Electrical connection unit

Abstract

To provide an electrical connection unit that can improve assemblability.SOLUTION: An electrical connection unit of an embodiment comprises: a first subunit that has a plurality of first bus bars, and a first base member including a plate-like or sheet-like first plane part and a first positioning part; and a second subunit that has a plurality of second bus bars, and a second base member including a plate-like or sheet-like second plane part and a second positioning part, and that is electrically connected to the first subunit. The first positioning part has a first opposing surface that extends in a first direction from a first base end on the second subunit side of the first plane part, and the second positioning part has a second opposing surface that faces the first opposing surface and extends in the first direction along the first opposing surface from a second base end on the first subunit side of the second plane part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to an electrical connection unit. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art An electrical connection unit is known that has a housing that houses electronic components and a bus bar attached to the housing in an upright position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-037492 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, improvements in the ease of assembly of electrical connection units are expected.

[0005] One embodiment provides an electrical connection unit that can improve assembly efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the electrical connection unit includes a first subunit having a plurality of first bus bars, each having portions that are arranged on the same plane as one another, and a first base member having a plate- or sheet-shaped first planar portion that holds the plurality of first bus bars, and a first positioning portion; and a second subunit having a plurality of second bus bars, each having portions that are arranged on the same plane as one another, and a second base member having a plate- or sheet-shaped second planar portion that holds the plurality of second bus bars, and a second positioning portion, the second subunit being electrically connected to the first subunit, wherein when the thickness direction of the first planar portion is defined as a first direction and a direction intersecting the first direction is defined as a second direction, the first positioning portion has a first opposing surface extending in the first direction from a first base end of the first planar portion on the second subunit side, and the second positioning portion has a second opposing surface that faces the first opposing surface and extends in the first direction from a second base end of the second planar portion on the first subunit side along the first opposing surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment, it is possible to improve the ease of assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a main body of the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the electrical connection unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first wiring board according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a first wiring board according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a side view of a first base member according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second wiring board according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a second wiring board according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a side view of a second base member according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first wiring board according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 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 those components may be omitted. Note that the configurations described below do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0010] In this disclosure, terms are defined as follows: "Connection" is not limited to mechanical connection and can include electrical connection. In other words, "connection" is not limited to direct connection between two elements to be connected, but can also include connection between two elements via another element interposed between them. "Containment" is not limited to entire components being contained, but can include only partial containment (with the remaining part of the component protruding). "Facing" means that virtual projections of two objects overlap when viewed from a specific direction. In other words, "facing" is not limited to two objects directly facing each other, but can include two objects facing each other with another component interposed between them. "Parallel," "orthogonal," and "same" can include "approximately parallel," "approximately perpendicular," and "approximately the same," respectively. "Sheet-like" or "sheet" is not limited to components with a thickness of 1 mm or more, but can also include components with a thickness of less than 1 mm (so-called films).

[0011] In the present disclosure, the +X direction, the −X direction, the +Y direction, the −Y direction, the +Z direction, and the −Z direction are defined as follows: The +X direction is the direction from the first end 80e1 to the second end 80e2 of the metal plate 80 (described later) (see FIG. 3). The −X direction is the direction opposite to the +X direction. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the +X direction and the −X direction, they will simply be referred to as the “X direction.” The +Y direction and the −Y direction are directions that intersect (e.g., are perpendicular to) the X direction. The +Y direction is the direction from the third end 80e3 to the fourth end 80e4 of the metal plate 80 (described later) (see FIG. 3). The −Y direction is the direction opposite to the +Y direction. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the +Y direction and the −Y direction, they will simply be referred to as the “Y direction.” The +Z direction and the −Z direction are directions that intersect (e.g., are perpendicular to) the X direction and the Y direction. The +Z direction is the direction from the metal plate 80 (described later) toward the main body portion MU (see FIG. 1). The -Z direction is the direction opposite to the +Z direction. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the +Z direction and the -Z direction, they will simply be referred to as the "Z direction." The Z direction is an example of the "first direction." The X direction is an example of the "second direction."

[0012] In the following, when there is no distinction between the X direction and the Y direction, they may be referred to as the "horizontal direction." In the following, the Z direction may be referred to as the "vertical direction." In addition, in the following, the +Z direction side may be referred to as "up" and the -Z direction side may be referred to as "down." However, these expressions are used for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the direction of gravity of the electrical connection unit 1 (the installation posture of the electrical connection unit 1).

[0013] (Embodiment) <1. Configuration of the electrical connection unit> FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment. The electrical connection unit 1 is an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle such as an EV (Electric Vehicle), HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The electrical connection unit 1 may also be referred to as an "electrical connection box" or a "junction box," for example. However, the electrical connection unit 1 is not limited to a box-shaped device.

[0014] The electrical connection unit 1 is electrically connected to an external device. In this disclosure, the term "external device" refers to an electrical device that exists outside the electrical connection unit 1. Examples of the external device include, but are not limited to, a battery unit mounted on a vehicle or an inverter for driving a vehicle motor.

