Electrical connection unit

Abstract

To provide an electrical connection unit capable of improving heat dissipation.SOLUTION: The electrical connection unit 1 includes a first bus bar 42 and a second bus bar 52 that are routing members for electrically connecting a plurality of electronic components 10, a plurality of connection components 20 and 30, and the like, and a first heat transfer member 70 that thermally connects the first bus bar and the second bus bar. The heat transfer member 70 is sandwiched between the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52, and is in surface contact with and in close contact with the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

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

[0004] Incidentally, electrical connection units are expected to have improved heat dissipation properties.

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

[0006] An electrical connection unit in one embodiment includes a first bus bar, a second bus bar, and a first heat transfer member that thermally connects the first bus bar and the second bus bar. [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Enlarged view of part II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the main body in part II of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the main body in part II of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an end view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the main body of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an end view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the main body of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an end view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8 . [Figure 10] 4 is an end view of a main body portion of a fifth modified example of the first embodiment taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is an end view of a main body portion of a sixth modified example of the first embodiment taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a part of the electrical connection unit in seventh and eighth modified examples of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is an end view of the electrical connection unit according to the seventh modified example of the first embodiment, taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is an end view of the electrical connection unit according to the eighth modified example of the first embodiment, taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a portion of the electrical connection unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a portion of the electrical connection unit of the third embodiment. [Figure 18] 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be assigned the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted. Note that the configurations described below do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

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

[0011] In the present disclosure, the +X direction, -X direction, +Y direction, -Y direction, +Z direction, and -Z direction are defined as follows. The X direction is a one-way direction in the plane along the metal plate 80 described later. The +X direction is one of the directions in the X direction. The -X direction is the direction opposite to the +X direction. Hereinafter, when the +X direction and the -X direction are not distinguished, it is simply referred to as the "X direction". The Y direction is a direction (for example, orthogonal) intersecting the X direction in the plane along the metal plate 80 described later. The +Y direction is one of the directions in the Y direction. The -Y direction is the direction opposite to the +Y direction. Hereinafter, when the +Y direction and the -Y direction are not distinguished, it is simply referred to as the "Y direction". The +Z direction and the -Z direction are directions (for example, orthogonal) intersecting the X direction and the Y direction. The +Z direction is the direction from the metal plate 80 described later toward the main body MU (see FIG. 1). The -Z direction is the direction opposite to the +Z direction. Hereinafter, when the +Z direction and the -Z direction are not distinguished, it is simply 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". Note that the "second direction" is not limited to the X direction, and may be the Y direction or other directions.

[0012] Hereinafter, when the X direction and the Y direction are not distinguished, it may be referred to as the "horizontal direction". Hereinafter, the Z direction may be referred to as the "vertical direction". Also hereinafter, 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 for convenience of explanation and do not limit the gravitational direction (installation posture of the electrical connection unit 1).

[0013] (A. First Embodiment) <A1. Configuration of Electrical Connection Unit> The electrical connection unit 1 is an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle such as an EV (Electric Vehicle), HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The electrical connection unit 1 is connected to a plurality of external devices 2 located outside the vehicle. The electrical connection unit 1 mediates connections between the plurality of external devices 2. For example, the external devices 2 may include a battery pack 3, a load 4, and a charger 5. The battery pack 3 is mounted on the vehicle. The battery pack 3 includes a plurality of batteries 31. The load 4 is a device including an inverter for driving a motor of the vehicle that is driven using power stored in the battery pack 3. The charger 5 is a device for supplying power to charge the battery pack 3. The electrical connection unit 1 may be referred to as, for example, 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 80, an insulating sheet 91, a plurality of heat transfer members 92, and an insulating cover 93.

[0015] In a first operation mode, the electrical connection unit 1 is capable of passing a current (first current) only through the bus bar 42 out of the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52 described below. For example, the electrical connection unit 1 may be capable of passing a current (second current) only through the bus bar 52 out of the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52 by switching a plurality of relays included in a plurality of electronic components 10 described below. For example, the first operation mode may be a charging mode in which, during charging, the bus bar 42 operates as a current-carrying line during charging and the bus bar 52 operates as a non-current-carrying line when charging power from the charger 5 to the battery pack 3 via the electrical connection unit 1. For example, the first current may be a charging current from the charger 5 to the battery pack 3.

[0016] During the second operation, the electrical connection unit 1 can only conduct current to the bus bar 52 among the bus bars 42 and 52 described later. For example, the electrical connection unit 1 may be able to conduct current only to the bus bar 52 among the bus bars 42 and 52 by switching a plurality of relays included in the plurality of electronic components 10 described later. For example, the second operation mode may be a vehicle running mode in which, when power is supplied from the battery pack 3 to the load 4 via the electrical connection unit 1, the bus bar 52 operates as an energized line during running and the bus bar 42 operates as a non-energized line. For example, the second current may be a load current from the battery pack 3 to the load 4.

[0017] <A2. Main body part> First, the main body part MU will be described. The main body part MU is a part that undertakes the main functions of the electrical connection unit 1 (for example, switching of the electrical connection state and overcurrent protection).

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main body part MU includes, for example, a plurality of electronic components 10, connection components 20 for component connection, connection components 30 for load connection, wiring boards 40 for wiring, wiring boards 50 for wiring, an intermediate board 60, a heat transfer member 70, and connection components 90 for bus bar connection. The connection components 20 and 30 are members that form a vertical current path. The connection components 20 and 30 may be referred to as "vertical wiring members".

[0019] <A3. Electronic components> First, the electronic component 10 will be described. The electronic component 10 is an electronic component mounted according to the functions required for the main body part MU. The electronic component 10 is, for example, a connector, a fuse, a relay (for example, a mechanical relay or a semiconductor relay), a capacitor, a branching component, various sensors (for example, a current sensor or a voltage sensor), an electronic control unit, or an electronic component unit formed by unitizing two or more of these. Note that the type of the electronic component 10 is not limited to the above examples. For example, the electronic component 10 may be a heat generating component that generates heat when energized.

[0020] <A4. Connection components for component connection> The connection component 20 is a component that electrically connects the electronic component 10 and the main body part MU. The connection component 20 forms a part of the current path in the main body part MU. In this embodiment, the connection component 20 is a component that electrically connects the electronic component 10 and the wiring harness substrate 40. The connection component 20 is made of metal (for example, copper or copper alloy).

[0021] <A5. Connection components for external device connection> The connection component 30 is a component that electrically connects the wiring such as a bus bar connected to the external device 2 and the main body part MU. In this embodiment, the connection component 30 electrically connects the wiring such as a bus bar connected to the load 4 and the wiring harness substrate 50. The connection component 30 is made of metal (for example, copper or copper alloy).

[0022] <A6. Connection components for bus bar connection> Next, the connection component 90 for bus bar connection will be described. The connection component 90 is a component that electrically connects the bus bars of the main body part MU. In this embodiment, it electrically connects the bus bar of the wiring harness substrate 40 and the bus bar of the wiring harness substrate 50. The connection component 90 is made of metal (for example, copper or copper alloy).

[0023] <A7. The first wiring harness substrate> Next, the wiring harness substrate 40 will be described. The wiring board 40 is a member that forms at least a portion of the electrical path between the electronic components 10, and / or at least a portion of the electrical path between the electronic components 10 and the external device 2, and / or at least a portion of the electrical path between the external device 2. In this disclosure, the term "wiring board" refers to a board-type wiring structure. "Board-type" means that it is a plate-like structure that is aligned along a single plane when viewed overall, regardless of its detailed shape. In this disclosure, "plate-like" is not limited to a completely flat structure, but may also include a structure that has fixing structures or ribs that protrude in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the wiring board 40 is a plate-like structure that is aligned along the X and Y directions.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the wiring board 40 includes, for example, a base plate 41, a bus bar 42, and another bus bar 49. In this embodiment, the base plate 41 and the bus bar 42 are integrated by insert molding. For example, the wiring board 40 is formed as a single member by insert molding the bus bar 42 with the base plate 41. In other words, the bus bar 42 is integrated with the base plate 41 without using fastening members such as screws or bolts. Note that the wiring board 40 may be formed by another structure instead of insert molding. The wiring board 40 is an example of a "first wiring board."

