Fastening members and electrical connection units

Abstract

One embodiment provides a fastening member and an electrical connection unit that can improve thermal properties. [Solution] The fastening member of one embodiment is used in an electrical connection unit. The fastening member has a shaft portion, a base portion, and a heat storage portion. The shaft portion is inserted into the first mounting hole of the first member and the second mounting hole of the second member, with the two mounting holes overlapping in the first direction. The shaft portion has screw threads. The base portion has a width greater in the second direction than the shaft portion, when the second direction is a direction intersecting the first direction. The base portion faces the first member or the second member in the first direction. The heat storage portion is provided on the side of the base portion opposite to the shaft portion. The base portion is formed integrally with the base portion.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to fastening members and electrical connection units.

Background Art

[0002] An electrical connection unit having an electronic component and a bus bar electrically connected to the electronic component is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the electrical connection unit is expected to improve its thermal characteristics.

[0005] One embodiment provides a fastening member and an electrical connection unit capable of improving thermal characteristics.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A fastening member according to one embodiment is used in an electrical connection unit. The fastening member has a shaft portion, a base portion, and a heat storage portion. The shaft portion is inserted into the first mounting hole of the first member and the second mounting hole of the second member in a state where the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole of the first member and the second member are overlapped in the first direction. The shaft portion has a thread. When the second direction is a direction intersecting the first direction, the width of the base portion in the second direction is larger than that of the shaft portion. The base portion faces the first member or the second member in the first direction. The heat storage portion is provided on the side opposite to the shaft portion with respect to the base portion. The heat storage portion is formed integrally with the base portion.

[0007] An electrical connection unit according to one embodiment comprises at least one of a first member or a second member and a fastening member. The fastening member comprises a shaft portion, a base portion, and a heat storage portion. The shaft portion is inserted into the first mounting hole of the first member and the second mounting hole of the second member, with the two mounting holes overlapping in a first direction. The shaft portion has screw threads. The base portion has a width greater in the second direction than the shaft portion, when the second direction is a direction intersecting the first direction. The base portion faces the first member or the second member in the first direction. The heat storage portion is provided on the side of the base portion opposite to the shaft portion. The heat storage portion is formed integrally with the base portion.

[0008] A fastening member according to one embodiment is used in an electrical connection unit. The fastening member has a first part and a second part. The first part is inserted into the first mounting hole of the first member and the second mounting hole of the second member, with the first mounting hole of the first member overlapping in a first direction. The first part has threads and engages with a nut. The second part has a width in the second direction greater than that of the first part, when the second direction is defined as a direction intersecting the first direction. The second part faces the first member or the second member in the first direction. The second part has a volume of more than twice that of the nut.

[0009] An electrical connection unit according to one embodiment comprises at least one of a first member or a second member and a fastening member. The fastening member comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is inserted into the first mounting hole of the first member and the second mounting hole of the second member, with the first mounting hole of the first member overlapping in a first direction. The first portion has threads and engages with a nut. The second portion has a width greater in the second direction than the first portion, when the second direction is defined as a direction intersecting the first direction. The second portion faces the first member or the second member in the first direction. The second portion has a volume at least twice that of the nut.

[0010] An electrical connection unit according to one embodiment includes a fastening member, a heat dissipation member, and a heat transfer member. The fastening member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is inserted into the first mounting hole of the first member and the second mounting hole of the second member, with the first portion overlapping the first mounting hole of the first member and the second mounting hole of the second member in a first direction. The first portion has screw threads. The second portion has a width greater in the second direction than the first portion, when the second direction is defined as a direction intersecting the first direction. The second portion faces the first member or the second member in the first direction. The heat dissipation member faces the second portion from the opposite side of the first and second members. The heat transfer member is positioned between the second portion and the heat dissipation member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one embodiment, it is possible to improve the thermal properties. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] A cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A perspective view illustrating the main body of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A perspective view illustrating one subunit of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A perspective view showing the electronic components and connecting components of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A perspective view illustrating the wiring substrate of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A perspective view showing a partially disassembled wiring substrate of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 3, along the line F7-F7. [Figure 8] A cross-sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 3, along the line F8-F8. [Figure 9] A perspective view showing another subunit of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] A front view showing the electronic components of the first embodiment. [Figure 11]Perspective view showing the base member of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Plan view showing the sub-unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view taken along the line F13 - F13 of the structure shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] Perspective view for explaining the fastening member of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view taken along the line F15 - F15 of the structure shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view showing the sub-unit of a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] Perspective view showing the fastening member of a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] Perspective view showing a partially disassembled sub-unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 19] Perspective view showing a part of the sub-unit of the third embodiment. [Figure 20] Perspective view showing a partially disassembled sub-unit of the third embodiment. [Figure 21] Cross-sectional view showing the sub-unit of the third embodiment. [Figure 22] Cross-sectional view showing the sub-unit of the fourth embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. And redundant descriptions of those components may be omitted. Note that the configurations described below do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0014] In this disclosure, terms are defined as follows: “Connection” may include electrical connections, not just mechanical ones. That is, “Connection” may include cases where two elements to be connected are directly connected, not just cases where two elements to be connected are connected with another element in between. “Accommodation” may include cases where only a part of a part is accommodated, not just cases where the entire part is accommodated (with another part of the part protruding). “Facing” means that the virtual projections of two objects overlap when viewed from a particular direction. That is, “Facing” may include cases where two objects face each other with another member present between them, not just cases where two objects face each other. “Parallel,” “orthogonal,” or “same” may include cases where they are “approximately parallel,” “approximately orthogonal,” or “approximately the same,” respectively.

[0015] In this disclosure, the +X direction, -X direction, +Y direction, -Y direction, +Z direction, and -Z direction are defined as follows: The +X direction is the direction from the first end 110e1 to the second end 110e2 of the metal plate 110, which will be described later (see Figure 2). The -X direction is the direction opposite to the +X direction. Hereinafter, when the +X direction and the -X direction are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as the "X direction". The +Y direction and the -Y direction are directions that intersect (e.g., are orthogonal to) the X direction. The +Y direction is the direction from the third end 110e3 to the fourth end 110e4 of the metal plate 110, which will be described later (see Figure 2). The -Y direction is the direction opposite to the +Y direction. Hereinafter, when the +Y direction and the -Y direction are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as the "Y direction". The +Z direction and the -Z direction are directions that intersect (e.g., are orthogonal to) the X direction and the Y direction. The +Z direction is the direction from the metal plate 110 (described later) toward the main body MU (see Figure 2). The -Z direction is the opposite direction to the +Z direction. Hereafter, if the +Z direction and the -Z direction are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as the "Z direction". The Z direction is an example of the "first direction". One of the X and Y directions is an example of the "second direction". The other of the X and Y directions is an example of the "third direction".

[0016] In the following, the X and Y directions may be referred to as the "horizontal direction" if they are not distinguished. In the following, the Z direction may be referred to as the "vertical direction." Also, in the following, the +Z direction may be referred to as "up" and the -Z direction as "down." However, these expressions are for the sake of explanation and do not limit the direction of gravity of the electrical connection unit 1 (the installation orientation of the electrical connection unit 1).

[0017] (First Embodiment) <1. Configuration of the electrical connection unit> Figure 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 installed in vehicles such as EVs (Electric Vehicles), HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles), or PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles). The electrical connection unit 1 may also be referred to as an "electrical connection box" or "junction box." However, the electrical connection unit 1 is not limited to a box-shaped device.

[0018] The electrical connection unit 1 includes, for example, a housing 5, a main body MU, a metal plate 110, a plurality of insulating covers 119 (see Figure 2), and a plurality of heat transfer members 120 (see Figure 2).

[0019] <2. Enclosure> First, let's describe the housing 5. The housing 5 forms the outer casing of the electrical connection unit 1. The housing 5 includes, for example, a base 6 and a cover 7. The base 6 is a member that covers the main body MU and the metal plate 110 from below. The base 6 is, for example, a plate-like shape along the horizontal direction or a bowl-like shape with the +Z direction open. The base 6 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The cover 7 is a member that covers the main body MU and the metal plate 110 from above. The base 6 is, for example, a bowl-like shape with the -Z direction open. The cover 7 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. In this embodiment, the base 6 and the cover 7 are combined to form a box-shaped housing 5. The shape of the housing 5 is not limited to the above example. For example, the metal plate 110, which will be described later, may function as part or all of the base 6. Also, the housing 5 may be omitted.

[0020] In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 includes a first region (first space) R1 and a second region (second space) R2. The first region R1 is a region where heat dissipation is important. For example, an electronic component 10S that generates a large amount of heat is placed in the first region R1. On the other hand, the second region R2 is a region where ease of mounting is important. For example, an electronic component 10T that generates less heat than the electronic component 10S and / or requires a more complex mounting structure than the electronic component 10S is placed in the second region R2. However, these contents do not limit the contents of the electrical connection unit 1 of this disclosure. For example, the amount of heat generated by the electronic component 10T may be greater than the amount of heat generated by the electronic component 10S.

