Electric connection unit

Abstract

To provide an electric connection unit which enables improvement of heat radiation performance.SOLUTION: An electric connection unit according to one embodiment includes: a routing substrate; a metal plate; a heat transfer member; and a restriction part. The routing substrate has: an insulating base member having a plate or sheet-like plane part; and a bus bar supported by the base member and extending along the plane part. The metal plate faces the plane part while forming a space with the plane part. The heat transfer member is disposed between the routing substrate and the metal plate. The restriction part is disposed between the routing substrate and the metal plate. The restriction part restricts the routing substrate and the metal plate from moving close to each other in a state that the heat transfer member contacts with both of the routing substrate and the metal plate directly or through another member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

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 Electrical connection units are known that include an electronic component and a substrate that includes a bus bar to which the electronic component is connected. [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, electrical connection units are expected to have improved heat dissipation properties.

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

[0006] In one embodiment, the electrical connection unit includes a wiring board, a metal plate, a heat transfer member, and a restricting portion. The wiring board has an insulating base member including a plate-shaped or sheet-shaped flat portion, and a bus bar supported by the base member and extending along the flat portion. The metal plate faces the flat portion with a gap between it and the flat portion. The heat transfer member is disposed between the wiring board and the metal plate. The restricting portion is disposed between the wiring board and the metal plate. The restricting portion restricts the wiring board and the metal plate from approaching each other while the heat transfer member is in contact with both the wiring board and the metal plate directly or via another member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment, the heat dissipation performance of the electrical connection unit can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [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 illustrating a main body of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a subunit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the subunit of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an electronic component and a connecting component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an electronic component and a connecting component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a connecting part according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the wiring board of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the wiring board according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the wiring board of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the connection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the wiring board of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 11 is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG. 10 taken along line F13-F13. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG. 10 taken along line F16-F16. 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 may include electrical connection. In other words, "connection" is not limited to direct connection between two elements to be connected, but may include connection between two elements via another element interposed therebetween. "Containment" is not limited to containment of the entire component, but may include containment of only a portion of the component (with the remaining portion 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 may include cases where two objects face each other with another component interposed between them. "Parallel," "orthogonal," or "same" may include "approximately parallel," "approximately perpendicular," or "approximately the same," respectively.

[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. 11). 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. 11). 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."

[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] (First embodiment) <1. Configuration of the electrical connection unit> FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrical connection unit 1 of a first 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 includes, for example, a main body MU, a metal plate 80, an insulating sheet 91 (see FIG. 11), a plurality of heat transfer members 92, one or more (for example, a plurality of) restricting portions 94, and an insulating cover 93.

[0015] <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 (subunits SUX, SUY, SUZ). Each subunit SU may be referred to as a "circuit assembly."

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 between the first routing board 40X and the second routing board 40Y. On the other hand, the subunit SUZ is arranged on the -X direction side of the subunit SUY. The subunits SUZ and SUY are electrically connected via a plurality of coupling bus bars 75 (only one is shown in FIG. 2 ) that extend between the third routing board 40Z and the second routing board 40Y. The coupling bus bar 75 is arranged on the opposite side of the metal plate 80 from the plurality of subunits SU.

[0020] In this embodiment, the three wiring boards 40X, 40Y, and 40Z included in the three subunits SUX, SUY, and SUZ are arranged on the same plane. In other words, the three wiring boards 40X, 40Y, and 40Z are arranged at the same height in the Z direction. As a result, the three wiring boards 40X, 40Y, and 40Z form one large wiring board 40M.

[0021] In this embodiment, the three subunits SUX, SUY, and SUZ have the same or similar basic structures. Therefore, the following detailed description will focus on one subunit SU as a representative. Hereinafter, 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 components 10X, 10Y, and 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."

[0022] Note that, instead of the above example, the main body MU does not have to be divided into multiple subunits SU. That is, the main body MU may be formed by multiple electronic components 10 and one wiring board 40. Furthermore, the two or more subunits SU are not limited to subunits SU having different functions, and may be subunits SU having the same function.

[0023] <3. Subunit structure> Next, the configuration of the subunit SU will be described. Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the subunit SU. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the subunit SU partially exploded. The subunit SU includes, for example, a plurality of electronic components 10, a plurality of connection components 20 for component connection, a plurality of connection components 30 for external connection, and a wiring board 40. The connection components 20 and 30 are members that form a vertical current path. The connection components 20 and 30 may also be referred to as "vertical wiring members."

[0024] <3.1 Electronic components and connecting parts> First, the electronic component 10 and the connecting component 20 for connecting the components will be described. The electronic component 10 is an electronic component that is installed in the subunit SU according to the functions required. 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 example. The electronic component 10 is, for example, a heat-generating component that generates heat when power is applied. Below, a first type electronic component 10M and a second type electronic component 10N will be described as examples of the electronic component 10.

[0025] The connection component 20 is a component that electrically connects the electronic component 10 and the wiring board 40. The connection component 20 forms part of the current path in the subunit SU. The connection component 20 is made of metal (for example, copper or a copper alloy). The connection component 20 may also be referred to as a "metal component." Below, a first type connection component 20M and a second type connection component 20N will be described as examples of the connection component 20.

[0026] <3.1.1 Type 1 Electronic Components> 5 is a perspective view showing a first type electronic component 10M and a first type connecting component 20M. The first type electronic component 10M is an electronic component having a plurality of terminals 13 arranged side by side at one end of the electronic component 10M. The electronic component 10M has, for example, a case 11, a component main body 12, a plurality of terminals 13, and a plurality of mounting portions 14.

[0027] (case) Case 11 is an outer shell member that forms most of the outer shape of electronic component 10M. Case 11 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has insulating properties. Case 11 houses component main body 12. Note that case 11 and component main body 12 may be formed integrally.

[0028] In this embodiment, the case 11 has an insulating rib 11a that protrudes in a horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and extends in the Z direction. The insulating rib 11a is, for example, plate-shaped and extends along the horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and the Z direction. The insulating rib 11a extends, for example, over the entire length of the case 11 in the Z direction. The insulating rib 11a is disposed between a plurality of terminals 13 (terminals 13A and 13B described below). The insulating rib 11a electrically insulates the terminals 13A from the terminals 13B. In this embodiment, a portion of the insulating rib 11a is disposed between first portions 21 (described below) of two connection parts 20M connected to the electronic component 10M. The insulating rib 11a electrically insulates the first portions 21 of the two connection parts 20M connected to the electronic component 10M.

[0029] (Component body) The component body 12 is a part that performs the main function of the electronic component 10M. For example, if the electronic component 10M is a relay, the component body 12 includes a switching part (e.g., a contact part) that switches between a conductive state and a non-conductive state. For example, if the electronic component 10M is a fuse, the component body 12 includes a fusing part that melts when an overcurrent flows. For example, if the electronic component 10M is a capacitor, the component body 12 includes a part that stores electric charge.

[0030] (Terminal) Terminal 13 is an electrical connection portion exposed to the outside of case 11. Terminal 13 is electrically connected to component main body 12 inside case 11. In this embodiment, electronic component 10M includes terminal 13A and terminal 13B as the multiple terminals 13. One of terminal 13A and terminal 13B is a positive terminal. The other of terminal 13A and terminal 13B is a negative terminal.