[0025] (First base member) Base plate 41 is a holding member that holds bus bar 42. Base plate 41 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has insulating properties. For example, base plate 41 may hold bus bar 42 and bus bar 49 together. In this case, base plate 41 electrically insulates bus bar 42 from bus bar 49. Base plate 41 is an example of a "first base member." Base plate 41 has, for example, a flat portion 411.

[0026] The flat surface portion 411 is a plate-shaped portion of the base plate 41. The flat surface portion 411 is a plate-shaped portion extending in the horizontal direction. The flat surface portion 411 forms the main portion of the base plate 41. The flat surface portion 411 forms the base portion (insulating base portion) of the base plate 41. In this embodiment, the flat surface portion 411 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.

[0027] The flat portion 411 has a first surface 411a and a second surface 411b. The first surface 411a is a surface facing the +Z direction. The first surface 411a is a flat surface extending horizontally. The first surface 411a 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 411b is located on the opposite side of the first surface 411a. The second surface 411b is a surface facing the -Z direction. The second surface 411b is a flat surface extending horizontally. The second surface 411b faces the metal plate 80 (see FIG. 1) via the intermediate substrate 60, the heat transfer member 70, the wiring substrate 50, the multiple heat transfer members 92, the insulating sheet 91, etc. The thickness direction (plate thickness direction) of the flat portion 411 is the Z direction.

[0028] The flat surface portion 411 has, for example, an accommodation portion 412 in which the bus bar 42 is accommodated. The accommodation portion 412 is, for example, a through-hole that penetrates from the first surface 411a to the second surface 411b in the Z direction. Note that instead of a through-hole, the accommodation portion 412 may be a recess that is provided in the first surface 411a or the second surface 411b of the flat surface portion 411 and recessed in the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the accommodation portion 412 has an outer shape that corresponds to the shape of the bus bar 42 to be accommodated. The flat surface portion 411 is an example of a "first flat surface portion."

[0029] The flat surface portion 411 has a pair of openings 411g. The pair of openings 411g penetrates from the first surface 411a to the second surface 411b. For example, the pair of openings 411g may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction. For example, each opening 411g may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the Z direction.

[0030] (First bus bar) Busbar 42 is a routing member (electrical connection member) included in routing board 40. Busbar 42 is a routing member for electrically connecting, for example, a plurality of electronic components 10 and a plurality of connection components 20, 30, and 90. Busbar 42 is made of metal (for example, copper or a copper alloy) and is conductive. Busbar 42 includes portions that are arranged on the same plane. Busbar 42 is held by flat portion 411 of base plate 41. Busbar 42 is an example of a "first busbar."

[0031] At least a portion of busbar 42 is a plate-like shape extending in the horizontal direction. At least a portion of busbar 42 is housed in housing portion 412 and extends along flat portion 411. That is, at least a portion of busbar 42 extends along first surface 411a of flat portion 411. At least a portion of each busbar 42 extends in the horizontal direction within housing portion 412. In this embodiment, busbar 42 is a plate-like shape extending in the horizontal direction over the entire length of busbar 42. Busbar 42 is housed in housing portion 412 over the entire length of busbar 42 and extends along flat portion 411.

[0032] The bus bar 42 has, for example, a connection portion 421 and an extension portion 422. The connection portion 421 is a portion that comes into contact with one connection component 20. The connection portion 421 is connected to one connection component 20 that is connected to the electronic component 10, so that one electronic component 10 and the bus bar 42 are electrically connected. The connection portion 421 is a portion of the bus bar 42 that overlaps with the connection component 20 when viewed from the Z direction. The connection portion 421 is adjacent to the connection component 20 in the Z direction and is connected to the connection component 20 from the Z direction. For example, the connection portion 421 and the connection component 20 may be fastened together by a fastening member 43.

[0033] The extending portion 422 extends in the X direction or the Y direction from the connecting portion 421. The extending portion 422 extends continuously in the XY plane from the connecting portion 421. For example, the extending portion 422 may extend in the X direction between a pair of openings 411g that are spaced apart in the X direction, up to just before each opening 411g.

[0034] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 421 and the extending portion 422 are plate-shaped along the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the bus bar 42 is at least accommodated in the accommodating portion 412 across the connecting portion 421 and the extending portion 422 and extends along the flat portion 411.

[0035] (Other bus bar) Note that the other bus bar 49 may also have the same configuration as the bus bar 42. Also, the other bus bar 49 may be provided on the base plate 41 in the same manner as the bus bar 42. The other bus bar 49 may be connected to other electronic components 10 different from the plurality of electronic components 10 to which the bus bar 42 is connected.

[0036] <A8. Second wiring substrate> Next, the wiring substrate 50 will be described. The wiring substrate 50 is a member that forms at least a part of the current-carrying path between the electronic components 10, and / or at least a part of the current-carrying path between the electronic component 10 and the external device 2, and / or at least a part of the current-carrying path between the external devices 2. In this embodiment, the wiring substrate 50 is plate-shaped along the X direction and the Y direction.

[0037] The wiring substrate 50 includes, for example, a base plate 51 and a bus bar 52. In this embodiment, the base plate 51 and the bus bar 52 are integrated by insert molding. For example, the wiring substrate 50 is formed as a single member by insert molding the bus bar 52 with the base plate 51. That is, the bus bar 52 is integrated with the base plate 51 without using fastening members such as screws or bolts. Note that the wiring substrate 50 may be formed by another structure instead of insert molding. The wiring substrate 50 is an example of the "second wiring substrate".

[0038] (Second base member) The base plate 51 is a holding member that holds the bus bar 52. The base plate 51 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin and has insulating properties. The base plate 51 is an example of a "second base member." The base plate 51 has, for example, a flat portion 511.

[0039] The flat surface portion 511 is a plate-shaped portion of the base plate 51. The flat surface portion 511 is a plate-shaped portion extending in the horizontal direction. The flat surface portion 511 forms the main portion of the base plate 51. The flat surface portion 511 forms the base portion (insulating base portion) of the base plate 51. In this embodiment, the flat surface portion 511 extends across the entire width of the base plate 51 in the X direction and across the entire width of the base plate 51 in the Y direction.

[0040] The flat surface 511 has a third surface 511a and a fourth surface 511b. The third surface 511a is a surface facing the +Z direction. The third surface 511a is a flat surface extending along the horizontal direction. The third surface 511a faces the second surface 411b. The fourth surface 511b is located on the opposite side of the third surface 511a. The fourth surface 511b is a surface facing the -Z direction. The fourth surface 511b is a flat surface extending along the horizontal direction. The fourth surface 511b faces the metal plate 80 (see FIG. 1 ) via a plurality of heat transfer members 92, an insulating sheet 91, etc. The thickness direction (plate thickness direction) of the flat surface 511 is the Z direction. The third surface 511a of the flat surface 511 is provided with a gap between it and the second surface 411b of the flat surface 411.

[0041] The flat surface portion 511 has, for example, an accommodation portion 512 in which the bus bar 52 is accommodated. The accommodation portion 512 is, for example, a through hole penetrating from the third surface 511a to the fourth surface 511b in the Z direction. Note that instead of a through hole, the accommodation portion 512 may be a recess provided in the third surface 511a or the fourth surface 511b of the flat surface portion 511 and recessed in the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the accommodation portion 512 has an outer shape corresponding to the shape of the bus bar 52 to be accommodated. The flat surface portion 511 is an example of a "second flat surface portion."

[0042] (Second bus bar) Busbar 52 is a routing member (electrical connection member) included in routing board 50. Busbar 52 is a routing member for electrically connecting each of a plurality of connection components 30, 90. Busbar 52 includes a pair of connection portions 521 and an extension portion 522. Busbar 52 is made of metal (for example, copper or a copper alloy) and is electrically conductive. Busbar 52 is held by flat portion 511 of base plate 51. Busbar 52 is an example of a "second busbar."

[0043] The extension portion 522 extends between the pair of connecting portions 521. The extension portion 522 is continuous with the pair of connecting portions 521. The extension portion 522 is integrally formed with the pair of connecting portions 521. At least a portion of the extension portion 522 is plate-shaped and extends in the horizontal direction. At least a portion of the extension portion 522 is housed in the accommodation portion 512 and extends along the flat portion 511. That is, at least a portion of the extension portion 522 extends along the third surface 511a of the flat portion 511. At least a portion of the extension portion 522 extends in the horizontal direction within the accommodation portion 512. In this embodiment, the extension portion 522 is plate-shaped and extends in the horizontal direction throughout the entire extension portion 522. The extension portion 522 is housed in the accommodation portion 512 and extends along the flat portion 511 throughout its entire length.