[0015] The electrical connection unit 1 includes, for example, a main body MU, a metal plate 80, an insulating sheet 91 (see FIG. 3), a plurality of heat transfer members 92, and an insulating cover 93.

[0016] <2. Main body> First, the main body MU will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the main body unit MU. The main body unit MU is a part that performs the main function of the electrical connection unit 1 (for example, switching the electrical connection state or overcurrent protection). In this embodiment, the main body unit MU is divided into multiple subunits SU. The main body unit MU is formed by connecting multiple subunits SU. In this embodiment, the main body unit MU has three subunits SU (subunit SUX, subunit SUY, and subunit SUZ). Each subunit SU may be referred to as a "circuit assembly."

[0017] The subunit SUX has a first electrical function. The subunit SUX includes, for example, a plurality of electronic components 10X and a first wiring board 40X. The plurality of electronic components 10X are electrically connected to the first wiring board 40X.

[0018] The subunit SUY has a second electrical function. The second function is different from the first function. The subunit SUY includes, for example, a plurality of electronic components 10Y and a second wiring board 40Y. The plurality of electronic components 10Y are electrically connected to the second wiring board 40Y.

[0019] The subunit SUZ has a third electrical function. The third function is different from the first and second functions. The subunit SUZ includes, for example, a plurality of electronic components 10Z and a third wiring board 40Z. The plurality of electronic components 10Z are electrically connected to the third wiring board 40Z.

[0020] In this embodiment, the three subunits SUX, SUY, and SUZ are arranged side by side in the X direction. For example, the subunit SUX is arranged on the +X direction side of the subunit SUY. The subunits SUX and SUY are electrically connected via a plurality of coupling bus bars 75 that extend across the first wiring board 40X and the second wiring board 40Y. On the other hand, the subunit SUZ is arranged on the -X direction side of the subunit SUY.

[0021] In this embodiment, the three routing boards (first routing board 40X, second routing board 40Y, third routing board 40Z) included in the three subunits SUX, SUY, SUZ are arranged on the same plane. In other words, the three routing boards (first routing board 40X, second routing board 40Y, third routing board 40Z) are arranged at the same height in the Z direction. The arrangement of these three routing boards (first routing board 40X, second routing board 40Y, third routing board 40Z) forms one large routing board 40M. Note that the two or more subunits SU are not limited to subunits SU having different functions, and may be subunits SU having the same function.

[0022] Each subunit SU includes, for example, a plurality of electronic components 10 and a wiring board 40. The wiring board 40 includes, for example, a base plate 41, a plurality of bus bars 42, and a plurality of fastening members 43. The detailed configuration of each subunit SU will be described later.

[0023] <3. Metal Plate> 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the electrical connection unit 1. The metal plate 80 is a member that ensures the rigidity of the electrical connection unit 1 and also enhances the heat dissipation of the electrical connection unit 1. The metal plate 80 is made of metal (for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy). The metal plate 80 may also be referred to as a "rigid member."

[0024] When viewed from the Z direction, the metal plate 80 has a rectangular shape aligned with the X direction. The metal plate 80 has a first end 80e1, a second end 80e2, a third end 80e3, and a fourth end 80e4. The first end 80e1 and the second end 80e2 are a pair of end portions in the longitudinal direction of the metal plate 80 and are spaced apart in the X direction. The third end 80e3 and the fourth end 80e4 are a pair of end portions in the lateral direction of the metal plate 80 and are spaced apart in the Y direction. The metal plate 80 includes, for example, a flat portion 81 and a plurality of fixing portions 82 and 83.

[0025] The flat portion 81 is a portion of the metal plate 80 that is formed into a plate shape. The flat portion 81 is a plate shape that extends horizontally. The flat portion 81 forms the main portion of the metal plate 80. The flat portion 81 forms the base (metal base) of the metal plate 80. In this embodiment, the flat portion 81 is large enough to cover the three subunits SU from below. The flat portion 81 faces the wiring board 40 for the three subunits SU.

[0026] The fixing portion 82 is a boss that protrudes in the +Z direction from the flat portion 81 of the metal plate 80. The fixing portion 82 protrudes, for example, further in the +Z direction than the first surface 51a (see FIG. 4) of the flat portion 51 of the base plate 41. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 82 protrudes more in the +Z direction than the fixing portion 83. The fixing portion 82 faces the fixing portion 52 of the base plate 41 in the Z direction. The fixing portion 82 has an engagement hole 82h (see FIG. 10) that opens in the +Z direction. The inner circumferential surface of the engagement hole 82h has a thread groove.

