Electrical connection unit

Abstract

One embodiment provides an electrical connection unit in which the need for large-area expansion is suppressed. [Solution] An electrical connection unit of one embodiment comprises a first assembly comprising a plurality of first modules each having a first electronic component and a first rigid member on which the plurality of first modules are mounted, and a second assembly comprising a plurality of second modules each having a second electronic component and a second rigid member on which the plurality of second modules are mounted, wherein the second assembly is stacked on the first assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0007] , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] In an electrical connection unit, it is known that electronic components such as relays and resistors are mounted on the mounting surface of the housing.

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 circuit scale of the electrical connection unit is increasing due to function integration and the like, and it is becoming larger in area. On the other hand, it is becoming difficult to cope with such an increase in area.

[0005] One embodiment provides an electrical connection unit in which an increase in area is suppressed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An electrical connection unit according to one embodiment includes a first assembly including a plurality of first modules each including a first electronic component and a first rigid member on which the plurality of first modules are mounted, and a second assembly including a plurality of second modules each including a second electronic component and a second rigid member on which the plurality of second modules are mounted, and the second assembly is laminated on the first assembly.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment, an increase in area is suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing an electrical connection unit of an embodiment. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing the electrical connection unit with the cover of the embodiment visible through it. [Figure 3] View from direction III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] View in the direction of arrow VI in Figure 2. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing a relay module of an embodiment. [Figure 6] A perspective view showing a fuse module of an embodiment. [Figure 7] A perspective view showing the terminal module of the 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 the Y direction. The +Z direction is the direction from the first assembly 6, which will be described later, to the second assembly 7, which will be described later (see Figure 2). The -Z direction is the opposite direction 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] (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 Figures 1 to 4, the electrical connection unit 1 comprises a first assembly 6, a second assembly 7, a plurality of columns 8, a plurality of relay bus bars 9, and a cover 10. The second assembly 7 is stacked on top of the first assembly 6. The plurality of columns 8 connect the first assembly 6 and the second assembly 7. The plurality of relay bus bars 9 connect the first assembly 6 and the second assembly 7. Each relay bus bar 9 is an example of a relay cable member.

[0015] <2. Composition of the First Assembly> The first assembly 6 is a unit that constitutes the first floor of the two-story hierarchical structure of the electrical connection unit 1. The first assembly 6 comprises a base plate 2, a plurality of component modules 3, a plurality of terminal modules 4, and a plurality of bus bars 5. The base plate 2 of the first assembly 6 is an example of a first rigid member. Each component module 3 of the first assembly 6 is an example of a first module. Each bus bar 5 of the first assembly 6 is an example of a first wiring member. Each terminal module 4 of the first assembly 6 is an example of a third module.

[0016] <3. Composition of the second assembly> The second assembly 7 is a unit that constitutes the second - floor part in the two - story hierarchical structure of the electrical connection unit 1. Similar to the first assembly 6, the second assembly 7 includes a base plate 2, a plurality of component modules 3, a plurality of terminal modules 4, and a plurality of bus bars 5. The base plate 2 included in the second assembly 7 is an example of a second rigid member. Each component module 3 included in the second assembly 7 is an example of a second module. Each bus bar 5 included in the second assembly 7 is an example of a second wiring member. Each terminal module 4 included in the second assembly 7 is an example of a fourth module.

[0017] <4. Configuration of the first rigid member and the second rigid member> The base plate 2 in each of the first assembly 6 and the second assembly 7 will be described. The base plate 2 is a holding member that integrally holds a plurality of component modules 3 and a plurality of terminal modules 4. The base plate 2 has a plate shape that extends in a planar manner across the X - direction and the Y - direction. The base plate 2 is, for example, a metal product and has heat conductivity. The base plate 2 is a plate - shaped member along the horizontal direction. The base plate 2 may be composed of a metal such as copper or aluminum, for example.

[0018] The base plate 2 has a first surface 2a and a second surface 2b as a pair of front and back plate surfaces. The first surface 2a is a horizontal plane facing the +Z direction. The second surface 2b is a horizontal plane facing the -Z direction.

