direction, for example.

[0056] <A2. Manufacturing Method of Electrical Connection Unit> Next, a method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit 1 will be described. 5 to 7 are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit 1. FIG.

[0057] (1st step) 5 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 a fastening member 81. This forms a first assembly SA in which the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60 are integrated together.

[0058] The first step is performed, for example, as follows. First, the first electronic component 20 is placed on the mounting table MP with the mounting holes 23h of the terminal portions 23 of the first electronic component 20 facing vertically. Next, the first metal component 60 is placed on the first electronic component 20 with the first mounting holes 61h of the first metal component 60 facing vertically. Then, the first mounting holes 61h of the first metal component 60 are aligned with the mounting holes 23h of the terminal portions 23 of the first electronic component 20. The first step is performed with the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60 in a first position. The first position is a position in which the mounting holes 23h and the first mounting holes 61h face vertically.

[0059] Next, the fastening member 81 is inserted vertically into the first mounting hole 61h of the first metal component 60. Then, the fastening member 81 that has passed 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. This forms a first assembly SA in which the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60 are integrated together. The vertical direction is an example of a "first mounting direction."

[0060] Similarly, the second metal component 70 is fixed to the terminal portion 33 of the second electronic component 30 using fastening members 91. This forms a second assembly SB in which the second electronic component 30 and the second metal component 70 are integrated together.

[0061] (2nd process) 6 shows the second step, in which the bus bar 40 is fixed to the base member 11. This step may be performed before the first step, after the first step, or in parallel with the first step.

[0062] The second step is performed, for example, as follows. As described above, the fastening members 51 are first fixed to, for example, the base member 11. The fastening members 51 protrude in the vertical direction. Then, the bus bar 40 is placed on the base member 11 by inserting the fastening members 51 vertically into the mounting holes 43h of the bus bar 40. Next, the engaging members 52 (for example, nuts) are engaged with the upper ends of the fastening members 51 from the vertical direction. This fixes the bus bar 40 to the base member 11. In this embodiment, the bus bar 40 is fixed to the base member 11 before the electronic components 20 and 30 are fixed to the base member 11.

[0063] (3rd step) 7 shows the third step. The third step is performed after the first and second steps. In the third step, the first assembly SA is fixed to the first connection portion 41 of the bus bar 40 using the second fastening member 82. For example, the first metal component 60 included in the first assembly SA is fixed to the first connection portion 41 of the bus bar 40 using the second fastening member 82. This electrically connects the first electronic component 20 and the bus bar 40.

[0064] The third step is performed, for example, as follows: First, the posture of the first assembly SA is rotated 90 degrees from that in the first step. That is, the posture is changed from a first posture (see FIG. 5) in which the mounting holes 23h and the first mounting holes 61h are oriented vertically to a second posture (see FIG. 7) in which the mounting holes 23h and the first mounting holes 61h are oriented horizontally and the second mounting holes 62h of the first metal component 60 are oriented vertically.

[0065] Then, in the second posture, the second portion 62 of the first metal component 60 is placed on the first connection portion 41 of the bus bar 40. Then, the second mounting hole 62h of the first metal component 60 and the mounting hole 41h of the first connection portion 41 of the bus bar 40 are aligned.

[0066] Next, the second fastening member 82 is inserted vertically into the second mounting hole 62h of the first metal component 60. Then, the second fastening member 82 that has passed through the second mounting hole 62h of the first metal component 60 engages with the mounting hole 41h of the first connection portion 41 of the bus bar 40. This fixes the first metal component 60 to the first connection portion 41 of the bus bar 40. In other words, the first assembly SA is fixed to the first connection portion 41 of the bus bar 40. This electrically connects the first electronic component 20 and the first connection portion 41 of the bus bar 40. In this embodiment, the direction in which the bus bar 40 is fixed to the base member 11 and the direction in which the first assembly SA is fixed to the bus bar 40 coincide with each other.

