Connection component and electric connection unit

Abstract

To provide a connection component and an electric connection unit in which a component can be shared.SOLUTION: A connection component according to one embodiment connects a first bus bar and a connection target component. The connection component has a first portion extending in a first direction, and a second portion extending from one end of the first portion in a second direction that intersects the first direction. The second portion is opposed to the first bus bar in the first direction and is fixed to the first bus bar. The first portion has a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. In a case where a first connection target component is adopted as the connection target component, a fastening member can be mounted on the first mounting portion along the first direction. In a case where a second connection target component is adopted as the connection target component, the fastening member can be mounted on the second mounting portion along the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a connection component and 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, it is expected that parts of the electrical connection unit will be standardized.

[0005] One embodiment provides a connection component and an electrical connection unit that allow for component sharing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A connection component according to one embodiment connects a first bus bar and a connection target component. The connection component has a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending from one end of the first portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The second portion faces the first bus bar in the first direction and is fixed to the first bus bar. The first portion has a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. When a first connection target component is used as the connection target component, a fastening member can be attached to the first attachment portion along the first direction. When a second connection target component is used as the connection target component, a fastening member can be attached to the second attachment portion along the second direction. An electrical connection unit in one embodiment includes the first bus bar and the connection component. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment, it is possible to standardize the components of the electrical connection unit. [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 perspective view illustrating a subunit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of a subunit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an electronic component and a connecting component according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an electronic component and a connecting component according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the wiring board according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the wiring board according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the wiring board according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the connection unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the wiring board according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] 11 is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG. 10 taken along line AA. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a three-dimensional bus bar wiring structure according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the three-dimensional bus bar wiring structure of the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a connecting part according to the embodiment. [Figure 17]FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a connecting part according to 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 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." The Z direction is an example of the "first direction." The X direction is an example of the "second direction." The Y direction is an example of the "third 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 according to an embodiment. The electrical connection unit 1 is an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle such as an EV (Electric Vehicle), an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a 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." However, the electrical connection unit 1 is not limited to being a box-shaped device.

[0014] The electrical connection unit 1 includes, for example, a main body MU, a metal plate (support member) 80, an insulating sheet 91 (see FIG. 11), a plurality of heat transfer members 92, 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. Connection components 30 and 100, which will be described later, may also be referred to as "metal components."

[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 is disposed between the first type electronic component 10M and the wiring board 40. In this embodiment, the connecting part 20M electrically connects the electronic component 10M to a bus bar 42 (see FIG. 8) included in the wiring board 40. The connecting part 20M has, for example, a first portion 21 that rises above the wiring board 40 and a second portion 22 that is disposed along the wiring board 40.

[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 an attachment hole (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, referred to as a second attachment hole) 21h through which a fastening member 71 (e.g., a screw or a bolt) is passed. The second attachment hole 21h opens in the horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The first portion 21 also has a recess 25 around the second attachment hole 21h. The recess 25 is a receiving portion that receives the head of the fastening member 71 inserted into the second attachment hole 21h. The fastening member 71 passed through the second attachment hole 21h engages with the attachment 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] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing a configuration that can be employed in the connecting parts 20, 30, and 100 of this embodiment. In Figure 17, the connecting parts 20, 30, and 100 are collectively referred to as 20A, and the first portion, first mounting hole, second mounting hole, second portion, and third mounting hole of each connecting part are collectively referred to as 21A, 21hA, 21hB, 22A, and 22hA, respectively. Figure 17 shows only the configuration common to each connecting part.

[0037] The first portion 21A shown in FIG. 17 includes a first mounting portion 21fA including a first mounting hole 21hA to which a connection target component (a second-type electronic component 10N, bus bars 75, 76, etc.) can be attached (fixed) from the Z direction using a fastening member F1 (such as fastening member 72) along the Z direction; It is provided with a second mounting portion 21fB including a second mounting hole 21hB to which another component to be connected (such as the first type electronic component 10M) can be attached (fixed) from the X direction using a fastening member F2 (such as the fastening member 71) along the X direction.

[0038] In addition, the second portion 22A has a third mounting portion 22fA including a third mounting hole 22hA that can be attached (fixed) to the bus bar 42 (see Figure 8) using a fastening member (such as fastening member 43) that extends along the Z direction. The first portion 21A in FIG. 17 illustrates a side mounting portion 21fC including a side mounting hole 21hC to which another component to be connected can be attached (fixed) using a fastening member F3 along the Y direction.

[0039] The first mounting portion 21fA and the second mounting portion 21fB in the first portion 21A are disposed with a positional deviation from each other in the Y direction. A deviation D1 in the Y direction between the first mounting portion 21fA and the second mounting portion 21fB corresponds to the distance in the Y direction between the center A1 of the first mounting hole 21hA and the center B1 of the second mounting hole 21hB. It is preferable that the deviation D1 be set so that the first mounting hole 21hA and the second mounting hole 21hB do not overlap in the Y direction.

[0040] The second mounting portion 21fB of the first portion 21A and the third mounting portion 22fA of the second portion 22A are disposed with a positional deviation from each other in the Y direction. A deviation D2 in the Y direction between the second mounting portion 21fB and the third mounting portion 22fA corresponds to the distance in the Y direction between the center B1 of the second mounting hole 21hB and the center C1 of the third mounting hole 22hA. It is preferable that the deviation D2 is set so that the first mounting hole 21hA and the third mounting hole 22hA do not overlap in the Y direction.

