Electrical connection unit

Abstract

One embodiment provides a highly versatile electrical connection unit. [Solution] An electrical connection unit according to one embodiment comprises a plurality of mounting components, a rigid member having a mounting surface on which the plurality of mounting components are mounted, and a support having a plurality of protrusions protruding from the mounting surface, wherein the plurality of protrusions are in contact with the plurality of mounting components in a direction along the mounting surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electrical connection unit.

Background Art

[0002] In an electrical connection unit, it is known that mounting components such as relays, fuses, and bus bars are mounted on a support.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case as a support disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to prepare a case having a unique shape corresponding to a plurality of mounting components to be mounted for each specification. Therefore, the case disclosed in Patent Document 1 may be inferior in versatility with respect to different specifications.

[0005] One embodiment provides an electrical connection unit with high versatility.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An electrical connection unit according to one embodiment includes a support including a plurality of mounting components, a rigid member having a mounting surface on which the plurality of mounting components are mounted, and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the mounting surface, and the plurality of protrusions are in contact with the plurality of mounting components in a direction along the mounting surface.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment, the versatility is high.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing an electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing the electrical connection unit with the cover of the first embodiment transparent. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing the electrical connection unit with the cover of the first embodiment transparent. [Figure 4] A perspective view showing a relay module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing a fuse module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A perspective view showing the support of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A perspective view showing the electrical connection unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] A perspective view showing the electrical connection unit with the cover of the second embodiment transparent. [Figure 9] A perspective view showing the support of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplication of these components may be omitted. Note that the components described below do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0010] 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 connected with another element in between, not just directly connected. “Accommodate” may include cases where only a part of a part is accommodated (with the remaining part protruding), not just the entire part. “Cover” may include cases where only a part of an object is covered, not just the entire object. “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 directly facing each other. “Parallel,” “orthogonal,” or “same” may include cases where they are “approximately parallel,” “approximately orthogonal,” or “approximately the same,” respectively.

[0011] 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 one direction in the plane along the base plate 2, which will be described later. The +X direction is one of the X directions. The -X direction is the direction opposite to the +X direction. Hereinafter, when the +X direction and -X direction are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as the "X direction". The Y direction is a direction that intersects (e.g., is orthogonal to) the X direction in the plane along the base plate 2, which will be described later. The +Y direction is one of the Y directions. The -Y direction is the direction opposite to the +Y direction. Hereinafter, when the +Y direction and -Y direction are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as the "Y direction". The +Z direction and -Z direction are directions that intersect (e.g., are orthogonal to) the X direction and Y direction. The +Z direction is the direction from the base plate 2, which will be described later, toward each module 3, which will be described later (see Figure 2). The -Z direction is the direction opposite to the +Z direction. In the following, if we do not distinguish between the +Z and -Z directions, we will simply refer to them as the "Z direction." The Z direction is an example of the "first direction." The X direction is an example of the "second direction." Note that the "second direction" is not limited to the X direction, but may be the Y direction or other directions.

[0012] 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).

[0013] (First Embodiment) <1. Configuration of the electrical connection unit> 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 is connected to multiple external devices located outside the vehicle. The electrical connection unit 1 mediates the connections between the multiple external devices. For example, the external devices may include a battery pack, a load, a charger, etc. The battery pack is installed in the vehicle. The load is a device including an inverter for driving the vehicle's motor, which is powered by the electricity stored in the battery pack. The charger is a device for supplying power to charge the battery pack. The electrical connection unit 1 may be referred to as, for example, an "electrical connection box" or "junction box." However, the electrical connection unit 1 is not limited to a box-shaped device.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the electrical connection unit 1 includes a support 8, a plurality of modules 3, a plurality of bus bars 5, and a cover 6. The support 8 includes a base plate 2 and a protrusion 4. Each of the plurality of modules 3 and the plurality of bus bars 5 is an example of a mounted component. The base plate 2 is an example of a rigid member. Each bus bar 5 is an example of a wiring member. In the electrical connection unit 1, the plurality of modules 3 and the plurality of bus bars 5 are covered by the support 8 from the -Z direction and covered by the cover 6 from the +Z direction. That is, in the electrical connection unit 1, the plurality of modules 3 and the plurality of bus bars 5 are housed in a housing having a combined structure of the cover 6 and the support 8. Note that FIGS. 2 and 3 show the electrical connection unit 1 with the cover 6 in a perspective view.