[0031] In this embodiment, terminals 13A and 13B are provided at one end of electronic component 10M in the horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Terminals 13A and 13B are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Each terminal 13 has a mounting hole 13h to which a fastening member 71 (e.g., a screw or a bolt) described later is attached. Mounting hole 13h opens in the horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The inner circumferential surface of mounting hole 13h of electronic component 10M has a threaded groove.

[0032] (Mounting part) Mounting portion 14 is a portion for fixing electronic component 10M. Mounting portion 14 has mounting holes 14h to which fastening members 112 (e.g., screws or bolts, see FIG. 11) described later are attached. Mounting holes 14h are open in the Z direction. Mounting holes 14h are insertion holes through which fastening members 112 are passed. The destination to which mounting portion 14 is fixed will be described later.

[0033] <3.1.2 Type 1 connection parts> The first type connecting part 20M is a part that electrically connects the first type electronic component 10M and the wiring board 40. In this embodiment, the connecting part 20M electrically connects the electronic component 10M and a bus bar 42 (see FIG. 8) included in the wiring board 40. The connecting part 20M has, for example, a first portion 21 and a second portion 22.

[0034] (Part 1) The first portion 21 of the connecting part 20M is a portion that is connected to the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10M. The first portion 21 is a plate-like or rectangular parallelepiped portion that extends in the Z direction. The first portion 21 extends in the Z direction along one end (e.g., an end in the X direction) of the electronic component 10M. The first portion 21 is an upright portion that stands in the Z direction relative to the wiring board 40 (e.g., relative to a bus bar 42 described below). The first portion 21 is adjacent to the electronic component 10M in the horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). For example, the first portion 21 is adjacent to the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10M in the horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and is connected to the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10M from the horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction).

[0035] The first portion 21 of the connecting part 20M has a first mounting hole 21h through which a fastening member 71 (e.g., a screw or a bolt) is passed. The first mounting hole 21h is open in the horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The first portion 21 also has a recess 25 around the first mounting hole 21h. The recess 25 is a receiving portion that receives the head of the fastening member 71 inserted into the first mounting hole 21h. The fastening member 71 passed through the first mounting hole 21h engages with the mounting hole 13h of the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10M, thereby physically and electrically connecting the first portion 21 to the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10M. Note that the first portion 21 does not necessarily have to have the recess 25.

[0036] (Second part) The second portion 22 of the connection part 20M is a portion that is connected to the bus bar 42 (see FIG. 8). The second portion 22 protrudes horizontally (e.g., in the X direction) from the end of the first portion 21 on the −Z direction side. The second portion 22 is a plate portion that extends horizontally. The second portion 22 is adjacent to the bus bar 42 in the Z direction and is connected to the bus bar 42 from the Z direction. The second portion 22 of the connection part 20M is attached from the Z direction to a fastening member 43 (e.g., a screw or bolt, see FIG. 8) that protrudes from the bus bar 42 in the +Z direction, and is physically and electrically connected to the bus bar 42. In this embodiment, the second portion 22 of the connection part 20M has a second mounting hole 22h through which the fastening member 43 is passed. The second mounting hole 22h is open in the Z direction. The fastening member 43 is passed through the second mounting hole 22h of the second portion 22. Then, an engaging member 44 (e.g., a nut, see FIG. 3) engages with the tip of a fastening member 43 passed through the second mounting hole 22h, thereby fixing the second portion 22 to the bus bar 42. In this embodiment, the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 form an L-shaped, single-piece connecting part 20M.

[0037] <3.1.3 Second type electronic components> FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a second-type electronic component 10N and a second-type connecting component 20N. The second-type electronic component 10N is an electronic component in which two terminals 13 are arranged separately at both horizontal ends of the electronic component 10N. The electronic component 10N includes, for example, a case 11, a component main body 12, and a plurality of terminals 13. Note that, among the components of the electronic component 10N, components having the same function as the electronic component 10M are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this case, in the description of the electronic component 10N, "electronic component 10M" can be read as "electronic component 10N" in the description of the electronic component 10M described above.

[0038] In electronic component 10N, terminals 13A and terminals 13B are arranged separately at both ends of electronic component 10N in the horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Each terminal 13 has a mounting hole 13h to which a fastening member 72 (e.g., a screw or a bolt) described below is attached. Mounting hole 13h opens in the Z direction. For example, mounting hole 13h of electronic component 10N is an insertion hole through which fastening member 72 is passed.

[0039] <3.1.4 Second type of connecting parts> The second type connecting part 20N is a part that electrically connects the second type electronic component 10N to the wiring board 40. In this embodiment, the connecting part 20N electrically connects the electronic component 10N to a bus bar 42 (see FIG. 8) included in the wiring board 40. The connecting part 20N has, for example, a first part 21, a second part 22, and a third part 23.

[0040] (Part 1) The first portion 21 of the connection part 20N is a portion connected to the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10N. The first portion 21 is a rectangular parallelepiped portion extending in the Z direction. The first portion 21 is an upright portion that stands in the Z direction relative to the routing board 40 (e.g., relative to the bus bar 42). The first portion 21 is adjacent to the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10N in the Z direction and is connected to the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10N from the Z direction. The first portion 21 of the connection part 20N has a first mounting hole 21h with which a fastening member 72 engages. The first mounting hole 21h opens in the Z direction. The inner circumferential surface of the first mounting hole 21h of the connection part 20N has a thread groove. The first portion 21 is physically and electrically connected to the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10N by engaging the fastening member 72 passed through the mounting hole 13h of the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10N with the first mounting hole 21h of the first part 21.

[0041] (Second part) The second portion 22 of the connection part 20N is a portion that is connected to the bus bar 42 (see FIG. 8). The second portion 22 protrudes horizontally (e.g., in the X direction) from the end of the first portion 21 on the −Z direction side. The second portion 22 is a plate portion that extends horizontally. The second portion 22 is adjacent to the bus bar 42 in the Z direction and is connected to the bus bar 42 from the Z direction. The second portion 22 of the connection part 20N is attached from the Z direction to a fastening member 43 (e.g., a screw or bolt, see FIG. 8) that protrudes from the bus bar 42 in the +Z direction, and is physically and electrically connected to the bus bar 42. In this embodiment, the second portion 22 of the connection part 20N has a second mounting hole 22h through which the fastening member 43 is passed. The second mounting hole 22h is open in the Z direction. The fastening member 43, which will be described later, is passed through the second mounting hole 22h of the second portion 22. Then, second portion 22 is fixed to bus bar 42 by engaging an engaging member 44 (for example, a nut, see FIG. 3) with the tip of fastening member 43 passed through second mounting hole 22h.

[0042] (3rd part) The third portion 23 is an upright wall (side wall) that stands in the +Z direction from both horizontal end portions of the second portion 22. The third portion 23 is a wall that extends along the Z direction. The third portion 23 is connected to the first portion 21 and also to the second portion 22. The third portion 23 extends at an incline that increases in the X direction as it progresses in the -Z direction, for example. The third portion 23 may be provided in the connection part 20M described above. On the other hand, the connection part 20N may not have the third portion 23.