[0027] The fixing portion 83 is a boss that protrudes from the flat portion 81 in the +Z direction. The fixing portion 83 is inserted into a through hole 51h (see FIG. 4) in the flat portion 51 of the base plate 41. For example, the fixing portion 83 passes through the through hole 51h in the flat portion 51 and protrudes to a position beyond the first surface 51a of the flat portion 51 (a position on the +Z direction side of the first surface 51a). The fixing portion 83 faces the mounting portion 14 (see FIG. 11) of the electronic component 10 in the Z direction. The fixing portion 83 has an engagement hole 83h that opens in the +Z direction. The inner circumferential surface of the engagement hole 83h has a thread groove.

[0028] A fastening member 112 (e.g., a screw or bolt) is passed through mounting hole 14h (see FIG. 11) of mounting portion 14 of electronic component 10 from the +Z direction side. When fastening member 112 passed through mounting hole 14h of mounting portion 14 of electronic component 10 engages with engaging hole 83h of fixing portion 83 of metal plate 80, electronic component 10 is fixed to metal plate 80 without base plate 41. Here, mounting hole 14h is open in the Z direction. Mounting hole 14h is an insertion hole through which fastening member 112 is passed. Fastening member 112 is an example of a "second fastening member."

[0029] <4. Insulation sheet> The insulating sheet 91 is an insulating member for electrically insulating the metal plate 80 from the bus bars 42 of each subunit SU. The insulating sheet 91 is made of a synthetic resin such as polyester or polyimide, and has insulating properties. The insulating sheet 91 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the Z direction. The insulating sheet 91 has a sheet shape that extends horizontally. The insulating sheet 91 is disposed between the flat surface 81 of the metal plate 80 and the wiring board 40 of each subunit SU. For example, the insulating sheet 91 is disposed between the flat surface 81 of the metal plate 80 and a plurality of heat transfer members 92.

[0030] In this embodiment, the insulating sheet 91 is attached to the flat portion 81 of the metal plate 80. The insulating sheet 91 has cutouts or openings to avoid the fixing portions 82 and 83 of the metal plate 80. Note that, instead of the above example, the insulating sheet 91 may be provided between the wiring board 40 of each subunit SU and the plurality of heat transfer members 92.

[0031] <5. Heat Transfer Materials> The heat transfer member 92 is a member for transferring heat generated by the electronic component 10 when current is applied and / or heat generated by the bus bar 42 itself when current is applied to the metal plate 80. The heat transfer member 92 is, for example, an elastic heat transfer sheet (for example, a thermally conductive silicone sheet). However, the heat transfer member 92 is not limited to the above example, and may be a heat transfer member formed of a thermally conductive gel or other materials.

[0032] <6. Insulation cover> Returning to FIG. 1, the insulating cover 93 will be described. The insulating cover 93 is a member for ensuring the safety of the electrical paths of the main body unit MU. The insulating cover 93 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has insulating properties. The insulating cover 93 is, for example, box-shaped with an open -Z direction side. The insulating cover 93 has a plurality of ventilation holes 93h. The insulating cover 93 is attached to the +Z direction side of the metal plate 80 along the metal plate 80. Note that the insulating cover 93 is not limited to a box-shaped member, and may be a sheet-shaped member that covers the electrical paths of the main body unit MU.

[0033] <7. Detailed structure of subunits> Next, the configuration of the subunit SU will be described. In this embodiment, the three subunits SUX, SUY, and SUZ have the same or similar basic structures. The following detailed description will be given using subunit SUX as a representative. Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between subunits SUX, SUY, and SUZ, they will simply be referred to as "subunits SU." Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between electronic component 10X, electronic component 10Y, and electronic component 10Z, they will simply be referred to as "electronic component 10." Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between first routing board 40X, second routing board 40Y, and third routing board 40Z, they will simply be referred to as "routing board 40." Subunit SUX is an example of a "first subunit." Subunit SUY is an example of a "second subunit."

[0034] 7.1 Electronic Components First, the electronic component 10 will be described. The electronic component 10 is an electronic component that is mounted in the subunit SU according to the functions required of the subunit SU. The electronic component 10 is, for example, a connector, a fuse, a relay (e.g., a mechanical relay or a semiconductor relay), a capacitor, a branching component, various sensors (e.g., a current sensor or a voltage sensor), an electronic control unit, or an electronic component unit that combines two or more of these. Note that the type of electronic component 10 is not limited to the above examples. The electronic component 10 is, for example, a heat-generating component that generates heat when powered on.

[0035] <7.2 Wiring board (common configuration)> Next, the wiring board 40 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first routing board 40X of the subunit SUX. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the first routing board 40X of the subunit SUX. Note that the components of the first routing board 40X shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 include components common to the first routing board 40X, the second routing board 40Y, and the third routing board 40Z, as well as components unique to the first routing board 40X. Hereinafter, for convenience, the components common to the first routing board 40X, the second routing board 40Y, and the third routing board 40Z will be explained using FIGS. 4 and 5. Furthermore, the components unique to the subunit SUX will be explained using FIGS. 4 and 5, with a corresponding description.