[0015] <2. Configuration of Modules> The plurality of modules 3 will be described. The plurality of modules 3 are a plurality of units each divided into functional units so that each of them承担 one of the minimum units of circuit functions (such as interruption, switching, resistance, charging, sensing, conversion, etc.) in the electrical connection unit 1. The plurality of modules 3 are arranged along the first surface 2a of the base plate 2. Each module 3 is arranged on the base plate 2 with its bottom surface 3b facing the first surface 2a. Each module 3 is provided on the first surface 2a side of the base plate 2. Each module 3 may be placed on the first surface 2a, for example.

[0016] Among the plurality of modules 3, each of some of the modules 3 may have a gap with another adjacent module 3 in the X direction, for example. Among the plurality of modules 3, each of some of the modules 3 may have a gap with another adjacent module 3 in the Y direction, for example.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each module 3 includes an electronic component 31 and a partial rigidity member 32. One electronic component 31 is mounted on each partial rigidity member 32. That is, each of the plurality of electronic components 31 provided in the electrical connection unit 1 is mounted on the support 8 in a state of being individually mounted on the corresponding partial rigidity member 32. Each module 3 may include, for example, only one electronic component 31 and one corresponding partial rigidity member 32 out of the plurality of electronic components 31 and the plurality of partial rigidity members 32 included in the electrical connection unit 1.

[0018] Each electronic component 31 is an electronic component mounted according to the function required for the electrical connection unit 1. Each electronic component 31 may be fixed to the corresponding partial rigidity member 32, for example, by being fastened to the corresponding partial rigidity member 32. Each electronic component 31 may be mounted on the base plate 2, for example, in a state of being housed in the corresponding partial rigidity member 32. The electronic component 31 is a fuse, a relay (for example, a mechanical relay or a semiconductor relay), a resistor (such as a precharge resistor), a capacitor, various sensors (for example, a current sensor or a voltage sensor), a ferrite core, or the like. The electronic component 31 may include, for example, a pair of component terminals 39.

[0019] The partial rigidity member 32 is placed on the first surface 2a of the base plate 2 via a heat conduction member or the like. The partial rigidity member 32 may have, for example, a heat dissipation surface 32b. The heat dissipation surface 32b is a plane facing the -Z direction. The heat dissipation surface 32b corresponds to the bottom surface 3b of the module 3. With this configuration, each module 3 is fixed in the Z direction to the base plate 2 and the cover 6, for example, by the bottom surface 3b being pushed against the base plate 2 from the -Z direction side and at least one of the electronic component 31 and the partial rigidity member 32 being pushed against the cover 6 from the +Z direction side.

[0020] The partial rigidity member 32 includes a pair of first flanges 33 and a housing portion 34. The partial rigidity member 32 is an integrally molded product in which the pair of first flanges 33 and the housing portion 34 are integrally formed. The partial rigidity member 32 is a synthetic resin product.

[0021] The housing section 34 comprises a peripheral wall 35 and a bottom 36. The peripheral wall 35 protrudes upright from the bottom 36 in the +Z direction. The peripheral wall 35 may have a plurality of notches 35n cut out in the -Z direction from the +Z side edge 35t in a portion of the periphery of the electronic component 31.

[0022] The housing section 34 has a housing space 34s that houses at least a portion of the electronic components 31. The housing space 34s is a space defined by the contour of the inner surface of the peripheral wall 35 and the surface of the bottom 36 facing the +Z direction. The housing space 34s may, for example, have a roughly rectangular parallelepiped contour.

[0023] The pair of first flanges 33 extend from the -Z direction end of the housing portion 34 to both ends in one horizontal direction. The -Z-facing surface of the bottom 36 and the -Z-facing surfaces of the pair of first flanges 33 may, for example, be flush with each other to form a heat dissipation surface 32b as a whole.

[0024] Multiple modules 3 may include, for example, a relay module 3R. In this case, as shown in Figure 4, the relay module 3R includes a relay 31R as an electronic component 31.