[0043] <3.2 External connection parts> Next, the connecting part 30 for external connection will be described. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a connection part 30 for external connection. The connection part 30 is a part that electrically connects an external connection bus bar 76 and a wiring board 40. In this embodiment, the connection part 30 electrically connects the external connection bus bar 76 and a bus bar 42 (see FIG. 8) included in the wiring board 40. The external connection bus bar 76 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 external devices include, but are not limited to, a battery unit mounted on a vehicle or an inverter for driving a vehicle motor. The connection part 30 has, for example, a first portion 31, a second portion 32, and a third portion 33.

[0044] (Part 1) The first portion 31 is a portion connected to the external connection busbar 76. The first portion 31 is a rectangular parallelepiped portion extending in the Z direction. The first portion 31 is an upright portion that stands in the Z direction relative to the wiring board 40 (e.g., relative to the busbar 42). The first portion 31 is adjacent to the external connection busbar 76 in the Z direction and is connected to the external connection busbar 76 from the Z direction. The first portion 31 has a first mounting hole 31h through which a fastening member 73 (e.g., a screw or a bolt) is passed. The first mounting hole 31h opens in the Z direction. The inner circumferential surface of the first mounting hole 31h has a thread groove. The first portion 31 is physically and electrically connected to the external connection busbar 76 by the fastening member 73 passed through the mounting hole 76h of the external connection busbar 76 engaging with the first mounting hole 31h of the first portion 31.

[0045] (Second part) The second portion 32 is a portion that is connected to the bus bar 42 (see FIG. 8). The second portion 32 protrudes horizontally (e.g., in the X direction) from the end of the first portion 31 on the −Z direction side. The second portion 32 is a plate portion that extends horizontally. The second portion 32 is adjacent to the bus bar 42 in the Z direction and is connected to the bus bar 42 from the Z direction. The second portion 32 is attached from the Z direction to a fastening member 43 (e.g., a screw or bolt, see FIG. 8) that protrudes from the bus bar 42 in the +Z direction, and is physically and electrically connected to the bus bar 42. In this embodiment, the second portion 32 has a second mounting hole 32h through which the fastening member 43 is passed. The second mounting hole 32h is open in the Z direction. The fastening member 43, which will be described later, is passed through the second mounting hole 32h of the second portion 32. Then, second portion 32 is fixed to bus bar 42 by engaging an engaging member 44 (for example, a nut, see FIG. 3) with the tip of fastening member 43 passed through second mounting hole 32h.

[0046] (3rd part) The third portion 33 is an upright wall that stands in the +Z direction from both horizontal end portions of the second portion 32. The third portion 33 is a wall that extends along the Z direction. The third portion 33 is connected to the first portion 31 and also to the second portion 32. The third portion 33 extends at an incline so that, for example, it becomes larger in the X direction (or Y direction) as it progresses in the -Z direction. Note that the connecting part 30 does not necessarily have the third portion 33.

[0047] <3.3 Wiring board> Next, the wiring board 40 will be described. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a wiring board 40. The wiring board 40 is a component 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 when viewed overall, regardless of its detailed shape. In this disclosure, "plate-like," "sheet-like," or "flat" does not necessarily mean a completely flat structure, but may also include a surface that partially contains a fixing structure or rib that protrudes in the Z direction, or a surface that has an uneven shape that conforms to the thickness of the bus bar. In this embodiment, the wiring board 40 is a plate-like structure that is flat in the X and Y directions.

[0048] The wiring board 40 includes, for example, a base plate 41, one or more (e.g., 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 by another structure instead of insert molding. A modified example in which the wiring board 40 is formed by another structure will be described later.

[0049] 9 is a perspective view showing a partly exploded view of the wiring board 40. For convenience of explanation, the base plate 41, the bus bar 42, and the fastening member 43 will be described below with reference to the partly exploded view of the wiring board 40.

[0050] (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. The fixing portions 52 will be described later.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The flat portion 51 has, for example, one or more (e.g., multiple) accommodating portions 55 that each accommodate a bus bar 42. The multiple accommodating portions 55 are formed spaced apart from one another in the X direction or the Y direction. Each accommodating portion 55 is, for example, a through-hole that penetrates the flat portion 51 in the Z direction. Note that, instead of a through-hole, the accommodating portion 55 may be a recess that is provided on the first surface 51a or the second surface 51b of the flat portion 51 and recessed in the Z direction. Note that in the present disclosure, the phrase "an accommodating portion penetrates the flat portion in the first direction (Z direction)" may also include a case where only a portion of the entire length of the accommodating portion 55 penetrates the flat portion 51 in the Z direction (for example, the remaining portion of the accommodating portion 55 may be a recess that is recessed in the Z direction, or may be provided inside the base plate 41 and not exposed to the outside of the base plate 41). Similarly, in the present disclosure, "the storage section is recessed in the first direction (Z direction)" may also include the case where only a portion of the overall length of the storage section 55 is recessed in the Z direction (for example, the remaining portion of the storage section 55 may be a through hole that penetrates the planar section 51 in the Z direction, or may be provided inside the base plate 41 and not exposed to the outside of the base plate 41).

[0054] When viewed from the Z direction, each accommodating portion 55 has an outer shape corresponding to the shape of the bus bar 42 to be accommodated. In this embodiment, the planar portion 51 includes the plurality of accommodating portions 55, for example, five accommodating portions 55A, 55B, 55C, 55D, and 55E. The accommodating portion 55A is provided corresponding to a bus bar 42A (described later) and accommodates the bus bar 42A. The accommodating portion 55B is provided corresponding to a bus bar 42B (described later) and accommodates the bus bar 42B. The accommodating portion 55C is provided corresponding to a bus bar 42C (described later) and accommodates the bus bar 42C. The accommodating portion 55D is provided corresponding to a bus bar 42D (described later) and accommodates the bus bar 42D. The accommodating portion 55E is provided corresponding to a bus bar 42E (described later) and accommodates the bus bar 42E.

[0055] (busbar) The busbars 42 are wiring members included in the wiring board 40. The busbars 42 are, for example, wiring members for electrically connecting multiple electronic components 10. Alternatively, the busbars 42 may be wiring members for connecting the electronic components 10 to an external device. The busbars 42 are made of metal (for example, copper or a copper alloy) and are electrically conductive. In this embodiment, the wiring board 40 includes the multiple busbars 42, for example, five busbars 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D, and 42E. The five busbars 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D, and 42E are arranged horizontally at intervals from one another. The five busbars 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D, and 42E include portions that are arranged on the same plane. The five busbars 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D, and 42E are held by a flat portion 51 of the base plate 41.