[0036] The wiring board 40 is a member that forms at least a portion of the electrical paths between multiple electronic components 10 and / or at least a portion of the electrical paths between the electronic components 10 and an external device. In this disclosure, the term "wiring board" refers to a board-type wiring structure. "Board-type" refers to a plate-like structure that is flat and extends along a single plane when viewed as a whole, regardless of its detailed shape. In this disclosure, "plate-like" does not necessarily mean a completely flat structure, but may also include a structure that partially includes a fixing structure or rib that protrudes in the Z direction. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the wiring board 40 is plate-like and extends along the X and Y directions.

[0037] As described above, the wiring board 40 includes, for example, a base plate 41, a plurality of bus bars 42, and a plurality of fastening members 43. In this embodiment, the base plate 41 and the plurality of bus bars 42 are integrated by insert molding. For example, the wiring board 40 is formed as a single member by insert molding the bus bars 42 with the base plate 41 after the fastening members 43 are fixed to the bus bars 42. In other words, the bus bars 42 are integrated with the base plate 41 without using fastening members such as screws or bolts. Note that the wiring board 40 may be formed using another structure instead of insert molding.

[0038] (base plate) The base plate 41 is a holding member that integrally holds together a plurality of bus bars 42 that are arranged horizontally at intervals from one another. The base plate 41 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has insulating properties. The base plate 41 electrically insulates the plurality of bus bars 42 from one another. The base plate 41 is an example of a "base member." The base plate 41 may also be referred to as an "insulating substrate." The base plate 41 has, for example, a flat portion 51 and a plurality of fixing portions 52.

[0039] The flat surface portion 51 is a plate-shaped portion of the base plate 41. The flat surface portion 51 is a plate-shaped portion extending in the horizontal direction. The flat surface portion 51 forms the main portion of the base plate 41. The flat surface portion 51 forms the base portion (insulating base portion) of the base plate 41. In this embodiment, the flat surface portion 51 extends across the entire width of the base plate 41 in the X direction and across the entire width of the base plate 41 in the Y direction, excluding the four corner portions of the base plate 41.

[0040] The flat portion 51 has a first surface 51a and a second surface 51b. The first surface 51a is a surface facing the +Z direction. The first surface 51a is a flat surface extending along the horizontal direction. The first surface 51a faces the multiple electronic components 10 and also faces the insulating cover 93 (see FIG. 1) of the electrical connection unit 1. The second surface 51b is located on the opposite side to the first surface 51a. The second surface 51b is a surface facing the -Z direction. The second surface 51b is a flat surface extending along the horizontal direction. The second surface 51b faces the metal plate 80 (see FIG. 1). The thickness direction (plate thickness direction) of the flat portion 51 is the Z direction.

[0041] The flat portion 51 has a through hole 51h. The through hole 51h penetrates the flat portion 51 in the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the through hole 51h is provided at a position corresponding to a fixing portion 83 of a metal plate 80, which will be described later. The fixing portion 83 of the metal plate 80 passes through the through hole 51h of the base plate 41 and protrudes beyond the first surface 51a of the flat portion 51 in the +Z direction. The mounting portion 14 of the electronic component 10 is fixed to the fixing portion 83 on the first surface 51a side of the flat portion 51.

[0042] Each fixing portion 52 has, for example, an upright plate portion 52a and a horizontal plate portion 52b.

[0043] The upright plate portion 52a stands in the +Z direction from the end of the flat portion 51 of the base plate 41. The upright plate portion 52a is a plate portion extending along the Y and Z directions. The thickness direction of the upright plate portion 52a is the X direction.

[0044] The horizontal plate portion 52b extends horizontally from the end of the upright plate portion 52a in the +Z direction. The horizontal plate portion 52b is a plate portion that extends horizontally. The horizontal plate portion 52b faces the fixed portion 82 of the metal plate 80 in the Z direction. The horizontal plate portion 52b has an insertion hole 52h that faces the engagement hole 82h of the fixed portion 82 of the metal plate 80. As shown in FIG. 3 , a fastening member 111 (e.g., a screw or bolt) is passed through the insertion hole 52h. When the fastening member 111 passed through the insertion hole 52h of the fixed portion 52 of the base plate 41 engages with the engagement hole 82h of the fixed portion 82 of the metal plate 80, the base plate 41 is fixed to the metal plate 80. The fastening member 111 is an example of a "first fastening member."

[0045] (busbar) Each bus bar 42 is a routing member (electrical connection member) included in the routing board 40. The bus bar 42 is, for example, a routing member for electrically connecting a plurality of electronic components 10. Alternatively, each bus bar 42 may be a routing member for connecting the electronic components 10 to an external device. Each bus bar 42 is made of metal (for example, copper or a copper alloy) and is conductive. The multiple bus bars 42 are arranged horizontally at intervals from each other. The multiple bus bars 42 include portions that are arranged on the same plane. The multiple bus bars 42 are held by the flat portion 51 of the base plate 41.