[0025] In the relay module 3R, at least one of the multiple notches 35n in the peripheral wall 35 is cut out such that a pair of component terminals 39 are exposed from between the peripheral wall 35 toward the outside of the partial rigid member 32. In the relay module 3R, at least one other pair of notches 35n in the peripheral wall 35 is cut out such that a pair of busbars 5 connected to the component terminals 39 can pass through the other pair of notches 35n between the inside and outside of the partial rigid member 32.

[0026] In each relay module 3R, for example, a pair of component terminals 39 of the electronic component 31 may face outward from the electrical connection unit 1 via the cover 6. In each relay module 3R, for example, the electronic component 31 may be arranged such that one or both of the pair of component terminals 39 of the electronic component 31 face and are exposed to the inner surface of the cover 6 in the horizontal direction.

[0027] Multiple modules 3 may include, for example, a fuse module 3F. In this case, as shown in Figure 5, the fuse module 3F includes a fuse 31F as an electronic component 31.

[0028] In the fuse module 3F, at least one pair of notches 35n of the peripheral wall 35 is cut out so that a pair of component terminals 39 can protrude beyond the peripheral wall 35. The fuse module 3F may also include, for example, a pair of fixed terminals 38 that are fastened to the pair of component terminals 39. Each fixed terminal 38 is fastened to a corresponding component terminal 39.

[0029] <3. Configuration of rigid members> Let's explain base plate 2. The base plate 2 is a holding member that integrally holds multiple modules 3 and multiple busbars 5. As shown in Figure 6, the base plate 2 has a plate shape that extends in a planar manner in the X and Y directions. The base plate 2 is, for example, a metal product and has thermal conductivity. The base plate 2 is a plate-shaped member that is aligned horizontally. The base plate 2 may be made of a metal such as copper or aluminum. When the base plate 2 is in contact with an energized mounted component such as a busbar 5, the base plate 2 may have an insulating material or insulating film on the contact surface. Conversely, when the base plate 2 is in contact with an energized mounted component such as a busbar 5, the energized mounted component may have an insulating material or insulating film on the contact bottom surface.

[0030] The base plate 2 has a first surface 2a and a second surface 2b as a pair of front and back surfaces. The first surface 2a is an example of a mounting surface. The first surface 2a is a horizontal plane facing the +Z direction. The second surface 2b is a horizontal plane facing the -Z direction. The first surface 2a and the second surface 2b may be, for example, smooth planes.

[0031] <4. Structure of the protrusions> The multiple protrusions 4 will now be described. The multiple protrusions 4 are a fixing structure for fixing the combined multiple modules 3 and multiple busbars 5 in the horizontal direction. The multiple protrusions 4 are arranged horizontally. The multiple protrusions 4 may be arranged horizontally, for example, at equal intervals. The multiple protrusions 4 may be arranged horizontally, for example, at equal intervals in the X direction and the Y direction, in multiple rows and multiple columns (for example, 3 rows and 5 columns). The multiple protrusions 4 may have the same height from each other, for example, the first surface 2a.

[0032] Each projection 4 protrudes from the first surface 2a. The multiple projections 4 and the base plate 2 may be integrally molded so that each projection 4 protrudes continuously from the first surface 2a, for example. Each projection 4 has a columnar shape. Each projection 4 may have a rectangular prism shape with the Z direction as its axis, for example.

[0033] As described above, multiple modules 3 and multiple busbars 5 are combined. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, for example, multiple modules 3 and multiple busbars 5 are combined to form a single assembly 9 by fastening or other means. On the other hand, the assembly 9 is mounted on a support 8 so as to fit into multiple protrusions 4.

[0034] The multiple protrusions 4 are in contact with the assembly 9 in the horizontal direction. In each of the multiple protrusions 4, the X-direction-facing surface of the protrusion 4 is in contact with the corresponding X-direction-facing surface of the assembly 9. In each of the multiple protrusions 4, the Y-direction-facing surface of the protrusion 4 is in contact with the corresponding Y-direction-facing surface of the assembly 9. Each of the multiple protrusions 4, each of the multiple protrusions 4, may be in contact with, for example, the corresponding bus bar 5. Each of the multiple protrusions 4, each of the multiple protrusions 4, may be in contact with, for example, the corresponding module 3. Note that the protrusions 4 that are in contact with energized mounted components such as the bus bar 5 may have an insulating material or insulating film on the contact surface. Conversely, energized mounted components such as the bus bar 5 may have an insulating material or insulating film on the contact surface of the portion that is in contact with the protrusion 4.