[0056] At least a portion of each busbar 42 has a plate shape extending in the horizontal direction. At least a portion of each busbar 42 is housed in the housing portion 55 and extends along the flat portion 51. That is, at least a portion of each busbar 42 extends along the first surface 51a of the flat portion 51. At least a portion of each busbar 42 extends horizontally within the housing portion 55. In this embodiment, each busbar 42 has a plate shape extending in the horizontal direction over the entire length of the busbar 42. Each busbar 42 is housed in the housing portion 55 over the entire length of the busbar 42 and extends along the flat portion 51. Hereinafter, the portion of each busbar 42 housed in the housing portion 55 and extending along the flat portion 51 may be referred to as a "plate portion 42p." The busbar 42 is a component that forms a horizontal current path. The busbar 42 may also be referred to as a "horizontal routing component."

[0057] 10 is a plan view showing the wiring board 40. The plate portion 42p of each bus bar 42 has, for example, a first connection portion 61, a second connection portion 62, and an extension portion 63.

[0058] The first connection portion 61 is a portion that comes into contact with one connection component 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "first connection component 20"). The first connection component 20 is a connection component that connects one electronic component 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "first electronic component 10") to the bus bar 42. The first connection portion 61 is a portion of the bus bar 42 that overlaps with the first connection component 20 when viewed from the Z direction. The first connection portion 61 is adjacent to the first connection component 20 in the Z direction and is connected to the first connection component 20 from the Z direction.

[0059] The second connection portion 62 is a portion that comes into contact with another connection component 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "second connection component 20"). The second connection component 20 is a connection component that connects another electronic component 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "second electronic component 10") included in the plurality of electronic components 10 to the bus bar 42. The second connection portion 62 is a portion of the bus bar 42 that overlaps with the second connection component 20 when viewed from the Z direction. The second connection portion 62 is adjacent to the second connection component 20 in the Z direction and is connected to the second connection component 20 from the Z direction.

[0060] Alternatively, the second connection portion 62 may be a portion that comes into contact with another connection component 30 (hereinafter referred to as the "second connection component 30") instead of the above example. The connection component 30 is a connection component for connecting an external device to the bus bar 42. In this case, the second connection portion 62 is a portion of the bus bar 42 that overlaps with the second connection component 30 when viewed from the Z direction. The second connection portion 62 is adjacent to the second connection component 30 in the Z direction and is connected to the second connection component 30 from the Z direction.

[0061] Furthermore, the second connection portion 62 may be a portion that comes into contact with the coupling bus bar 75 for connecting to another subunit SU, instead of the connection parts 20 and 30. In this case, the second connection portion 62 is a portion of the bus bar 42 that overlaps with the coupling bus bar 75 when viewed from the Z direction. The second connection portion 62 is adjacent to the coupling bus bar 75 in the Z direction, and is connected to the coupling bus bar 75 from the Z direction.

[0062] The extending portion 63 extends in the X direction or the Y direction from the first connecting portion 61. The extending portion 63 is provided between the first connecting portion 61 and the second connecting portion 62. The extending portion 63 extends across the first connecting portion 61 and the second connecting portion 62. The extending portion 63 connects the first connecting portion 61 and the second connecting portion 62.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first connection portion 61, the second connection portion 62, and the extension portion 63 are plate-shaped and extend in the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, each bus bar 42 is housed in the housing portion 55 across at least the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62, and extends along the flat portion 51. For example, the first connection portion 61, the second connection portion 62, and the extension portion 63 are housed in the housing portion 55 and extend along the flat portion 51.

[0064] In this embodiment, the extension portions 63 of some of the bus bars 42 are accommodated in the accommodation portion 55, and thereby pass through the region R that overlaps with the electronic component 10 when viewed from the Z direction, and extend to both sides of the region R. For example, the extension portions 63 extend linearly along the X direction. The extension portions 63 extend through the region R that overlaps with the electronic component 10 when viewed from the Z direction, and extend to both the +X direction side and the −X direction side of the region R. In other words, by accommodating the bus bars 42 in the accommodation portion 55, they can be more easily routed along a better route (for example, a route with a shorter distance) without being obstructed by the presence of the electronic component 10.

[0065] Furthermore, one or more bus bars 42 may have an extension portion 64 in addition to the first connection portion 61, the second connection portion 62, and the extension portion 63. The extension portion 64 is a portion of the bus bar 42 extended for the purpose of increasing the heat dissipation area and / or the heat capacity for heat storage (heat absorption). The extension portion 64 is a portion not used for electrical connection. For example, the extension portion 64 is located on the opposite side of the extension portion 63 from the first connection portion 61 (or the second connection portion 62). The extension portion 64 has a plate shape extending horizontally. The extension portion 64 is housed in the housing portion 55 and extends along the flat portion 51. The extension portion 64 extends to a region R that overlaps with the electronic component 10 when viewed from the Z direction, and has an end 42e1 of the bus bar 42 at a position that overlaps with the electronic component 10 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0066] Below, several examples of busbar 42 routing will be described. The plurality of electronic components 10 includes three electronic components 10A, 10B, and 10C. Electronic component 10A and electronic component 10B are, for example, a first-type electronic component 10M. Electronic component 10C is, for example, a second-type electronic component 10N. The types of electronic components 10 are not limited to the above examples. The plurality of connection components 20 include six connection components 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, and 20F. The plurality of connection components 30 include two connection components 30A and 30B. The plurality of coupling bus bars 75 include two coupling bus bars 75A and 75B. The plurality of external connection bus bars 76 include two external connection bus bars 76A and 76B.

[0067] (1st wiring example) First, an example of wiring of bus bar 42A will be described. Bus bar 42A has a first connection portion 61, a second connection portion 62, and an extension portion 63. When viewed from the Z direction, first connection portion 61 is located on the +X direction side of electronic component 10A. First connection portion 61 is electrically connected to terminal 13A of electronic component 10A via connection component 20A, which is first connection component 20. Second connection portion 62 is located on the −X direction side of electronic component 10A when viewed from the Z direction. Second connection portion 62 is electrically connected to another subunit SU via coupling bus bar 75A.

[0068] By being accommodated in accommodation portion 55, extension portion 63 passes through region R that overlaps with electronic component 10A when viewed from the Z direction, and extends to both sides of region R. For example, extension portion 63 extends linearly along the X direction. Extension portion 63 extends through region R that overlaps with electronic component 10A when viewed from the Z direction, so as to span both the +X direction side and the −X direction side of region R. Bus bar 42A is an example of a “bus bar.” Bus bar 42A is, for example, a bus bar included in positive electrode line PL of electrical connection unit 1.

[0069] (Second wiring example) Next, an example of wiring of the busbar 42B will be described. The busbar 42B has a first connection portion 61, a second connection portion 62, an extension portion 63, and an extension portion 64. The first connection portion 61 is electrically connected to a terminal 13B of the electronic component 10A via a connection component 20B, which is the first connection component 20. The second connection portion 62 is electrically connected to an external connection busbar 76A via a connection component 30A, which is the second connection component 30. The extension portion 64 extends to a region R that overlaps with the electronic component 10A when viewed from the Z direction, and has an end 42e1 of the busbar 42 at a position that overlaps with the electronic component 10A. Note that, like the busbar 42A, the busbar 42B may have an extension portion 63 that passes through the region R that overlaps with the electronic component 10A when viewed from the Z direction and extends to both sides of the region R. The busbar 42B is, for example, a busbar included in the positive electrode line PL of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0070] (3rd wiring example) Next, an example of wiring of busbar 42C will be described. Busbar 42C has a first connection portion 61, a second connection portion 62, an extension portion 63, and an extension portion 64. First connection portion 61 is electrically connected to terminal 13B of electronic component 10B via connection component 20C, which is first connection component 20. Second connection portion 62 is electrically connected to another subunit SU via coupling busbar 75B. Extension portion 64 extends to region R that overlaps with electronic component 10B when viewed from the Z direction, and has end 42e1 of busbar 42 at a position that overlaps with electronic component 10B when viewed from the Z direction.

