Electrical connection unit

Abstract

One embodiment provides an electrical connection unit that can improve thermal characteristics. [Solution] An electrical connection unit according to one embodiment comprises a first cable member and a first heat storage member. The first cable member includes a connection portion having a first mounting hole and fixed to a first connection target by a first fastening member inserted into the first mounting hole. The first heat storage member has a second mounting hole facing the first mounting hole, and is fastened together with the first cable member by inserting the first fastening member into the second mounting hole. When the direction in which the first connection target and the connection portion overlap is defined as the first direction, the thickness of the first heat storage member in the first direction is at least twice the thickness of the connection portion in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] An electrical connection unit having an electronic component and a wiring material 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, improvement in thermal characteristics is expected for an electrical connection unit.

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

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An electrical connection unit according to one embodiment includes a first wiring material and a first heat storage member. The first wiring material includes a connection portion having a first mounting hole and fixed to a first connection target by a first fastening member inserted into the first mounting hole. The first heat storage member has a second mounting hole facing the first mounting hole, and is fastened together with the first wiring material when the first fastening member is inserted into the second mounting hole. When the direction in which the first connection target and the connection portion overlap is defined as a first direction, the thickness of the first heat storage member in the first direction is at least twice the thickness of the connection portion in the first direction.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment, improvement in thermal characteristics can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing a part of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing a disassembled portion of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 1, along the line F4-F4. [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view showing an electrical connection unit of a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view showing an electrical connection unit of a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] A cross-sectional view showing an electrical connection unit of a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit of the third embodiment. [Figure 10] A perspective view showing a disassembled portion of the electrical connection unit of the third embodiment. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit of the fourth 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. 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 directly connected, not just cases where two elements to be connected are connected with another element in between. “Facing” or “overlapping” means that the virtual projections of two objects overlap when viewed from a particular direction. That is, “Facing” or “overlapping” may include cases where two objects face each other with another member or gap 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.

[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, for example, the direction from the electronic component 10 described later toward the first connection portion 31 of the busbar 30 (see Figure 1). 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 (for example, are orthogonal to) the X direction. The +Y direction is, for example, the direction from the first terminal 13A of the electronic component 10 described later toward the second terminal 13B (see Figure 3). 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 (for example, are orthogonal to) the X direction and the Y direction. The +Z direction is the direction from the first wall 5a to the second wall 5b of the housing 5 (see Figure 1). 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".

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

[0013] (A. First Embodiment) <A1. Configuration of Electrical Connection Unit> FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit 1 of the first embodiment. The electrical connection unit 1 is an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle such as an EV (Electric Vehicle), HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), for example. The electrical connection unit 1 may be referred to as, for example, an "electrical connection box" or a "junction box". However, the electrical connection unit 1 is not limited to a box-shaped device. The electrical connection unit 1 has, for example, a housing 5 and a main body portion MU.

[0014] The housing 5 is a member that forms the outer shell of the electrical connection unit 1. The housing 5 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin and has insulating properties. The housing 5 houses the main body portion MU. The housing 5 includes a first wall portion 5a (first part) that covers at least a part of the main body portion MU from the -Z direction side and a second wall portion 5b (second part) that covers at least a part of the main body portion MU from the +Z direction side. Note that the housing 5 may be omitted.

[0015] Also, instead of the box-shaped housing 5, the electrical connection unit 1 may have an insulating base member 6 that includes the first wall portion 5a and is open on the +Z direction side. The first wall portion 5a of the base member 6 may be a wall portion along the horizontal direction or a structure in which a plurality of ribs standing vertically are combined, for example. In the following description, "housing 5" may be read as "base member 6". Each of the housing 5 and the base member 6 is an example of a "support" that supports the electronic component 10 or the bus bar 30 described later.

[0016] The main body part MU is the part that undertakes the main functions of the electrical connection unit 1 (for example, switching the electrical connection state or overcurrent protection). The main body part MU may be referred to as a "circuit component body". The main body part MU includes, for example, one or more electronic components 10, a plurality of bus bars 30 (see FIG. 2), a plurality of heat storage members 50 (see FIG. 2), and an insulating part 60 (see FIG. 2).

[0017] <A2. Electronic Components> First, the electronic component 10 will be described. The electronic component 10 is an electronic component mounted according to the functions required for the main body part MU. The electronic component 10 is, for example, a connector, a fuse, a relay (for example, a mechanical relay or a semiconductor relay), a capacitor, a branching component, various sensors (for example, a current sensor or a voltage sensor), an electronic control unit, or an electronic component unit formed by unitizing two or more of these. However, the type of the electronic component 10 is not limited to the above examples. The electronic component 10 is, for example, a heat-generating component that generates heat when energized.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1 disassembled. The electronic component 10 has, for example, a case 11, a component main body part 12, a plurality of terminals 13, and a plurality of mounting parts 14 (only one is shown in FIG. 3).