[0041] The magnitudes of the offsets D1 and D2 are different from each other. Therefore, first mounting portion 21fA of first portion 21A and third mounting portion 22fA of second portion 22A are arranged with a positional offset from each other in the Y direction. The offset in the Y direction between first mounting portion 21fA and third mounting portion 22fA corresponds to the distance in the Y direction between center A1 of first mounting hole 21hA and center C1 of third mounting hole 22hA.

[0042] (Second part) Returning to FIG. 5, 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 in the horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) from the end (base 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 (overlaps with) the bus bar 42 in the Z direction and is connected to the bus bar 42 from the Z direction. A lower surface 22s of the second portion 22 (including the surface on the −Z direction side and the lower surface of the first portion 21) faces an upper surface 42s of the bus bar 42 (the surface on the +Z direction side) in the Z direction. The lower surface 22s of the connection part 20M abuts against the upper surface 42s of the bus bar 42. In this state, the connection part 20M is fixed to the bus bar 42. The lower surfaces 22s, 32s, 102s of the connection parts 20, 30, 100 of the present embodiment may be collectively referred to as an opposing surface 22As that faces the upper surface 42s of the bus bar 42 in the Z direction.

[0043] 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 a bolt, see FIG. 8 ) protruding 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 third mounting hole 22h through which the fastening member 43 is passed. The third mounting hole 22h is open in the Z direction. The fastening member 43, which will be described later, is passed through the third mounting hole 22h of the second part 22. An engaging member 44 (e.g., a nut, see FIG. 3 ) engages with the tip of the fastening member 43 passed through the third 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 connection part 20M.

[0044] <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.

[0045] In electronic component 10N, terminals 13A and 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 each terminal 13 is an insertion hole through which fastening member 72 is passed.

[0046] <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.

[0047] (Part 1) The first portion 21 of the connection part 20N is a portion that is connected to the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10N. The first portion 21 is a rectangular parallelepiped portion that extends in the Z direction. The first portion 21 is an upright portion that stands in the Z direction relative to the wiring board 40 (e.g., relative to the bus bar 42). The first portion 21 is adjacent to (overlaps with) 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 that engages with the fastening member 72. 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 threaded groove. In the present disclosure, the "mounting hole" may be a screw hole or a through-hole without a threaded groove. The first part 21 is physically and electrically connected to the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10N by the fastening member 72 passing through the mounting hole 13h of the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10N engaging with the mounting hole 21h of the first part 21. A configuration that can be adopted for the connecting part 20N of this embodiment is shown in FIG.

[0048] (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 in the horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) from the end (base 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 (overlaps with) the bus bar 42 in the Z direction and is connected to the bus bar 42 from the Z direction. A lower surface 22s of the second portion 22 (including the surface on the −Z direction side and the lower surface of the first portion 21) faces an upper surface 42s of the bus bar 42 (the surface on the +Z direction side) in the Z direction. The lower surface 22s of the connection part 20N abuts against the upper surface 42s of the bus bar 42. In this state, the connection part 20N is fixed to the bus bar 42.

[0049] 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 a bolt, see FIG. 8 ) protruding 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 third mounting hole 22h through which the fastening member 43 is passed. The third mounting hole 22h is open in the Z direction. The fastening member 43, which will be described later, is passed through the third mounting hole 22h of the second portion 22. An engaging member 44 (e.g., a nut, see FIG. 3 ) engages with the tip of the fastening member 43 passed through the third mounting hole 22h, thereby fixing the second portion 22 to the bus bar 42.

[0050] (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.

[0051] <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.

[0052] (Part 1) The first portion 31 is a portion connected to the external connection bus bar 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 bus bar 42). The first portion 31 is adjacent to the external connection bus bar 76 in the Z direction and is connected to the external connection bus bar 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 bolt) is passed. The first mounting hole 31h is open in the Z direction. The inner circumferential surface of the first mounting hole 31h has a threaded groove. In the present disclosure, the "mounting hole" may be a screw hole or a through-hole without a threaded groove. The first part 31 is physically and electrically connected to the external connection bus bar 76 by the fastening member 73 passing through the mounting hole 76h of the external connection bus bar 76 engaging with the mounting hole 31h of the first part 31. A configuration that can be adopted for the connecting part 30 of this embodiment is shown in FIG.

[0053] (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 in the horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) from the end (base 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 (overlaps with) the bus bar 42 in the Z direction and is connected to the bus bar 42 from the Z direction. A lower surface 32s of the second portion 32 (including the surface on the −Z direction side and the lower surface of the first portion 31) faces an upper surface 42s of the bus bar 42 (the surface on the +Z direction side) in the Z direction. The lower surface 32s of the connection part 30 abuts against the upper surface 42s of the bus bar 42. In this state, the connection part 30 is fixed to the bus bar 42.

[0054] The second portion 32 of the connecting component 30 is attached from the Z direction to a fastening member 43 (e.g., a screw or bolt, see FIG. 8 ) protruding 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 third mounting hole 32h through which the fastening member 43 is passed. The third mounting hole 32h is open in the Z direction. The fastening member 43, which will be described later, is passed through the third mounting hole 32h of the second portion 32. An engaging member 44 (e.g., a nut, see FIG. 3 ) engages with the tip of the fastening member 43 passed through the third mounting hole 32h, thereby fixing the second portion 32 to the bus bar 42.

[0055] (3rd part) The third portion 33 is an upright wall (side wall) that stands at +Z angle from both horizontal ends 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 that increases in the X direction (or Y direction) as it progresses in the -Z direction. Note that the connection part 30 does not necessarily have the third portion 33.

[0056] <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.

[0057] 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 using a different structure instead of insert molding. For example, the wiring board 40 may be molded separately from the bus bars 42, and an opening (corresponding to a receiving portion 55 described later) into which the bus bars 42 can be fixed by fitting or the like may be formed in the wiring board 40, and the bus bars 42 may be fixed in the opening to form a bus bar insert plate.