[0071] (4th wiring example) Next, an example of wiring of busbar 42D will be described. Busbar 42D has a first connection portion 61, a second connection portion 62, and an extension portion 63. First connection portion 61 is electrically connected to terminal 13A of electronic component 10B via connection part 20D, which is a first connection part 20. Second connection portion 62 is electrically connected to terminal 13B of electronic component 10C via connection part 20E, which is a second connection part 20.

[0072] (5th wiring example) Next, an example of wiring of busbar 42E will be described. Busbar 42E has a first connection portion 61, a second connection portion 62, and an extension portion 63. First connection portion 61 is electrically connected to terminal 13A of electronic component 10C via connection part 20F, which is a first connection part 20. Second connection portion 62 is electrically connected to external connection busbar 76B via connection part 30B, which is a second connection part 30.

[0073] (Fastening member) 9, fastening member 43 will be described. Fastening member 43 is a component for fastening bus bar 42 to a component to be connected to bus bar 42 (connection component 20, connection component 30, or coupling bus bar 75). Fastening member 43 is, for example, a crimp bolt fixed to bus bar 42.

[0074] In this embodiment, each of the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62 of the bus bar 42 has a through hole 42h. The through hole 42h penetrates the bus bar 42 in the Z direction. The fastening member 43 is, for example, a bolt having a shaft portion 43a and a head portion 43b. The circumferential surface of the shaft portion 43a has a thread groove. The head portion 43b has a larger diameter than the shaft portion 43a. The fastening member 43 is fixed to the bus bar 42 by crimping, with the shaft portion 43a passing through the through hole 42h of the bus bar 42. With this fixation, the fastening member 43 is electrically and physically connected to the bus bar 42, with the shaft portion 43a protruding from the through hole 42h of the bus bar 42 in the +Z direction. Note that the fastening member 43 is not limited to being fixed by crimping, and may be fixed to the bus bar 42 by welding or other methods.

[0075] In this embodiment, the connecting part 20 is first fixed to the electronic component 10 by the fastening member 71 or the fastening member 72, and then attached to the fastening member 43 from the Z direction. For example, the connecting part 20 has the shaft portion 43a of the fastening member 43 inserted into the second mounting hole 22h of the second part 22. Then, an engaging member 44 (e.g., a nut) is engaged with the shaft portion 43a of the fastening member 43 protruding from the second mounting hole 22h of the second part 22 of the connecting part 20. The engaging member 44 is attached to the shaft portion 43a, for example, along the Z direction. This engagement fixes the second part 22 of the connecting part 20 to the fastening member 43.

[0076] <4. Metal plates, insulating sheets, heat transfer members, and insulating covers> Next, the metal plate 80, the insulating sheet 91, the heat transfer member 92, the restricting portion 94, and the insulating cover 93 will be described.

[0077] <4.1 Metal Plate> 11 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 properties 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."

[0078] When viewed from the Z direction, the metal plate 80 has a rectangular shape extending along 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 ends 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 ends 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, a plurality of fixing portions 82, and a plurality of fixing portions 83.

[0079] The flat surface portion 81 is a portion of the metal plate 80 that is formed into a plate shape. The flat surface portion 81 is a plate-like portion that extends horizontally. The flat surface portion 81 forms the main portion of the metal plate 80. The flat surface portion 81 forms the base (metal base) of the metal plate 80. In this embodiment, the flat surface portion 81 is large enough to cover the three subunits SU from below. The flat surface portion 81 faces the wiring board 40 of the three subunits SU. In this embodiment, the metal plate 80 faces the second surface 51b of the flat surface portion 51 of each subunit SU, with a gap S1 (see FIG. 13) between it and the second surface 51b of the flat surface portion 51 of each subunit SU.

[0080] The fixing portions 82 are fixing portions for fixing the base plate 41 of each subunit SU to the metal plate 80. When viewed from the Z direction, the fixing portions 82 are provided at positions corresponding to the fixing portions 52 of the base plate 41 of each subunit SU. The fixing portions 82 are cylindrical or prismatic bosses that protrude in the +Z direction from the flat portion 81 of the metal plate 80. The fixing portions 82 will be described in detail later.

[0081] The fixing portions 83 are fixing portions for fixing the electronic components 10 of each subunit SU directly to the metal plate 80 without using the base plate 41. When viewed from the Z direction, the fixing portions 83 are provided at positions corresponding to the mounting portions 14 of the electronic components 10 of each subunit SU. The fixing portions 83 are cylindrical or prismatic bosses that protrude in the +Z direction from the flat portion 81. The fixing portions 83 will be described in detail later.

[0082] <4.2 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.

[0083] 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. Note that if the heat transfer members 92 have insulating properties and the necessary insulation is ensured by the heat transfer members 92, the insulating sheet 91 may be omitted.

[0084] 4.3 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 (Joule 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.

[0085] 12 is a bottom view showing the wiring board 40. In this embodiment, the plurality of heat transfer members 92 are provided partially on the wiring board 40. For example, the plurality of heat transfer members 92 are arranged at positions overlapping with portions of the bus bars 42 when viewed from the Z direction. Furthermore, the plurality of heat transfer members 92 are arranged at positions overlapping with portions of the bus bars 42 near the electronic components 10 (e.g., electronic components 10A and 10B) when viewed from the Z direction. In this embodiment, the plurality of heat transfer members 92 are arranged at positions overlapping with the connecting components 20 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0086] 13 is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG. 10 taken along line F13-F13. In this embodiment, the heat transfer member 92 is disposed between the metal plate 80 and the bus bar 42. The heat transfer member 92 is compressed in the Z direction and elastically deformed by being sandwiched between the metal plate 80 and the bus bar 42. The heat transfer member 92 is in direct contact with the bus bar 42. The heat transfer member 92 is in contact with the metal plate 80 with an insulating sheet 91 interposed therebetween. The heat transfer member 92 may be in direct contact with the metal plate 80 when the insulating sheet 91 is omitted. The heat transfer member 92 transfers heat transferred from the electronic component 10 to the bus bar 42 and / or heat generated in the bus bar 42 from the bus bar 42 to the metal plate 80.

[0087] In this embodiment, a portion of the heat transfer member 92 contacts the bus bar 42 at a position that overlaps the connection component 20 when viewed from the Z direction. In this case, the heat transfer member 92 makes it easier to transfer heat that is transferred from the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10 to the connection component 20 from the connection component 20 to the metal plate 80 via the bus bar 42.