[0021] <3. Main body> Next, we will explain the main unit MU. Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the main body MU. The main body MU is the part of the electrical connection unit 1 that performs the main function (e.g., switching of electrical connection states or overcurrent protection). In this embodiment, the main body MU is divided into a plurality of subunits SU. The main body MU is formed, for example, by connecting a plurality of subunits SU. In this embodiment, the main body MU has two subunits SU (subunits SUS and SUT). Each subunit SU may be referred to as a "circuit configuration".

[0022] The subunit SUS has a primary electrical function. The subunit SUS includes, for example, a plurality of electronic components 10S and a wiring substrate 40S. The plurality of electronic components 10S are electrically connected to the wiring substrate 40S. The base plate 41S (described later) included in the subunit SUS is an example of a "first base member".

[0023] The subunit SUT has a second electrical function. This second function is, for example, a function different from the first function. The subunit SUT includes, for example, a plurality of electronic components 10T and a wiring structure 40T. The plurality of electronic components 10T are electrically connected to the wiring structure 40T. The base member 41T (described later) included in the subunit SUT is an example of a "second base member".

[0024] In this embodiment, the subunit SUS is a subunit SU that prioritizes heat dissipation. The subunit SUS is positioned in the first region R1 of the electrical connection unit 1 described above. The subunit SUS faces the first region A1 of the metal plate 110, which will be described later, in the Z direction.

[0025] On the other hand, subunit SUT is a subunit SU that prioritizes ease of mounting. Subunit SUT is positioned, for example, on the +Y direction side with respect to subunit SUS. Subunit SUT is positioned in the second region R2 of the electrical connection unit 1 described above. Subunit SUT faces the second region A2 of the metal plate 110, which will be described later, in the Z direction. Hereafter, when electronic component 10S and electronic component 10T are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "electronic component 10".

[0026] Furthermore, the main body MU does not have to be divided into multiple subunits SU, as in the example described above. For example, multiple subunits SU may be formed as a single unit. For instance, the base plate 41S of the cable routing substrate 40S and the base member 41T of the cable routing structure 40T, respectively, may be formed as a single unit from one piece of material.

[0027] <4. Configuration of Subunit SUS> Next, we will explain the configuration of the subunit SUS. Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a subunit SUS. The subunit SUS includes, for example, a plurality of electronic components 10, a plurality of connecting components 20, and a wiring substrate 40S. The connecting components 20 are members that form vertical electrical circuits. The connecting components 20 may also be referred to as "vertical wiring members."

[0028] <4.1 Electronic Components> First, let's describe the electronic components 10. The electronic components 10 are electronic components that are mounted in each subunit SU according to the required functions. The electronic components 10 may be, for example, connectors, fuses, relays (e.g., mechanical relays or semiconductor relays), capacitors, branching components, various sensors (e.g., current sensors or voltage sensors), electronic control units, or electronic component units that combine two or more of these. However, the types of electronic components 10 are not limited to the examples above. The electronic components 10 may be, for example, heat-generating components that generate heat when energized.

[0029] In this embodiment, the multiple electronic components 10 include electronic components 10S that generate a relatively large amount of heat when energized. The electronic components 10S are relays (e.g., mechanical relays or semiconductor relays), pyrofuses, or current sensors (e.g., current sensors with shunt resistors). However, the type of electronic component 10S is not limited to the above examples.

[0030] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an electronic component 10 and a connecting component 20. The electronic component 10 is, for example, an electronic component in which a plurality of terminals 13 are arranged in a row on one end of the electronic component 10. The electronic component 10 has, for example, a case 11, a component body 12, a plurality of terminals 13, and a plurality of mounting parts 14.

[0031] (case) The case 11 is an outer casing that forms most of the external shape of the electronic component 10. The case 11 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has insulating properties. The case 11 houses the component body 12. The case 11 and the component body 12 may be formed as a single unit.

[0032] (Main body of the component) The main body of the component 12 is the part that performs the main function of the electronic component 10. For example, if the electronic component 10 is a relay, the main body of the component 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 10 is a fuse, the main body of the component 12 includes a fuse that melts when an overcurrent flows. For example, if the electronic component 10 is a capacitor, the main body of the component 12 includes a part that stores electric charge.

[0033] (Terminals) Terminal 13 is an electrical connection part exposed to the outside of the case 11. Terminal 13 is electrically connected to the component body 12 inside the case 11. In this embodiment, the electronic component 10 includes terminals 13A and terminal 13B as a plurality of terminals 13. One of terminals 13A and terminal 13B is the positive terminal. The other of terminals 13A and terminal 13B is the negative terminal. One of terminals 13A and terminal 13B is an example of a "first terminal". The other of terminals 13A and terminal 13B is an example of a "second terminal".

[0034] In this embodiment, terminals 13A and 13B are provided at one end of the electronic component 10 in the horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Terminals 13A and 13B are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Each of terminals 13A and 13B faces in the horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Each terminal 13 has a mounting hole 13h into which a fastening member 71 (e.g., a screw or bolt), described later, is attached. The mounting hole 13h opens in the horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 13h of the electronic component 10 has a screw groove. In this disclosure, "mounting hole" is not limited to a hole with a screw groove, but may also be a hole without a screw groove. Also, in this disclosure, "mounting hole" is not limited to a bottomed hole, but may also be a through hole.

[0035] (Mounting part) The mounting portion 14 is a part for fixing the electronic component 10. The mounting portion 14 has a mounting hole 14h into which a fastening member 116 (for example, a screw or bolt, see Figure 8) described later is attached. The mounting hole 14h opens in the Z direction. The mounting hole 14h is a through hole through which the fastening member 116 passes. The destination for fixing the mounting portion 14 will be described later.

[0036] <4.2 Connecting Components> Next, the connecting component 20 will be described. The connecting component 20 is a component that electrically connects the electronic component 10 and the wiring substrate 40S. The connecting component 20 forms part of the current-carrying path in the subunit SUS. The connecting component 20 is made of metal (for example, copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy). The connecting component 20 may also be referred to as a "metal component".

[0037] In this embodiment, the connecting component 20 electrically connects the electronic component 10 to the busbar 42 (see Figure 3) included in the routing substrate 40S. In this embodiment, the length L12 of the connecting component 20 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y direction) of the electronic component 10 is smaller than the longitudinal length L11 of the electronic component 10. The connecting component 20 has, for example, a first portion 21 and a second portion 22.

[0038] (Part 1) The first portion 21 of the connecting component 20 is the portion that connects to the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10S. 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 of the electronic component 10 (for example, the end in the Y direction). The first portion 21 is an upright portion that stands upright in the Z direction relative to the routing substrate 40S (for example, relative to the bus bar 42 described later). The first portion 21 is adjacent to the electronic component 10 in the horizontal direction (for example, the Y direction). For example, the first portion 21 is adjacent to the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10 in the horizontal direction (for example, the Y direction) and is connected to the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10 from the horizontal direction (for example, the Y direction).

[0039] The first portion 21 of the connecting part 20 has a first mounting hole 21h through which a fastening member 71 (e.g., a screw or bolt) is passed. The first mounting hole 21h opens horizontally (e.g., in the Y direction). The first portion 21 is physically and electrically connected to the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10 by the fastening member 71 passed through the first mounting hole 21h engaging with the mounting hole 13h of the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10.

[0040] (Second part) The second portion 22 of the connecting component 20 is the portion that connects to the bus bar 42 (see Figure 3). The second portion 22 protrudes horizontally (e.g., in the Y direction) from the -Z direction end of the first portion 21. The second portion 22 is a plate portion that runs horizontally. The second portion 22 is adjacent to the bus bar 42 in the Z direction and connects to the bus bar 42 from the Z direction. The second portion 22 of the connecting component 20 is attached from the Z direction to a fastening member 43 (e.g., a screw or bolt, see Figure 8) that protrudes from the bus bar 42 in the +Z direction, and is physically and electrically connected to the bus bar 42. In this embodiment, the second portion 22 of the connecting component 20 has a second mounting hole 22h through which the fastening member 43 passes. The second mounting hole 22h is open in the Z direction. The fastening member 43 passes through the second mounting hole 22h of the second portion 22. Then, the second portion 22 is fixed to the busbar 42 by engaging the tip of the fastening member 43, which is passed through the second mounting hole 22h, with the engaging member 44 (for example, a nut, see Figure 3). In this embodiment, the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 form an L-shaped single connecting component 20.

[0041] In this embodiment, the busbar 42 is positioned at a distance from the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10 (for example, at a distance in the Z direction). The connecting component 20 is positioned between the electronic component 10 and the busbar 42. In this disclosure, "the connecting component is positioned between the electronic component and the busbar" is not limited to cases where a portion of the connecting component is located between the electronic component and the busbar when viewed from the X or Y direction. "The connecting component is positioned between the electronic component and the busbar" may also refer to cases where a portion of the connecting component is located between the electronic component and the busbar when viewed from a direction inclined with respect to the X or Y direction. The connecting component 20 electrically connects the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10 and the busbar 42.