[0044] The pair of connecting portions 521 are located apart from each other in the X direction. The connecting portion of the pair of connecting portions 521 on the −X direction side is located at the end of the extending portion 522 on the −X direction side. The connecting portion of the pair of connecting portions 521 on the +X direction side is located at the end of the extending portion 522 on the +X direction side. Each connecting portion 521 rises and extends from the end of the extending portion 522 so as to bend in the +Z direction. Each connecting portion 521 rises and extends further in the X direction, extending away from the extending portion 522. For example, each connecting portion 521 may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the Z direction.

[0045] The pair of connection parts 521 are provided at positions corresponding to the pair of openings 411g. The connection part 521 on the -X side among the pair of connection parts 521 is provided inside the opening 411g on the -X direction side among the pair of openings 411g. The connection part 521 on the +X side among the pair of connection parts 521 is provided inside the opening 411g on the +X direction side among the pair of openings 411g.

[0046] Each connection part 521 has a connection surface 521s which is a plane along the horizontal direction on the +Z direction side. For example, the connection surface 521s may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the Z direction. For example, each connection part 521 may extend inside the opening 411g such that the connection surface 521s is flush with the first surface 411a.

[0047] The connection surface 521s on the side of the connection part 521 on the -X direction side among the pair of connection parts 521 is electrically connected to the part on the +X direction side of the connection component 90. At that time, for example, the connection part 521 may be fastened and connected to the connection component 90 by the fastening member 53 such that the connection surface 521s contacts the plane on the -Z direction side of the connection component 90. The bus bar 49 and the bus bar 52 are electrically connected by this connection component 90.

[0048] The connection surface 521s on the side of the connection part 521 on the +X direction side among the pair of connection parts 521 is electrically connected to the connection component 30. At that time, for example, the connection part 521 may be fastened and connected to the connection component 30 such that the connection surface 521s contacts the plane on the -Z direction side of the connection component 30. The load 4 and the bus bar 52 are electrically connected by this connection component 30.

[0049] <A9. Intermediate substrate> Next, the intermediate substrate 60 will be described. The intermediate substrate 60 is a member for disposing the heat transfer member 70 between the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52. In the present embodiment, the intermediate substrate 60 is plate-shaped along the X direction and the Y direction. The intermediate substrate 60 is the heat transfer member 70 sandwiched between the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52, and has the same plate thickness in the Z direction as the thickness in the Z direction of the heat transfer member 70 that is closely fixed to the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52.

[0050] The intermediate substrate 60 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has insulating properties. The intermediate substrate 60 is an example of an “intermediate member.” The intermediate substrate 60 has, for example, a flat portion 61.

[0051] The planar portion 61 is a plate-shaped portion of the intermediate substrate 60. The planar portion 61 is a plate-shaped portion that extends horizontally. The planar portion 61 forms the main portion of the intermediate substrate 60. The planar portion 61 forms the base (insulating base) of the intermediate substrate 60. In this embodiment, the planar portion 61 extends across the entire width of the intermediate substrate 60 in the X direction and across the entire width of the intermediate substrate 60 in the Y direction. The thickness direction (plate thickness direction) of the planar portion 61 is the Z direction.

[0052] The flat surface portion 61 has a fifth surface 61a and a sixth surface 61b. The fifth surface 61a is a surface facing the +Z direction. The fifth surface 61a is a plane extending along the horizontal direction. The fifth surface 61a faces the second surface 411b. For example, the fifth surface 61a may be in surface contact with the second surface 411b. The sixth surface 61b is located on the opposite side to the fifth surface 61a. The sixth surface 61b is a surface facing the -Z direction. The sixth surface 61b is a plane extending along the horizontal direction. The sixth surface 61b faces the third surface 511a. For example, the sixth surface 61b may be in surface contact with the third surface 511a.

[0053] The planar portion 61 has, for example, a housing portion 62 in which the heat transfer member 70 is housed. The housing portion 62 is, for example, a through hole that penetrates from the fifth surface 61a to the sixth surface 61b in the Z direction. Note that the housing portion 62 may be a depression provided on the fifth surface 61a or the sixth surface 61b of the planar portion 61 and recessed in the Z direction instead of the through hole. The housing portion 62 has an outer shape corresponding to the shape of the heat transfer member 70 to be housed when viewed from the Z direction. The housing portion 62 overlaps at least a part of the portion where the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52 overlap when viewed from the Z direction. For example, the housing portion 62 may overlap at least a part of the portion where the extension portion 422 and the extension portion 522 overlap when viewed from the Z direction. For example, the width of the housing portion 62 in the Y direction may be slightly larger than the width of the portion where the extension portion 422 and the extension portion 522 overlap in the Y direction. For example, the length of the housing portion 62 in the X direction may be slightly larger than the length of the portion where the extension portion 422 and the extension portion 522 overlap in the X direction. For example, when viewed from the Z direction, the center position of the housing portion 62 in the Y direction may coincide with the center position of the portion where the extension portion 422 and the extension portion 522 overlap in the Y direction. For example, the housing portion 62 may be a heat transfer member 70 sandwiched between the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52 and have the same thickness in the Z direction as the thickness of the heat transfer member 70 in which the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52 are closely fixed.

[0054] <A10. First heat transfer member> Next, the heat transfer member 70 will be described. The heat transfer member 70 is a member for transferring heat between the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52. For example, the heat transfer member 70 may be a member for transferring heat (Joule heat) generated by the bus bar 42 itself when current is applied to the bus bar 42 to the bus bar 52. For example, the heat transfer member 70 may be a member for transferring heat (Joule heat) generated by the bus bar 52 itself when current is applied to the bus bar 42 to the bus bar 42. For example, the heat transfer member 70 may be a member for transferring heat generated by the electronic component 10 when current is applied to the electronic component 10 to the bus bar 52 via the bus bar 42. The heat transfer member 70 is, for example, an elastic heat transfer sheet (e.g., a thermally conductive silicone sheet). The heat transfer member 70 is made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than, for example, the base plate 41, the base plate 51, and the intermediate substrate 60. However, the heat transfer member 70 is not limited to the above example and may be a heat transfer member made of a thermally conductive gel or other material. The heat transfer member 70 is an example of a "first heat transfer member."

[0055] Heat transfer member 70 has a plate shape extending along the X and Y directions. Heat transfer member 70 is sandwiched between bus bar 42 and bus bar 52, and is in surface contact with and in close contact with bus bar 42 and bus bar 52. Heat transfer member 70 faces and is in surface contact with a flat surface on the -Z direction side of bus bar 42. Heat transfer member 70 faces and is in surface contact with a flat surface on the +Z direction side of bus bar 52.

[0056] 5, the heat transfer member 70 has a first contact surface 70a and a second contact surface 70b. The first contact surface 70a is a flat surface facing the +Z direction. The first contact surface 70a is in surface contact with a flat surface on the -Z direction side of the bus bar 42 along the X direction. The second contact surface 70b is a flat surface facing the -Z direction and located on the opposite side of the first contact surface 70a. The second contact surface 70b is in surface contact with a flat surface on the +Z direction side of the bus bar 52 along the X direction.

[0057] When viewed from the Z direction, the heat transfer member 70 overlaps at least a part of the overlapping portion of the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52. For example, when viewed from the Z direction, the heat transfer member 70 may overlap at least a part of the overlapping portion of the extension portion 422 and the extension portion 522.

[0058] For example, the width of the heat transfer member 70 in the Y direction may be the same as the size obtained by adding the width difference dY to both sides with respect to the width in the Y direction of the overlapping portion of the extension portion 422 and the extension portion 522, or may be larger than the size obtained by adding the width difference dY. For example, the width difference dY may be the same as the thickness of the heat transfer member 70 in the Z direction in a state where it is in close contact with the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52. In addition, when the heat transfer effect is sufficient, the width of the heat transfer member 70 in the Y direction may be the same as the width in the Y direction of the overlapping portion of the extension portion 422 and the extension portion 522, or may be smaller than the width in the Y direction of the overlapping portion.