[0067] Furthermore, in the third step, the mounting portion 24 of the first electronic component 20 may be fixed to the base member 11 using the fastening member 29. This operation is performed, for example, as follows. First, the mounting hole 24h of the mounting portion 24 of the first electronic component 20 is aligned with the mounting hole 11h of the base member 11. Next, the fastening member 29 is inserted vertically into the mounting hole 24h of the first electronic component 20. Then, the fastening member 29 passes through the mounting hole 24h of the first electronic component 20 and engages with the mounting hole 11h of the base member 11. This fixes the first electronic component 20 to the base member 11. Note that the operation of fixing the first electronic component 20 to the base member 11 using the fastening member 29 may be performed before or after the operation of fixing the first metal component 60 to the bus bar 40 using the second fastening member 82. In this embodiment, the direction in which bus bar 40 is fixed to base member 11, the direction in which first assembly SA is fixed to bus bar 40, and the direction in which first electronic component 20 is fixed to base member 11 are the same.

[0068] Similarly, the posture of the second assembly SB is rotated 90 degrees from that in the first step, that is, from a first posture (see FIG. 5) in which the mounting holes 33h and the first mounting holes 71h are oriented vertically, to a second posture (see FIG. 7) in which the mounting holes 33h and the first mounting holes 71h are oriented horizontally and the second mounting holes 72h of the second metal component 70 are oriented vertically.

[0069] Then, in the second posture, the second portion 72 of the second metal component 70 is placed on the second connection portion 42 of the bus bar 40. Then, alignment is performed between the second mounting hole 72h of the second metal component 70 and the mounting hole 42h of the second connection portion 42 of the bus bar 40.

[0070] Next, the second fastening member 92 is inserted into the second mounting hole 72h of the second metal component 70 from the vertical direction. Then, the second fastening member 92 that has passed through the second mounting hole 72h of the second metal component 70 engages with the mounting hole 42h of the second connection portion 42 of the bus bar 40. Thereby, the second metal component 70 is fixed to the second connection portion 42 of the bus bar 40. That is, the second assembly SB is fixed to the second connection portion 42 of the bus bar 40. Thereby, the second electronic component 30 and the second connection 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 and the direction in which the second assembly SB is fixed to the bus bar 40 coincide.

[0071] Also, in the third step, the mounting portion 34 of the second electronic component 30 may be fixed to the base member 11 using the fastening member 39. This operation is performed, for example, as follows. First, alignment is performed between the mounting hole 34h of the mounting portion 34 of the second electronic component 30 and the mounting hole 11h of the base member 11. Next, the fastening member 39 is inserted into the mounting hole 34h of the second electronic component 30 from the vertical direction. Then, the fastening member 39 that has passed through the mounting hole 34h of the second electronic component 30 engages with the mounting hole 11h of the base member 11. Thereby, the second electronic component 30 is fixed to the base member 11. Note that the operation of fixing the second electronic component 30 to the base member 11 using the fastening member 39 may be performed before or after the operation of fixing the second metal component 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 coincide.

[0072] <A3. Operation> Next, the operation of the electrical connection unit 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the electrical connection unit 1. When the first electronic component 20 is energized, 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 (indicated by an arrow HE in FIG. 8) moves to the metal component 60. A part of the heat that has moved to the metal component 60 is dissipated from the metal component 60 into the housing 10. Also, another part of the heat that has moved to the metal component 60 moves from the metal component 60 to the bus bar 40. A part of the heat that has moved to the bus bar 40 is dissipated from the bus bar 40 into the housing 10.

[0073] 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 20 generates heat, the terminal portion 23 connected to the main body portion 22 has heat. In the present embodiment, adjacent to the terminal portion 23, there is a metal component 60 having a larger heat capacity per unit length than the bus bar 40. Therefore, a part of the heat possessed by the terminal portion 23 is stored (absorbed) by the metal component 60. Thereby, even when a short-term large current flows through the first electronic component 20, it is possible to suppress excessive heat from moving to the bus bar 40 and other electronic components 30. Note that these operations are the same for the metal component 70.

[0074] <A4. Advantages> <A4.1 Advantages as a heat storage component (heat absorption component)> In the present embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 includes a bus bar 40 and a first metal component 60. The bus bar 40 is at least partially plate-shaped. 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 larger than the plate thickness T3 of the bus bar 40.