[0088] In this embodiment, a portion of the heat transfer member 92 is disposed at a position overlapping with the head 43b of the fastening member 43 when viewed from the Z direction, and is in contact with the head 43b of the fastening member 43. In this case, the heat transfer member 92 facilitates the transfer of heat, which is transferred from the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10 to the connecting part 20, from the fastening member 43 to the metal plate 80.

[0089] In this embodiment, a portion of the heat transfer member 92 contacts the bus bar 42 at a position that overlaps the electronic component 10 when viewed from the Z direction. In this case, the heat transfer member 92 makes it easier to transfer heat, which is transferred from the electronic component 10 to the bus bar 42, from the bus bar 42 to the metal plate 80. In the example shown in FIG. 13 , the upper surface of the bus bar 42 contacts the electronic component 10, so that the bus bar 42 is thermally connected to the electronic component 10. Note that the portion of the bus bar 42 that is thermally connected to the electronic component 10 may be the extension portion 63 or the extension portion 64.

[0090] (Variation) FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example. In this modified example, a heat transfer member 98 is provided between the bus bar 42 and the electronic component 10. The heat transfer member 98 is interposed between the bus bar 42 and the electronic component 10 in the Z direction. The bus bar 42 is thermally connected to the electronic component 10 via the heat transfer member 98. The heat transfer member 98 transfers heat generated by the electronic component 10 to the bus bar 42. The heat transfer member 98 is, for example, an elastic heat transfer sheet (e.g., a thermally conductive silicone sheet). However, the heat transfer member 98 is not limited to the above example and may be a heat transfer member made of a thermally conductive gel or other material. With this configuration, heat generated by the electronic component 10 is efficiently transferred to the bus bar 42 via the heat transfer member 98. The heat transferred to the bus bar 42 is transferred to the metal plate 80 via the heat transfer member 92 and dissipated there.

[0091] <4.4 Regulatory Section> Returning to FIG. 13 , the restricting portion 94 will be described. The restricting portion 94 is disposed between the wiring board 40 and the metal plate 80. The Z-direction size of the restricting portion 94 is equal to or smaller than the Z-direction thickness of the heat transfer member 92 in an uncompressed state. The Z-direction size of the restricting portion 94 may be smaller than the Z-direction thickness of the heat transfer member 92 in an uncompressed state. The restricting portion 94 is provided separately from the wiring board 40, the metal plate 80, and the insulating sheet 91. It is desirable that the restricting portion 94 be fixed to at least one of the wiring board 40, the insulating sheet 91, and the metal plate 80. The restricting portion 94 is formed of a material harder than the material forming the heat transfer member 92. For example, the Young's modulus of the material forming the restricting portion 94 is higher than the Young's modulus of the material forming the heat transfer member 92. For example, the restricting portion 94 is formed of a hard material such as metal or synthetic resin.

[0092] The restricting portion 94 is in direct contact with the wiring board 40. The restricting portion 94 may be in contact with either the base plate 41 or the bus bar 42 of the wiring board 40. The restricting portion 94 is in direct contact with the insulating sheet 91. When the insulating sheet 91 is omitted, the restricting portion 94 may be in direct contact with the metal plate 80. The restricting portion 94 restricts the wiring board 40 and the metal plate 80 from approaching each other. Note that the restricting portion 94 may have a gap between itself and the wiring board 40 or the metal plate 80 in a normal state, and may be in contact with the wiring board 40 or the metal plate 80 in an abnormal state to restrict the wiring board 40 and the metal plate 80 from approaching each other. Examples of the abnormal state include a state in which the wiring board 40 or the metal plate 80 is displaced or warped, or a state in which the heat transfer member 92 is excessively compressed.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 12 , the restricting portion 94 has a horizontal gap with respect to the heat transfer member 92. However, the restricting portion 94 may be horizontally adjacent to the heat transfer member 92 and in contact with the heat transfer member 92. The restricting portion 94 is horizontally adjacent to the heat transfer member 92 so as to directly face the heat transfer member 92 without any other member sandwiched therebetween. The shape and horizontal size of the restricting portion 94 in a planar view are not particularly limited. For example, as shown in the figure, the restricting portion 94 may be formed in a rectangular shape in a planar view, or in a circular shape in a planar view. An example of the arrangement of the restricting portion 94 will be described below. An example of the arrangement of the restricting portion 94 in the subunit SUX will be described below, but the restricting portion may also be provided in the subunits SUY and SUZ. The multiple restricting portions 94 include three restricting portions 94A, 94B, and 94C.

[0094] (1st placement example) An example of the arrangement of the restricting portion 94A will be described. When viewed from the Z direction, the restricting portion 94A is arranged between the heat transfer member 92 and one of the fixing portions 52 of the base plate 41 that is closest to the heat transfer member 92. Specifically, when viewed from the Z direction, the restricting portion 94A is arranged in a region between a pair of tangent lines that commonly circumscribe the outlines of the fixing portion 52 and the heat transfer member 92. Note that with regard to the positional relationship between the restricting portion 94A and the fixing portion 52, the fixing portion 52 may be read as the fixing portion 82 of the metal plate 80.

[0095] (Second placement example) An example of the arrangement of the restricting portion 94B will be described. When viewed from the Z direction, the restricting portion 94B is arranged on the opposite side of the heat transfer member 92 from the fixing portion 52 that is closest to the heat transfer member 92. Note that with regard to the positional relationship between the restricting portion 94B and the fixing portion 52, the fixing portion 52 may be read as the fixing portion 82 of the metal plate 80.

[0096] (3rd arrangement example) An example of the arrangement of restricting portion 94C will be described. When viewed from the Z direction, restricting portion 94C is arranged between heat transfer member 92 and one of mounting portions 14 of electronic component 10 that is closest to heat transfer member 92. Note that with regard to the positional relationship between restricting portion 94A and mounting portion 14, mounting portion 14 may be read as fixing portion 83 of metal plate 80.

[0097] (Other layout examples) A pair of restricting portions 94 may be arranged on both sides in the horizontal direction, sandwiching the heat transfer member 92. In such a case, the pair of restricting portions 94 are arranged so that an imaginary line segment connecting the pair of restricting portions 94 passes through the heat transfer member 92 when viewed from the Z direction. Also, three or more restricting portions 94 may be arranged so as to surround the heat transfer member 92 when viewed from the Z direction. Also, at least one restricting portion 94 may be arranged between the pair of fixing portions 52, between the pair of mounting portions 14, or between the fixing portion 52 and the mounting portion 14 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0098] (Variation) The restricting portion may be formed in a rib shape extending horizontally. For example, the rib-shaped restricting portion extends in the X direction, which coincides with the longitudinal direction of the planar portion 51 when viewed from the Z direction. The rib-shaped restricting portion may extend so as to connect to the restricting portion in the above arrangement example.

[0099] (Variation) The restricting portion may be formed integrally with the wiring board 40 using the same material, and may protrude from the wiring board 40 in the -Z direction toward the metal plate 80. For example, in a modified example, the restricting portion is formed integrally with the base plate 41 or the bus bar 42. Furthermore, the restricting portion may be formed integrally with the metal plate 80 using the same material, and may protrude from the metal plate 80 toward the wiring board 40 in the +Z direction.