[0059] For example, the length of the heat transfer member 70 in the X direction may be shorter than the length in the X direction of the overlapping portion of the extension portion 422 and the extension portion 522. For example, when viewed from the Z direction, the central position of the heat transfer member 70 in the Y direction may coincide with the central position in the Y direction of the overlapping portion of the extension portion 422 and the extension portion 522. For example, the heat transfer member 70 may be sandwiched between the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52 and have the same thickness in the Z direction as the interval in the Z direction between the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52 in a state of being in close contact with the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52. In addition, when the heat transfer effect is insufficient, the length of the heat transfer member 70 in the X direction may be the same as the length in the X direction of the overlapping portion of the extension portion 422 and the extension portion 522, or may be slightly larger than the length in the X direction of the overlapping portion.

[0060] <A11. Metal Plate, Insulating Sheet, Heat Transfer Member, and Insulating Cover> Next, the metal plate 80, the insulating sheet 91, the heat transfer member 92, and the insulating cover 93 will be described.

[0061] <A11.1 Metal Plate> The metal plate 80 is a member for ensuring the rigidity of the electrical connection unit 1 and enhancing the heat dissipation performance 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 be referred to as a "rigidity member".

[0062] When viewed from the Z direction, the metal plate 80 has a rectangular shape along the X direction. The metal plate 80 includes a flat portion 81.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 1, the flat portion 81 is a portion formed in a plate shape within the metal plate 80. The flat portion 81 is plate-shaped along the horizontal direction. The flat portion 81 forms the main part of the metal plate 80. The flat portion 81 forms the base portion (metal base portion) of the metal plate 80. In the present embodiment, the flat portion 81 has a size that covers the main body portion MU from below. The flat portion 81 faces the wiring substrate 50. In the present embodiment, the flat portion 81 faces the fourth surface 511b of the flat portion 511. Note that the electrical connection unit 1 has a gap between the flat portion 81 and the fourth surface 511b of the flat portion 511. That is, the flat portion 81 is provided with a gap from the fourth surface 511b of the flat portion 511.

[0064] <A11.2 Insulating Sheet> The insulating sheet 91 is an insulating member for electrically insulating the metal plate 80 and the wiring substrate 50. The insulating sheet 91 is made of a synthetic resin such as, for example, polyester or polyimide, and has insulating properties. When viewed from the Z direction, the insulating sheet 91 has a rectangular shape. The insulating sheet 91 is sheet-shaped along the horizontal direction. The insulating sheet 91 is disposed between the flat portion 81 of the metal plate 80 and the wiring substrate 50. For example, the insulating sheet 91 may be disposed between the flat portion 81 of the metal plate 80 and a plurality of heat transfer members 92.

[0065] In this embodiment, the insulating sheet 91 is attached to the flat portion 81 of the metal plate 80. Note that, instead of the above example, the insulating sheet 91 may be provided between the wiring substrate 50 and the plurality of heat transfer members 92. When the heat transfer member 92 has insulation properties and the necessary insulation is ensured by the heat transfer member 92, the insulating sheet 91 may be omitted.

[0066] <A11.3 Second Heat Transfer Member> The heat transfer member 92 is a member for transferring the heat (Joule heat) generated by the bus bar 42 itself during energization, and / or the heat (Joule heat) generated by the bus bar 52 itself during energization, and / or the heat generated by the electronic component 10 during energization, to the metal plate 80. The heat transfer member 92 may be, for example, a heat transfer sheet having elasticity (for example, a thermally conductive silicone sheet). The heat transfer member 92 is formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than, for example, the base plate 41, the base plate 51, and the intermediate substrate 60. 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. The heat transfer member 92 is an example of the "second heat transfer member".

[0067] In this embodiment, the plurality of heat transfer members 92 are partially provided on the wiring substrate 50. For example, each heat transfer member 92 is arranged to contact the bus bar 52 at a position overlapping a part of the bus bar 52 when viewed from the Z direction. Further, each heat transfer member 92 is arranged at a part of the position where a part of the bus bar 52, the heat transfer member 70, and a part of the bus bar 52 overlap when viewed from the Z direction. In this case, the heat of the bus bar 42 can be easily transferred to the metal plate 80 through the heat transfer member 70, the bus bar 52, and the heat transfer member 92.

[0068] <A11.4 Insulating Cover> The insulating cover 93 will be described. The insulating cover 93 is a member for preventing a fingertip from touching the current-carrying path 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 the -Z direction side open. The insulating cover 93 has a plurality of ventilation holes 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 current-carrying path of the main body unit MU.

[0069] <A12. Exposed structure of the bus bar> Next, the exposed structures of the bus bars 42 and 52 will be described in detail.

[0070] <A12.1 Exposed structure of the first bus bar>[ As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, at least a part of the extending portion 422 of the bus bar 42 is exposed outside the base plate 41 on the upper surface side (the first surface 411a side of the flat portion 411). For example, at least a part of the extending portion 422 of the bus bar 42 may be exposed outside the base plate 41 on the upper surface side.

[0071] For example, the bus bar 42 may be housed in the housing portion 412 from at least the connecting portion 421 to the entire length of the extending portion 422 and extend along the first surface 411a of the flat portion 411. For example, the bus bar 42 may be exposed outside the base plate 41 on the upper surface side from at least the connecting portion 421 to the entire length of the extending portion 422.

[0072] For example, the bus bar 42 may be housed in the housing portion 412 over the entire length of the bus bar 42 and extend along the first surface 411a of the flat portion 411. For example, the bus bar 42 may be exposed outside the base plate 41 on the upper surface side over the entire length of the bus bar 42.

[0073] For example, at least a part of the extension portion 422 of the bus bar 42 may be exposed outside the base plate 41 not only on the upper surface side but also on the lower surface side (the side of the second surface 411b). For example, the bus bar 42 may be exposed outside the base plate 41 on the lower surface side over the entire length of the bus bar 42.

[0074] <A12.2 Exposed structure on the lower surface side of the first bus bar> As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the extension portion 422 of the bus bar 42 includes an exposed portion 42u that is exposed outside the base plate 41 on the lower surface side (the side of the second surface 411b of the flat portion 411). In the present embodiment, the exposed portion 42u of the bus bar 42 extends over the entire length of the bus bar 42. In the present embodiment, the heat transfer member 70 is disposed on the exposed portion 42u of the bus bar 42. For example, the heat transfer member 70 is in contact with the exposed portion 42u of the bus bar 42.

[0075] For example, at least a part of the extension portion 422 of the bus bar 42 may be exposed outside the base plate 41 not only on the lower surface side but also on the upper surface side (the side of the first surface 411a). For example, the bus bar 42 may be exposed outside the base plate 41 on the upper surface side over the entire length of the bus bar 42. For example, at least a part of the extension portion 422 of the bus bar 42 may be covered by the base plate 41 on the upper surface side.

[0076] <A12.3 Exposed structure of the second bus bar> In the present embodiment, at least a part of the extension portion 522 of the bus bar 52 is exposed outside the base plate 51 on the lower surface side (the side of the fourth surface 511b of the flat portion 511). As shown in FIG. 3, for example, at least a part of the extension portion 522 of the bus bar 52 may be exposed outside the base plate 51 on the upper surface side.

[0077] For example, the bus bar 52 may be housed in the housing portion 512 over at least the entire length of the extension portion 522 and extend along the third surface 511a of the flat portion 511. For example, the bus bar 52 may be exposed outside the base plate 51 on the upper surface side over at least the entire length of the extension portion 522.

[0078] For example, the bus bar 52 may be accommodated in the accommodation portion 512 over the entire length of the bus bar 52 and extend along the third surface 511a of the flat portion 511. For example, the bus bar 52 may be exposed outside the base plate 51 on the lower surface side over the entire length of the bus bar 52.

[0079] For example, at least a part of the extension portion 522 of the bus bar 52 may be exposed outside the base plate 51 on the upper surface side (the third surface 511a side) in addition to the lower surface side. For example, the bus bar 52 may be exposed outside the base plate 51 on the lower surface side over the entire length of the bus bar 52.