[0035] When the assembly 9 fits onto the multiple protrusions 4, specifically, the assembly 9 is in contact with the multiple protrusions 4 as follows: The +X-facing surface of at least one of the multiple modules 3 and multiple busbars 5 is in contact with the -X-facing surface of the corresponding protrusion 4. Also, the -X-facing surface of at least one of the multiple modules 3 and multiple busbars 5 is in contact with the +X-facing surface of the corresponding protrusion 4. Also, the +Y-facing surface of at least one of the multiple modules 3 and multiple busbars 5 is in contact with the -Y-facing surface of the corresponding protrusion 4. Also, the -Y-facing surface of at least one of the multiple modules 3 and multiple busbars 5 is in contact with the +Y-facing surface of the corresponding protrusion 4.

[0036] <5. Configuration of cable routing members> This section describes multiple busbars 5. Each busbar 5 is a wiring member (electrical connection member) for electrically connecting modules 3 to each other. Each busbar 5 extends between modules 3. Each busbar 5 is a metal product and is conductive. Each busbar 5 may be made of a metal such as copper or aluminum. The ends of each busbar 5 may be fastened to component terminals 39, for example.

[0037] Some of the busbars 5 may be, for example, L-shaped flat plates aligned horizontally, where the entire surface remains oriented vertically while being curved in the horizontal plane.

[0038] Some of the busbars 5 may be formed busbars that are curved in the horizontal plane and whose orientation changes from the Z direction to the Y direction, or from the X direction to the Y direction (or from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction). In this case, each busbar 5 may be pre-formed into the shape to be routed before being assembled into the module 3.

[0039] <6. Advantages> According to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the multiple protrusions 4 contact the multiple mounted components (any of the multiple modules 3 and multiple busbars 5) in a direction along the horizontal. With this configuration, the multiple protrusions 4 fix the multiple mounted components. This fixing method allows a single support 8 to be used universally for multiple mounted components, regardless of their shape, size, position, etc. In addition, this fixing method can accommodate a free layout of the multiple mounted components. Therefore, it is highly versatile.

[0040] In Comparative Example 1, with a fixing method using additional parts such as bolts, depending on the shape, size, and arrangement of the multiple mounted parts, it may not be possible to fix the additional parts to the support. Therefore, a fixing method like that in Comparative Example may lack versatility for different specifications. In contrast to Comparative Example 1, the present embodiment, as described above, is a fixing method that does not depend on the shape, size, and arrangement of the multiple mounted parts, and therefore offers high versatility.

[0041] Furthermore, compared to Comparative Example 1, according to this embodiment, as described above, multiple mounted components can be fixed without using additional parts such as bolts, thus accommodating a flexible layout. In particular, in the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, each electronic component 31 is mounted on the support 8 via a partially rigid member 32. With this configuration, the arrangement of multiple electronic components 31 on the support 8 can be freely set. On the other hand, by applying multiple protrusions 4 to such an electrical connection unit 1, the multiple protrusions 4 can flexibly accommodate modules 3 that are freely arranged on the base plate 2. Therefore, the multiple protrusions 4 can flexibly accommodate the free arrangement of modules 3.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the multiple protrusions 4 are arranged at equal intervals in the horizontal direction. With this arrangement of the multiple protrusions 4, regardless of the shape, size, or arrangement of the multiple mounted components, any of the multiple protrusions 4 will act on the multiple mounted components. Therefore, for example, one support 8 can be used in a general-purpose manner, thus providing high versatility.

[0043] According to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the multiple protrusions 4 contact the multiple modules 3 in the horizontal direction. With this configuration, the multiple protrusions 4 fix the multiple modules 3. This fixing method allows a single support 8 to be used universally for multiple modules 3, regardless of their shape, size, position, etc. Therefore, it offers high versatility.

[0044] In the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the multiple protrusions 4 contact the multiple busbars 5 in the horizontal direction. With this configuration, the multiple protrusions 4 fix the multiple busbars 5. This fixing method allows a single support 8 to be used universally for multiple busbars 5, regardless of their shape, size, position, etc. Therefore, it is highly versatile.