[0042] <4.3 Circuit board for cable routing> Next, we will explain the wiring substrate 40S. Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the cable routing substrate 40S. The cable routing substrate 40S is a member that forms at least a portion of the electrical conduction path between a plurality of electronic components 10 (e.g., a plurality of electronic components 10S), and / or at least a portion of the electrical conduction path between an electronic component 10 (e.g., electronic component 10S) included in a subunit SUS and an electronic component 10 included in another subunit SU (e.g., subunit SUT). In this disclosure, "cable routing substrate" means a substrate-type cable routing structure. "Substrate-type" means that, when viewed as a whole, regardless of the fine shape, it is in the shape of a plate along a single plane. In this disclosure, "plate-like," "sheet-like," or "plane" is not limited to cases where it is perfectly flat, but may include cases where there are fixing structures or ribs protruding in the Z direction, or where there are uneven shapes on the surface that follow the thickness of the busbar. In this embodiment, the cable routing substrate 40S is in the shape of a plate along the X and Y directions.

[0043] The cable routing substrate 40S includes, for example, a base plate 41S, one or more (e.g., multiple) bus bars 42, and multiple fastening members 43. In this embodiment, the base plate 41S and the multiple bus bars 42 are integrated by insert molding. For example, the cable routing substrate 40S is formed as a single piece by insert molding of the bus bars 42 with the base plate 41S after the fastening members 43 have been fixed to the bus bars 42. That is, the bus bars 42 are integrated with the base plate 41S without using fastening members such as screws or bolts. The cable routing substrate 40S may be formed by a different structure instead of insert molding.

[0044] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a partially disassembled wiring substrate 40S. For convenience of explanation, the base plate 41S, bus bar 42, and fastening member 43 will be described below with reference to a drawing of the partially disassembled wiring substrate 40S.

[0045] <4.3.1 Base Plate> The base plate 41S is a support member that integrally supports a plurality of busbars 42 arranged horizontally with spacing between them. The base plate 41S is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has insulating properties. The base plate 41S electrically insulates the plurality of busbars 42. The base plate 41S is an example of a "base member". The base plate 41S may also be called an "insulating substrate". The base plate 41S has, for example, a flat portion 51, a frame portion 52, and a plurality of fixing portions 53 (see Figure 8).

[0046] (Plane part) The flat portion 51 is a plate-shaped part formed within the base plate 41S. The flat portion 51 is plate-shaped and oriented horizontally. The flat portion 51 forms the main part of the base plate 41S. The flat portion 51 forms the base (insulating base) of the base plate 41S. In this embodiment, the flat portion 51 extends across the entire width of the base plate 41S in the X direction and across the entire width of the base plate 41S in the Y direction, excluding the frame portion 52 of the base plate 41S.

[0047] The planar portion 51 has a first surface 51a and a second surface 51b (see Figure 7). The first surface 51a is a surface oriented in the +Z direction. The first surface 51a is a plane aligned with the horizontal direction. The first surface 51a faces a plurality of electronic components 10 (for example, a plurality of electronic components 10S). The second surface 51b is located on the opposite side from the first surface 51a. The second surface 51b is a surface oriented in the -Z direction. The second surface 51b is a plane aligned with the horizontal direction. The second surface 51b faces the metal plate 110 (see Figure 2). The thickness direction (plate thickness direction) of the planar portion 51 is the Z direction. In this embodiment, the thickness T11 of the planar portion 51 in the Z direction is smaller than the thickness T1 of the busbar 42 in the Z direction (for example, the thickness of the horizontal plate portion 42p described later in the Z direction) (see Figure 7). The thickness T11 of the flat portion 51 in the Z direction may be the same as the thickness T1 of the busbar 42 in the Z direction, or it may be greater than the thickness T1 of the busbar 42 in the Z direction.

[0048] The planar portion 51 has, for example, one or more (e.g., multiple) housing portions 55, each of which accommodates a busbar 42. The multiple housing portions 55 are formed apart from each other in the X or Y direction. Each housing portion 55 is, for example, a through hole that penetrates the planar portion 51 in the Z direction. Alternatively, the housing portion 55 may be a recess provided on the first surface 51a or the second surface 51b of the planar portion 51 and recessed in the Z direction. In this disclosure, "the housing portion penetrates the planar portion in the first direction (Z direction)" may also include cases where a portion of the total length of the housing portion 55 penetrates the planar portion 51 in the Z direction (for example, the remaining portion of the housing portion 55 may be a recess recessed in the Z direction, or it may be provided inside the base plate 41S and not exposed to the outside of the base plate 41S). Similarly, in this disclosure, "the housing portion is recessed in the first direction (Z direction)" may include cases where a portion of the total length of the housing portion 55 is recessed in the Z direction (for example, the remaining portion of the housing portion 55 may be a through hole penetrating the planar portion 51 in the Z direction, or it may be provided inside the base plate 41S and not exposed to the outside of the base plate 41S). Each housing portion 55 has an outer shape that corresponds to the shape of the bus bar 42 to be housed when viewed from the Z direction.

[0049] (Frame) The frame portion 52 is provided at the peripheral end of the base plate 41S. The frame portion 52 is a reinforcing rib that protrudes vertically from the end of the flat portion 51 (see Figure 7). The width (thickness) H11 of the frame portion 52 in the Z direction is, for example, less than half of the width (thickness) H12 of the electronic component 10 in the Z direction (see Figure 7). Note that the frame portion 52 may be omitted.

[0050] (fixed part) The fixing portion 53 is the part that is fixed to the metal plate 110 (see Figure 8). The fixing portion 53 has a mounting hole 53h that penetrates the base plate 41S in the Z direction. A fastening member 115 (for example, a screw or bolt), which will be described later, is passed through the mounting hole 53h.

[0051] <4.3.2 Busbar> The busbar 42 is a wiring member (electrical connection member) included in the wiring substrate 40S. The busbar 42 is, for example, a wiring member for electrically connecting multiple electronic components (e.g., multiple electronic components 10S). Alternatively, the busbar 42 may be a wiring member for electrically connecting an electronic component 10 (e.g., electronic component 10S) to an electronic component 10 included in another subunit SU (e.g., subunit SUT). The busbar 42 is made of metal (e.g., copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy) and is conductive.

[0052] At least a portion of each busbar 42 is plate-shaped and oriented horizontally. At least a portion of each busbar 42 is housed in a housing 55 and extends along a planar portion 51. That is, at least a portion of each busbar 42 extends along the first surface 51a of the planar portion 51. At least a portion of each busbar 42 extends horizontally within the housing 55. Hereinafter, the portion of each busbar 42 that extends horizontally in a plate-like shape may be referred to as the "horizontal plate portion 42p". The horizontal plate portion 42p is an example of a "plate portion". The busbar 42 is a member that forms a horizontal electrical circuit. The busbar 42 may also be referred to as a "horizontal wiring member". Each busbar 42 has, for example, a connecting portion 61, a connecting portion 62, and an extension portion 63.

[0053] The connection portion 61 is located in the middle of the bus bar 42 or at the first end of the bus bar 42. The connection portion 61 is the portion that connects directly to the electronic component 10 (e.g., electronic component 10S) or via the connecting component 20. The connection portion 61 includes, for example, a portion that overlaps with the connecting component 20 when viewed from the Z direction. The connection portion 61 is adjacent to the connecting component 20 in the Z direction and connects to the connecting component 20 from the Z direction. Alternatively, the connection portion 61 may be adjacent to a terminal 13 of the electronic component 10 in the Z direction and connect directly to the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10 from the Z direction.

[0054] The connector 62 is located in the middle of the busbar 42 or at the second end of the busbar 42. The connector 62 is the portion that connects to another electronic component 10 directly or via another connector 20. Alternatively, the connector 62 may be connected to another busbar 42 (for example, a busbar 42 included in another subunit SU) or to an external busbar 76 (see Figure 2).

[0055] The extension portion 63 extends from the connecting portion 61 in the X or Y direction. The extension portion 63 is provided between the connecting portion 61 and the connecting portion 62. The extension portion 63 extends across the connecting portion 61 and the connecting portion 62. The extension portion 63 connects the connecting portion 61 and the connecting portion 62.

[0056] In this embodiment, the horizontal plate portion 42p described above includes at least the entirety of the connecting portion 61 and a part of the extension portion 63. That is, at least the entirety of the connecting portion 61 and a part of the extension portion 63 are housed in the housing portion 55 and are located on the same plane.

[0057] <4.3.3 Fastening Members> Next, the fastening member 43 will be described. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 3 along the line F7-F7. The fastening member 43 is a component for fixing the bus bar 42 to the connecting component 20 corresponding to the bus bar 42. The fastening member 43 is, for example, a crimping bolt fixed to the bus bar 42. The fastening member 43 is an example of a "fastening part".

[0058] In this embodiment, at least one of the connection portion 61 and connection portion 62 of the bus bar 42 has a mounting hole 42h. The mounting hole 42h is, for example, a through hole that 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 screw grooves. The head portion 43b has a larger diameter than the shaft portion 43a. The fastening member 43 is crimped and fixed to the bus bar 42 with the shaft portion 43a passing through the mounting hole 42h of the bus bar 42. With this fixing, the fastening member 43 is electrically and physically connected to the bus bar 42 with the shaft portion 43a protruding from the mounting hole 42h of the bus bar 42 in the +Z direction. Note that the fastening member 43 is not limited to crimping and may be fixed to the bus bar 42 by welding or other methods.