[0058] 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.

[0059] (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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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.

[0064] (busbar) The busbars 42 are routing members (electrical connection members) included in the routing board 40. The busbars 42 are, for example, routing members for electrically connecting multiple electronic components 10. Alternatively, the busbars 42 may be routing 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 routing board 40 has, as 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 bus bars 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D, and 42E are held by a flat portion 51 of the base plate 41.

[0065] 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."

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] In this embodiment, the extension portions 63 of some of the bus bars 42 are accommodated in the accommodation portion 55, and thereby extend through the region R that overlaps with the electronic component 10 when viewed from the Z direction, so as to span both sides of the region R. For example, the extension portions 63 have a portion that extends linearly along the X direction. This portion extends through the region R that overlaps with the electronic component 10 when viewed from the Z direction, so as to span 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.

[0074] 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 an extended or branched portion of the bus bar 42 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 in the horizontal direction. 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.

[0075] (Fastening member) Next, returning to Fig. 9, fastening member 43 will be described. Fastening member 43 is a component for fastening bus bar 42 to a component to which bus bar 42 is to be connected (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. Fastening member 43 is an example of a "fastening portion."

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] <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, and the insulating cover 93 will be described.

[0079] <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 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." The metal plate 80 is a single piece of metal plate.

[0080] 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 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The fixing portion 82 is a fixing portion for fixing the base plate 41 of each subunit SU to the metal plate 80. When viewed from the Z direction, the fixing portion 82 is provided at a position corresponding to the fixing portion 52 of the base plate 41 of each subunit SU. The fixing portion 82 is a cylindrical or prismatic boss that protrudes from the flat portion 81 of the metal plate 80 in the +Z direction.

[0083] The fixing portion 83 is a fixing portion for fixing the electronic component 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 portion 83 is provided at a position corresponding to the mounting portion 14 of the electronic component 10 of each subunit SU. The fixing portion 83 is a cylindrical or prismatic boss that protrudes from the flat portion 81 in the +Z direction.

[0084] <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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the structure shown in Fig. 10. In this embodiment, heat transfer member 92 is disposed between metal plate 80 and bus bar 42. Heat transfer member 92 transfers heat transferred from electronic component 10 to bus bar 42 and / or heat generated in bus bar 42 from bus bar 42 to 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 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] <4.4 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.

[0093] <5. Exposed busbar structure> Next, the exposed structure of the bus bar 42 will be described.

[0094] <5.1 Exposed structure on the top side of the busbar> First, the exposed structure of the upper surface side of the busbar 42 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the extension portion 63 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). For example, the extension portion 63 of the busbar 42 is exposed to the outside of the base plate 41 on the upper surface side at least in a part of the region R (see Fig. 10) that overlaps with the electronic component 10 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0095] In this embodiment, the bus bar 42 is accommodated in the accommodation 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. The bus bar 42 is exposed to the outside of the base plate 41 on the upper surface side over at least the entire length between the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62.

[0096] In this embodiment, bus bar 42 is accommodated in accommodation portion 55 over the entire length of bus bar 42 and extends along first surface 51a of flat portion 51. Bus bar 42 is exposed to the outside of base plate 41 on the upper surface side over the entire length of bus bar 42.

[0097] 13, at least a portion of the extending portion 63 of the bus bar 42 is exposed to the outside of the base plate 41 not only on the upper surface side but also on the lower surface side (the side facing the second surface 51b). For example, the lower surface side of the bus bar 42 is exposed to the outside of the base plate 41 over the entire length of the bus bar 42.

[0098] <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 an exposed portion 42u on the lower surface side (the second surface 51b side of the flat portion 51) that is exposed to the outside of the base plate 41. In this embodiment, the 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 exposed portion 42u of the busbar 42 and the metal plate 80. For example, the heat transfer member 92 contacts the exposed portion 42u of the busbar 42.

[0099] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the exposed 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 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 portion 42u of the bus bar 42 in a region that overlaps with the connection part 20 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0100] In this embodiment, the exposed portion 42u of the busbar 42 includes a first portion 42ua arranged in an area that overlaps with the connecting component 20 when viewed from the Z direction, and a second portion 42ub arranged in an area that overlaps with the electronic component 10 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0101] 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 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 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 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 exposed portion 42u of the busbar 42.

[0102] As described above, at least a portion of the extending portion 63 of the bus bar 42 is exposed to the outside of the base plate 41 not only on the lower surface side but also on the upper surface side (first surface 51a side). For example, the bus bar 42 is exposed to the outside of the base plate 41 on the upper surface side over the entire length of the bus bar 42. For example, the second portion 42ub of the exposed portion 42u of the bus bar 42 is exposed to the outside of the base plate 41 not only on the lower surface side but also on the upper surface side, and faces the electronic component 10.

[0103] <6. Three-dimensional busbar wiring structure> Next, the three-dimensional wiring structure CS of the bus bar 42 will be described. Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the three-dimensional wiring structure CS of the busbar 42. Fig. 15 is a plan view showing the three-dimensional wiring structure CS of the busbar 42. The three-dimensional wiring structure CS has busbar 42F, busbar 42G, busbar 42H, and busbar 42I as the multiple busbars 42. The three-dimensional wiring structure CS also includes multiple connection parts 100. The three-dimensional intersection structure CS also includes coupling busbar 75C and coupling busbar 75D as the multiple coupling busbars 75.