[0045] According to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, because the support 8 is a metal product, it can withstand, for example, vehicle vibrations. In addition, because the support 8 is a metal product, for example, the support 8 can absorb the heat of mounted components that become hot, thereby equalizing the heat distribution.

[0046] In the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the multiple protrusions 4 have a columnar shape. With this configuration, the multiple protrusions 4 can firmly fix multiple mounted components.

[0047] In this embodiment of the electrical connection unit 1, each electronic component 31 is mounted on the base plate 2 via a partially rigid member 32. This configuration allows for the free arrangement of multiple electronic components 31 on the base plate 2. With this electrical connection unit 1, each module 3, which is an element-based module of electronic components, can be arranged on the base plate 2 in a free layout according to the functions required by the product. In addition, with this electrical connection unit 1, the electronic components 31 can be flexibly arranged on the base plate 2 in response to changes or modifications to the layout, for example. Therefore, the development period can be shortened.

[0048] Comparative Example 2 is an electrical connection unit in which a resin component holds multiple electronic components together. In such an electronic connection unit as Comparative Example 2, the designer needs to design the arrangement of the multiple electronic components on the resin component. When such a design is required, the arrangement of the multiple electronic components on the resin component must be designed for each electrical connection unit with different specifications. Therefore, in such Comparative Example 2, the design of the electrical connection unit is time-consuming.

[0049] In contrast to Comparative Example 2, the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment allows each module 3 to be freely arranged according to the functions required for the product. Therefore, as described above, the development period can be shortened.

[0050] Furthermore, in Comparative Example 2 described above, the electrical connection unit may have a unique design for the product to which it is applied. Therefore, Comparative Example 2 has low versatility for other products and is difficult to adapt.

[0051] In contrast to Comparative Example 2, the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment allows each module 3 to be composed of standard parts. Therefore, it has high versatility for use in other products and is easy to adapt to other products.

[0052] Furthermore, in the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, one of the electronic components used is mounted on a single partial rigid member 32. This configuration allows the modules 3 to be reused among multiple electrical connection units 1 with different arrangements of modules 3, or within an electrical connection unit 1. Therefore, the quality and reliability of the electrical connection unit 1 can be improved.

[0053] Furthermore, with the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to use standard unit modules as multiple modules 3. Therefore, lead time and cost can be reduced.

[0054] Furthermore, with the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, existing modules can be utilized as each module 3. Therefore, the time and cost required for design and manufacturing can be reduced.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, if improvements are needed in specific modules 3 among the multiple modules 3, efficient modifications can be made focusing on those specific modules 3. Therefore, it can contribute to improving the efficiency of maintenance work.

[0056] Furthermore, with the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to create a layout in which, for example, multiple modules 3 are arranged on a base plate 2 of a specified size. Therefore, the electrical connection unit 1 can be configured freely, flexibly, and quickly.

[0057] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the partial rigidity member 32 is made of synthetic resin, which makes the electrical connection unit 1 lighter. On the other hand, because the base plate 2 is made of metal, deformation of the base plate 2 caused by the weight of the multiple modules 3 is suppressed.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the electronic component 31 is protected because the partially rigid member 32 is equipped with a housing portion 34. Therefore, the electrical connection unit 1 can be made more robust.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, multiple modules 3 can be arranged on one side of the base plate 2. Therefore, the electrical connection unit 1 can be made lower in profile.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the busbar 5 is fastened to the component terminal 39. This configuration reduces the number of wiring members that electrically connect multiple modules 3.

[0061] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Compared to the electrical connection unit 1 of the first embodiment, the electrical connection unit 101 of the second embodiment includes a support 108 instead of a support 8. The configuration of the electrical connection unit 101 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the electrical connection unit 1 of the first embodiment, except as described below.

[0062] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the electrical connection unit 101 comprises a support 108, a plurality of modules 3, a plurality of busbars 5, and a cover 6. The support 108 comprises a base plate 102 and a projection 104. The base plate 102 is an example of a rigid member. In the electrical connection unit 101, the plurality of modules 3 and the plurality of busbars 5 are covered by the support 108 from the -Z direction and by the cover 6 from the +Z direction. That is, in the electrical connection unit 101, the plurality of modules 3 and the plurality of busbars 5 are housed in a housing which is a combination structure of the cover 6 and the support 108. Figure 8 shows the electrical connection unit 101 with the cover 6 visible through it. The plurality of modules 3 are arranged along the first surface 102a of the base plate 102. Each module 3 is provided on the side of the first surface 102a of the base plate 102.