[0059] In this embodiment, the connecting component 20 is attached to the fastening member 43 from the Z direction, with the connecting component 20 already fixed to the electronic component 10 by the fastening member 71. For example, the connecting component 20 is inserted into the second mounting hole 22h of the second portion 22 of the fastening member 43 by inserting the shaft portion 43a of the fastening member 43. Then, the engaging member 44 (e.g., a nut) is engaged with the shaft portion 43a of the fastening member 43 that protrudes from the second mounting hole 22h of the second portion 22 of the connecting component 20. The engaging member 44 is attached to the shaft portion 43a along the Z direction. This engagement fixes the second portion 22 of the connecting component 20 to the fastening member 43.

[0060] (Heat transfer component) First, the heat transfer member 120 will be described. The heat transfer member 120 is a member for transferring heat generated by the electronic component 10 (e.g., electronic component 10S) when energized, and / or heat generated by the busbar 42 itself (Joule heat) when energized, to the metal plate 110. The heat transfer member 120 is, for example, an elastic heat transfer sheet (e.g., a thermally conductive silicone sheet). The heat transfer member 120 is formed of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than, for example, the base plate 41S (or the base member 41T described later). However, the heat transfer member 120 is not limited to the above example, and may be a heat transfer member formed of a thermally conductive gel or other material. In this embodiment, the heat transfer member 120 is insulating.

[0061] In this embodiment, the heat transfer member 120 is partially provided on the wiring substrate 40S (see Figure 2). For example, the heat transfer member 120 is positioned so as to overlap with a part of the bus bar 42 when viewed from the Z direction. The heat transfer member 120 is positioned between the bus bar 42 and the flat portion 111 of the metal plate 110, which will be described later. For example, the heat transfer member 120 is positioned between the exposed portion 42u of the bus bar 42 and the flat portion 111 of the metal plate 110, and is in contact with the exposed portion 42u of the bus bar 42 and the flat portion 111 of the metal plate 110, respectively. The heat transfer member 120 transfers heat from the electronic component 10 (e.g., electronic component 10S) to the bus bar 42, and / or heat generated by the bus bar 42, from the bus bar 42 to the flat portion 111 of the metal plate 110.

[0062] In this embodiment, the heat transfer member 120 is positioned near the electronic component 10 (e.g., electronic component 10S) and overlaps with a portion of the bus bar 42 when viewed from the Z direction. In this embodiment, the heat transfer member 120 is positioned overlapping with the connecting component 20 when viewed from the Z direction. In other words, the heat transfer member 120 is positioned overlapping with the connecting portion 61 or 62 of the bus bar 42 when viewed from the Z direction. The heat transfer member 120 transfers the heat that moves from the electronic component 10S to the bus bar 42 via the connecting component 20, and then transfers it from the bus bar 42 to the flat portion 111 of the metal plate 110.

[0063] <4.4 Fixing Structure for Cable Management Boards and Electronic Components> Next, the fixing structure of the wiring substrate 40S and the electronic components 10 will be described. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 3 along the line F8-F8. The metal plate 110 has, for example, a flat portion 111 (described later), as well as a fixing portion 112 and a fixing portion 113.

[0064] The fixing portion 112 is a fixing portion for fixing the base plate 41S to the metal plate 110. When viewed from the Z direction, the fixing portion 112 is provided at a position corresponding to the fixing portion 53 of the base plate 41S. The fixing portion 112 is a cylindrical or prismatic boss that protrudes in the +Z direction from the flat portion 111 of the metal plate 110. The fixing portion 112 has an engagement hole 112h that opens in the +Z direction. The inner circumferential surface of the engagement hole 112h has a screw groove.

[0065] As described above, the fixing portion 53 of the base plate 41S has a mounting hole 53h. A fastening member 115 (for example, a screw or bolt) is passed through the mounting hole 53h. When the fastening member 115 passed through the mounting hole 53h of the fixing portion 53 of the base plate 41S engages with the engagement hole 112h of the fixing portion 112 of the metal plate 110, the base plate 41S is fixed to the metal plate 110.

[0066] The fixing portion 113 is a fixing portion for directly fixing the electronic component 10 (for example, electronic component 10S) to the metal plate 110 without using the base plate 41S. The fixing portion 113 is provided at a position corresponding to the mounting portion 14 of the electronic component 10 when viewed from the Z direction. The fixing portion 113 is a cylindrical or prismatic boss that protrudes from the flat portion 111 in the +Z direction. The fixing portion 113 has an engagement hole 113h that opens in the +Z direction. The inner circumferential surface of the engagement hole 113h has a screw groove.

[0067] In this embodiment, the flat portion 51 of the base plate 41S has a through hole 51h. The through hole 51h penetrates the flat portion 51 in the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the through hole 51h is located at a position corresponding to the fixing portion 113 of the metal plate 110. The fixing portion 113 of the metal plate 110 protrudes through the through hole 51h of the base plate 41S to the same position as the first surface 51a of the flat portion 51, or to the +Z direction side of the first surface 51a of the flat portion 51. The mounting portion 14 of the electronic component 10 is in contact with the fixing portion 113 at the same position as the first surface 51a of the flat portion 51, or to the +Z direction side of the first surface 51a of the flat portion 51.

[0068] A fastening member 116 (for example, a screw or bolt) is passed through the mounting hole 14h of the mounting portion 14 of the electronic component 10 from the +Z direction side. When the fastening member 116 passed through the mounting hole 14h of the mounting portion 14 of the electronic component 10 engages with the engagement hole 113h of the fixing portion 113 of the metal plate 110, the electronic component 10 is fixed to the metal plate 110 without going through the base plate 41S. Alternatively, the electronic component 10 may be fixed to a fixing portion provided on the base plate 41S.

[0069] <5. Configuration of the Subunit SUT> Next, we will explain the configuration of the subunit SUT. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a subunit SUT. The subunit SUT includes, for example, a plurality of electronic components 10, a wiring structure 40T, and an auxiliary base member 101 (see Figure 13).

[0070] <5.1 Electronic Components> First, let's describe the electronic component 10. The multiple electronic component 10 includes multiple electronic component 10TA (only one is shown in Figure 9) and multiple electronic component 10TB (only one is shown in Figure 9). Note that the multiple electronic component 10 may have only one of either electronic component 10TA or electronic component 10TB.

[0071] Electronic component 10TA is an example of the electronic component 10T described above. Electronic component 10TA is an electronic component that generates less heat when energized compared to electronic component 10S. On the other hand, electronic component 10TB is another example of the electronic component 10T described above. Electronic component 10TB is an electronic component that is less mountable than electronic component 10S (for example, requires a complex implementation structure). Electronic component 10TB has, for example, a terminal 13 that protrudes in the -Z direction toward the planar portion 111 of the metal plate 110 (see Figure 13). Electronic component 10TB generates less heat when energized compared to electronic component 10S. As mentioned above, the amount of heat generated by electronic component 10T may be greater than the amount of heat generated by electronic component 10S.

[0072] In the following, when electronic component 10TA and electronic component 10TB are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "electronic component 10T". Electronic component 10T may be, for example, a connector, fuse, capacitor, branching component, various sensors (e.g., current sensor or voltage sensor), an electronic control unit, or an electronic component unit that combines two or more of these. However, the types of electronic component 10T are not limited to the examples above.

[0073] Figure 10 is a front view showing an electronic component 10TA. The electronic component 10TA is an electronic component in which, for example, a plurality of terminals 13 are arranged separately at both ends of the electronic component 10TA in the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, terminals 13A and 13B are arranged separately at both ends of the electronic component 10TA in the Y direction. Terminals 13A and 13B protrude horizontally (for example, in the +Y direction or -Y direction) from the center of the case 11 in the Z direction. Each terminal 13 is, for example, a plate portion along the horizontal direction. Each terminal 13 has a mounting hole 13h through which a fastening member 43 (for example, a screw or bolt) or a fastening member 90 described later is passed. The mounting hole 13h opens in the Z direction. The inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 13h does not have a screw groove. The mounting hole 13h is a through hole that penetrates the terminal 13 in the Z direction.

[0074] <5.2 Routing Structure> Next, we will return to Figure 9 and describe the wiring structure 40T. The wiring structure 40T is a member that forms at least a portion of the current conduction path between a plurality of electronic components 10 (e.g., a plurality of electronic components 10T), and / or at least a portion of the current conduction path between an electronic component 10 (e.g., an electronic component 10T) included in a subunit SUT and an electronic component 10 included in another subunit SU (e.g., subunit SUS). The wiring structure 40T includes, for example, a base member 41T, one or more (e.g., a plurality) of busbars 42, a plurality of fastening members 43, and a fastening member 90 having a heat storage function. Note that the fastening members 43 are the same as those described for the subunit SUS, so a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0075] <5.2.1 Base Components> Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the base member 41T. The base member 41T is a support member that integrally supports a plurality of busbars 42 arranged horizontally with spacing between them. The base member 41T is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has insulating properties. The base member 41T electrically insulates the plurality of busbars 42 from each other by, for example, ribs (not shown). The base member 41T may also be called an "insulating substrate". The base member 41T has a three-dimensional structure that is thicker in the Z direction compared to the base plate 41S included in the subunit SUS. The base member 41T has, for example, a support wall 81, a frame portion 85 (peripheral wall portion), and a fixing portion 87.