[0046] 4 and 5 , at least a portion of each bus bar 42 has a plate shape extending in the horizontal direction. At least a portion of each bus bar 42 is housed in the housing portion 55 and extends along the flat portion 51. That is, at least a portion of each bus bar 42 extends along the first surface 51a of the flat portion 51. At least a portion of each bus bar 42 extends in the horizontal direction within the housing portion 55. In this embodiment, each bus bar 42 has a plate shape extending in the horizontal direction over the entire length of the bus bar 42. Each bus bar 42 is housed in the housing portion 55 over the entire length of the bus bar 42 and extends along the flat portion 51.

[0047] (Fastening member) Fastening member 43 is a component for fastening bus bar 42 to a component to which bus bar 42 is to be connected (connecting bus bar 75, a component for connecting to a terminal of electronic component 10, or a component for connecting to an external device). Fastening member 43 is, for example, a crimp bolt fixed to bus bar 42. Fastening member 43 is an example of a "fastening portion."

[0048] <7.3 First wiring board (unique configuration)> Next, a structure unique to the first wiring board 40X will be described. Here, the bus bar 42 of the first wiring board 40X is an example of a "first bus bar." Furthermore, the base plate 41 of the first wiring board 40X is an example of a "first base member." Furthermore, the flat portion 51 of the first wiring board 40X is an example of a "first flat portion." The upright plate portion 52a of the first wiring board 40X is an example of a "first portion." Furthermore, the horizontal plate portion 52b of the first wiring board 40X is an example of a "second portion."

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the base plate 41 of the first wiring board 40X further includes a first positioning portion 45. The first positioning portion 45 has a first opposing surface 45s, which is a flat surface facing the -X direction. The first positioning portion 45 has a rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the Z direction, with the first opposing surface 45s as part of its outer circumferential surface. Specifically, the first positioning portion 45 has a rectangular cylindrical shape with the first opposing surface 45s as the outer circumferential flat surface on the -X direction side. The first opposing surface 45s is provided on a first base end 51Xe, which is an end portion on the -X side (subunit SUY side) of the flat portion 51 of the first wiring board 40X. The first positioning portion 45 is disposed between a pair of connecting bus bars 75, which will be described later, that are spaced apart in the Y direction.

[0050] 6, the first opposing surface 45s extends in the +Z direction from the first base end 51Xe. That is, the first opposing surface 45s extends from the first base end 51Xe to the side opposite the metal plate 80. Specifically, the first opposing surface 45s extends in the +Z direction at the first base end 51Xe so as to protrude from the first surface 51a of the flat portion 51 of the first routing board 40X. For example, the first opposing surface 45s may be flush with an end surface of the first base end 51Xe facing in the -X direction.

[0051] The first opposing surface 45s protrudes more in the +Z direction than a pair of fixing portions 52 arranged side by side in the Y direction on the first base end 51Xe side among the multiple fixing portions 52 of the base plate 41 of the first wiring board 40X. Here, each fixing portion 52 on the first base end 51Xe side stands in the +Z direction across the upright plate portion 52a and the horizontal plate portion 52b, and extends from the standing end in the -X direction within the XY plane.

[0052] <7.4 Second wiring board (unique configuration)> Next, a structure unique to the second wiring board 40Y will be described. Here, the bus bar 42 of the second wiring board 40Y is an example of a "second bus bar." Furthermore, the base plate 41 of the second wiring board 40Y is an example of a "second base member." Furthermore, the planar portion 51 of the second wiring board 40Y is an example of a "second planar portion." The upright plate portion 52a of the second wiring board 40Y is an example of a "third portion." Furthermore, the horizontal plate portion 52b of the second wiring board 40Y is an example of a "fourth portion."

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the base plate 41 of the second wiring board 40Y further includes a second positioning portion 46. The second positioning portion 46 has a second opposing surface 46s, which is a flat surface facing the +X direction. The second positioning portion 46 has a rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the Z direction, with the second opposing surface 46s as part of its outer circumferential surface. Specifically, the second positioning portion 46 has a rectangular cylindrical shape with the second opposing surface 46s as the outer circumferential flat surface on the +X direction side. The second opposing surface 46s is provided on a second base end 51Ye, which is an end portion on the +X side (subunit SUX side) of a flat portion 51 of the second wiring board 40Y. The second positioning portion 46 is disposed between a pair of connecting bus bars 75, which will be described later, that are spaced apart in the Y direction.

[0054] 9, the second opposing surface 46s extends in the +Z direction from the second base end 51Ye to face the first opposing surface 45s and along the first opposing surface 45s. That is, the second opposing surface 46s extends from the second base end 51Ye to the side opposite the metal plate 80. Specifically, the second opposing surface 46s extends in the +Z direction at the second base end 51Ye so as to protrude from the first surface 51a of the planar portion 51 of the second routing board 40Y. For example, the second opposing surface 46s may be flush with an end surface of the second base end 51Ye facing the +X direction. For example, the second opposing surface 46s and the first opposing surface 45s may have the same shape and dimensions.