[0063] The base plate 102 is a holding member that integrally holds multiple modules 3 and multiple busbars 5. As shown in Figure 9, the base plate 102 has a plate shape that extends in a planar manner in the X and Y directions. The base plate 102 is, for example, a metal product and has thermal conductivity. The base plate 2 is a plate-shaped member that is aligned horizontally. The base plate 2 may be made of a metal such as copper or aluminum.

[0064] The base plate 102 has a first surface 102a and a second surface 102b as a pair of front and back surfaces. The first surface 102a is an example of a mounting surface. The first surface 102a is a horizontal plane facing the +Z direction. The second surface 102b is a horizontal plane facing the -Z direction. The first surface 102a and the second surface 102b may be, for example, smooth planes.

[0065] The base plate 102 has a plurality of openings 102c and a plurality of remaining pieces 102d. The plurality of openings 102c are U-shaped openings formed by sheet metal processing, punched out at regular intervals in the X and Y directions. Each remaining piece 102d is a sheet metal portion left over from the U-shaped punching process. Each remaining piece 102d extends in the +X direction into the area enclosed by the U-shape.

[0066] The multiple protrusions 104 are a fixing structure for securing the combined multiple modules 3 and multiple busbars 5 in the horizontal direction. The multiple protrusions 104 are arranged horizontally. The multiple protrusions 4 may, for example, have the same height from the first surface 102a.

[0067] Each projection 4 protrudes from the first surface 102a. Each projection 104 may be, for example, a sheet metal piece that is bent and rises from the base plate 102 in the +Z direction so as to protrude continuously from the first surface 102a. Each projection 104 may be, for example, a sheet metal piece that is bent from the base plate 102 at a 90° angle to the first surface 102a. Each projection 104 may be a sheet metal piece formed by, for example, bending a corresponding remaining piece 102d so as to extend in the +Z direction. During the bending process, depending on the multiple mounted components to be mounted, multiple remaining pieces 102d at positions necessary to fix the multiple mounted components in the horizontal plane may be bent to form each projection 104.

[0068] Similar to the first embodiment, the multiple protrusions 104 are in contact with the multiple mounted components in the horizontal direction. In each of the multiple protrusions 104, one protrusion 4 or several protrusions 104 may have a surface of the protrusion 104 facing the X direction (the plate surface of the sheet metal piece) in contact with the surface of the corresponding mounted component facing the X direction. In each of the multiple protrusions 104, one protrusion 104 or several protrusions 104 may have a surface of the protrusion 104 facing the Y direction (the end surface of the sheet metal piece) in contact with the surface of the corresponding mounted component facing the Y direction. In each of the multiple protrusions 104, one protrusion 104 or several protrusions 4 may be in contact with the corresponding bus bar 5. In each of the multiple protrusions 104, one protrusion 4 or several protrusions 104 may be in contact with the corresponding module 3.

[0069] The electrical connection unit 101 of this embodiment has the same functions and effects as the electrical connection unit 1 of the first embodiment. In addition, according to this embodiment, multiple protrusions 104 can be formed by sheet metal processing. Therefore, the support 108 is easier to manufacture. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, multiple mounted components can be fixed by bending the remaining piece 102d after punching out without using additional parts such as bolts. Therefore, it is possible to accommodate a free layout of multiple mounted components with relatively simple sheet metal processing.

[0070] (Various variations) Next, we will describe some variations. Note that, apart from the configurations described below, each variation is the same as that of the first or second embodiment described above.

[0071] (First variation) In the embodiments described above, each projection 4, 104 is integrally molded with the base plates 2, 102 and protrudes continuously from the first surfaces 2a, 102a. However, it may be configured in any way as long as it protrudes from the first surfaces 2a, 102a. As a modified example, each projection 4 may be separate from the base plates 2, 102 and fastened to the base plates 2, 102 so as to protrude from the first surfaces 2a, 102a.