[0019] <5. Configuration of the first module and the second module> The plurality of component modules 3 in each of the first assembly 6 and the second assembly 7 will be described. The multiple component modules 3 are each divided into functional units, with each module performing one of the smallest units of circuit function in the electrical connection unit 1 (such as interruption, switching, resistance, charging, sensing, conversion, etc.). The multiple component modules 3 are arranged along the first surface 2a of the base plate 2. Each component module 3 is placed on the base plate 2 with its bottom surface 3b facing the first surface 2a. Each component module 3 is provided on the first surface 2a side of the base plate 2. Each component module 3 may, for example, be placed on the first surface 2a.

[0020] Among the multiple component modules 3, each of some component modules 3 may have a gap between it and other adjacent component modules 3 in the X direction, for example. Among the multiple component modules 3, each of some component modules 3 may have a gap between it and other adjacent component modules 3 in the Y direction, for example.

[0021] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, each component module 3 comprises an electronic component 31 and a partial rigid member 32. One electronic component 31 is mounted on each partial rigid member 32. That is, each of the multiple electronic components 31 provided in the electrical connection unit 1 is individually mounted on the corresponding partial rigid member 32. Each component module 3 may, for example, comprise only one electronic component 31 and one partial rigid member 32 corresponding to (this one electronic component 31) from the multiple electronic components 31 and multiple partial rigid members 32 included in the electrical connection unit 1.

[0022] Among the multiple component modules 3, each of some component modules 3 may further comprise a pair of auxiliary busbars 30. Each auxiliary busbar 30 is an example of an auxiliary cable routing member. Such a component module 3 may comprise, for example, only one electronic component 31, a pair of auxiliary busbars 30 corresponding to this one electronic component 31, and one partial rigid member 32 corresponding to this one electronic component 31, from among the multiple electronic components 31, multiple partial rigid members 32, and multiple auxiliary busbars 30 that the electrical connection unit 1 comprises.

[0023] <5.1 Configuration of Electronic Components> Each electronic component 31 is an electronic component installed in the electrical connection unit 1 according to the required function. Each electronic component 31 in the first assembly 6 is an example of a first electronic component. Each electronic component 31 in the second assembly 7 is an example of a second electronic component.

[0024] Each electronic component 31 may be fixed to the corresponding partial rigid member 32 by fastening to the corresponding partial rigid member 32, for example. The electronic components 31 include fuses, relays (e.g., mechanical relays or semiconductor relays), resistors (e.g., pre-charge resistors), capacitors, various sensors (e.g., current sensors or voltage sensors), ferrite cores, etc. The electronic components 31 may have, for example, a pair of component terminals 39.

[0025] <5.2 Configuration of Partially Rigid Members> The partial rigid member 32 is fixed to the corresponding base plate 2. The partial rigid member 32 may be bonded to the corresponding base plate 2, for example. The partial rigid member 32 may have, for example, a first bonding surface 32b. The first bonding surface 32b is a plane facing the -Z direction. The first bonding surface 32b corresponds to the bottom surface 3b of the component module 3. The first bonding surface 32b may be bonded to the corresponding first surface 2a, for example, by adhesive, thermocompression bonding, laser welding, etc., so that the partial rigid member 32 is bonded to the corresponding base plate 2.

[0026] Each partial rigid member 32 comprises a pair of first flanges 33 and a housing portion 34. Each partial rigid member 32 in the first assembly 6 is an example of a third rigid member. Each partial rigid member 32 in the second assembly 7 is an example of a fourth rigid member.

[0027] The partial rigid member 32 is a single-piece molded product in which the entire structure, including a pair of first flanges 33 and a housing portion 34, is integrated. The partial rigid member 32 is made of synthetic resin.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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 direction facing surface of the bottom 36 and the -Z direction facing surfaces of the pair of first flanges 33 may, for example, be flush with each other, thereby forming the first bonding surface 32b as a whole.

[0031] The multiple component modules 3 may include, for example, a relay module 3R. In this case, as shown in Figure 5, the relay module 3R includes a relay 31R as an electronic component 31.

[0032] In the relay module 3R, at least one of the multiple notches 35n in the peripheral wall 35 may be 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, each of at least one pair of the multiple notches 35n in the peripheral wall 35 may be cut out such that one end of the corresponding auxiliary busbar 30 (the second end 30b described later) can protrude beyond the peripheral wall 35.

[0033] 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 10. That is, 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 10 in the horizontal direction.

[0034] The multiple component modules 3 may include, for example, a fuse module 3F. In this case, as shown in Figure 6, the fuse module 3F includes a fuse 31F as an electronic component 31.