[0055] The second opposing surface 46s protrudes more in the +Z direction than a pair of fixing portions 52 arranged side by side in the Y direction on the second base end 51Ye side among the multiple fixing portions 52 of the base plate 41 of the second wiring board 40Y. Here, each fixing portion 52 on the second base end 51Ye side stands in the +Z direction across the upright plate portion 52a and the horizontal plate portion 52b, and extends from the standing end in the +X direction within the XY plane.

[0056] 7.5 Fixed structures associated with multiple subunits Next, a fixing structure related to the plurality of subunits SU will be described with reference to Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the main body MU is divided into a plurality of subunits SU (for example, subunit SUX, subunit SUY, and subunit SUZ).

[0057] The subunit SUX includes a plurality of electronic components 10X, a base plate 41, and a plurality of bus bars 42. The plurality of bus bars 42 includes portions that are arranged on the same plane as one another and are electrically connected to the plurality of electronic components 10X. The electronic components 10X are an example of a "first electronic component."

[0058] The subunit SUY includes a plurality of electronic components 10Y, a base plate 41, and a plurality of bus bars 42. The plurality of bus bars 42 includes portions that are arranged on the same plane as one another and are electrically connected to the plurality of electronic components 10Y. The subunit SUY is electrically connected to the subunit SUX, for example, via a pair of coupling bus bars 75 that each extend in the X direction and are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The electronic component 10Y is an example of a "second electronic component."

[0059] The subunit SUZ includes a plurality of electronic components 10Z, a base plate 41, and a plurality of bus bars 42. The plurality of bus bars 42 include portions that are arranged on the same plane as one another and are electrically connected to the plurality of electronic components 10Z. The subunit SUZ is an example of a "third subunit." The electronic components 10Z are an example of a "third electronic component." The base plate 41 of the subunit SUZ is an example of a "third base member." The planar portion 51 of the base plate 41 of the subunit SUZ is an example of a "third planar portion."

[0060] In this embodiment, the plurality of subunits SU (for example, three subunits SUX, SUY, and SUZ) are each fixed to a metal plate 80. By this fixing, the plurality of subunits SU (for example, three subunits SUX, SUY, and SUZ) are held together by one metal plate 80.

[0061] In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the subunit SUX is the X direction. The longitudinal direction of the subunit SUY is the X direction. The longitudinal direction of the subunit SUZ is the X direction. Multiple subunits SU (e.g., three subunits SUX, SUY, and SUZ) are adjacent to each other in the X direction and are aligned in a row in the X direction. The longitudinal direction of the metal plate 80 is the X direction. The length of the metal plate 80 in the X direction is greater than the total length of the multiple subunits SU (e.g., three subunits SUX, SUY, and SUZ) in the X direction.

[0062] In this embodiment, the fixing portion 52 of the subunit SUX and the fixing portion 52 of the subunit SUY are arranged in positions that overlap in the Z direction. The fixing portion 52 of the subunit SUX and the fixing portion 52 of the subunit SUY are fixed together to the fixing portion 82 of the metal plate 80 by one fastening member 111. The fixing portion 52 of the subunit SUX is an example of a "first fixing portion." The fixing portion 52 of the subunit SUY is an example of a "second fixing portion."

[0063] Similarly, the fixing portion 52 of the subunit SUY and the fixing portion 52 of the subunit SUZ are arranged in positions where they overlap in the Z direction. The fixing portion 52 of the subunit SUY and the fixing portion 52 of the subunit SUZ are fixed together to the fixing portion 82 of the metal plate 80 by one fastening member 111.

[0064] In this embodiment, heat generated by electronic component 10X and bus bar 42 included in subunit SUX is transferred to metal plate 80 via one or more heat transfer members 92 facing subunit SUX. Similarly, heat generated by electronic component 10Y and bus bar 42 included in subunit SUY is transferred to metal plate 80 via one or more heat transfer members 92 facing subunit SUY. Heat generated by electronic component 10Z and bus bar 42 included in subunit SUZ is transferred to metal plate 80 via one or more heat transfer members 92 facing subunit SUZ. The multiple subunits SU (e.g., three subunits SUX, SUY, SUZ) have different amounts of heat generation, for example.

[0065] In this embodiment, it is possible to promote cooling of a plurality of subunits SU (for example, three subunits SUX, SUY, and SUZ) by using one large metal plate 80. For example, when the heat generation amounts of the plurality of subunits SU are different, it is possible to uniformly heat the plurality of subunits SU by using one large metal plate 80.

[0066] <8. Manufacturing method of electrical connection unit> Next, a method for manufacturing the electrical connection unit 1 will be described. 10 to 12 are cross-sectional views illustrating a manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit 1. In the wiring board 40 of each subunit SU, the base plate 41 and the multiple bus bars 42 are integrated by insert molding or another method, with the fastening members 43 fixed to the bus bars 42. By this integration, the wiring board 40 of each subunit SU is prepared in advance.