[0076] (Supporting wall) The support wall 81 is, for example, a plate-shaped wall portion that runs horizontally. Multiple bus bars 42 are placed on the support wall 81 and supported from below by the support wall 81 (see Figure 9). Note that the support wall 81 that supports the bus bars 42 is not limited to a wall portion that runs horizontally, but may be a lattice-shaped wall portion formed by multiple ribs extending in the Z direction, etc. In this embodiment, fastening members 43 and 90 are attached to the support wall 81. Fastening members 43 and 90 protrude from the support wall 81 in the +Z direction.

[0077] (A housing for electronic components) In this embodiment, the base member 41T has a housing portion 84A that opens on the +Z direction side. The housing portion 84A is, for example, a recess in the Z direction in which a part of the support wall 81 is recessed, or a through hole that penetrates the support wall 81 in the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the housing portion 84A has an outer shape that corresponds to the shape of the case 11 (i.e., the main body portion 12) of the electronic component 10 (e.g., electronic component 10T). At least a part of the electronic component 10 (e.g., at least a part of the main body portion 12) is housed in the housing portion 84A. At least a part of the electronic component 10 housed in the housing portion 84A is located on the -Z direction side relative to the support wall 81.

[0078] (Frame) The frame portion 85 is provided at the peripheral end of the base member 41T. The frame portion 85 is a rib (peripheral wall portion) extending in the Z direction at the peripheral end of the base member 41T. The width (thickness) H21 of the frame portion 85 (peripheral wall portion) in the Z direction is, for example, more than half of the width (thickness) H22 of the electronic component 10 (for example, electronic component 10TA) in the Z direction (see Figure 13). Note that the frame portion 85 may be omitted.

[0079] (fixed part) The fixing portion 87 is the part that is fixed to the metal plate 110 (see Figure 13). The fixing portion 87 faces the fixing portion 112 of the metal plate 110 in the Z direction. The fixing portion 87 has a mounting hole 87h that penetrates the base member 41T in the Z direction. A fastening member 115 (e.g., a screw or bolt) is passed through the mounting hole 87h. When the fastening member 115 passed through the mounting hole 87h engages with the engagement hole 112h of the fixing portion 112 of the metal plate 110, the base member 41T is fixed to the metal plate 110.

[0080] <5.2.2 Busbar> Next, we will describe the bus bar 42 included in the cable routing structure 40T. Figure 12 is a plan view showing the subunit SUT. The busbar 42 is a wiring member (electrical connection member) included in the wiring structure 40T. The busbar 42 is, for example, a wiring member for electrically connecting multiple electronic components 10 (e.g., multiple electronic components 10T). Alternatively, the busbar 42 may be a wiring member for connecting an electronic component 10 (e.g., electronic component 10T) to an electronic component 10 included in another subunit SU (e.g., subunit SUS). In this embodiment, the multiple busbars 42 are supported from below by the base member 41T and are positioned away from the metal plate 110. The busbars 42 are positioned, for example, directly below the terminals 13 of the electronic component 10. When viewed from the X or Y direction, the busbars 42 overlap with the component body 12 of the electronic component 10 (see Figure 15).

[0081] The multiple busbars 42 include, for example, four busbars 42E, 42F, 42G, and 42I. The four busbars 42E, 42F, 42G, and 42I are arranged horizontally with space between them. The four busbars 42E, 42F, 42G, and 42I include portions that are arranged on the same plane as each other. At least a portion of each busbar 42 is a horizontal plate portion 42p. In this embodiment, each busbar 42 is plate-shaped along its entire length in the horizontal direction. The horizontal plate portion 42p of each busbar 42 includes a connecting portion 61, a connecting portion 62, and an extension portion 63. In this embodiment, the subunit SUT has an electronic component 10D as one of the electronic components 10TA.

[0082] The connector 61 of busbar 42E is connected to busbar 42 included in subunit SUS. Similarly, the connector 61 of busbar 42F is connected to busbar 42 included in subunit SUS. The connector 62 of busbar 42F is physically and electrically connected to terminal 13A of electronic component 10D. For example, terminal 13A of electronic component 10D is connected to the connector 62 of busbar 42F by being placed on the horizontal plate portion 42p of busbar 42F.

[0083] The connector 61 of the busbar 42G is physically and electrically connected to the terminal 13B of the electronic component 10D. For example, the terminal 13B of the electronic component 10D is connected to the connector 61 of the busbar 42G by being placed on the horizontal plate portion 42p of the busbar 42G. The connector 61 of the busbar 42G is an example of a "first connector". The connector 62 of the busbar 42G is physically and electrically connected to an external busbar 76. The connector 62 of the busbar 42G is connected to an external device via the busbar 76. The connector 62 of the busbar 42G is an example of a "second connector". The busbar 76 is an example of an "external connection component". Note that the connector 62 of the busbar 42G may be physically and electrically connected to the terminal 13 of another electronic component 10 instead of the busbar 76.

[0084] The connector 61 of busbar 42I is connected to busbar 42 included in subunit SUS. The connector 62 of busbar 42I is physically and electrically connected to terminal 13A of electronic component 10T (not shown).

[0085] <5.3 Auxiliary base member> Next, the auxiliary base member 101 will be described. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view along the line F13-F13 of the structure shown in Figure 12. The auxiliary base member 101 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and is insulating. Multiple wirings 102 are provided on the surface of the auxiliary base member 101. The wirings 102 are, for example, conductive layers (metal layers) provided on the surface of the auxiliary base member 101. The auxiliary base member 101 is positioned in the Z direction between the base member 41T and the planar portion 111 of the metal plate 110. The auxiliary base member 101 faces the electronic component 10TB from the -Z direction side. The terminals 13 of the electronic component 10TB are electrically connected to the wirings 102 provided on the auxiliary base member 101 at a position between the base member 41T and the planar portion 111 of the metal plate 110. The auxiliary base member 101 is an example of a "third base member".

[0086] <5.4 Fastening members with heat storage function> <5.4.1 Function of fastening members> Next, we will describe the fastening member 90 which has a heat storage function. Figure 14 is a perspective view illustrating the fastening member 90. The fastening member 90 has a greater heat storage capacity than a general fastening member (e.g., fastening member 43) and is a fastening member that connects multiple members physically and electrically. The fastening member 90 is made of metal and is conductive. The material of the fastening member 90 is, but is not limited to, copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, stainless steel, magnesium, magnesium alloy, titanium, or titanium alloy. The fastening member 90 may also be referred to as a "heat storage member" or "metal member".

[0087] The fastening member 90 fastens the first member and the second member. For example, the fastening member 90 fastens the electronic component 10 and the busbar 42. The electronic component 10 is an example of the "first member". The connecting component 20 is an example of the "second member". In this disclosure, "fastening" or "fixing" is not limited to fastening or fixing by a single component (fastening member 90), but may also include fastening or fixing by combining with another component (for example, an engaging member 44 such as a nut).

[0088] Note that the first and second members are not limited to the above examples. For example, the first member is any one of the following: the electronic component 10, a connecting component attached to the electronic component 10 (e.g., connecting component 20), a bus bar 42, or a bus bar 76 for external connection. For example, the second connection target is any one of the following: the electronic component 10, a connecting component attached to the electronic component 10 (e.g., connecting component 20), a bus bar 42, or a bus bar 76 for external connection. For example, the fastening member 90 may fix the bus bar 42 to another bus bar 42 (or a bus bar 76 for external connection), or it may fasten the connecting component 20 attached to the electronic component 10 to the bus bar 42.

[0089] In the following, as an example of a fastening member 90, a fastening member 90 that fastens an electronic component 10 (first member) and a bus bar 42 (second member) will be described. However, in the following description, the terms "electronic component 10" and "bus bar 42" may be appropriately replaced with other members based on the above-mentioned purpose.

[0090] As shown in Figure 14, the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10 has a mounting hole 13h. The mounting hole 13h is, for example, a through hole that penetrates the terminal 13 in the Z direction. The inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 13h does not have screw grooves. However, as stated above, in this disclosure, "mounting hole" is not limited to a hole without screw grooves, and may be a hole without screw grooves. Also, in this disclosure, "mounting hole" is not limited to a through hole, and may be a bottomed hole. For example, the mounting hole 13h may be a hole with screw grooves into which the shaft portion 91 of the fastening member 90 engages. Also, the mounting hole 13h may be a bottomed hole. The mounting hole 13h is an example of a "first mounting hole".

[0091] Similarly, the connection portion 61 of the busbar 42 has a mounting hole 42h. The mounting hole 42h is, for example, a through hole that penetrates the busbar 42 in the Z direction. The inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 42h does not have screw threads. However, the mounting hole 42h may also be a hole with screw threads into which the shaft portion 91 of the fastening member 90 engages. The mounting hole 42h may also be a bottomed hole. The mounting hole 42h is an example of a "second mounting hole". If either the mounting hole 13h of the electronic component 10 or the mounting hole 42h of the busbar 42 has screw threads, the engaging member 44 can be omitted.