[0104] The busbar 42F and the busbar 42G are, for example, busbars 42 included in the subunit SUY. The flat portion 51 of the base plate 41 of the subunit SUY has a plurality of housing portions 55, namely, housing portion 55F and housing portion 55G. The busbar 42F is housed in housing portion 55F and extends along the flat portion 51. The busbar 42G is housed in housing portion 55G and extends along the flat portion 51. The busbar 42F is an example of a "first busbar." The housing portion 55F that houses the busbar 42F is an example of a "first housing portion." The busbar 42G is an example of a "fourth busbar." The housing portion 55G that houses the busbar 42G is an example of a "fourth housing portion." The busbar 42F and the busbar 42G are busbars 42 located in the first layer (lower layer) of the three-dimensional wiring structure CS.

[0105] In this embodiment, bus bar 42F has a first portion 42Fa extending in the X direction and a second portion 42Fb bending from first portion 42Fa and extending in the Y direction. Second portion 42Fb extends along boundary B between subunit SUY and subunit SUZ.

[0106] On the other hand, busbar 42H and busbar 42I are, for example, busbars 42 included in subunit SUZ. Planar portion 51 of base plate 41 of subunit SUZ has housing portion 55H and housing portion 55I as the multiple housing portions 55. Busbar 42H is housed in housing portion 55H and extends along planar portion 51. Busbar 42I is housed in housing portion 55I and extends along planar portion 51. Busbar 42H and busbar 42I are busbars 42 located in the first layer (lower layer) of three-dimensional wiring structure CS.

[0107] The connecting component 100 has a configuration similar to the connecting component 30 for external connection described above. For example, the connecting component 100 has a first portion 101, a second portion 102, and a third portion 103. Details of the connecting component 100 can be obtained by substituting "connecting component 30" with "connecting component 100," "first portion 31" with "first portion 101," "first mounting hole 31h" with "first mounting hole 101h," "second portion 32" with "second portion 102," "third mounting hole 32h" with "third mounting hole 102h," and "third portion 33" with "third portion 103" in the description of the connecting component 30 described above. The connecting component 100 is a component that forms a vertical electrical path. The connecting component 100 may also be referred to as a "vertical routing component." 14, reference numeral 102s denotes the lower surface of the second portion 102 (including the lower surface of the first portion 101) of the connecting part 100. The lower surface 102s faces the upper surface 42s of the bus bar 42 in the Z direction.

[0108] The multiple connection parts 100 include connection part 100A and connection part 100B. When viewed from the Z direction, connection part 100A overlaps with second connection part 62 of bus bar 42G in subunit SUY. Connection part 100A is adjacent to second connection part 62 of bus bar 42G in the Z direction and is connected to second connection part 62 of bus bar 42G from the Z direction. Connection part 100A stands upright from bus bar 42G in the +Z direction.

[0109] When viewed from the Z direction, connection part 100B overlaps with second connection part 62 of bus bar 42I in subunit SUZ. Connection part 100B is adjacent to second connection part 62 of bus bar 42I in the Z direction, and is connected to second connection part 62 of bus bar 42I from the Z direction. Connection part 100B stands upright in the +Z direction from bus bar 42I.

[0110] One end of the connecting busbar 75C is adjacent to the second connection portion 62 of the busbar 42F in the Z direction in the subunit SUY and is connected to the second connection portion 62 of the busbar 42F from the Z direction. The other end of the connecting busbar 75C is adjacent to the second connection portion 62 of the busbar 42H in the subunit SUZ in the Z direction and is connected to the second connection portion 62 of the busbar 42H from the Z direction. With this configuration, the busbar 42F of the subunit SUY and the busbar 42H of the subunit SUZ are electrically connected via the connecting busbar 75C. The connecting busbar 75C is the busbar 75 located in the first layer (lower layer) of the three-dimensional wiring structure CS.

[0111] On the other hand, in subunit SUY, coupling bus bar 75D is adjacent to first portion 101 of connection part 100A in the Z direction and is connected to first portion 101 of connection part 100A from the Z direction. The other end of coupling bus bar 75D is adjacent to first portion 101 of connection part 100B in the Z direction and is connected to first portion 101 of connection part 100B from the Z direction in subunit SUZ.

[0112] The coupling bus bar 75D is supported by the first portion 101 of the connection part 100A and the first portion 101 of the connection part 100B at a position spaced apart from the bus bar 42F in the Z direction. The coupling bus bar 75D is supported by the first portion 101 of the connection part 100A and the first portion 101 of the connection part 100B and extends horizontally (e.g., in the X direction). The coupling bus bar 75D is electrically connected to the first portion 101 of the connection part 100A and the first portion 101 of the connection part 100B. With this configuration, the bus bar 42F of the subunit SUY and the bus bar 42I of the subunit SUZ are electrically connected via the two connection parts 100 and the coupling bus bar 75D.

[0113] In the present embodiment, coupling bus bar 75D extends so as to straddle second portion 42Fb of bus bar 42F at a position spaced apart from bus bar 42F in the +Z direction. This forms a three-dimensional intersection structure between coupling bus bar 75D and bus bar 42F. In the present embodiment, coupling bus bar 75D extends so as to straddle boundaries B between multiple subunits SU.

[0114] In this embodiment, the three-dimensional routing structure CS of the busbar 42 is provided at a position that straddles the boundary B between the plurality of subunits SU. With this arrangement, the three-dimensional routing structure CS reinforces the connection structure between the plurality of subunits SU. Note that instead of being provided at the boundary B between the plurality of subunits SU, the three-dimensional routing structure CS of the busbar 42 may be provided inside one or more of the subunits SU.