[0035] In the fuse module 3F, at least one pair of notches 35n in the peripheral wall 35 is cut out such that the corresponding component terminal 39 can protrude beyond the peripheral wall 35. The fuse module 3F may also include 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.

[0036] <5.3 Configuration of Auxiliary Busbars> Each auxiliary busbar 30 is an auxiliary wiring member (electrical connection member) for electrically connecting the component terminal 39 and the busbar 5. Each auxiliary busbar 30 extends between the component terminal 39 and the busbar 5. Each auxiliary busbar 30 is a metal product and is conductive. Each auxiliary busbar 30 may be made of a metal such as copper or aluminum.

[0037] Each auxiliary busbar 30 has a first end 30a and a second end 30b. The first end 30a of each auxiliary busbar 30 is electrically connected to the corresponding component terminal 39 by being fastened to the corresponding component terminal 39. The second end 30b of each auxiliary busbar 30 protrudes horizontally from the outer circumference of the partial rigid member 32. The second end 30b is electrically connected to the busbar 5 to which the component module 3 is to be connected. The second end 30b faces the connection portion of the busbar 5 to which it is to be connected from the -Z direction. The second end 30b may be fastened to the connection portion of the busbar 5 to which it is to be connected, for example. The second end 30b may be electrically connected to the busbar 5 by fastening members such as bolts, or by a mating structure.

[0038] Each auxiliary busbar 30 has a shape corresponding to the component module 3 between its first end 30a and second end 30b. As shown in Figure 5, in the relay module 3R, each auxiliary busbar 30 may be, for example, a curved plate extending from the first end 30a to the second end 30b. As shown in Figure 6, in the fuse module 3F, each auxiliary busbar 30 may be, for example, a flat plate extending straight horizontally from the first end 30a to the second end 30b. With this configuration, the auxiliary busbars 30 are responsible for a portion of the wiring path that electrically connects the multiple component modules 3. Therefore, the shape of the busbars 5 can be simplified.

[0039] <6. Configuration of Module 3 and Module 4> The multiple terminal modules 4 in the first assembly 6 and the second assembly 7 will be described below. The multiple terminal modules 4 are divided units, each of which is responsible for one of the smallest units of connection terminal function in the electrical connection unit 1. The multiple terminal modules 4 may include, for example, a terminal module 4 for connecting to external devices. As shown in Figure 7, each terminal module 4 is equipped with a connection terminal 41 and a terminal block 42.

[0040] Each terminal module 4 may, for example, comprise only one connection terminal 41 and one terminal block 42 corresponding to this connection terminal 41, from among the multiple connection terminals 41 and multiple terminal blocks 42 included in the electrical connection unit 1.

[0041] The connection terminal 41 extends from the end face 42a on the +Z side of the terminal block 42, protruding in the +Z direction. The connection terminal 41 is electrically connected to at least one of the multiple component modules 3 via a bus bar 5, other terminal modules 4, etc.

[0042] The terminal block 42 comprises a main body 43 and a pair of second flanges 44. The terminal block 42 is a single-piece molded product in which the main body 43 and the pair of second flanges 44 are integrated. The terminal block 42 is made of synthetic resin.

[0043] The terminal block 42 is fixed to the corresponding base plate 2. The terminal block 42 may be bonded to the base plate 2, for example. The terminal block 42 may have, for example, a second bonding surface 42b. The second bonding surface 42b is a plane facing the -Z direction. The second bonding surface 42b corresponds to the flush bottom surface of the terminal block 42 extending from the main body 43 to the pair of second flanges 44. The second bonding surface 42b may be bonded to the first surface 2a, for example, by adhesive, thermocompression, laser welding, etc., so that the connection terminals 41 are bonded to the base plate 2.

[0044] The main body portion 43 occupies most of the terminal block 42. The end face of the main body portion 43 on the +Z direction side may correspond to, for example, the end face 42a. The main body portion 43 supports the connection terminal 41.

[0045] The pair of second flanges 44 extend from the -Z-direction end of the main body 43 to both ends in one horizontal direction. The surface of the main body 43 facing the -Z direction and the surface of the pair of second flanges 44 facing the -Z direction may, for example, be a continuous plane that is flush with the surface, thereby forming a second bonding surface 42b as a whole.