[0075] With this configuration, the first metal component 60 has a larger heat capacity per unit length than the bus bar 40. Therefore, even if a large current flows through the first electronic component 20 for a short period of time and the first electronic component 20 generates heat, some of the heat generated by the first electronic component 20 is stored in the metal component 60. This makes it possible to suppress temperature changes inside the electrical connection unit 1. This makes it possible to improve the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first metal component 60 is connected to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20 from the X direction using the first fastening member 81. With this configuration, a portion of the heat generated by the first electronic component 20 can be stored using the metal component 60 that is firmly fixed to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20 using the first fastening member 81. This allows the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1 to be further improved.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first metal component 60 is connected to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20 from the X direction. The thickness T1 of at least a portion of the first metal component 60 in the X direction is greater than the thickness T3 of the bus bar 40. With this configuration, a metal portion with a large heat capacity is disposed near the terminal portion 23, which is the part of the first electronic component 20 that tends to heat up, and heat is more easily transferred from the terminal portion 23 to the first metal component 60. This further improves the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0078] In this embodiment, the first metal component 60 has a first portion 61 connected to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20 from the X direction, and a second portion 62 that protrudes from the first portion 61 and is connected to the bus bar 40 from the Z direction. With this configuration, the direction in which the bus bar 40 is fixed to the base member 11 can be made to coincide with the direction in which the first metal component 60 is fixed to the bus bar 40. This improves the ease of assembly of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0079] 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. According to such a configuration, a larger heat capacity can be ensured by the first portion 61 of the first metal component 60. Thereby, further improvement of the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1 can be achieved.

[0080] In this embodiment, the bus bar 40 has a first connection portion 41 arranged along the base member 11. The first metal component 60 has a first portion 61 connected to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20 in a posture standing upright with respect to the base member 11, and a second portion 62 connected to the first connection portion 41 of the bus bar 40. According to such a configuration, it is easy to form the first portion 61 large, and it is easy to ensure the heat capacity of the first portion 61. Also, according to the above configuration, the bus bar 40 having the first connection portion 41 arranged along the base member 11 can be adopted. Thereby, simplification of the shape of the bus bar 40 can be achieved. Thereby, cost reduction of the electrical connection unit 1 can be achieved.

[0081] <Advantages as a connection member> In this embodiment, a first assembly SA in which the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60 are integrated is formed by fixing the first metal component 60 to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20 using the first fastening member 81. Then, after forming the first assembly SA, the first metal component 60 included in the first assembly SA is fixed to the bus bar 40 using the second fastening member 82, thereby electrically connecting the first electronic component 20 and the bus bar 40. According to such a configuration, the first assembly SA in which the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60 are integrated is formed first. Therefore, the assembling property of the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60 with respect to the bus bar 40 can be enhanced. Thereby, improvement of the assembling property of the electrical connection unit 1 can be achieved.

[0082] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the first metal component 60 can form an upright current-carrying portion inside the housing 10, making it easier to employ a bus bar 40 with a simple shape (for example, a plate-shaped bus bar 40 with few bent portions). This improves the ease of assembling the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60 to the bus bar 40.

[0083] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the first metal component 60 can form an upright current-carrying portion inside the housing 10, thereby reducing the number of bent portions of the busbar 40. Here, busbars 40 that can handle large currents tend to have a large cross-sectional area to prevent self-heating of the busbar, which increases the cost of bending. Therefore, reducing the number of bent portions of the busbar 40 can reduce the cost of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0084] 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 assembly SA is formed by fixing the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60 together, the first assembly SA is relatively small, which improves the ease of assembly to the bus bar 40 that has been previously integrated with the base member 11. This further improves the ease of assembly of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first assembly SA is fixed to the bus bar 40 using the second fastening member 82 after the bus bar 40 has been fixed to the insulating base member 11. With this configuration, the bus bar 40 is fixed to the base member 11 first, which improves the ease of assembling the first assembly SA to the base member 11 and the bus bar 40. This further improves the ease of assembling the electrical connection unit 1.

[0086] In this embodiment, fixing the first metal component 60 to the terminal portion 23 of the first electronic component 20 using the first fastening member 81 is performed with the first metal component 60 in the first posture. And fixing the first metal component 60 included in the first assembly SA to the bus bar 40 using the second fastening member 82 is performed with the first metal component 60 in a second posture different from the first posture. According to such a configuration, by changing the posture of the first metal component 60, the fixing using the first fastening member 81 and the fixing using the second fastening member 82 can be performed in more appropriate postures respectively. Thereby, further improvement in the assemblability of the electrical connection unit 1 can be achieved.