[0067] (1st step) 10 shows the first step. In the first step, each subunit SU is attached to a metal plate 80 placed on the mounting table MP. The first step is performed, for example, as follows: First, an insulating sheet 91 (see FIG. 3) is attached to the surface of the flat portion 81 of the metal plate 80. Next, a heat transfer member 92 is fixed to the underside of each subunit SU using an adhesive or the like. Next, each subunit SU is placed on the metal plate 80 with the insulating sheet 91 and the heat transfer member 92 interposed therebetween. Then, the fixing portion 52 of each subunit SU is fixed to the fixing portion 82 of the metal plate 80 using fastening members 111.

[0068] (2nd process) 11 shows the second step, in which the mounting portion 14 of the electronic component 10 of each subunit SU is fixed to the fixing portion 83 of the metal plate 80 by the fastening member 112. Note that the first step may be performed together with the second step.

[0069] (3rd step) 12 shows the third step, in which the insulating cover 93 is attached vertically to the metal plate 80. With this attachment, the electrical connection unit 1 is completed.

[0070] <9. Advantages> According to this embodiment, the second opposing surface 46s faces the first opposing surface 45s and extends in the Z direction along the first opposing surface 45s. This configuration allows the position of the subunit SUY, which is the second subunit adjacent to the subunit SUX, which is the first subunit, to be physically defined. This definition makes it easy to align the subunits SU with each other, according to this embodiment. Therefore, the ease of assembly can be improved. For example, the subunit SUY can be installed while the second opposing surface 46s is in contact with the first opposing surface 45s of the installed subunit SUX, making it easy to assemble the subunits SU.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the height of the first opposing surface 45s from the flat surface 51 is greater than the height of the fixing portion 52 from the flat surface 51. With this configuration, when the subunit SUY is placed from the end where the first opposing surface 45s extends, the first opposing surface 45s comes into contact with the second opposing surface 46s before the fixing portion 52 comes into contact with the subunit SUY. This makes it easier to align the subunits SU with each other.

[0072] According to the present embodiment, the first opposing surface 45s and the second opposing surface 46s extend on the side opposite to the metal plate 80. With this configuration, the subunit SUY can be placed facing the metal plate 80 with respect to the subunit SUX placed on the metal plate 80, with the second opposing surface 46s aligned with the first opposing surface 45s. This makes it easy to align the subunits SU with each other on the metal plate 80.

[0073] According to this embodiment, the first positioning portion 45 has a rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the Z direction. Such a structure can improve the mechanical strength of the first positioning portion 45. Furthermore, such a structure can utilize the hollow space and outer peripheral space of the first positioning portion 45, which extend in a direction away from the base plate 41, to rectify and dissipate heat from the wiring board 40 upward.

[0074] According to this embodiment, the first positioning portion 45 is disposed between the pair of connecting bus bars 75. With this configuration, the space between the pair of connecting bus bars 75 can be effectively utilized. This allows the electrical connection unit 1 to be made smaller. Furthermore, with this configuration, the electrical insulation distance between the pair of connecting bus bars 75 can be ensured.

[0075] <10. Variations> Next, several modified examples will be described. Note that the configuration of each modified example other than that described below is the same as that of the above-described embodiment.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, the first routing board 40X has a first positioning portion 45 that protrudes in the +Z direction. However, as long as it is possible to align the SUs with each other, the structure of the first positioning portion 45 that protrudes in the +Z direction may be used in combination with other functions. As a modified example, as shown in FIG. 13, the first positioning portion 45 may be connected to an end of an insulating rib 47 that the base plate 41 of the subunit SUX has. Here, the insulating rib 47 is a wall that rises from the first surface 51a of the flat portion 51 and extends along the first surface 51a. The insulating rib 47 may extend between multiple electronic components 10X.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the first positioning portion 45 has a rectangular cylindrical shape. However, any configuration is possible as long as it allows the subunits SU to be aligned with each other. As a modified example, the first positioning portion 45 may have a rectangular column shape with the first opposing surface 45s as the outer circumferential flat surface on the -X direction side. As a modified example, the first positioning portion 45 may have a plate shape with the first opposing surface 45s as the plate surface on the -X direction side.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the second positioning portion 46 has a rectangular cylindrical shape. However, any configuration is possible as long as it allows the subunits SU to be aligned with each other. As a modified example, the second positioning portion 46 may have a rectangular column shape with the second opposing surface 46s as the outer circumferential flat surface on the -X direction side. As a modified example, the second positioning portion 46 may have a plate shape with the second opposing surface 46s as the plate surface on the -X direction side.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the first opposing surface 45s is flush with the end surface of the first base end 51Xe facing the −X direction. However, any configuration is possible as long as the subunits SU can be aligned with each other. As a modification, the first opposing surface 45s and the end surface of the first base end 51Xe facing the −X direction may be offset in the X direction.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the second opposing surface 46s is flush with the end surface of the second base end 51Ye facing the +X direction. However, any configuration is possible as long as the subunits SU can be aligned with each other. As a modification, the second opposing surface 46s and the end surface of the second base end 51Ye facing the +X direction may be offset in the X direction.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the first opposing surface 45s and the second opposing surface 46s are flat. However, any configuration is acceptable as long as the subunits SU can be aligned with each other. As a modified example, the first opposing surface 45s and the second opposing surface 46s may be curved surfaces that can come into surface contact with each other. For example, the first opposing surface 45s and the second opposing surface 46s may be curved surfaces that extend straight in the Z direction and can come into surface contact with each other.