[0092] <5.4.2 Structure of fastening members> Next, the structure of the fastening member 90 will be described. The fastening member 90 includes, for example, a shaft portion 91, a base portion 92, and a heat storage portion 93.

[0093] (Shaft section) The shaft portion 91 is a cylindrical portion having screw threads Sc on its outer circumferential surface. The shaft portion 91 extends in the Z direction. The shaft portion 91 is inserted into the mounting hole 13h of the electronic component 10 and the mounting hole 42h of the busbar 42, with the two mounting holes 13h and 42h of the busbar 42 overlapping in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the tip of the shaft portion 91 that passes through the mounting hole 13h of the electronic component 10 and the mounting hole 42h of the busbar 42 is passed through a washer 45 and engaged with an engaging member 44 (e.g., a nut).

[0094] (base) The base portion 92 is a horizontally thicker portion compared to the shaft portion 91. The base portion 92 is, for example, a flattened cylindrical shape. The width W2 (e.g., diameter) of the base portion 92 in the Y direction (or X direction) is greater than the width W1 (e.g., diameter) of the shaft portion 91 in the Y direction (or X direction). The width W2 (e.g., diameter) of the base portion 92 in the Y direction (or X direction) is greater than the width W13h (e.g., diameter) of the mounting hole 13h of the electronic component 10 in the Y direction (or X direction). The width W2 (e.g., diameter) of the base portion 92 in the Y direction (or X direction) is greater than the width W42h (e.g., diameter) of the mounting hole 42h of the busbar 42 in the Y direction (or X direction). The base portion 92 is positioned on the -Z direction side with respect to the terminals 13 of the electronic component 10 and the busbar 42. The base portion 92 faces the terminals 13 of the electronic component 10 or the busbar 42 in the Z direction.

[0095] (Heat storage part) The heat storage section 93 is a part provided to ensure a large heat capacity. The heat storage section 93 is provided on the opposite side of the shaft section 91 from the base section 92. The heat storage section 93 is formed integrally with the base section 92. In this embodiment, the heat storage section 93 is a solid cylindrical part extending in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the volume (heat capacity) of the heat storage section 93 is more than twice the volume (heat capacity) of the engaging member 44 (e.g., a nut).

[0096] In this embodiment, the heat storage section 93 bulges horizontally relative to the base section 92. The width W3 of the heat storage section 93 in the Y direction (or X direction) is greater than the width W2 of the base section 92 in the Y direction (or X direction). This structure creates a horizontal step ST between the base section 92 and the heat storage section 93. However, the width W3 of the heat storage section 93 in the Y direction (or X direction) may be the same as the width W2 of the base section 92 in the Y direction (or X direction). In other words, there does not need to be a step ST between the base section 92 and the heat storage section 93. In this embodiment, the width W3 of the heat storage section 93 in the Y direction (or X direction) is more than twice the width W1 of the shaft section 91 in the Y direction (or X direction).

[0097] In this embodiment, the thickness T3 of the heat storage portion 93 in the Z direction is greater than the thickness T2 of the base portion 92 in the Z direction. For example, the thickness T3 of the heat storage portion 93 in the Z direction is more than twice the thickness T2 of the base portion 92 in the Z direction. The -Z side end of the heat storage portion 93 is located near the flat portion 111 of the metal plate 110, beyond the midpoint in the Z direction between the busbar 42 fastened by the fastening member 90 and the flat portion 111 of the metal plate 110.

[0098] In this embodiment, the sum of the Z-direction thickness T2 of the base 92 and the Z-direction thickness T3 of the heat storage section 93 is greater than the Z-direction thickness T1 of the horizontal plate section 42p of the busbar 42 (see Figure 15). For example, the Z-direction thickness T3 of the heat storage section 93 is greater than the Z-direction thickness T1 of the horizontal plate section 42p of the busbar 42. For example, the Z-direction thickness T3 of the heat storage section 93 is more than twice the Z-direction thickness T1 of the horizontal plate section 42p of the busbar 42.

[0099] From another perspective, the fastening member 90 includes a first portion 90a and a second portion 90b. The first portion 90a is the portion formed by the shaft portion 91 described above. The first portion 90a is a cylindrical portion extending in the Z direction. The outer circumferential surface of the first portion 90a has screw threads Sc. The first portion 90a is passed through the washer 45 and engages with the engaging member 44 (e.g., a nut).

[0100] The second portion 90b is the portion formed by the base portion 92 and the heat storage portion 93 described above. The second portion 90b is a cylindrical portion that includes a portion with an enlarged diameter having a step ST. In this embodiment, the volume (heat capacity) of the second portion 90b is more than twice the volume (heat capacity) of the engaging member 44 (e.g., a nut).

[0101] Furthermore, instead of the fastening member 90 being provided in correspondence to one terminal 13 of the electronic component 10, it may be provided in correspondence to each of the two terminals 13A of the electronic component 10. This also applies to the modified examples and other embodiments described below.

[0102] <5.4.3 Structure related to fastening members> Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 12 along the line F15-F15. In this embodiment, the base member 41T has a holding portion 88 for holding the heat storage portion 93. The holding portion 88 includes, for example, a first portion 88a and a second portion 88b.

[0103] The first part 88a is located in the Z direction between the busbar 42 (or terminal 13 of the electronic component 10) and the heat storage section 93. The first part 88a is adjacent to the base 92 in the X or Y direction. The first part 88a faces the step ST between the base 92 and the heat storage section 93 in the Z direction. The first part 88a faces the heat storage section 93 in the Z direction and supports the heat storage section 93 in the Z direction.

[0104] The second portion 88b is, for example, a cylindrical portion extending in the -Z direction from the peripheral edge of the first portion 88a. The second portion 88b faces the heat storage portion 93 in the X or Y direction. The second portion 88b surrounds the heat storage portion 93 along its outer circumference. The second portion 88b supports the heat storage portion 93 in the horizontal direction.

[0105] In this embodiment, the fastening member 90 is integrally formed with the base member 41T by insert molding. For example, the fastening member 90 is integrally formed with the retaining portion 88 by insert molding and is supported by the retaining portion 88.

[0106] In this embodiment, the heat storage section 93 is located between the shaft section 91 and the flat section 111 of the metal plate 110. That is, the metal plate 110 faces the heat storage section 93 from the side opposite to the terminals 13 or busbars 42 of the electronic component 10. A heat transfer member 120 is positioned between the heat storage section 93 and the flat section 111 of the metal plate 110. The heat transfer member 120 contacts, for example, the heat storage section 93 and the flat section 111 of the metal plate 110, respectively. The heat transfer member 120 is elastically deformed while being sandwiched between the heat storage section 93 and the flat section 111 of the metal plate 110. The heat transfer member 120 thermally connects the heat storage section 93 and the flat section 111 of the metal plate 110.

[0107] The fastening member 90 is, for example, a heat-absorbing member that increases the heat capacity of the electrical circuit included in the subunit SUT. The fastening member 90 stores (absorbs) some of the heat that flows from external equipment to the electronic component 10 (e.g., electronic component 10T) via the bus bar 76 for external connection. Alternatively, the fastening member 90 may store (absorb) at least some of the heat emitted by the electronic component 10 and at least some of the heat emitted by the bus bar 42 itself. When the fastening member 90 is used as a heat storage member (heat-absorbing member), the fastening member 90 does not need to be thermally connected to the metal plate 110.

[0108] In this embodiment, the fastening member 90 also functions as a heat transfer component that transmits, for example, some of the heat directed from an external device to the electronic component 10 (e.g., electronic component 10T) via the external connection bus bar 76 to the flat portion 111 of the metal plate 110, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the fastening member 90 is provided corresponding to the terminal 13B of the electronic component 10. With this structure, some of the heat directed from the external connection bus bar 76 to the electronic component 10 via the bus bar 42 is more likely to move to the fastening member 90 before reaching the electronic component 10.

[0109] Alternatively, the fastening member 90 may also be a heat transfer member that transmits at least a portion of the heat generated by the electronic component 10 and at least a portion of the heat generated by the busbar 42 itself to the flat portion 111 of the metal plate 110. The flat portion 111 of the metal plate 110 is positioned away from the busbar 42 in the Z direction. The flat portion 111 of the metal plate 110 faces the busbar 42 in the Z direction. The flat portion 111 of the metal plate 110 is an example of an "opposing portion".

[0110] <5.4.4 Modified Examples of Fastening Components> Next, a modified example of the fastening member 90 will be described. Note that, apart from the configuration described below, the configuration of this modified example is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0111] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified subunit SUT. The fastening member 90 has a shaft portion 91, a base portion 92, and a heat storage portion 93, similar to the first embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 16, the thickness T3 of the heat storage portion 93 in the Z direction is approximately the same as the thickness T2 of the base portion 92 in the Z direction. However, in this modified example as well, the thickness T3 of the heat storage portion 93 in the Z direction may be greater than the thickness T2 of the base portion 92 in the Z direction, similar to the first embodiment.