[0072] (Second variation) In each of the embodiments described above, the bottom surface 3b of each module 3 dissipates heat to the base plates 2 and 102 via a heat conductive member or the like. However, the configuration can be any way as long as the heat from each module 3 can be dissipated to the base plates 2 and 102. As a modified example, the bottom surface 3b of each module 3 may be in direct contact with the base plates 2 and 102. According to this modified example, the heat from the mounted components that become hot can be directly absorbed by the supports 8 and 108, thereby equalizing the heat distribution.

[0073] (Third variation) In the first embodiment described above, the projection 4 has a columnar shape. However, the projection 4 can have any shape as long as it can fix multiple mounted components in the horizontal direction. As a modification, the projection 4 may have a cylindrical shape, a wall shape, a pyramidal shape, a conical shape, etc.

[0074] (Fourth variation) In each of the embodiments described above, the electrical connection units 1 and 101 include base plates 2 and 102 as rigid members. However, the rigid members may be configured in any way as long as multiple modules 3 can be mounted. As a variation, the rigid members may be blocks, boxes, etc., instead of the base plates 2 and 102.

[0075] (Fifth variation) In each of the embodiments described above, the electrical connection units 1 and 101 are equipped with busbars 5 as routing members. However, the electrical connection units 1 and 101 may be equipped with any routing member as long as the multiple protrusions 4 and 104 can route and integrate multiple modules 3 so that multiple mounted components can be fixed together as a single unit. As a modified example, the electrical connection units 1 and 101 may be equipped with wiring as routing members instead of busbars 5.

[0076] (Sixth variation) In each of the embodiments described above, the multiple partial rigid members 32 are mounted on the base plates 2 and 102. However, if the multiple electronic components 31 are mounted on the support bodies 8 and 108, the multiple partial rigid members 32 may be mounted on the base plates 2 and 102 in any way. As a modification, the multiple partial rigid members 32 may be fastened to the base plates 2 and 102. As another modification, the multiple partial rigid members 32 may be directly bonded to the base plates 2 and 102 by adhesive, thermocompression bonding, laser welding, etc., without the use of heat conductive members or the like.

[0077] (Seventh variation) In each of the embodiments described above, each module 3 comprises an electronic component 31 and a partially rigid member 32. However, each module 3 may be configured in any way as long as multiple electronic components 31 are mounted on the supports 8 and 108. As a modified example, each module 3 may comprise only the electronic component 31 among the electronic component 31 and the partially rigid member 32. In this case, each electronic component 31 may be mounted directly on the base plates 2 and 102 without the partial rigid member 32.

[0078] Several embodiments and modifications have been described above. However, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the examples described above. For example, multiple embodiments may be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 1. Electrical connection unit 2. Base plate (rigid member) 2a 1st side (mounting side) 2b 2nd side 3 modules (onboard components) 3b Bottom 3F Fuse Module 3R Relay Module 4 Protrusion 5. Busbars (mounted components) 6 Covers 8 Support 9 Assembly 31 Electronic Components 31F Fuse 31R Relay 32 Partially rigid members 32b Heat dissipation surface 33. First Flange 34 Storage Unit 34s Containment space 35 Peripheral wall 35n notch 35t edge 36 bottom 38 Fixed terminal 39 Component terminals 101 Electrical connection unit 102 Base Plate 102a, Side 1 (Equipped Side) 102b Page 2 102c Opening 102d fragment 104 Protrusions 108 Supporting Bodies

Claims

1. Multiple mounted components, A support comprising a rigid member having a mounting surface on which the plurality of mounting components are mounted, and a plurality of protrusions projecting from the mounting surface, Equipped with, The plurality of protrusions are in contact with the plurality of mounted components in a direction along the mounting surface. Electrical connection unit.

2. The aforementioned multiple protrusions are arranged at equal intervals in the direction along the mounting surface. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned plurality of mounted components comprises a plurality of modules, each of which is equipped with an electronic component. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The plurality of mounted components further comprises wiring members connected to the plurality of modules. The electrical connection unit according to claim 3.

5. The support is a metal product. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

6. Each of the aforementioned multiple protrusions has a columnar shape. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The aforementioned multiple protrusions are curved and risen from the rigid member. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

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