[0087] In this embodiment, the first metal component 60 has a first mounting hole 61h into which the first fastening member 81 is inserted and a second mounting hole 62h into which the second fastening member 82 is inserted. The first posture is a posture in which the first mounting hole 61h is directed in a first mounting direction (for example, the vertical direction). The second posture is a posture in which the first mounting hole 61h is directed in a direction different from the first mounting direction and the second mounting hole 62h is directed in the first mounting direction (Z direction). According to such a configuration, the direction of fixing the first electronic component 20 and the first metal component 60 using the first fastening member 81 and the direction of fixing the first metal component 60 and the bus bar 40 using the second fastening member 82 can be made to coincide. Thereby, workability is enhanced and further improvement in the assemblability of the electrical connection unit 1 can be achieved.

[0088] <A5. Variation> Next, several variations will be described. The configurations other than those described below in each variation are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0089] <A5.1 First Variation> FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit 1 of the first modified example. In the first modified example, the bus bar 40 has an extension portion 45 and an extension portion 46. The extension portion 45 extends in the -X direction beyond the first connection portion 41. The extension portion 45 overlaps with the first portion 61 of the first metal part 60 when viewed from the Z direction. On the other hand, the extension portion 46 extends in the +X direction beyond the second connection portion 42. The extension portion 46 overlaps with the first portion 71 of the second metal part 70 when viewed from the Z direction. The extension portion 45 and the extension portion 46 are plate-shaped along the X direction and the Y direction.

[0090] According to such a configuration, the heat capacity and the heat dissipation area of the bus bar 40 are enlarged by the extension portions 45 and 46. Thereby, 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 improved.

[0091] <A5.2 Second Modified Example> FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit 1 of the second modified example. In the second modified example, the bus bar 40 has an extension portion 47 and an extension portion 48. The extension portion 47 extends in the -X direction beyond the extension portion 45. The extension portion 47 overlaps with the first electronic component 20 when viewed from the Z direction. 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. The extension portion 48 overlaps with the second electronic component 30 when viewed from the Z direction. 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 are plate-shaped along the X direction and the Y direction.

[0092] According to such a configuration, the heat capacity and the heat dissipation area of the bus bar 40 are enlarged by the extension part 47 or the extension part 48. Here, for example, by providing the first metal component 60, there is no need to bend the bus bar 40 in accordance with the first electronic component 20. Therefore, a part of the bus bar 40 can be extended, for example, between the first electronic component 20 and the base member 11. Thereby, a 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.

[0093] In addition, a heat transfer member 150 may be provided between the first electronic component 20 and the extension part 47. The heat transfer member 150 transfers a part of the heat generated by the first electronic component 20 to the extension part 47. A part of the heat transferred to the extension part 47 is dissipated through the base member 11. Similarly, a heat transfer member 150 may be provided between the second electronic component 30 and the extension part 48. A part of the heat transferred to the extension part 48 is dissipated through the base member 11. The heat transfer member 150 transfers a part of the heat generated by the second electronic component 30 to the extension part 48. The heat transfer member 150 is, for example, a resin member having excellent thermal conductivity. Thereby, the heat dissipation performance of the electrical connection unit 1 can be further improved.

[0094] <A5.3 Third Modified Example> FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit 1 of the third modified example. In the third modified example, the first metal component 60 has a third part 63 in addition to the first part 61 and the second part 62. The second metal component 70 has a third part 73 in addition to the first part 71 and the second part 72. 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.

[0095] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1 of the third modification. The third portion 63 is a standing wall (side wall) that stands up on the sides of the fastening members 81 and 82. The first metal part 60 has the third portions 63 at both ends in the Y direction of the first metal part 60, for example. The third portion 63 is a wall along the X direction and the Y direction. The third portion 63 is connected to the first portion 61 and is also connected to the second portion 62. The third portion 63 extends obliquely so as to increase in the +X direction as it proceeds in the -Z direction, for example.