[0080] <A12.4 Exposure Structure on the Lower Surface Side of the Second Bus Bar> As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the extension portion 522 of the bus bar 52 includes an exposed portion 52u that is exposed outside the base plate 51 on the upper surface side (the third surface 511a side of the flat portion 511). In the present embodiment, the exposed portion 52u of the bus bar 52 extends over the entire length of the bus bar 52. In the present embodiment, the heat transfer member 70 is disposed on the exposed portion 52u of the bus bar 52. For example, the heat transfer member 70 is in contact with the exposed portion 52u of the bus bar 52.

[0081] For example, at least a part of the extension portion 522 of the bus bar 52 may be exposed outside the base plate 51 on the lower surface side (the fourth surface 511b side) in addition to the upper surface side. For example, the bus bar 52 may be exposed outside the base plate 51 on the lower surface side over the entire length of the bus bar 52. For example, at least a part of the extension portion 522 of the bus bar 52 may be covered by the base plate 51 on the lower surface side.

[0082] <A13. Advantages> In the present embodiment, the heat transfer member 70 thermally connects the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52. According to such a configuration, heat can be easily exchanged between the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52. Therefore, the heat dissipation performance of the energized bus bar can be improved.

[0083] For example, consider a charging mode in which current flows from charger 5 to battery pack 3 via electrical connection unit 1, in which bus bar 42 operates as a current-carrying line during charging and bus bar 52 operates as a non-current-carrying line (first operating mode). In this charging mode, as shown in FIG. 6, bus bar 42 becomes a live bus bar through which a first current IA flows, and bus bar 52 becomes a non-live bus bar through which no current flows. As a result of this operation, heat HT contained in bus bar 42 is dissipated to bus bar 52, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0084] On the other hand, consider a mode (second operating mode) in which a current flows from the battery pack 3 to the load 4 via the electrical connection unit 1, and the bus bar 52 operates as a current-carrying line while the vehicle is running, and the bus bar 42 operates as a non-current-carrying line, as shown in FIG. 8 . In this vehicle running mode, the bus bar 52 becomes a live bus bar through which the second current IB flows, and the bus bar 42 becomes a non-live bus bar through which no current flows. As a result of this operation, the heat HT of the bus bar 52 is dissipated to the bus bar 42, as shown in FIG. 9 .

[0085] 6 to 9, when one of busbars 42 and 52 is an active busbar and the other is an inactive busbar, the inactive busbar can be used as a thermal mass. As a result of this action, the heat dissipation performance of the energized busbars can be improved. Therefore, the electrical connection unit 1 can improve heat dissipation performance.

[0086] In this embodiment, a heat transfer member 70 is disposed between bus bar 42 and bus bar 52. This configuration makes it easier for heat to be transferred between bus bar 42 and bus bar 52. This improves the heat dissipation performance of the current-carrying bus bar.

[0087] In this embodiment, the first contact surface 70a of the heat transfer member 70 is in surface contact with the bus bar 42 along the X direction. On the other hand, the second contact surface 70b of the heat transfer member 70 is in surface contact with the bus bar 52 along the X direction. This configuration increases the cross-sectional area of ​​the heat transfer path. Therefore, the electrical connection unit 1 can improve the heat dissipation performance of the current-carrying bus bar.

[0088] In this embodiment, the heat transfer member 70 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 62 of the intermediate substrate 60, which is disposed between the wiring substrate 40 and the wiring substrate 50. This configuration makes it easy to arrange the heat transfer member 70. For example, this configuration makes it easy to arrange the heat transfer member 70 in a position where it can be in surface contact with the bus bars 42 and 52. This improves the heat dissipation performance of the current-carrying bus bars. Furthermore, if it is easy to arrange the heat transfer member 70, the electrical connection unit 1 is easy to assemble.

[0089] In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 is capable of passing a first current IA, which is a current that flows only through bus bar 42, of bus bar 42 and bus bar 52, in a first operation mode. Furthermore, the electrical connection unit 1 is capable of passing a second current IB, which is a current that flows only through bus bar 52, of bus bar 42 and bus bar 52, in a second operation mode. With these configurations, in the first operation mode, Joule heat generated in bus bar 42 is dissipated to bus bar 52. Furthermore, in the second operation mode, Joule heat generated in bus bar 52 is dissipated to bus bar 42. Therefore, the electrical connection unit 1 can improve the heat dissipation properties of the current-carrying bus bars.

[0090] In this embodiment, the first current IA is a charging current to the battery pack 3. In addition, in this embodiment, the second current IB is a load current to the load. With these configurations, the electrical connection unit 1 can dissipate heat generated in the energized busbars during charging and driving the load to the non-energized busbars. Therefore, the electrical connection unit 1 can improve the heat dissipation performance of the energized busbars.

[0091] In this embodiment, a heat transfer member 92 is disposed between the second bus bar and the metal plate 80. According to this configuration, the electrical connection unit 1 can dissipate the heat generated in the energized bus bar to the metal plate 80. Therefore, according to the electrical connection unit 1, the heat dissipation property of the energized bus bar can be improved.

[0092] <A14. Variation> Next, several variations will be described. In each variation, the configuration other than that described below is the same as the configuration of the above-described embodiment.

[0093] (First Variation) The wiring substrate 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, after the base plate 41 provided with the accommodating portion 412 for accommodating the bus bar 42 is molded, the bus bar 42 may be disposed in the accommodating portion 412. In this case, the bus bar 42 may be fixed to the accommodating portion 412 by fitting, or may be fixed to the accommodating portion 412 by an adhesive or other fixing means. In these cases, potting for filling the gap between the bus bar 42 and the accommodating portion 412 may be performed.

[0094] (Second Variation) The base member of the wiring substrate 40 is not limited to the base plate 41 having the plate-shaped flat portion 411. The wiring substrate 40 may be a base member (for example, an insulating sheet) having a sheet-shaped flat portion 411. In this case, the accommodating portion 412 may be formed by a part of the flat portion 411 following the outer shape of the bus bar 42.

[0095] (Third Variation) The wiring board 50 is not limited to a structure in which the base plate 51 and the bus bar 52 are integrated by insert molding. For example, the base plate 51 having the accommodation portion 512 for accommodating the bus bar 52 may be molded, and then the bus bar 52 may be placed in the accommodation portion 512. In this case, the bus bar 52 may be fixed to the accommodation portion 512 by fitting, or may be fixed to the accommodation portion 512 by an adhesive or other fixing means. In these cases, potting may be applied to fill the gap between the bus bar 52 and the accommodation portion 512.

[0096] (Fourth Modification) The base member of the wiring board 50 is not limited to the base plate 51 having the plate-shaped flat portion 511. The wiring board 50 may be a base member (for example, an insulating sheet) having a sheet-shaped flat portion 411. In this case, a part of the flat portion 511 may conform to the outer shape of the bus bar 52 to form the accommodation portion 512.

[0097] (Fifth Modification) 10, as a modified example, the flat portion 411 of the base plate 41 may have a cover portion 411v on the lower surface side (the second surface 411b side) that covers at least a part of the extension portion 422 of the bus bar 42. In the area covered by the cover portion 411v, the bus bar 42 is not exposed to the heat transfer member 70 on the lower surface. The cover portion 411v may be provided over the entire length of the bus bar 42. Note that the cover portion 411v does not have to be provided in an area that overlaps with, for example, the heat transfer member 92 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0098] (Sixth Modification) 11 , as a modified example, flat portion 511 of base plate 51 may have, on the upper surface side (third surface 511a side), cover portion 511v that covers at least a part of extension portion 522 of bus bar 52. In the area covered by cover portion 511v, bus bar 52 is not exposed on the upper surface to heat transfer member 70. Cover portion 511v may be provided over the entire length of bus bar 52. Note that cover portion 511v does not have to be provided in an area that overlaps with heat transfer member 92, for example, when viewed from the Z direction.

[0099] (Seventh Modification) In the above-described embodiment, in the electrical connection unit 1, the first current IA is a charging current to the battery pack 3, and the second current IB is a load current. However, the first current IA and the second current IB may be any current as long as heat can be transferred between the bus bars. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , as a seventh modified example, the first current IA may be a current flowing through a bus bar 142 included in the wiring board 40. Also, as a seventh modified example, the second current IB may be a current flowing through a bus bar 152 included in the wiring board 50. The bus bar 142 is held by the base plate 41. The bus bar 152 is also held by the base plate 51. The heat transfer member 170 is sandwiched between the bus bars 142 and is in surface contact with and in close contact with the bus bars 142 and 152. The bus bar 142 is an example of a “first bus bar.” Moreover, bus bar 152 is an example of a “second bus bar.” Moreover, heat transfer member 170 is an example of a “first heat transfer member.”