[0100] <4.5 Insulation cover> Returning to FIG. 1, the insulating cover 93 will be described. The insulating cover 93 is a member for preventing fingers from touching 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 side in the -Z direction. The insulating cover 93 has multiple air vents 93h. The insulating cover 93 is attached to the metal plate 80 along the Z direction. 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.

[0101] <5. Exposed busbar structure> Next, the exposed structure of the bus bar 42 will be described.

[0102] <5.1 Exposed structure on the top side of the busbar> First, referring to FIG. 8 , the exposed structure of the upper surface side of the busbar 42 will be described. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the busbar 42 is exposed to the outside of the base plate 41 on the upper surface side (the side of the first surface 51a of the flat portion 51). In this embodiment, the busbar 42 is housed in the housing portion 55 over at least the entire length between the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62, and extends along the first surface 51a of the flat portion 51. In this embodiment, the busbar 42 is housed in the housing portion 55 over the entire length of the busbar 42, and extends along the first surface 51a of the flat portion 51. The upper surface side of the busbar 42 is exposed to the outside of the base plate 41 over the entire length of the busbar 42.

[0103] 13, at least a portion of bus bar 42 is exposed to the outside of base plate 41 on the lower surface side (second surface 51b side) as well as the upper surface side. For example, bus bar 42 is exposed to the outside of base plate 41 on the lower surface side over the entire length of bus bar 42.

[0104] (Variation) 15 is a cross-sectional view showing one modified example. In this modified example, the flat surface portion 51 of the base plate 41 has a cover portion 51v on the lower surface side (the second surface 51b side) that covers at least a part of the bus bar 42. In the area covered by the cover portion 51v, the bus bar 42 is not exposed on the lower surface side. The cover portion 51v may be provided over the entire length of the bus bar 42. Note that the cover portion 51v does not have to be provided in an area that overlaps with, for example, the heat transfer member 92 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0105] <5.2 Exposed structure of the underside of the busbar> Next, the exposed structure of the lower surface side of the busbar 42 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. In this embodiment, the plate portion 42p of the busbar 42 includes, on the lower surface side (the second surface 51b side of the flat portion 51), a lower surface exposed portion 42u that is exposed to the outside of the base plate 41. In this embodiment, the lower surface exposed portion 42u of the busbar 42 extends over the entire length of the busbar 42. In this embodiment, the heat transfer member 92 is disposed between the lower surface exposed portion 42u of the busbar 42 and the metal plate 80. For example, the heat transfer member 92 contacts the lower surface exposed portion 42u of the busbar 42.

[0106] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the exposed lower surface portion 42u of the bus bar 42 is provided in a region that overlaps with the connection part 20 when viewed from the Z direction. At least a portion of the heat transfer member 92 overlaps with the exposed lower surface portion 42u of the bus bar 42 in a region that overlaps with the connection part 20 when viewed from the Z direction. For example, at least a portion of the heat transfer member 92 is in contact with the exposed lower surface portion 42u of the bus bar 42 in a region that overlaps with the connection part 20 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0107] In this embodiment, the lower surface exposed portion 42u of the busbar 42 includes a first portion 42ua arranged in an area overlapping with the connecting component 20 when viewed from the Z direction, and a second portion 42ub arranged in an area overlapping with the electronic component 10 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0108] The heat transfer member 92 includes a first heat transfer portion 92a and a second heat transfer portion 92b. The first heat transfer portion 92a overlaps with the first portion 42ua of the lower-surface exposed portion 42u of the busbar 42 in a region that overlaps with the connection part 20 when viewed from the Z direction. For example, the first heat transfer portion 92a contacts the first portion 42ua of the lower-surface exposed portion 42u of the busbar 42. On the other hand, the second heat transfer portion 92b overlaps with the second portion 42ub of the lower-surface exposed portion 42u of the busbar 42 in a region that overlaps with the electronic component 10 when viewed from the Z direction. For example, the second heat transfer portion 92b contacts the second portion 42ub of the lower-surface exposed portion 42u of the busbar 42.

[0109] As described above, a portion of busbar 42 is exposed to the outside of base plate 41 not only on the lower surface side but also on the upper surface side (first surface 51a side). For example, busbar 42 is exposed to the outside of base plate 41 on the upper surface side over the entire length of busbar 42. For example, second portion 42ub of lower surface exposed portion 42u of busbar 42 is exposed to the outside of base plate 41 not only on the lower surface side but also on the upper surface side, and faces electronic component 10.

[0110] <6. Fixed structure> Next, the anchoring structure of the subunit SU will be described.

[0111] 6.1 Metal Plate Structure Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F16-F16 of the structure shown in Fig. 10. The metal plate 80 has the fixing portion 82 and the fixing portion 83, as described above.

[0112] 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 of the flat portion 51 of the base plate 41. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 82 protrudes more in the +Z direction than a fixing portion 83, which will be described later. 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 that opens in the +Z direction. The inner circumferential surface of the engagement hole 82h has a thread groove.

[0113] 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 (described later) in the flat portion 51 of the base plate 41. For example, the fixing portion 83 protrudes through the through hole 51h in the flat portion 51 to a position that is the same as the first surface 51a of the flat portion 51 or to a position that exceeds 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 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.

[0114] A fastening member 112 (e.g., a screw or a bolt) is passed through the mounting hole 14h of the mounting portion 14 of the electronic component 10 from the +Z direction side. When the fastening member 112 passed through the mounting hole 14h of the mounting portion 14 of the electronic component 10 engages with the engaging hole 83h of the fixing portion 83 of the metal plate 80, the electronic component 10 is fixed to the metal plate 80 without the base plate 41 being interposed therebetween.

[0115] <6.2 Structure of wiring board> The base plate 41 has a fixed portion 52 that is fixed to the fixed portion 82 of the metal plate 80. The fixed portion 52 has, for example, an upright plate portion 52a and a horizontal plate portion 52b.

[0116] 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.

[0117] The horizontal plate portion 52b extends horizontally from the +Z-direction end of the upright plate portion 52a. 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. 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.

[0118] Furthermore, the flat surface portion 51 of the base plate 41 has the above-described through hole 51h. The through hole 51h penetrates the flat surface portion 51 in the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the through hole 51h is provided at a position corresponding to the fixing portion 83 of the metal plate 80. The fixing portion 83 of the metal plate 80 passes through the through hole 51h of the base plate 41 and protrudes to the same position as the first surface 51a of the flat surface portion 51 or further in the +Z direction than the first surface 51a of the flat surface portion 51. The mounting portion 14 of the electronic component 10 is fixed to the fixing portion 83 at the same position as the first surface 51a of the flat surface portion 51 or further in the +Z direction than the first surface 51a of the flat surface portion 51.