[0115] <12. Structure of connecting parts> Next, the structure of the connection part 20 will be described. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the connection part 20. In this embodiment, the connection part 20 (e.g., the connection part 20M and the connection part 20N) is a heat storage member (heat absorption member) that increases the heat capacity of the current path of the electrical connection unit 1. The connection part 20 stores (absorbs) at least a portion of the heat generated by the electronic component 10, for example. Alternatively / in addition to this, the connection part 20 may store (absorb) at least a portion of the heat generated by the bus bar 42 itself when current is applied. The connection part 20 may also be referred to as a "heat storage part" or a "heat absorption part."

[0116] In this embodiment, the bus bar 42 is disposed at a position away from the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10 (for example, at a position away in the Z direction). The connection component 20 is disposed between the electronic component 10 and the bus bar 42. In the present disclosure, "the connection component is disposed between the electronic component and the bus bar" is not limited to the case where a part of the connection component is located between the electronic component and the bus bar when viewed from the X direction or the Y direction. "The connection component is disposed between the electronic component and the bus bar" may also apply to the case where a part of the connection component is located between the electronic component and the bus bar when viewed from a direction oblique to the X direction or the Y direction. The connection component 20 electrically connects the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10 and the bus bar 40.

[0117] In this embodiment, the thickness of at least a portion of the connection part 20 is greater than the thickness (thickness in the Z direction) T3 of the bus bar 42. For example, the thickness T1 in the X direction of at least a portion of the connection part 20 is greater than the thickness T3 of the bus bar 42. In this embodiment, the thickness T1 in the X direction of the first portion 21 of the connection part 20 is greater than the thickness T3 of the bus bar 42. In this embodiment, the first portion 21 has a thickness T1 in the X direction that is greater than the thickness T3 of the bus bar 42 over the entire length of the first portion 21 in the Z direction. The thickness T1 in the X direction of the first portion 21 of the connection part 20 is, for example, at least twice the thickness T3 of the bus bar 42. From another perspective, the thickness T2 in the Z direction of the second portion 22 of the connection part 20 may be greater than the thickness T3 of the bus bar 42.

[0118] In this embodiment, the thickness T1 in the X direction of the first portion 21 of the connecting part 20 is greater than the thickness T2 in the Z direction of the second portion 22 of the connecting part 20. In this embodiment, the first portion 21 has a thickness T1 in the X direction that is greater than the thickness T2 in the Z direction of the second portion 22 over the entire length of the first portion 21 in the Z direction. This makes it easier to form mounting holes 21hB, 21hC within the thickness T1 of the first portion 21, as shown in FIG. 17, and also increases the heat storage capacity of the first portion 21 and, ultimately, the connecting part 20.

[0119] Note that the above dimensional relationships also apply to the connecting component 30 to which the external connection bus bar 76 is connected and / or the connecting component 100 to which the connecting bus bar 75 is connected. For example, for the description of the connecting component 30, in the description of the above-mentioned connecting component 20, just replace "connecting component 20" with "connecting component 30", "first part 21" with "first part 31", and "second part 22" with "second part 32". Similarly, for the description of the connecting component 100, in the description of the above-mentioned connecting component 20, just replace "connecting component 20" with "connecting component 100", "first part 21" with "first part 101", and "second part 22" with "second part 102". <14. Advantages of this Embodiment> <A. Advantages Regarding the Wiring Substrate> As a comparative example, consider an electrical connection unit in which a bus bar is arranged in a standing posture with respect to the lower wall of the housing. In such a configuration of the comparative example, it may be difficult to reduce the height of the electrical connection unit depending on the width of the standing bus bar.