[0100] For example, in the first operation mode of this modified example, a current flowing through the plurality of batteries 31 connected in parallel may flow as the first current IA through the bus bar 142. Here, in the first operation mode of this modified example, of the bus bar 142 and the bus bar 152, it is possible to cause a current to flow only through the bus bar 142.

[0101] For example, in the second operation mode of this modification, a current flowing through the plurality of series-connected batteries 31 may flow as the second current IB through the bus bar 152. Here, in the second operation mode of this modification, it is possible to pass a current only through the bus bar 152 out of the bus bar 142 and the bus bar 152.

[0102] In this seventh modification, one of busbar 142 and busbar 152 is an active busbar and the other is an inactive busbar, so the inactive busbar can be used as a thermal mass. As a result of this action, the heat dissipation performance of the energized busbars can be improved. Therefore, electrical connection unit 101 can improve heat dissipation performance.

[0103] (Eighth Modification) In the above-described embodiment, in the electrical connection unit 1, the first current IA is a charging current to the battery pack 3, and the second current IB is a load current. However, the first current IA and the second current IB may be any current as long as heat can be transferred between the bus bars. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14 , as an eighth modified example, the first current IA may be a current flowing through a bus bar 242 included in the wiring board 40. Also, as an eighth modified example, the second current IB may be a current flowing through a bus bar 252 included in the wiring board 50. The bus bar 242 is held by the base plate 41. The bus bar 252 is also held by the base plate 51. The heat transfer member 270 is sandwiched between the bus bars 242 and 252, and is in surface contact with and in close contact with the bus bars 242 and 252. The bus bar 242 is an example of a “first bus bar.” Moreover, bus bar 252 is an example of a “second bus bar.” Moreover, heat transfer member 270 is an example of a “first heat transfer member.”

[0104] For example, in this modification, in one operation mode, a first current IA may flow through bus bar 242, and a second current IB may flow through bus bar 252.

[0105] For example, in this one operation mode of this modified example, the second current IB may flow through the bus bar 252 as a current smaller than the first current IA or a current larger than the first current IA.

[0106] In this eighth modification, the bus bar carrying a larger current, either bus bar 242 or bus bar 252, can use the bus bar carrying a smaller current as a thermal mass. As a result of this action, the heat dissipation of the current-carrying bus bars can be improved. Therefore, electrical connection unit 201 can improve heat dissipation.

[0107] (Ninth Modification) In the above-described embodiment, the bus bar 52 is connected to the connection component 30. However, as long as heat can be transferred between the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52, the bus bar 52 does not have to be connected to the connection component 30.

[0108] (Tenth Modification) In the above-described embodiment, bus bar 52 is connected to connection component 90. However, bus bar 52 does not have to be connected to connection component 90 as long as heat can be transferred between bus bar 42 and bus bar 52.

[0109] (B. Second embodiment) The electrical connection unit 301 of the second embodiment differs from the electrical connection unit 1 of the first embodiment in that it includes a heat transfer member 270 as a configuration for transferring heat between bus bars. The configuration of the electrical connection unit 301 other than that described below is the same as the configuration of the electrical connection unit 1 of the first embodiment.

[0110] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the electrical connection unit 301 includes an electronic component 10, a connection component 20, a bus bar 342, a bus bar 352, and a heat transfer member 370. The heat transfer member 370 is sandwiched between the bus bar 342 and the bus bar 352, and is in surface contact with and adhered to the bus bar 342 and the bus bar 352. The bus bar 342 is an example of a "first bus bar". The bus bar 352 is an example of a "second bus bar". The heat transfer member 370 is an example of a "first heat transfer member".

[0111] <B1. Electronic Component> First, the electronic component 10 will be described. The electronic component 10 is an electronic component mounted according to the function required for the main body unit MU. The electronic component 10 is, for example, a connector, a fuse, a relay (for example, a mechanical relay or a semiconductor relay), a capacitor, a branching component, various sensors (for example, a current sensor or a voltage sensor), an electronic control unit, or an electronic component unit in which two or more of these are unitized. Note that the type of the electronic component 10 is not limited to the above examples. For example, the electronic component 10 may be a heat generating component that generates heat when energized.

[0112] <B2. Connection Component for Components> Next, the connection component 20 will be described. The connection component 20 is a component that electrically connects the electronic component 10 and the main body unit MU. The connection component 20 forms a part of the current path in the main body unit MU. In this embodiment, the connection component 20 is a component that electrically connects the electronic component 10 and the bus bar 352. The connection component 20 is made of metal (for example, copper or a copper alloy). The electronic component 10 and the connection component 20 are in contact. The bus bar 352 and the connection component 20 are in contact. The electronic component 10 (connection terminal) and the connection component 20 may be fastened to each other by a fastening member such as a screw or a bolt. The electronic component 10 and the bus bar 352 may be fastened to each other by a fastening member such as a screw or a bolt.

[0113] <B3. First Bus Bar and Second Bus Bar> Next, the bus bars 342 and 352 will be described. Each of the bus bars 342 and 352 extends in the X direction. Each of the bus bars 342 and 352 is made of metal (for example, made of copper or a copper alloy) and has conductivity. The bus bars 342 and 352 include portions arranged on the same plane. For example, a current similar to that of the bus bar 42 in the first embodiment may flow through the bus bar 342. For example, a current similar to that of the bus bar 52 in the first embodiment may flow through the bus bar 352.

[0114] At least a part of the bus bar 342 has a first bus bar surface 342a and a second bus bar surface 342b as a pair of plate surfaces. The first bus bar surface 342a faces the +Y direction. The second bus bar surface 342b faces the -Y direction.

[0115] At least a part of the bus bar 352 has a third bus bar surface 352a and a fourth bus bar surface 352b as a pair of plate surfaces. The third bus bar surface 352a faces the +Y direction. The fourth bus bar surface 352b faces the -Y direction. The connecting component 20 is in contact with the fourth bus bar surface 352b.

[0116] <B4. First heat transfer member> Next, the heat transfer member 370 will be described. The heat transfer member 370 is a member arranged between the bus bar 342 and the bus bar 352. The heat transfer member 370 is a member for performing heat transfer between the bus bar 42 and the bus bar 52. For example, the heat transfer member 370 may be a member for transferring heat (Joule heat) generated by the bus bar 342 itself when the bus bar 342 is energized to the bus bar 352. For example, the heat transfer member 370 may be a member for transferring heat (Joule heat) generated by the bus bar 352 itself when the bus bar 352 is energized to the bus bar 342. The heat transfer member 370 may be, for example, a member for transferring heat HT generated by the electronic component 10 when the electronic component 10 is energized to the bus bar 342 via the bus bar 352.

[0117] When viewed from the Y direction, heat transfer member 370 overlaps at least a portion of the overlapping portion of bus bar 342 and bus bar 352. Heat transfer member 370 includes an insulator 373, a first contact member 374, and a second contact member 375. First contact member 374 is in contact with bus bar 342 and insulator 373. Second contact member 375 is in contact with bus bar 352 and insulator 373.

[0118] The insulator 373 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin and has electrical insulation properties. The insulator 373 electrically insulates the bus bar 342 from the bus bar 352. The insulator 373 may be formed of, for example, a material with higher electrical resistivity than each of the first contact member 374 and the second contact member 375. The insulator 373 may have, for example, thermal conductivity. The insulator 373 has a plate shape extending along the Z direction and the X direction. The insulator 373 has a shape that extends longer in the X direction than in the Z direction. The insulator 373 may protrude in the +Z direction and the -Z direction compared to each of the first contact member 374 and the second contact member 375.

[0119] The insulator 373 has a pair of plate surfaces, namely, a first heat transfer surface 373a and a second heat transfer surface 373b. The insulator 373 has insulation between the first heat transfer surface 373a and the second heat transfer surface 373b. The insulator 373 is capable of transferring heat between the first heat transfer surface 373a and the second heat transfer surface 373b. The first heat transfer surface 373a is a surface facing the +Y direction. The second heat transfer surface 373b is a surface facing the -Y direction. Each of the first heat transfer surface 373a and the second heat transfer surface 373b may be, for example, a flat surface.