[0096] According to such a configuration, the heat capacity and the heat dissipation area of the first metal part 60 are enlarged by the third portion 63. Thereby, 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. Note that the third portion 63 may be provided at either one of the ends in the Y direction of the first metal part 60 instead of being provided at both ends in the Y direction of the first metal part 60.

[0097] (Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the first fastening member 81 is attached along the Z direction. The configuration other than that described below is the same as the configuration 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".

[0098] [[ID=No. 14]]<B1. Configuration of Electrical Connection Unit> FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1 of the second embodiment. The electrical connection unit 1 has, for example, an electronic component 20, a plurality of bus bars 40, and a plurality of metal parts 100. <![CDATA[ ]]

[0099] <B1.1 Electronic Component> The electronic component 20 has, for example, a main body 22 and a plurality of terminal portions 23 (a first terminal portion 23A and a second terminal portion 23B). The main body 22 is, for example, cylindrical with an axis along the X direction. The plurality of terminal portions 23 are provided separately on both ends of the main body 22 in the X direction. For example, the first terminal portion 23A extends in the +X direction from the end portion of the main body 22 in the +X direction. The second terminal portion 23B extends in the -X direction from the end portion of the main body 22 in the -X direction. 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.

[0100] <B1.2 Bus bar> The 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.

[0101] <B1.3 Metal component> The plurality of metal components 100 are heat storage members (heat absorption members) that increase the heat capacity of the current path of the electrical connection unit 1. The plurality of metal components 100, for example, store heat (absorb heat) at least a part of the heat generated by the electronic component 20. Instead of / In addition to this, the plurality of metal components 100 may store heat (absorb heat) 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.

[0102] <B1.3.1 First metal component> 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 and the first connection portion 41 of the first bus bar 40A. The first metal component 100A has, for example, a first portion 101, a second portion 102, and a third portion 103.

[0103] (The first portion) The first portion 101 is a portion that is 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 along the Z direction. The first portion 101 is adjacent to at least a portion 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 from the Z direction.

[0104] In this embodiment, the first portion 101 has a first mounting hole 101h into which a first fastening member 81 (e.g., a screw) is engaged. The first mounting hole 101h is open in the Z direction. The first fastening member 81 is passed through the mounting hole 23h of the terminal portion 23A of the electronic component 20 and engages with the first mounting hole 101h of the first portion 101, thereby physically and electrically connecting the first portion 61 to the terminal portion 23A of the electronic component 20.

[0105] (Second part) The second portion 102 is a portion that is connected to the first connection portion 41 of the first bus bar 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 that extends along the X and Y directions. The second portion 102 extends in the X direction along the first connection portion 41 of the first bus bar 40A. In this embodiment, the first portion 101 and the second portion 102 form an L-shaped metal component.

[0106] The second portion 102 is adjacent to the first connection portion 41 of the first bus bar 40A in the Z direction. The second portion 102 faces the first connection portion 41 of the first bus bar 40A from the +Z direction side. The second portion 102 is connected to the first connection portion 41 of the first bus bar 40A from the Z direction.

[0107] In this embodiment, the second portion 102 has a second mounting hole 102h through which a second fastening member 82 (e.g., a screw) is passed. The second mounting hole 102h is open in the Z direction. The second fastening member 82 passed through the second mounting hole 102h engages with the mounting hole 41h of the first connecting portion 41 of the first bus bar 40A, thereby physically and electrically connecting the second portion 102 to the first connecting portion 41 of the bus bar 40A.

[0108] (Part 3) FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1 of the second embodiment. The third part 103 is a standing wall (side wall) that stands up on the side of the second fastening member 82. The first metal part 100A has the third part 103 at both ends in the Y direction of the first metal part 100A, for example. The third part 103 is a wall along the X direction and the Y direction. The third part 103 is connected to the first part 101 and is also connected to the second part 102. The third part 103 extends obliquely so as to increase in the +X direction as it proceeds in the -Z direction, for example.