[0046] <7. Configuration of the first and second cable routing members> The multiple bus bars 5 in the first assembly 6 and the second assembly 7 will be described below. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, each busbar 5 is a wiring member (electrical connection member) for electrically connecting component modules 3 to component modules 3, or to component modules 3 and terminal modules 4. Each busbar 5 extends between component modules 3, or between component modules 3 and terminal modules 4. Each busbar 5 is a metal product and is conductive. Each busbar 5 may be made of a metal such as copper or aluminum.

[0047] Some of the multiple busbars 5 may be flat plates with a rectangular surface facing vertically. Some of the multiple busbars 5 may be flat plates with an L-shaped surface facing vertically. Some of the busbars 5 may be crank-shaped plates that extend horizontally in one direction with their surface facing vertically, then bend vertically from the end of the extension, and then extend further horizontally from the end of the bend.

[0048] Of the ends of each busbar 5, the end connected to the component module 3 is connected to the auxiliary busbar 30 by joining, fitting, fastening, etc. Of the ends of each busbar 5, the end connected to the terminal module 4 is fastened to the connection terminal 41.

[0049] <8. Column Structure> Multiple columns 8 connect the first assembly 6 and the second assembly 7 in the Z direction. The multiple columns 8 may fix the second assembly 7 to the first assembly 6 such that the base plate 2 of the first assembly 6 and the base plate 2 of the second assembly 7 are, for example, parallel to each other along a horizontal plane. The multiple columns 8 may have the same length to each other in the Z direction. The multiple columns 8 are arranged along the peripheral edge 2e of the base plate 2. The multiple columns 8 include three or more columns. In this embodiment, five columns 8 are provided at the five corners of the base plate 2. The multiple columns 8 may be, for example, integrally molded with the base plate 2 of the first assembly 6.

[0050] Each column 8 extends from a corner of the base plate 2 of the first assembly 6 to a corner of the base plate 2 of the second assembly 7. Each column 8 is fixed to the base plate 2 of the first assembly 6. Each column 8 rises from the base plate 2 of the first assembly 6 so as to extend in the +Z direction. The +Z end of each column 8 is fastened to the base plate 2 of the first assembly 6 by bolts or the like inserted from the +Z direction. Each column 8 may have a cylindrical contour with the Z direction as its axial direction. Each column 8 is a rigid member with sufficient strength to support the second assembly 7 while fixed to the first assembly 6, so as to maintain the two-story structure of the first assembly 6 and the second assembly 7. Each column 8 may be, for example, a metal product, a resin product, or the like as such a rigid member.

[0051] <9. Configuration of relay cable members> Each relay busbar 9 connects the first assembly 6 and the second assembly 7, electrically linking the first assembly 6 and the second assembly 7. Each relay busbar 9 extends in the Z direction across the first assembly 6 and the second assembly 7.

[0052] One end of each intermediate busbar 9 is connected to the busbar 5 or auxiliary busbar 30 of the first assembly 6 from the +Z direction. One end of each intermediate busbar 9 may, for example, extend in the -Z direction, then bend horizontally, and be fastened at the bent end to the busbar 5 or auxiliary busbar 30 of the first assembly 6 by a bolt or the like inserted from the +Z direction.

[0053] The other end of each intermediate busbar 9 is connected to the busbar 5 or auxiliary busbar 30 of the second assembly 7 from the +Z direction side. The other end of each intermediate busbar 9 may, for example, extend in the +Z direction, then bend horizontally, and be fastened to the busbar 5 or auxiliary busbar 30 of the second assembly 7 by a bolt or the like inserted from the +Z direction.

[0054] Each relay bus bar 9 is positioned to wrap around the peripheral end 2e of the base plate 2 of the first assembly 6. Each relay bus bar 9 passes through the base plate 2 of the first assembly 6 in the Z direction such that it passes outside the area occupied by the base plate 2 of the first assembly 6 when viewed from the Z direction. In this case, the base plate 2 of the first assembly 6 may be cut out in the portion through which the relay bus bar 9 passes, for example, in a horizontal direction away from the relay bus bar 9.