[0120] The first contact member 374 is interposed between the insulator 373 and the bus bar 342. The first contact member 374 is, for example, an elastic heat transfer sheet (for example, a thermally conductive silicone sheet). The first contact member 374 may be formed, for example, of a material with higher thermal conductivity than the insulator 373. However, the first contact member 374 is not limited to the above example and may be a heat transfer member formed of a thermally conductive gel or other material. The first contact member 374 may be, for example, electrically insulating. The first contact member 374 has a plate shape extending along the Z direction and the X direction. The first contact member 374 has a shape that extends longer in the X direction than in the Z direction.

[0121] The first contact member 374 has a pair of heat transfer surfaces, namely, a third heat transfer surface 374a and a fourth heat transfer surface 374b. The first contact member 374 is capable of transferring heat between the third heat transfer surface 374a and the fourth heat transfer surface 374b. The first contact member 374 may, for example, have insulation between the third heat transfer surface 374a and the fourth heat transfer surface 374b. The third heat transfer surface 374a is a surface facing the +Y direction. The fourth heat transfer surface 374b is a surface facing the -Y direction. The third heat transfer surface 374a is in surface contact with the second bus bar surface 342b. The third heat transfer surface 374a may, for example, be continuously in the X direction and in close contact with the second bus bar surface 342b. The fourth heat transfer surface 374b is in surface contact with the first heat transfer surface 373a. The fourth heat transfer surface 374b may be in close contact with the first heat transfer surface 373a, for example, continuously in the X direction. The third heat transfer surface 374a is an example of a first contact surface of the heat transfer member 370.

[0122] The second contact member 375 is interposed between the insulator 373 and the bus bar 352. The second contact member 375 is, for example, an elastic heat transfer sheet (for example, a thermally conductive silicone sheet). The second contact member 375 may be formed, for example, of a material with higher thermal conductivity than the insulator 373. However, the second contact member 375 is not limited to the above example and may be a heat transfer member formed of a thermally conductive gel or other material. The second contact member 375 may be, for example, electrically insulating. The second contact member 375 has a plate shape extending along the Z direction and the X direction. The second contact member 375 has a shape that extends longer in the X direction than in the Z direction.

[0123] The second contact member 375 has a fifth heat transfer surface 375a and a sixth heat transfer surface 375b as a pair of heat transfer surfaces. The second contact member 375 is capable of heat transfer between the fifth heat transfer surface 375a and the sixth heat transfer surface 375b. The second contact member 375 may have insulation between the fifth heat transfer surface 375a and the sixth heat transfer surface 375b, for example. The fifth heat transfer surface 375a is a surface facing the +Y direction. The sixth heat transfer surface 375b is a surface facing the -Y direction. The fifth heat transfer surface 375a is in surface contact with the second heat transfer surface 373b. The fifth heat transfer surface 375a may be in close contact with the second heat transfer surface 373b continuously in the X direction, for example. The sixth heat transfer surface 375b is in surface contact with the third bus bar surface 352a. The sixth heat transfer surface 375b may be in close contact with the third bus bar surface 352a continuously in the X direction, for example. The sixth heat transfer surface 375b is an example of the second contact surface of the heat transfer member 370.

[0124] <B5. Advantages> In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the heat transfer member 370 thermally connects the bus bar 342 and the bus bar 352. According to such a configuration, heat transfer between the bus bar 342 and the bus bar 352 is facilitated. Therefore, the heat dissipation performance of the energized bus bar can be improved.

[0125] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first contact member 374 is in contact with the bus bar 342 and the insulator 373. Further, the second contact member 375 is in contact with the bus bar 352 and the insulator 373. With this configuration, heat transfer between the bus bar 342 and the bus bar 352 sandwiching the insulator 373 is facilitated.

[0126] As a comparative example, when the member intervening between the first bus bar and the second bus bar is only an insulator, a temperature difference is likely to occur between the first bus bar not connected to the electronic component and the second bus bar connected to the electronic component. Due to this temperature difference, the second bus bar becomes hotter than the first bus bar, and for example, the allowable current of the second bus bar may be limited. As a result, in the comparative example, the second bus bar may become a bottleneck during energization.

[0127] In contrast to this comparative example, in electrical connection unit 301 of this embodiment, due to the above configuration, bus bar 342 and bus bar 352 are more likely to be equalized to the same temperature. In addition, as shown in FIG. 15 , electrical connection unit 301 of this embodiment easily transfers heat HT from electronic component 10, which is a heat-generating body, to bus bar 352 connected to electronic component 10 to bus bar 342. This action makes it easier for bus bar 352 to cool. Therefore, bus bar 352 is less likely to become a bottleneck when current is applied.

[0128] (Variation) In the second embodiment described above, the plate surfaces of the bus bars 342 and 352 and the contact surfaces of the heat transfer member 370 face in the Y direction. However, any configuration is possible as long as the heat transfer member 370 thermally connects the bus bars 342 and 352 to each other. As a modified example, as in the first embodiment, the plate surfaces of the bus bars 342 and 352 and the contact surfaces of the heat transfer member 370 may face in the Z direction. In this case, the bus bar 342 may be held on the flat surface portion 411 of the base plate 41 by being housed in a housing portion 412 of the base plate 41 similar to that in the first embodiment. The bus bar 352 may be held on the flat surface portion 511 of the base plate 51 by being housed in a housing portion 512 of the base plate 51 similar to that in the first embodiment. The heat transfer member 370 may be held on the flat surface portion 61 of the intermediate substrate 60 by being housed in a housing portion 62 of the intermediate substrate 60 similar to that in the first embodiment. This modification also improves the heat dissipation performance of the current-carrying bus bar.

[0129] (C. Third embodiment) The electrical connection unit 401 of the third embodiment is the electrical connection unit 301 of the second embodiment, and further includes a configuration that can dissipate heat from the bus bar to the ferrite core. Note that the configuration of the electrical connection unit 301 other than that described below is the same as the configuration of the electrical connection unit 301 of the second embodiment.

[0130] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the electrical connection unit 401 includes an electronic component 10, a connection component 20, a bus bar 342, a bus bar 352, a heat transfer member 370, a heat transfer member 393, a heat transfer member 394, and a ferrite core 395. The bus bar 342 and the bus bar 352 penetrate through the ferrite core 395. The heat transfer member 393 thermally connects the bus bar 342 and the ferrite core 395. The heat transfer member 394 thermally connects the bus bar 352 and the ferrite core 395. The heat transfer member 393 is an example of the "first auxiliary member". The heat transfer member 394 is an example of the "second auxiliary member".

[0131] <C1. Ferrite Core> The ferrite core 395 is attached to the bus bar 342 and the bus bar 352 for noise removal. For example, when the bus bar 342 and the bus bar 352 are bus bars arranged in parallel near the battery IN / OUT in the high-voltage components of an electric vehicle, the ferrite core 395 is attached for noise removal between the electrical connection unit 401 and the battery.

[0132] The ferrite core 395 has a through hole 395h penetrating in the X direction. The ferrite core 395 further includes a first plane 395a and a second plane 395b. Each of the first plane 395a and the second plane 395b is a part of the inner peripheral surface defining the through hole 395h. The first plane 395a is a plane located on the +Y direction side of the inner peripheral surface of the ferrite core 395. The first plane 395a faces the -Y direction. The second plane 395b is a plane located on the -Y direction side of the inner peripheral surface of the ferrite core 395. The second plane 395b faces the +Y direction.

[0133] <C2. First Auxiliary Member> The heat transfer member 393 is a member that assists in dissipating heat from the bus bar 342. The heat transfer member 393 is interposed between the ferrite core 395 and the bus bar 342. The heat transfer member 393 overlaps at least a part of the portion where the bus bar 342 and the bus bar 352 overlap when viewed in the Y direction. The heat transfer member 393 is, for example, a heat transfer sheet having elasticity (e.g., a thermally conductive silicone sheet). The heat transfer member 393 may be formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than, for example, the insulator 373. However, the heat transfer member 393 is not limited to the above example, and may be a heat transfer member formed of a thermally conductive gel or other material. The heat transfer member 393 may have, for example, electrical insulation. The heat transfer member 393 has a plate shape along the Z direction and the X direction. The heat transfer member 393 may have, for example, the same length as the through hole 395h in the X direction.