[0119] As a comparative example, consider a configuration in which the electrical connection unit does not have a restricting portion. In the configuration of the comparative example, the wiring board and the metal plate may be brought closer than a predetermined distance in the Z direction, resulting in excessive compression of the heat transfer member. If the heat transfer member is compressed too much, the reaction force applied from the heat transfer member to the wiring board and the metal plate may cause deformation of the wiring board, etc., which may result in unexpected malfunctions. On the other hand, if the heat transfer member is not compressed enough, the heat transfer member may not adhere well to the wiring board and the metal plate, which may prevent efficient transfer and dissipation of heat from the bus bar to the metal plate via the heat transfer member.

[0120] In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 includes a restricting portion 94 that restricts the routing board 40 and the metal plate 80 from approaching each other when the heat transfer member 92 is in contact with both the routing board 40 and the metal plate 80. With this configuration, the relative positions of the routing board 40 and the metal plate 80 in the Z direction do not shift, so the heat transfer member 92 can be compressed in the Z direction to a desired degree. Therefore, the heat transfer member 92 can be reliably brought into close contact with the routing board 40 and the metal plate 80, thereby improving the heat dissipation performance of the electrical connection unit 1, while preventing the heat transfer member 92 from being excessively compressed and causing deformation of the routing board 40, etc.

[0121] The Young's modulus of the material forming the restricting portion 94 is higher than the Young's modulus of the material forming the heat transfer member 92. With this configuration, the restricting portion 94, which is less likely to deform than the heat transfer member 92, can reliably restrict the wiring board 40 and the metal plate 80 from approaching each other and causing the heat transfer member 92 to be excessively compressed.

[0122] The restricting portion 94A is disposed between the fixing portion 52 of the base plate 41 and the heat transfer member 92 when viewed from the Z direction. If the metal plate 80 and the fixing portion 52 were fastened too tightly in the Z direction without the restricting portion 94A, the portions of the wiring board 40 and the metal plate 80 between the fixing portion 52 and the heat transfer member 92 when viewed from the Z direction may become too close to each other. In such a case, the heat transfer member 92 is also excessively compressed. In this embodiment, when the fixing portion 52 is fixed to the metal plate 80, the restricting portion 94A can restrict the portions of the wiring board 40 and the metal plate 80 between the fixing portion 52 and the heat transfer member 92 when viewed from the Z direction from becoming too close to each other. Therefore, excessive compression of the heat transfer member 92 and deformation of the wiring board 40 and the like can be more reliably prevented.

[0123] When viewed from the Z direction, the restricting portion 94B is disposed on the opposite side of the heat transfer member 92 from the fixing portion 52 of the base plate 41. With this configuration, when the fixing portion 52 is located at a corner of the wiring board 40, the restricting portion 94B is disposed so as to contact the vicinity of the center of the wiring board 40. The metal plate 80 and the wiring board 40 are most susceptible to bending at their centers. Therefore, the restricting portion 94B can effectively prevent bending of the metal plate 80 and the wiring board 40. This prevents excessive compression of the heat transfer member 92 due to bending of the metal plate 80 and the wiring board 40, which can cause deformation of the wiring board 40 and the like due to a reaction force applied from the heat transfer member 92 to the wiring board 40 and the metal plate 80.

[0124] The restricting portion 94C is disposed between the mounting portion 14 of the electronic component 10 and the heat transfer member 92 when viewed from the Z direction. If the mounting portion 14 and the metal plate 80 were fastened too tightly in the Z direction without the restricting portion 94C, the portions of the wiring board 40 and the metal plate 80 between the mounting portion 14 and the heat transfer member 92 when viewed from the Z direction may become too close to each other. In such a case, the heat transfer member 92 is also excessively compressed. In this embodiment, when the electronic component 10 is fixed to the metal plate 80, the restricting portion 94C can restrict the portions of the wiring board 40 and the metal plate 80 between the mounting portion 14 and the heat transfer member 92 when viewed from the Z direction from becoming too close to each other. This more reliably prevents the heat transfer member 92 from being excessively compressed and causing deformation of the wiring board 40, etc.

[0125] By forming the restricting portion integrally with the wiring board 40 and protruding from the wiring board 40 toward the metal plate 80, the restricting portion can be easily positioned at a desired position, and the number of parts can be reduced, making it easier to manufacture the electrical connection unit. The same applies when the restricting portion is formed integrally with the metal plate 80.

[0126] <Modification> Next, several modified examples will be described. Note that in each modified example, the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0127] (First Modification) 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.

[0128] (Second Modification) 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, the accommodation portion 55 may be formed by a portion of the flat portion 51 conforming to the outer shape of the bus bar 42. In this disclosure, the term "sheet-shaped" or "sheet" is not limited to a member having a thickness of 1 mm or more, and may also refer to a member having a thickness of less than 1 mm (so-called film).

[0129] (Third Modification) The base plate 41 of the wiring board 40 may include multiple members (plate members or sheet members). The multiple members are arranged to sandwich the multiple bus bars 42 arranged horizontally, for example, from both sides in the Z direction. For example, the multiple members are integrated by sandwiching the multiple bus bars 42, for example, by lamination molding. The multiple members form a planar portion 51. In this case, the accommodating portion 55 may be formed hollow inside the base plate 41 (between the multiple members). The multiple members may be multiple plate members, multiple sheet members, or a combination of plate members and sheet members. The sheet member may be, for example, a flexible sheet member. The planar portion 51 formed by the multiple members has openings that expose at least the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62 of the bus bars 42. In this case, for example, the accommodating portion 55 formed between the multiple members corresponds to an example of an "accommodating portion recessed in the first direction (Z direction)."

[0130] (Fourth Modification) 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.

[0131] 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]

[0132] 1...electrical connection unit 10...electronic component 14...mounting portion 40...wiring board 42...bus bar 51...flat portion 52...fixing portion 80...metal plate 81...flat portion 92...heat transfer member 94, 94A, 94B, 94C...regulating portion

Claims

1. an insulating base member including a plate-shaped or sheet-shaped flat portion; and a wiring board supported by the base member and having bus bars extending along the flat portion; a metal plate facing the flat portion with a gap between the metal plate and the flat portion; a heat transfer member disposed between the wiring board and the metal plate; a restricting portion disposed between the wiring board and the metal plate, restricting the wiring board and the metal plate from approaching each other while the heat transfer member is in contact with both the wiring board and the metal plate directly or via another member; An electrical connection unit comprising:

2. The restricting portion protrudes from one of the base member and the metal plate toward the other. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 .

3. the Young's modulus of the material forming the restriction portion is higher than the Young's modulus of the material forming the heat transfer member; 3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the base member has a fixing portion to which the metal plate is fixed, the restricting portion is disposed between the fixing portion and the heat transfer member when viewed in a thickness direction of the planar portion.

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

5. the base member has a fixing portion to which the metal plate is fixed, the restricting portion is disposed on the opposite side of the heat transfer member from the fixing portion when viewed in a thickness direction of the planar portion.

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

6. further comprising an electronic component attached to the bus bar directly or via another component; the electronic component has a mounting portion to which the metal plate is fixed, the restricting portion is disposed between the mounting portion and the heat transfer member when viewed in a thickness direction of the planar portion.

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

7. the planar portion has a longitudinal direction in one direction perpendicular to a thickness direction of the planar portion, The restricting portion extends along the one direction.

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

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