[0055] <10. Cover composition> Let's explain the structure of cover 10. As shown in Figure 1, in the electrical connection unit 1, the cover 10 covers the first assembly 6, the second assembly 7, the multiple columns 8, and the multiple relay bus bars 9 from the +Z direction. However, of the first assembly 6, for example, the lower surface of the base plate 2 of the first assembly 6 may be exposed and not covered by the cover 10. That is, in the electrical connection unit 1, the first assembly 6, the second assembly 7, the multiple columns 8, and the multiple relay bus bars 9, excluding the base plate 2, may be housed in a housing that is a combination structure of the cover 10 and the base plate 2 of the first assembly 6. The cover 10 has multiple openings 10p so that the multiple terminal modules 4 provided in the first assembly 6 and the second assembly 7 can be routed to the outside of the electrical connection unit 1.

[0056] <11. Advantages> According to this embodiment, the second assembly 7 is stacked on the first assembly 6. This configuration allows for a hierarchical arrangement of multiple electronic components 31, thereby reducing the required area. Consequently, the need for large-area components is suppressed.

[0057] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the base plate 2 of the first assembly 6 and the base plate 2 of the first assembly 6 are metal products. This configuration allows for the formation of a metal-containing skeleton in the electrical connection unit 1. Therefore, the strength of the hierarchical structure can be ensured.

[0058] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first assembly 6 and the second assembly 7 are connected by a plurality of columns 8. This configuration provides a robust framework for maintaining the hierarchical structure in the electrical connection unit 1. Therefore, the strength of the hierarchical structure in the electrical connection unit 1 can be ensured.

[0059] In this embodiment, the relay busbar 9 connects the first assembly 6 and the second assembly 7. This structure facilitates routing across different layers. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arranging the electronic components 31 is increased.

[0060] According to this embodiment, the relay busbar 9 is positioned to wrap around the peripheral end 2e of the base plate 2 of the first assembly 6. This structure allows for wiring that makes effective use of the space on the outer circumference of the base plate 2 of the first assembly 6, compared to wiring that penetrates the inside of the first rigid member. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arranging the electronic components 31 is increased. In addition, it becomes possible to neatly lay out the wiring in the electrical connection unit 1.

[0061] 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 component module 3, which is an element-based module for each electronic component, can be arranged on the base plate 2 in a free layout, for example, 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 in the layout, for example. Therefore, the development period can be shortened.

[0062] As a comparative example, consider an electrical connection unit in which a resin component holds multiple electronic components together. In such a comparative example, 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 a comparative example, the design of the electrical connection unit is time-consuming.

[0063] In contrast to such comparative examples, the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment allows each component module 3 to be freely arranged according to the functions required for the product. Therefore, as described above, the development period can be shortened.

[0064] Furthermore, in the comparative examples described above, the electrical connection unit may have a unique design for the product to which it is applied. Therefore, the comparative examples have low versatility for other products and are difficult to adapt.

[0065] In contrast to such comparative examples, the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment allows each component 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.

[0066] 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 component modules 3 to be reused among multiple electrical connection units 1 with different arrangements of component modules 3, or within an electrical connection unit 1. Therefore, the quality and reliability of the electrical connection unit 1 can be improved.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to use standard unit modules as multiple component modules 3. Therefore, lead time and cost can be reduced.

[0068] Furthermore, with the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, existing modules can be utilized as each component module 3. Therefore, the time and cost required for design and manufacturing can be reduced.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, if improvements are needed for specific component modules 3 among the multiple component modules 3, efficient modifications can be made focusing on those specific component modules 3. Therefore, this can contribute to improving the efficiency of maintenance work.

[0070] Furthermore, with the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to create a layout in which, for example, multiple component 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.

[0071] 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 component modules 3 is suppressed.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the terminal module 4 is equipped with connection terminals 41, which allows for flexible adaptation to the connection specifications of the electrical connection unit 1. For example, if the connection terminals 41 for connecting to external devices are modularized as individual terminals, such as in the terminal module 4, then flexible adaptation to the specifications of external devices becomes possible.

[0074] Furthermore, in the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the partial rigid members 32 are bonded to the base plate 2. This configuration allows for the free arrangement of each partial rigid member 32 relative to the base plate 2. Therefore, the manufacturer can freely set the arrangement layout of multiple component modules 3.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, multiple component 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.

[0076] (Various variations) Next, we will describe some variations. Note that, apart from the configurations described below, the configurations in each variation are the same as those of the embodiments described above.