[0109] (Shape of the First Metal Part) Returning to FIG. 13, the shape of the first metal part 100A will be described. In the present embodiment, the thickness of at least a part of the first metal part 100A is larger than the plate thickness T3 of the first bus bar 40A. For example, the thickness T11 in the Z direction of at least a part of the first metal part 100A is larger than the plate thickness T3 of the first bus bar 40A. In the present embodiment, the thickness T11 in the Z direction of the first part 101 of the first metal part 100A is larger than the thickness T12 in the Z direction of the second part 102 of the first metal part 100A. From another perspective, the thickness T13 in the X direction of the first part 101 of the first metal part 100A is larger than the plate thickness T3 of the first bus bar 40A. From another perspective, the thickness T12 in the Z direction of the second part 102 of the first metal part 100A may be larger than the plate thickness T3 of the bus bar 40.

[0110] In the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the electronic component 20 is the X direction. The width WA2 in the X direction of the first metal part 100A is smaller than the width WA1 in the X direction of the electronic component 20, for example. When the longitudinal direction of the first electronic component 20 is the Y direction, the width in the Y direction of the first metal part 100A is smaller than the width in the Y direction of the electronic component 20, for example.

[0111] <B1.3.2 Second Metal Part> Next, the second metal component 100B will be described. The second metal component 100B is disposed 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 and the first connection portion 41 of the second bus bar 40B. Similar to the first metal component 100A, the second metal component 100B has a first portion 101, a second portion 102, and a third portion 103.

[0112] Details of the second metal component are similar to, for example, those of the first metal component 100A. Therefore, for the description of the second metal component 100B, in the description of the first metal component 100A described above, “terminal portion 23A”, “first bus bar 40A”, and “+X direction” may be read as “terminal portion 23B”, “second bus bar 40B”, and “-X direction”, respectively.

[0113] <B2. Manufacturing Method of Electrical Connection Unit> Next, the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit 1 of the second embodiment will be described. FIGS. 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views for explaining the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit 1 of the second embodiment.

[0114] (First Step) FIG. 15 shows the first step. 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. Thereby, an assembly SC in which the electronic component 20, the first metal component 100A, and the second metal component 100B are integrated is formed.

[0115] The first step is performed as follows, for example. First, the first metal part 100A is placed on the mounting table MP with the first mounting hole 101h of the first metal part 100A facing in the vertical direction. Next, with the first posture where the mounting hole 23h of the terminal part 23A of the electronic component 20 faces in the vertical direction, the terminal part 23A of the electronic component 20 is placed on the first part 101 of the first metal part 100A. Then, alignment is performed between the mounting hole 23h of the electronic component 20 and the first mounting hole 101h of the first metal part 100A.

[0116] Next, the fastening member 81 is inserted into the mounting hole 23h of the electronic component 20 from the vertical direction. Then, the fastening member 81 that has passed through the mounting hole 23h of the electronic component 20 engages with the first mounting hole 101h of the first metal part 100A. Thereby, the first metal part 100A is fixed to the electronic component 20. In the same procedure, the second terminal part 23B of the electronic component 20 is fixed to the second metal part 100B. Thereby, an assembly SC in which the electronic component 20, the first metal part 100A, and the second metal part 100B are integrated is formed.

[0117] (Second step) In the second step, the first bus bar 40A and the second bus bar 40B are fixed to the base member 11. Since the second step is the same as that of the first embodiment, duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0118] (Third step) FIG. 16 shows the third step. The third step is performed after the first step and the second step. In the third step, the assembly 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 from the vertical direction to fix the first metal part 100A of the assembly SC to the first connection part 41 of the first bus bar 40A. Thereby, the electronic component 20 and the first bus bar 40A are electrically connected. Similarly, the second fastening member 82 is attached from the vertical direction to fix the second metal part 100B of the assembly SC to the first connection part 41 of the second bus bar 40B. Thereby, the electronic component 20 and the second bus bar 40B are electrically connected.

[0119] <B3. Advantages> In this embodiment, the first metal component 100A has 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 and is adjacent to the first bus bar 40A in the Z direction and 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. This configuration can prevent sudden temperature changes from occurring inside the electrical connection unit 1, thereby improving the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0120] In this embodiment, the first fastening member 81 fastens the terminal portion 23A of the electronic component 20 to the first metal component 100A from the Z direction. The second fastening member 82 fastens the first metal component 100A to the first bus bar 40A from the Z direction. With this configuration, the direction in which the electronic component 20 and the first metal component 100A are fastened using the first fastening member 81 can be aligned with the direction in which the first metal component 100A and the first bus bar 40A are fastened using the second fastening member 82. This improves workability and the ease of assembly of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0121] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the component to be connected is a bus bar 201. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the Z direction is an example of the "first direction."