[0134] The heat transfer member 393 has a third contact surface 393a and a fourth contact surface 393b as a pair of contact surfaces. The heat transfer member 393 is capable of heat transfer between the third contact surface 393a and the fourth contact surface 393b. The heat transfer member 393 may have, for example, insulation between the third contact surface 393a and the fourth contact surface 393b. The third contact surface 393a is a surface facing the +Y direction. The fourth contact surface 393b is a surface facing the -Y direction. The third contact surface 393a is in surface contact with the first plane 395a. The third contact surface 393a may be in close contact with the first plane 395a continuously over the Z direction and the X direction, for example. The fourth contact surface 393b is in surface contact with the first bus bar surface 342a. The fourth contact surface 39​​​​​The heat transfer member 394 is a member that assists in radiating heat from the bus bar 352. The heat transfer member 394 is interposed between the ferrite core 395 and the bus bar 352. When viewed from the Y direction, the heat transfer member 394 overlaps at least a part of the portion where the bus bar 342 and the bus bar 352 overlap. When viewed from the Z direction, the heat transfer member 394 may overlap entirely with, for example, the heat transfer member 393. The heat transfer member 394 is, for example, a heat transfer sheet having elasticity (e.g., a thermally conductive silicone sheet). The heat transfer member 394 may be formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than, for example, the insulator 373. However, the heat transfer member 394 is not limited to the above example and may be a heat transfer member formed of a thermally conductive gel or other material. The heat transfer member 394 may have electrical insulation, for example. The heat transfer member 394 has a plate shape along the Z direction and the X direction. The heat transfer member 394 may have, for example, the same length as the through hole 395h in the X direction.

[0136] The heat transfer member 394 has a fifth contact surface 394a and a sixth contact surface 394b as a pair of contact surfaces. Heat can be transferred between the fifth contact surface 394a and the sixth contact surface 394b of the heat transfer member 394. The heat transfer member 394 may have insulation between the fifth contact surface 394a and the sixth contact surface 394b, for example. The fifth contact surface 394a is a surface facing the +Y direction. The sixth contact surface 394b is a surface facing the -Y direction. The fifth contact surface 394a is in surface contact with the fourth bus bar surface 352b. The fifth contact surface 394a may be in close contact with the fourth bus bar surface 352b continuously in the Z direction and the X direction, for example. The sixth contact surface 394b is in surface contact with the second plane 395b. The fourth contact surface 393b may be in close contact with the second plane 395b continuously in the Z direction and the X direction, for example.

[0137] <C4. Advantages> In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the heat transfer member 370 thermally connects the bus bar 342 and the bus bar 352. According to such a configuration, heat can be easily exchanged between the bus bar 342 and the bus bar 352. Therefore, the heat dissipation of the energized bus bar can be improved.

[0138] Additionally, in this embodiment, heat transfer member 393 thermally connects bus bar 342 and ferrite core 395. Heat transfer member 394 thermally connects bus bar 352 and ferrite core 395. With these configurations, heat transfer member 393 and heat transfer member 394 assist in dissipating heat from bus bar 342 and bus bar 352 to ferrite core 395. This improves the heat dissipation performance of the current-carrying bus bar.

[0139] (Variation) In the third embodiment described above, heat transfer member 370 includes insulator 373, first contact member 374, and second contact member 375. However, heat transfer member 370 may be configured in any manner as long as heat transfer member 393 and heat transfer member 394 can assist in heat dissipation from bus bar 342 and bus bar 352 to ferrite core 395. As a modified example, heat transfer member 370 may not include insulator 373, but may include at least one of heat transfer member 393 and heat transfer member 394. This modified example also improves the heat dissipation performance of the current-carrying bus bars.

[0140] 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]

[0141] 1 Electrical Connection Unit 2 External equipment 3 Battery Pack 4. Load 5 charger 10. Electronic Components 20 Connecting parts 30 Connecting parts 31 Battery 40 Wiring board (first wiring board) 41 base plate (first base member) 42 Busbar (1st busbar) 42u exposed part 43 Fastening members 49 Busbar 50 Wiring board (second wiring board) 51 base plate (second base member) 52 bus bar (second bus bar) 52u exposed part 53 Fastening members 60 Intermediate board 61 Plane part 61a 5th page 61b Page 6 62 Storage unit 70 heat transfer member (first heat transfer member) 70a 1st contact surface 70b 2nd contact surface 80 Metal Plate 81 Plane section 90 Connecting parts 91 Insulation sheet 92 Heat transfer member (second heat transfer member) 93 Insulating cover 93h Ventilation hole 101 Electrical Connection Unit 142 busbar (first busbar) 152 Busbar (Second busbar) 170 heat transfer member (first heat transfer member) 201 Electrical Connection Unit 242 busbar (first busbar) 252 bus bar (second bus bar) 270 Heat transfer member (first heat transfer member) 411 Plane part (first plane part) 411a 1st page 411b 2nd page 411g opening 411v cover part 412 Storage unit 421 Connection 422 Stretching section 511 Plane part (second plane part) 511a 3rd page 511b 4th page 511v cover 512 Storage unit 521 Connection 521s connection surface 522 Stretching section dY width difference HT fever IA 1st current IB 2nd current MU main body 301 Electrical Connection Unit 342 busbar (first busbar) 342a First busbar surface 342b Second busbar surface 352 busbar (second busbar) 352a Third busbar surface 352b 4th busbar surface 370 Heat transfer member (first heat transfer member) 373 Insulators 373a First heat transfer surface 373b Second heat transfer surface 374 First contact member 374a Third heat transfer surface (first contact surface) 374b Fourth heat transfer surface 375 Second contact member 375a 5th heat transfer surface 375b 6th heat transfer surface (2nd contact surface) 393 Heat transfer member (first auxiliary member) 393a 3rd contact surface 393b 4th contact surface 394 Heat transfer member (second auxiliary member) 394a 5th contact surface 394b 6th contact surface 395 Ferrite Core 395a 1st plane 395b 2nd plane 395h through hole 401 Electrical Connection Unit

Claims

1. A first bus bar; A second bus bar; a first heat transfer member that thermally connects the first bus bar and the second bus bar; Equipped with Electrical connection unit.

2. a first wiring board including: an insulating first base member having a plate-like or sheet-like first flat portion having a first surface facing an electronic component and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface; and the first bus bar held on the first flat portion; a second wiring board including: an insulating second base member having a plate-like or sheet-like second flat portion having a third surface facing the second surface; and the second bus bar held on the second flat portion; Equipped with the first heat transfer member is disposed between the first bus bar and the second bus bar; The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 .

3. the first heat transfer member has a first contact surface that is in surface contact with the first bus bar along the extension direction of the first bus bar, and a second contact surface that is located on the opposite side to the first contact surface and is in surface contact with the second bus bar along the extension direction of the second bus bar.

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

4. an intermediate substrate having a housing portion for housing the first heat transfer member and disposed between the first wiring substrate and the second wiring substrate; 3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 2.

5. In a first operation mode, a first current can be passed through the first bus bar, the first current being a current that flows only through the first bus bar, of the first bus bar and the second bus bar, In a second operation mode, a second current can be passed, the second current being a current that flows only through the second bus bar out of the first bus bar and the second bus bar.

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

6. electrically connectable to the battery pack and the load; the first current is a charging current to the battery pack; the second current is a load current to the load; 6. The electrical connection unit according to claim 5.

7. electrically connectable to a battery pack including a plurality of batteries; the first current is a current flowing through the plurality of batteries connected in parallel, the second current is a current flowing through the plurality of batteries connected in series; 6. The electrical connection unit according to claim 5.

8. the second wiring board has a fourth surface located opposite to the third surface, a metal plate facing the fourth surface; a second heat transfer member disposed between the second bus bar and the metal plate; Further provided with 3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 2.

9. The first heat transfer member is an insulator disposed between the first bus bar and the second bus bar; a first contact member in contact with the first bus bar and the insulator; a second contact member in contact with the second bus bar and the insulator; Equipped with The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 .

10. a ferrite core through which the first bus bar and the second bus bar pass; a first auxiliary member that thermally connects the first bus bar and the ferrite core; a second auxiliary member that thermally connects the second bus bar and the ferrite core; Further provided with 10. An electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 9.

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