[0120] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 includes the first electronic component 10 and the wiring substrate 40. The wiring substrate 40 includes a base plate 41 and a first bus bar 42. The base plate 41 has a plate-shaped flat portion 51 having a first surface 51a facing the first electronic component 10. The flat portion 51 has a first accommodating portion 55 recessed in the Z direction or penetrating the flat portion 51 in the Z direction. At least a part of the first bus bar 42 is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 55 and extends along the flat portion 51. According to such a configuration, at least a part of the wiring path is formed on a plane. Compared with the structure of the above comparative example, the bus bar is less likely to affect in the height direction, and it becomes easier to reduce the height of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0121] In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 has a first connection component 20. The first connection component 20 includes a portion that stands upright relative to the first bus bar 42, and electrically connects the first electronic component 10 and the first bus bar 42. The first bus bar 42 has a first connection portion 61 that contacts the first connection component 20. The first connection portion 61 is housed in the first housing portion 55 and extends along the flat portion 51. With this configuration, a larger portion of the wiring path is formed on a flat surface, making it easier to reduce the height of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0122] In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 has a second connection component 20. The second connection component 20 includes a portion that stands upright relative to the first bus bar 42, and electrically connects the first bus bar 42 to a second electronic component or an external device. The first bus bar 42 has a second connection portion 62 that contacts the second connection component 20. The first bus bar 42 is housed in the first housing portion 55 across at least the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62, and extends along the flat portion 51. With this configuration, a larger portion of the wiring path is formed on a flat surface, further facilitating the reduction in height of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0123] In this embodiment, the first bus bar 42 has an extension portion 63 between the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62. The extension portion 63 is accommodated in the first housing portion 55 and extends through the region R that overlaps with the electronic component 10 when viewed from the Z direction, so as to span both sides of the region R. With this configuration, since the extension portion 63 is accommodated in the first housing portion 55, the presence of the electronic component 10 is less likely to restrict the wiring layout. This enables a wiring layout that provides more advantageous electrical characteristics, such as making it easier to extend the extension portion 63 linearly. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid routing the bus bar in a way that bypasses the electronic component 10. This improves the electrical characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1 and / or reduces the size of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0124] In this embodiment, when viewed from the Z direction, the first bus bar 42 has an extension 64 that extends to the region R that overlaps with the first electronic component 10 and has an end 42e1 at a position that overlaps with the first electronic component 10. The extension 64 is housed in the first housing portion 55 and extends along the flat portion 51. With this configuration, housing the extension 64 in the first housing portion 55 reduces the height of the electrical connection unit 1, and a metallic heat dissipation portion (extension 64) that promotes heat dissipation and / or heat storage of the first electronic component 10 can be disposed below the first electronic component 10. This improves the heat dissipation and / or heat storage properties of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0125] In this embodiment, the first bus bar 42 is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 55 over the entire length of the first bus bar 42 and extends along the flat portion 51. With this configuration, a larger portion of the wiring path is formed on a flat surface, making it easier to reduce the height of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0126] In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 has a second bus bar 42 electrically connected to the second terminal 13B of the first electronic component 10. The flat portion 51 has a second accommodating portion 55 that is recessed in the Z direction or that penetrates the flat portion 51 in the Z direction, at a position away from the first accommodating portion 55. At least a portion of the second bus bar 42 is accommodated in the second accommodating portion 55 and extends along the flat portion 51. With this configuration, a larger portion of the wiring path including the multiple bus bars 42 is held flat by the single base plate 41, further facilitating the reduction in height of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0127] In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 has a third bus bar 42. The first bus bar 42 is a bus bar included in the positive electrode line PL. The third bus bar 42 is a bus bar included in the negative electrode line NL. The flat portion 51 has a third housing portion 55 that is recessed in the Z direction or that penetrates the flat portion 51 in the Z direction, at a position away from the first housing portion 55. At least a portion of the third bus bar 42 is housed in the third housing portion 55 and extends along the flat portion 51. With this configuration, a larger portion of the wiring paths that form the positive electrode lines PL and the negative electrode lines NL is held flat by a single base plate 41, making it easier to reduce the height of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0128] In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 includes a fourth bus bar 42, a fifth bus bar 42, and a third connection component 100 that electrically connects the fourth bus bar 42 and the fifth bus bar 42. The flat portion 51 includes a fourth housing portion 55 that is recessed in the Z direction or penetrates the flat portion 51 in the Z direction, located at a position away from the first housing portion 55. At least a portion of the fourth bus bar 42 is housed in the fourth housing portion 55 and extends along the flat portion 51. The third connection component 100 includes a portion that stands upright relative to the fourth bus bar 42. The fifth bus bar 42 is supported by the third connection component 100 at a position away from the first bus bar 42 in the Z direction and extends parallel to the first surface 51a. This configuration facilitates the formation of a three-dimensional wiring path using the fourth bus bar 42, the third connection component 100, and the fifth bus bar 42. This allows the electrical connection unit 1 to be easily assembled. Furthermore, by arranging the fourth bus bar 42 in the receiving portion 55 of the base plate 41, a part of the three-dimensional wiring path is formed within the thickness of the base plate 41. This makes it even easier to reduce the height of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0129] In this embodiment, the fifth bus bar 42 extends so as to straddle the first bus bar 42 at a position away from the first bus bar 42 in the Z direction. According to such a configuration, it is easy to form a wiring path that intersects the first bus bar 42 three-dimensionally by the third connecting component 100 and the fifth bus bar 42. Thereby, the electrical connection unit 1 excellent in assemblability can be provided.

[0130] <Advantages Regarding Flat Bus Bars> As a comparative example, consider an electrical connection unit in which a bus bar is arranged in a standing posture with respect to the lower wall of the housing. In the configuration of such a comparative example, it is necessary to fix the bus bar to the housing in a standing posture, and it is difficult to improve the workability regarding the attachment of the bus bar. In this case, it may be difficult to improve the assemblability of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0131] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 includes a base plate 41 and a bus bar 42. The base plate 41 includes a plate-shaped flat portion 51. The flat portion 51 has a first accommodation portion 55 that is recessed in the Z direction or penetrates the flat portion 51 in the Z direction. At least a part of the bus bar 42 is accommodated in the first accommodation portion 55 and extends along the flat portion 51. According to such a configuration, it becomes easy to handle the base plate 41 and the bus bar 42 integrally, and the workability regarding the attachment of the bus bar can be improved as compared with the configuration of the above comparative example. Thereby, the assemblability of the electrical connection unit 1 can be improved.

[0132] In this embodiment, the bus bar 42 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 55 over the entire length of the bus bar 42 and extends along the flat portion 5l. According to such a configuration, while improving the assemblability of the electrical connection unit 1, it becomes easy to reduce the height of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0133] In this embodiment, the bus bar 42 is integrated with the base plate 41 by insert molding. According to such a configuration, the operation of manually attaching the bus bar 42 to the housing can be eliminated or reduced. Thereby, further improvement in the assemblability of the electrical connection unit 1 can be achieved.

[0134] In this embodiment, it has a fastening member 43 protruding in the Z direction from the bus bar 42, and connection components 20, 30 attached to the fastening member 43 from the Z direction. The connection components 20, 30 electrically connect the electronic component 10 or the external device and the bus bar 42. According to such a configuration, it becomes easier to align the direction of the operation of attaching the connection target component to the bus bar 42 in the Z direction. If the direction of the operation can be aligned, further improvement in the assemblability of the electrical connection unit 1 can be achieved.

[0135] In this embodiment, the connection component 20 is connected to the electronic component 10 from the X direction (or Y direction). According to such a configuration, for the electronic component 10 that requires connection from the X direction, by using the connection component 20, the connection direction of the electronic component 10 with respect to the bus bar 42 can be converted to the Z direction. Thereby, further improvement in the assemblability of the electrical connection unit 1 can be achieved.