[0082] The wiring board 40 is not limited to a structure in which the base plate 41 and the bus bar 42 are integrated by insert molding. For example, the base plate 41 may be molded with a housing portion 55 for housing the bus bar 42, and then the bus bar 42 may be placed in the housing portion 55. In this case, the bus bar 42 may be fixed to the housing portion 55 by fitting, or may be fixed to the housing portion 55 by adhesive or other fixing means. In these cases, potting may be applied to fill the gap between the bus bar 42 and the housing portion 55.

[0083] The base member of the wiring board 40 is not limited to the base plate 41 having the plate-shaped flat portion 51. The wiring board 40 may be a base member (for example, an insulating sheet) having a sheet-shaped flat portion 51. In this case, a part of the flat portion 51 may conform to the outer shape of the bus bar 42 to form the accommodation portion 55.

[0084] The connection between the electronic component 10 and the bus bar 42 is not limited to the connection via the connection component 20. The electronic component 10 may be directly connected to the bus bar 42 using a fastening member (for example, a bolt or a screw), welding, or the like.

[0085] Several embodiments and modifications have been described above. However, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the above examples. For example, multiple embodiments may be realized in combination with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 Electrical Connection Unit 10. Electronic Components 10X Electronic Components 10Y Electronic Components 10Z Electronic Components 14 Mounting part 14h mounting hole 40 Wiring board 40M wiring board 40X 1st wiring board 40Y Second wiring board 40Z 3rd wiring board 41 base plate (first base member, second base member) 42 Busbars (1st busbar, 2nd busbar) 43 Fastening members 45 First positioning part 45s First opposing surface 46 Second positioning part 46s Second opposing surface 47 Insulating rib 51 Plane part (first plane part, second plane part) 51a 1st page 51b 2nd side 51h through hole 51Xe 1st base end 51Ye 2nd base end 52 Fixed part 52a Standing plate part 52b Horizontal plate section 52h Insertion hole 55 Storage section 75 Connecting busbar 80 Metal Plate 80e1 1st end 80e2 2nd end 80e3 3rd end 80e4 4th end 81 Plane part 82 Fixed part 82h engagement hole 83 Fixed part 83h Engagement hole 91 Insulation sheet 92 Heat transfer materials 93 Insulating cover 93h Ventilation hole 111 Fastening members 112 Fastening members MP mounting table MU main body SU subunit SUX subunit (first subunit) SUY subunit (second subunit) SUZ subunit

Claims

1. a first subunit including a plurality of first bus bars including portions arranged on the same plane as one another, and a first base member including a plate-like or sheet-like first planar portion that holds the plurality of first bus bars and a first positioning portion; a second subunit electrically connected to the first subunit, the second subunit including: a plurality of second bus bars including portions arranged on the same plane as one another; and a second base member including a plate-like or sheet-like second planar portion that holds the plurality of second bus bars and a second positioning portion; Equipped with When the thickness direction of the first planar portion is defined as a first direction and a direction intersecting the first direction is defined as a second direction, the first positioning portion has a first opposing surface extending in the first direction from a first base end of the first flat portion on the second subunit side, the second positioning portion has a second opposing surface that faces the first opposing surface and extends in the first direction from a second base end of the second flat portion on the first subunit side along the first opposing surface, Electrical connection unit.

2. the first base member further includes a fixing portion that stands from the first base end toward the side where the first opposing surface extends in the first direction and extends from the standing end along the second flat surface, The first opposing surface protrudes more in the first direction than the fixing portion. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 .

3. the first subunit and the second subunit are fixed to metal plates that hold the first subunit and the second subunit together; the first opposing surface extends from the first base end to a side opposite to the metal plate, The second opposing surface extends from the second base end to a side opposite to the metal plate.

3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the first positioning portion has a rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the first direction, with the first opposing surface being a part of an outer circumferential surface thereof; 3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the first subunit further includes a plurality of electronic components electrically connected to the plurality of first bus bars and an insulating rib extending between the plurality of electronic components; The first positioning portion is connected to an end of the insulating rib.

3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

6. further comprising a pair of connecting bus bars that electrically connect the first subunit and the second subunit; the first positioning portion is disposed between the pair of connecting bus bars; 3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

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