[0112] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing a modified fastening member 90. In this modified example as well, the heat storage portion 93 bulges horizontally relative to the base portion 92. The width W3 of the heat storage portion 93 in the Y direction (or X direction) is greater than the width W2 of the base portion 92 in the Y direction (or X direction).

[0113] In this modified example, the base portion 92 has the shape of a perfect circle when viewed from the Z direction. On the other hand, the heat storage portion 93 is larger than the base portion 92 when viewed from the Z direction and has a shape different from a perfect circle or a regular polygon. For example, when viewed from the Z direction, the heat storage portion 93 includes four straight sections 93a and four corners 93b provided between the four straight sections 93a. The corners 93b are arc-shaped and convex outward in the horizontal direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the heat storage portion 93 has a larger area (volume) compared to a perfect circle with the same maximum width in the X and Y directions as the heat storage portion 93. This structure further increases the heat capacity of the fastening member 90. Note that the heat storage portion 93 may have a shape such as a regular polygon (e.g., a square) when viewed from the Z direction.

[0114] <6. Metal plate and insulating cover> Next, we will return to Figure 2 and describe the metal plate 110 and the insulating cover 119.

[0115] <6.1 Metal Plate> The metal plate 110 is a component that ensures the rigidity of the electrical connection unit 1 and enhances the heat dissipation of the electrical connection unit 1. The metal plate 110 is made of metal (for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy). The metal plate 110 is an example of a "heat dissipation component". The metal plate 110 may also be referred to as a "metal component" or a "rigid component".

[0116] The metal plate 110 is rectangular in shape along the X and Y directions. The metal plate 110 has a first end 110e1, a second end 110e2, a third end 110e3, and a fourth end 110e4. The first end 110e1 and the second end 110e2 are a pair of longitudinal ends of the metal plate 110, separated in the X direction. The third end 110e3 and the fourth end 110e4 are a pair of transverse ends of the metal plate 110, separated in the Y direction. The metal plate 110 includes, for example, a flat portion 111, the aforementioned plurality of fixing portions 112 (see Figure 8), and the aforementioned plurality of fixing portions 113 (see Figure 8).

[0117] The flat portion 111 is a plate-shaped part within the metal plate 110. The flat portion 111 is plate-shaped and oriented horizontally. The flat portion 111 forms the main part of the metal plate 110. The flat portion 111 forms the base (metal base) of the metal plate 110. The flat portion 111 is large enough to cover the two subunits SU from below.

[0118] In this embodiment, the planar portion 111 has a first region A1 and a second region A2. The first region A1 is, for example, the region on the -Y direction side of the planar portion 111. The subunit SUS described above faces the first region A1 of the planar portion 111 when viewed from the Z direction. That is, the multiple electronic components 10S and the base plate 41S included in the subunit SUS face the first region A1 of the planar portion 111 in the Z direction.

[0119] The second region A2 is, for example, the region on the +Y direction side of the planar portion 111. The subunit SUT described above faces the second region A2 of the planar portion 111 when viewed from the Z direction. That is, the multiple electronic components 10T and the base member 41T included in the subunit SUT face the second region A2 of the planar portion 111 in the Z direction.

[0120] <6.2 Insulating Cover> The insulating cover 119 is a component for preventing fingers from touching the energized circuit of the subunit SU. The insulating cover 119 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has insulating properties. The insulating cover 119 is, for example, box-shaped with the -Z direction side open. The insulating cover 119 has a plurality of ventilation holes 119h. The insulating cover 119 covers part or all of the corresponding subunit SU. Note that the insulating cover 119 is not limited to a box-shaped component, but may be a sheet-like component that covers the energized circuit of the main body MU. Also, the insulating cover 119 may be omitted.

[0121] <7. Advantages> As a comparative example, consider a structure in which the fastening member 90 does not exist. In such a structure, if sufficient heat capacity is not secured within the electrical connection unit, a large temperature rise may occur in a part of the electrical connection unit, and / or thermal interference with electronic components may increase. For example, when a transient large current flows, a large temperature rise may occur in a part of the electrical connection unit, and / or thermal interference with electronic components may increase. Therefore, it may be difficult to improve the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit.

[0122] In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 has a fastening member 90. The fastening member 90 has a shaft portion 91, a base portion 92, and a heat storage portion 93. The shaft portion 91 is inserted into the first mounting hole (e.g., mounting hole 13h) of the first member (e.g., electronic component 10) and the second mounting hole (e.g., mounting hole 42h) of the second member (e.g., bus bar 42), with the two mounted holes overlapping in the first direction (Z direction). The shaft portion 91 has screw threads Sc. The base portion 92 has a width greater than that of the shaft portion 91 in the X or Y direction. The base portion 92 faces the first member or the second member in the Z direction. The heat storage portion 93 is provided on the side of the base portion 92 opposite to the shaft portion 91. The heat storage portion 93 is formed integrally with the base portion 92.

[0123] With this configuration, the heat storage function (heat absorption function) can be improved by utilizing the material used as the fastening member 90. With this configuration, a portion of the heat transmitted through the busbar 42 can be stored (absorbed) by the fastening member 90, at least temporarily. With this structure, it is possible to suppress a large temperature rise in a part of the electrical connection unit 1 and / or increased thermal interference with the electronic components 10. As a result, it is possible to improve the thermal characteristics (e.g., heat dissipation or heat storage) of the electrical connection unit 1 while suppressing an increase in the number of parts of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0124] In this embodiment, the width W3 of the heat storage section 93 in the Y direction is greater than the width W2 of the base section 92 in the Y direction. With this configuration, it is easy to secure a large heat capacity in the heat storage section 93. With this structure, it is possible to further improve the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0125] In this embodiment, the thickness T3 of the heat storage section 93 in the Z direction is greater than the thickness T2 of the base section 92 in the Z direction. With this configuration, it is easy to secure a large heat capacity in the heat storage section 93. With this structure, it is possible to further improve the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0126] In this embodiment, the heat storage unit 93 has an external shape different from a perfect circle and a regular polygon when viewed from the Z direction. With this configuration, it is easy to secure a large heat capacity for the heat storage unit 93 within a limited space. This structure makes it possible to further improve the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0127] In this embodiment, the base member 41T has a holding portion 88 for holding the heat storage portion 93. The holding portion 88 has a first portion 88a and a second portion 88b. The first portion 88a is located between the first member and the heat storage portion 93 in the Z direction. The second portion 88b faces the heat storage portion 93 in the Y direction. With this configuration, the holding portion 88 for holding the heat storage portion 93 is realized by utilizing the difference in thickness between the base portion 92 and the heat storage portion 93. With this structure, it is easy to improve the durability (e.g., impact resistance) of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0128] In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 includes a metal plate 110 and a heat transfer member 120. The metal plate 110 faces the heat storage section 93 from the side opposite to the first and second members. The heat transfer member 120 is positioned between the heat storage section 93 and the metal plate 110. With this structure, heat transferred from the first or second member to the fastening member 90 is easily released to the outside through the metal plate 110. This structure allows for further improvement of the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0129] In this embodiment, the fastening member 90 has a first portion 90a and a second portion 90b. The first portion 90a is inserted into the first mounting hole (e.g., mounting hole 13h) of the first member (e.g., electronic component 10) and the second mounting hole (e.g., mounting hole 42h) of the second member (e.g., bus bar 42), with the two mounted holes overlapping in the first direction (Z direction). The first portion 90a has threads Sc and engages with a nut (e.g., engaging member 44). The second portion 90b has a greater width in the X or Y direction than the first portion 90a. The second portion 90b faces the first member or the second member in the Z direction. The second portion 90b has more than twice the volume of the nut. With this configuration, it is easy to secure a large heat capacity for the fastening member 90. This structure makes it possible to further improve the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0130] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the fastening member 90 is attached to the connecting component 130. Other than what is described below, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0131] Figure 18 is a perspective view showing a partially disassembled subunit SUT of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 has a plurality of electronic components 10, namely a first electronic component 10A and a second electronic component 10B. The first electronic component 10A and the second electronic component 10B may be the same type of electronic component 10 or different types of electronic components 10.

[0132] In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 has a connecting component 130. The connecting component 130 is positioned between the electronic component 10 and the busbar 42 and is a member that connects the electronic component 10 and the busbar 42. In this embodiment, the connecting component 130 is a connecting component that connects a plurality of electronic components (e.g., electronic components 10A, 10B) to a single busbar 42. In this embodiment, the connecting component 130 is an example of a "first member". The busbar 42 is an example of a "second member". The connecting component 130 is made of metal (e.g., copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy). The connecting component 130 has, for example, a first part 131, a second part 132, and a third part 133.

[0133] The first portion 131 is the portion that is physically and electrically connected to the terminal 13 of the first electronic component 10A. The first portion 131 is, for example, a plate portion that is aligned horizontally. The first portion 131 faces the terminal 13 of the first electronic component 10A in the Z direction. The first portion 131 has a mounting hole 131h that faces the mounting hole 13h of the terminal 13 of the first electronic component 10A. The first portion 131 is fixed to the terminal 13 of the first electronic component 10A by, for example, a fastening member 43 that passes through the mounting hole 13h and the mounting hole 131h, and an engaging member 44 that engages with the fastening member 43.