[0136] <C. Advantages Regarding the Exposed Structure on the Upper Surface Side of the Bus Bar> As a comparative example, consider an electrical connection unit in which the upper surface side of the bus bar 42 is covered with synthetic resin. In such a configuration of the comparative example, it is difficult to improve the heat dissipation of the bus bar 42.

[0137] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 includes a first electronic component 10 and a wiring board 40. The wiring board 40 includes a base plate 41 and a bus bar 42. The base plate 41 has a plate-shaped flat portion 51 having a first surface 51a facing the first electronic component 10 and a second surface 51b located on the opposite side of the first surface 51a. The flat portion 51 has an accommodation portion 55 that is recessed in the Z direction or that penetrates the flat portion 51 in the Z direction. At least a portion of the bus bar 42 has a plate portion 42p that is accommodated in the accommodation portion 55 and extends along the flat portion 51. The plate portion 42p includes a first connection portion 61 that overlaps with the first connecting component 20 when viewed in the Z direction, and an extension portion 63 that extends from the first connection portion 61 in a direction intersecting the Z direction. At least a portion of extension 63 is exposed to the outside of base plate 41 on the first surface 51a side. With this configuration, at least a portion of the bus bar 42 other than connection portions 61, 62 that are connected to other components is exposed to the outside and functions as an area that releases heat. In this case, the heat dissipation performance of electrical connection unit 1 can be improved.

[0138] In this embodiment, the extension 63 is exposed to the outside of the base plate 41 on the first surface 51a side in at least a part of the region R that overlaps with the first connecting part 20 when viewed from the Z direction. This configuration makes it easier for the part of the extension 63 to function as a heat dissipation part that transfers heat from the first connecting part 20. In this case, the heat dissipation performance of the electrical connection unit 1 can be improved.

[0139] In this embodiment, the first bus bar 42 has a second connection portion 62 that overlaps with the second connection components 20, 30 when viewed in the Z direction. The first bus bar 42 is housed in the housing portion 55 and extends along the flat portion 51 over at least the entire length between the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62, and is exposed to the outside of the base plate 41 on the first surface 51a side. With this configuration, a wider portion functions as a heat dissipation area, thereby further improving the heat dissipation performance of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0140] In this embodiment, the bus bar 42 is housed in the housing portion 55 over the entire length thereof, extends along the flat portion 51, and is exposed outside the base plate 41 on the side of the first surface 51a. According to such a configuration, a wider portion functions as a heat dissipation area, so that the heat dissipation performance of the electrical connection unit 1 can be further improved.

[0141] At least a part of the extension portion 63 is exposed outside the base plate 41 not only on the side of the first surface 51a but also on the side of the second surface 51b. According to such a configuration, a wider portion functions as a heat dissipation area, so that the heat dissipation performance of the electrical connection unit 1 can be further improved.

[0142] In a modification of this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 includes a metal plate 80 facing the flat portion 51 with a gap S1 therebetween, and a heat transfer member 92 disposed between the bus bar 42 and the metal plate 80. The base plate 41 has a cover portion 51v that covers at least a part of the extension portion 63 on the side of the second surface 51b. According to such a configuration, even when heat tends to accumulate in the gap S1 between the base plate 41 and the metal plate 80, the provision of the cover portion 51v can suppress the tendency of heat to accumulate in the gap S1.

[0143] <D.Advantages Regarding the Exposed Structure on the Lower Surface Side of the Bus Bar> In order to enhance the holding property of the bus bar 42, a structure may be adopted in which the portion of the bus bar 42 other than the connection surface with the electronic component 10 or the like is covered with resin. However, in the structure in which the portion other than the connection surface of the bus bar 42 is covered, there is a problem that the heat dissipation property of the bus bar 42 deteriorates. In this embodiment, the lower surface (the surface opposite to the component mounting surface) of the bus bar 42 is exposed, and a heat transfer sheet is set on this exposed surface. The heat transfer sheet is connected to a metal plate �0 (a rigid member, a heat dissipation member) provided below the wiring substrate 40. Thereby, heat can be favorably transferred from the bus bar 42 to the metal plate 80 (to the side opposite to the component mounting surface) through the heat transfer sheet.

[0144] <E.Advantages Regarding the Structure of the Connection Component> The connection components 20, 30, 100 of this embodiment are connection components that connect a first bus bar 42 and a component to be connected (electronic component 10, second bus bars 75, 76), and include a first portion 21, 31, 101 extending in a first direction (Z direction), and a second portion 22, 32, 102 that extends from one end of the first portion 21, 31, 101 in a second direction (X direction) that intersects the first direction, faces the first bus bar 42 in the first direction, and is fixed to the first bus bar 42. The first part 21, 31, 101 has a first mounting portion 21fA to which fastening members 72, 73 can be attached along the first direction when the first connection target component 10N, 75, 76 is used as the connection target component, and a second mounting portion 21fB to which a fastening member 71 can be attached along the second direction when the second connection target component 10M is used as the connection target component.

[0145] According to this configuration, the connection components disposed between the first bus bar 42 and the connection target components 10, 75, 76 are L-shaped, with portions extending in a first direction and a second direction that intersect with each other. The first portions 21, 31, 101 rising in the first direction, which is the direction opposite the first bus bar 42, have a first attachment portion 21fA to which the first target component can be attached with fastening members 72, 73 extending along the first direction, and a second attachment portion 21fB to which the second target component can be attached with fastening members 71 extending along the second direction. This makes it possible to attach the first target component that needs to be fastened from the direction opposite the first bus bar 42 and the second target component that needs to be fastened from the direction along the first bus bar 42 to the first bus bar 42 using a single type of connection component. This allows for greater standardization of the components of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0146] Furthermore, in the connecting parts 20, 30, and 100 of this embodiment, the first mounting portion 21fA has a mounting hole 21hA that penetrates the first part in the first direction, and the second mounting portion 21fB has a mounting hole 21hB that penetrates the first part in the second direction. According to this configuration, by making the mounting holes 21hA, 21hB through holes, it is possible to facilitate the formation of the mounting portions 21fA, 21fB and reduce the weight of the connecting components.