[0122] 17 is a perspective view showing a portion of the electrical connection unit 1 of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 has a bus bar 40, a metal component 100, and a bus bar 201. The bus bar 201 is an example of a "component to be connected."

[0123] The metal component 100 is disposed between the bus bar 201 and the bus bar 40. The bus bar 201 faces the first portion 101 of the metal component 100 from the +Z direction side. The bus bar 201 has a mounting hole 201h. The mounting hole 201h opens in the Z direction. The mounting hole 201h of the bus bar 201 is disposed to correspond to the mounting hole 101h of the metal component 100. A first fastening member 81 is passed through the mounting hole 201h of the bus bar 201 from the vertical direction and engages with the mounting hole 101h of the metal component 100, thereby fixing the bus bar 201 and the metal component 100 together. The metal component 100 electrically connects the bus bar 201 and the bus bar 40.

[0124] With this configuration, some of the heat generated at bus bar 201 or at the connection destination of bus bar 201 can be stored (absorbed) by metal component 100. This can improve the thermal characteristics of electrical connection unit 1.

[0125] 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-described embodiments or modifications may be combined with each other. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications are merely examples. The electrical connection unit 1 is not limited to a configuration that includes all of the above-described dimensional relationships, and may be configured to have only some of the above-described dimensional relationships. Furthermore, when focusing on the function of the metal components 60, 70 as connection members (function to improve assembly), the metal components 60, 70 are not necessarily limited to members that have heat storage properties. For example, L-shaped thin metal plates (metal components) may be used instead of the metal components 60, 70. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1...Electrical connection unit 10...Housing 11...Base member 12...Cover member 20...First electronic component 23,23A,23B…Terminal section 30...Second electronic component 33,33A,33B…Terminal section 40...busbar 60...First metal part 61…Part 1 61h...First mounting hole 62…Second part 62h...Second mounting hole 70...Second metal part 71…Part 1 71h...First mounting hole 72…Second part 72h...Second mounting hole 81...First fastening member 82...Second fastening member 91...First fastening member 92...Second fastening member 100...Metal parts 100A...First metal part 101…Part 1 102…Second part 100B...Second metal part SA...1st assembly SB…Second assembly

Claims

1. a first fastening member is used to fasten a metal component to a component to be connected, thereby forming an assembly in which the component to be connected and the metal component are integrated; After forming the assembly, the metal component included in the assembly is fixed to the bus bar using a second fastening member, thereby electrically connecting the connection target component and the bus bar. A method for manufacturing an electrical connection unit, comprising:

2. the component to be connected is an electronic component having a terminal portion, The metal component is fixed to the terminal portion of the electronic component using the first fastening member. The method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to claim 1 .

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

4. the step of fixing the metal component to the bus bar using the second fastening member is performed in a state in which the bus bar is fixed to an insulating support body. A method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the fixing of the metal component to the connection target component using the first fastening member is performed with the connection target component and the metal component in a first posture; and fixing the metal component included in the assembly to the bus bar using the second fastening member is performed in a state where the connection target component and the metal component are in a second position different from the first position. A method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. the metal component has a first mounting hole into which the first fastening member is inserted and a second mounting hole that opens in a direction different from the first mounting hole and into which the second fastening member is inserted, the first posture is a posture in which the first mounting hole faces a first mounting direction, the second posture is a posture in which the first mounting hole is oriented in a direction different from the first mounting direction and the second mounting hole is oriented in the first mounting direction. The method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to claim 5 .

7. the first fastening member fixes the terminal portion to the metal component from a first mounting direction; The second fastening member fixes the metal component to the bus bar from the first mounting direction. A method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to claim 2 or 3.

8. A metal part used in an electrical connection unit, a first portion fixed to an electronic component using a first fastening member; and a second portion fixed to a bus bar using a second fastening member after the electronic component and the metal component are integrated using the first fastening member, electrically connecting the electronic component and the bus bar, and a width of the metal component in the longitudinal direction of the electronic component being smaller than a width of the electronic component in the longitudinal direction; Metal parts.

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