[0134] The second portion 132 is the portion that is physically and electrically connected to the terminal 13 of the second electronic component 10B. The second portion 132 is, for example, a plate portion that is aligned horizontally. The second portion 132 faces the terminal 13 of the second electronic component 10B in the Z direction. The second portion 132 has a mounting hole 132h that faces the mounting hole 13h of the terminal 13 of the second electronic component 10B. The second portion 132 is fixed to the terminal 13 of the second electronic component 10B by, for example, a fastening member 43 that passes through the mounting hole 13h and the mounting hole 132h, and an engaging member 44 that engages with the fastening member 43.

[0135] The third portion 133 connects the first portion 131 and the second portion 132 and is physically and electrically connected to the fastening member 90. The third portion 133 is, for example, a plate portion that is aligned horizontally. The third portion 133 is provided between the first portion 131 and the second portion 132. The third portion 133 has a mounting hole 133h that faces the mounting hole 42h of the busbar 42. The inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 133h does not have, for example, a screw groove. The mounting hole 133h is a through hole that penetrates the connecting component 130 in the Z direction. However, the mounting hole 133h may also be a hole with a screw groove into which the shaft portion 91 of the fastening member 90 engages. The mounting hole 133h may also be a bottomed hole. In this embodiment, the mounting hole 133h is an example of a "first mounting hole". The mounting hole 42h of the busbar 42 is an example of a "second mounting hole".

[0136] In this embodiment, the shaft portion 91 of the fastening member 90 is inserted into the mounting hole 313h of the connecting component 130 and the mounting hole 42h of the busbar 42, with the mounting hole 133h of the connecting component 130 and the mounting hole 42h of the busbar 42 overlapping in the Z direction. The fastening member 90 is thermally connected to the multiple electronic components 10A and 10B via the connecting component 130.

[0137] In this embodiment, the fastening member 90 is thermally connected to the flat portion 111 of the metal plate 110 via the heat transfer member 120, similar to the first embodiment. The fastening member 90 also functions as a heat transfer unit that, for example, collects some of the heat generated by multiple electronic components 10 and transfers it to the flat portion 111 of the metal plate 110.

[0138] With this configuration, a single fastening member 90 can suppress the temperature rise of multiple electronic components 10A and 10B. This action improves the electrical characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0139] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an additional heat storage member 140 is provided. Other than what is described below, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0140] Figure 19 is a perspective view showing a portion of the subunit SUT of the third embodiment. Figure 20 is a perspective view showing an exploded portion of the subunit SUT of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the subunit SUT has an additional heat storage member 140 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The heat storage member 140 is positioned on the opposite side of the fastening member 90 from the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10. The heat storage member 140 is made of metal (for example, copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy). The heat storage member 140 may also be referred to as the "metal member". The heat storage member 140 has a block body 141 and a hole 142.

[0141] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a subunit SUT of the third embodiment. The block body 141 is a metal part having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The height H41 of the block body 141 in the Z direction is greater than, for example, half the length L1 of the shaft portion 91 of the fastening member 90 in the Z direction.

[0142] The hole 142 is provided in the block body 141. The hole 142 is a cylindrical hole extending in the Z direction. The hole 142 opens in the +Z direction. The diameter of the hole 142 is larger than that of the engaging member 44 and the washer 45. With the provision of the hole 142, the block body 141 has a bottom portion 141a and a peripheral wall portion 141b.

[0143] The bottom portion 141a is a plate portion that runs horizontally. The bottom portion 141a faces the terminals 13 of the electronic component 10 in the Z direction. For example, the bottom portion 141a is placed on the terminals 13 of the electronic component 10 from the +Z direction side. The bottom portion 141a has mounting holes 140h that face the mounting holes 13h of the terminals 13 of the electronic component 10.

[0144] The inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 140h does not have, for example, screw grooves. The mounting hole 140h is a through hole that penetrates the bottom portion 141a in the Z direction. However, the mounting hole 140h may also be a hole with screw grooves into which the shaft portion 91 of the fastening member 90 engages. Alternatively, the mounting hole 140h may be a bottomed hole that opens in the -Z direction. The circumferential wall portion 141b rises from the bottom portion 141a in the +Z direction. The circumferential wall portion 141b surrounds the periphery of the hole 142. The circumferential wall portion 141b extends, for example, beyond the +Z direction end of the shaft portion 91 of the fastening member 90 in the +Z direction.

[0145] In this embodiment, the shaft portion 91 of the fastening member 90 is inserted into the mounting holes 42h, 13h, and 140h of the busbar 42, the electronic component 10, and the heat storage member 140, with these mounting holes overlapping in the Z direction. A washer 45 is passed over the tip of the shaft portion 91 that has passed through the mounting holes 42h, 13h, and 140h, and the engaging member 44 engages with it. With this configuration, the busbar 42, the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10, and the heat storage member 140 are fixed together as a single unit.

[0146] With this configuration, the addition of the heat storage member 140 makes it possible to further improve the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0147] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a fastening member 90 is provided to fasten the electronic component 10 and the connecting component 20 together. Other than what is described below, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0148] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a subunit SUS of the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 has a fastening member 90 instead of the fastening member 71 described above. The shaft portion 91 of the fastening member 90 is inserted into the mounting hole 13h of the electronic component 10S and the mounting hole 21h of the connecting component 20, with the mounting hole 13h of the electronic component 10S and the mounting hole 21h of the connecting component 20 overlapping. In this embodiment, the shaft portion 91 of the fastening member 90 engages with the mounting hole 13h of the electronic component 10S. This fixes the electronic component 10S and the connecting component 20.

[0149] With this configuration, by providing a fastening member 90 that fastens the electronic component 10S and the connecting component 20, it is possible to further improve the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit 1 while suppressing an increase in the number of components of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0150] Several embodiments and variations have been described above. However, the embodiments and variations are not limited to the examples described above. For example, the above-described embodiments and variations may be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0151] 1…Electrical connection unit SU, SUS, SUT… Subunit 10, 10S, 10T, 10TA, 10TB… Electronic components 13, 13A, 13B… terminals 13h... Mounting holes 20…Connecting parts 40S… Circuit board for cable routing 40T... Cable routing structure 41S…Base plate 41T...Base component 42... Bus bar 42h…Mounting holes 90… Fastening member 90a…Part 1 90b…Second part 91... Shaft 92...Base 93...Heat storage part 110…Metal plate (heat dissipation component) 120… Heat transfer components 130...Connecting parts 133h... Mounting holes

Claims

1. A fastening member used in an electrical connection unit, With the first mounting hole of the first member and the second mounting hole of the second member overlapping in a first direction, a shaft portion having a screw thread is inserted into the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole, When the second direction is defined as a direction intersecting the first direction, the width in the second direction is greater than the shaft portion, and the base portion facing the first member or the second member in the first direction, A heat storage portion is provided on the side of the base opposite to the shaft portion and is formed integrally with the base portion, A fastening member equipped with the following features.

2. The width of the heat storage portion in the second direction is greater than the width of the base portion in the second direction. The fastening member according to claim 1.

3. The thickness of the heat storage portion in the first direction is greater than the thickness of the base portion in the first direction. The fastening member according to claim 2.

4. The heat storage section, when viewed from the first direction, has an external shape different from a perfect circle and a regular polygon. The fastening member according to claim 2.

5. At least one of the first member and the second member, A fastening member according to claim 1 or claim 2, An electrical connection unit equipped with [a specific feature].

6. Further equipped with an insulating base member, The width of the heat storage portion in the second direction is greater than the width of the base portion in the second direction. The base member is located between the first member and the heat storage portion in the first direction and has a holding portion that holds the heat storage portion facing the heat storage portion in the first direction. The electrical connection unit according to claim 5.

7. A heat dissipation member facing the heat storage portion from the opposite side of the first member and the second member, A heat transfer member is disposed between the heat storage unit and the heat dissipation member, Furthermore, The electrical connection unit according to claim 5.

8. A fastening member used in an electrical connection unit, With the first mounting hole of the first member and the second mounting hole of the second member overlapping in a first direction, a first portion is inserted into the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole, has threads, and engages with a nut, When the second direction is defined as a direction intersecting the first direction, the width in the second direction is greater than that of the first portion, and the second portion faces the first member or the second member in the first direction and has a volume at least twice that of the nut, A fastening member equipped with the following features.

9. At least one of the first member and the second member, The fastening member according to claim 8, An electrical connection unit equipped with [a specific feature].

10. A fastening member comprising: a first portion having screw threads, inserted into the first mounting holes and the second mounting holes, with the first mounting hole of the first member and the second mounting hole of the second member overlapping in a first direction; and a second portion having a width greater in the second direction than the first portion, when the second direction is defined as a direction intersecting the first direction, and facing the first member or the second member in the first direction; A heat dissipation member facing the second portion from the opposite side of the first member and the second member, A heat transfer member is disposed between the second portion and the heat dissipation member, An electrical connection unit equipped with [a specific feature].

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