[0147] In the connecting components 20, 30, 100 of the present embodiment, the thickness T1 of the first portions 21, 31, 101 in the second direction is greater than the thickness T2 of the second portions 22, 32, 102 in the first direction. According to this configuration, by making the first parts 21, 31, 101 thicker than the second parts 22, 32, 102, it becomes easier to form mounting portions 21fA, 21fB in two directions that are perpendicular to each other in the first parts 21, 31, 101, and the heat storage capacity of the first parts 21, 31, 101 and therefore the entire connection part is increased, thereby improving the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0148] Furthermore, in the connecting parts 20, 30, 100 of this embodiment, if the direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction (Y direction), the first mounting portion 21fA and the second mounting portion 21fB are positioned at different positions in the third direction. According to this configuration, the first attachment portion 21fA and the second attachment portion 21fB in the first portion 21, 31, 101 are arranged with their positions shifted from each other in the third direction that intersects the first and second directions, which makes it easier to increase the distance between the attachment portions 21fA, 21fB in the two directions that are perpendicular to each other in the first portion. This makes it easier to form the attachment portions 21fA, 21fB, and also makes it easier to fasten the attachment portions 21fA, 21fB by separating the fastening members used for the attachment portions 21fA, 21fB.

[0149] In addition, in the connection components 20, 30, and 100 of the present embodiment, the second portions 22, 32, and 102 have third attachment portions 22fA that are fixed to the first bus bar 42 by attaching fastening members 43 along the first direction. According to this configuration, the second parts 22, 32, 102 have third mounting portions 22fA that are fixed to the first bus bar 42, and therefore the second parts 22, 32, 102, which are separated from the first parts 21, 31, 101 that have multiple mounting portions, can be fixed to the first bus bar 42.

[0150] Furthermore, in the connecting parts 20, 30, 100 of this embodiment, if the direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction (Y direction), the first mounting portion 21fA, the second mounting portion 21fB, and the third mounting portion 22fA are arranged at different positions from each other in the third direction. According to this configuration, the three mounting portions are arranged with their positions shifted from one another, so that the fastening members used at the mounting portions can be spaced apart from one another, making the fastening operation easier.

[0151] In the connection components 20, 30, and 100 of the present embodiment, the component to be connected is the electronic component 10 or the second bus bars 75 and . According to this configuration, multiple types of connection target components can be attached to first bus bar 42 using one type of connection component, which allows for greater standardization of the components of electrical connection unit 1.

[0152] Furthermore, the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment is equipped with the first bus bar 42 and the connection parts 20, 30, and 100, so that a first target part that needs to be fastened from the direction opposite to the first bus bar 42 and a second target part that needs to be fastened from the direction along the first bus bar 42 can be attached to the first bus bar 42 using a single type of connection part, thereby enabling the use of standardized components. <Modification> Next, several modified examples will be described. Note that the configuration of each modified example other than that described below is the same as the configuration of the above-described embodiment.

[0153] (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.

[0154] (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 housing portion 55 may be formed by a portion of the flat portion 51 conforming to the outer shape of the bus bar 42. In the present 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).

[0155] (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)."

[0156] (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.

[0157] 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]

[0158] 1 Electrical Connection Unit 10,75,76 Connectable parts 10 Electronic components (connected components) 10M Type 1 electronic component (part number 2) 10N Second type electronic component (first connection target component) 20, 30, 100 connecting parts 21,31,101 Part 1 22,32,102 2nd part 21fA 1st mounting part 21fB Second mounting part 21hA 1st mounting hole 21hB Second mounting hole 22fA 3rd mounting part 22hA 3rd mounting hole 42 Busbar (1st busbar) 43, 71, 72, 73 Fastening members 75 Connecting bus bar (first connecting part, second bus bar) 76 External connection bus bar (first connection target part, second bus bar)

Claims

1. A connection component that connects a first bus bar and a connection target component, a first portion extending in a first direction; a second portion extending from one end of the first portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, facing the first bus bar in the first direction and fixed to the first bus bar; Equipped with The first portion is a first attachment portion to which a fastening member can be attached along the first direction when a first connection target component is used as the connection target component; a second attachment portion to which a fastening member can be attached along the second direction when a second connection target component is used as the connection target component; having Connection parts.

2. the first mounting portion has a mounting hole penetrating the first portion in the first direction, The second mounting portion has a mounting hole penetrating the first portion in the second direction. The connection piece according to claim 1 .

3. The thickness of the first portion in the second direction is greater than the thickness of the second portion in the first direction. The connection piece according to claim 1 .

4. When a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are disposed at different positions in the third direction. The connection piece according to claim 1 .

5. the second portion has a third attachment portion that is fixed to the first bus bar by a fastening member attached along the first direction. The connection piece according to claim 1 .

6. When a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, the first mounting portion, the second mounting portion, and the third mounting portion are disposed at positions different from each other in the third direction. The connection part according to claim 5 .

7. The component to be connected is an electronic component or a second bus bar. The connection piece according to claim 1 .

8. the first bus bar; A connecting part according to any one of claims 1 to 7; An electrical connection unit comprising:

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