[0077] (First variation) In the above-described embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 has a two-story structure by comprising a first assembly 6 and a second assembly 7. However, the electrical connection unit 1 may be configured in any way as long as a hierarchical structure is formed. As a modification, the electrical connection unit 1 may have a structure beyond a two-story structure, such as a three-story structure, a four-story structure, etc., by further comprising a third assembly, a fourth assembly, etc.

[0078] (Second variation) In the above-described embodiment, the first assembly 6 includes a base plate 2 as the first rigid member. However, the first rigid member may be configured in any way as long as it can mount multiple component modules 3 and support the second assembly 7. As a modification, the first rigid member may be a block, a box, or the like instead of the base plate 2.

[0079] (Third variation) In the embodiment described above, the second assembly 7 includes a base plate 2 as a second rigid member. However, the second rigid member may be configured in any way as long as it can accommodate multiple component modules 3. As a modification, the second rigid member may be a block, a box, or the like instead of the base plate 2.

[0080] (Fourth variation) In the above-described embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 is equipped with a relay busbar 9 as a relay wiring member. However, the electrical connection unit 1 may be equipped with any relay wiring member as long as it connects the first assembly 6 and the second assembly 7. As a modification, the electrical connection unit 1 may be equipped with relay wiring as a relay wiring member instead of the relay busbar 9.

[0081] (Fifth variation) In the above-described embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 includes a busbar 5 as a routing member. However, the electrical connection unit 1 may include any routing member as long as it can be routed to multiple component modules 3. As a modification, the electrical connection unit 1 may include wiring as a routing member instead of the busbar 5.

[0082] (Sixth variation) In the above-described embodiment, each of several component modules 3 is provided with an auxiliary busbar 30 as an auxiliary wiring member. However, each component module 3 may be provided with any auxiliary wiring member as long as it can be wired to the component terminals 39 and the busbar 5. As a modification, each component module 3 may be provided with auxiliary wiring as an auxiliary wiring member instead of the auxiliary busbar 30.

[0083] (Seventh variation) In each of the embodiments described above, the multiple partial rigid members 32 are bonded to the base plate 2. However, the multiple partial rigid members 32 may be fixed in any way as long as the electronic components 31 can be arranged on the base plate 2 in a free layout. As a modified example, the multiple partial rigid members 32 may be fastened to the base plate 2.

[0084] (Variation 8) In each of the embodiments described above, the multiple terminal modules 4 are bonded to the base plate 2. However, the multiple terminal modules 4 may be fixed in any way as long as they can be arranged on the base plate 2 in a free layout. As a modified example, the multiple terminal modules 4 may be fastened to the base plate 2.

[0085] (9th variation) In each of the embodiments described above, each component module 3 comprises an electronic component 31 and a partially rigid member 32. However, each component module 3 may be configured in any way as long as multiple electronic components 31 are mounted on the base plate 2. As a modified example, each component 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 plate 2 without the partial rigid member 32.

[0086] 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]

[0087] 1. Electrical connection unit 2. Base plate (first rigid member, second rigid member) 2a 1st page 2b 2nd side 2e Peripheral end 3. Component modules (1st module, 2nd module) 3b Bottom 3F Fuse Module 3R Relay Module 4-terminal module (3rd module, 4th module) 5. Busbars (first cable member, second cable member) 6 1st assembly 7 Second assembly 8 pillars 9. Intermediate bus bar (intermediate cable routing member) 10 Covers 10p aperture 30. Auxiliary busbar (auxiliary cable routing member) 30a 1st end 30b 2nd end 31. Electronic components (first electronic component, second electronic component) 31F Fuse 31R Relay 32. Partially rigid members (third rigid member, fourth rigid member) 32b 1st adhesive 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 41 Connection terminals 42 Terminal block 42a End face 42b 2nd adhesive surface 43 Main body 44. Second flange

Claims

1. A first assembly comprising a plurality of first modules each having a first electronic component, and a first rigid member on which the plurality of first modules are mounted, A second assembly comprising a plurality of second modules, each having a second electronic component, and a second rigid member on which the plurality of second modules are mounted, Equipped with, The second assembly is stacked on the first assembly. Electrical connection unit.

2. The first rigid member and the second rigid member are metal products. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1.

3. The assembly further comprises a plurality of columns connecting the first assembly and the second assembly. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The assembly further comprises a relay cable member connecting the first assembly and the second assembly. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The relay cable member is arranged to wrap around the peripheral end of the first rigid member. The electrical connection unit according to claim 4.

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