[0019] The case 11 is an outer member that forms most of the outer 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 main body part 12. Note that the case 11 and the component main body part 12 may be integrally formed.

[0020] In this embodiment, the case 11 has insulating ribs 11a that protrude horizontally (e.g., in the +X direction) and extend in the Z direction. The insulating ribs 11a are, for example, plate-shaped along the X and Z directions. The insulating ribs 11a extend, for example, along the entire length of the case 11 in the Z direction. The insulating ribs 11a are positioned between a plurality of terminals 13 (terminals 13A and 13B, described later). The insulating ribs 11a electrically insulate terminals 13A and 13B. In this embodiment, a portion of the insulating ribs 11a is positioned between two heat storage members 50A and 50B, described later. The insulating ribs 11a electrically insulate, for example, at least a portion of the two heat storage members 50A and 50B from each other.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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".

[0023] In this embodiment, terminals 13A and 13B are provided at one end of the electronic component 10 in the horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Terminals 13A and 13B are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Each of terminals 13A and 13B faces the horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction).

[0024] Each terminal 13 has a mounting hole 13h into which a fastening member 41 (e.g., a screw or bolt), described later, is inserted. The mounting hole 13h opens horizontally (e.g., in the +X direction). The inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 13h of the electronic component 10 has a screw groove. The mounting hole 13h is a bottomed hole provided in the electronic component 10. In this disclosure, the term "mounting hole" is not limited to a hole with a screw groove, but may also be a hole without a screw groove. Furthermore, in this disclosure, if the terminal 13 is plate-shaped, the "mounting hole" may be a through hole that penetrates the terminal 13 in the thickness direction of the terminal 13.

[0025] (Mounting part) The mounting portion 14 is a part for fixing the electronic component 10. The mounting portion 14 is superimposed in the Z direction on a fixing portion 5f (e.g., a boss, see Figure 2) provided on the first wall portion 5a or the second wall portion 5b of the housing 5. The mounting portion 14 has a mounting hole 14h into which a fastening member 19 (e.g., a screw or bolt) is inserted. The mounting hole 14h is open in the Z direction. The mounting hole 14h is a through hole through which the fastening member 19 passes. The mounting portion 14 is fixed to the fixing portion 5f of the housing 5 by the fastening member 19. With this configuration, the electronic component 10 is fixed to the housing 5. Alternatively, the electronic component 10 may be fixed to the base member 6 described above.

[0026] <A3.バスバー> Next, returning to Figure 1, we will describe the busbar 30. The busbar 30 is a wiring material that electrically connects multiple connection targets. The busbar 30 is made of metal (for example, copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy) and is conductive. The busbar 30 electrically connects a first connection target (first component) and a second connection target (second component). For example, the busbar 30 electrically connects an electronic component 10 to another busbar 9 in the electrical connection unit 1. The electronic component 10 is an example of the "first connection target" or "first component". The busbar 9 is an example of the "second connection target" or "second component". The busbar 30 is an example of a "wiring material". Note that in this disclosure, the term "wiring material" is not limited to the busbar 30. Connection components 90, which will be described later, are also examples of "wiring materials".

[0027] Furthermore, the first and second connection targets are not limited to the examples above. The first connection target is any one of the following, for example, an electronic component, a connection component, another busbar in the electrical connection unit 1, or a busbar for external connection. The second connection target is any one of the following, for example, an electronic component, a connection component, another busbar in the electrical connection unit 1, or a busbar for external connection. For example, busbar 30 may electrically connect electronic component 10 (first connection target) to another electronic component 10 (second connection target). Busbar 30 may electrically connect connection component (first connection target) to another connection component (second connection target). In this disclosure, "connection component" means a component that is placed between the busbar and the connection target (for example, an electronic component or another busbar) and connects the busbar and the connection target (see, for example, connection component 90 shown in Figure 11).

[0028] In the following, as an example of a busbar 30, we will describe a busbar 30 that electrically connects an electronic component 10 (first connection target) to another busbar 9 (second connection target) within the electrical connection unit 1. However, in the following description, the terms "electronic component 10" and "busbar 9" may be appropriately replaced with other components based on the above-mentioned purpose.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the busbar 30 has, for example, a first connecting portion 31, a second connecting portion 32, and an extension portion 33. In this embodiment, the entire busbar 30, including the first connecting portion 31, the second connecting portion 32, and the extension portion 33, is formed from a single sheet of material (for example, formed by bending a single sheet of material).

[0030] (First connection section) The first connection portion 31 is the portion that connects to the first object to be connected (e.g., the electronic component 10). The first connection portion 31 is located in the middle of the bus bar 30 or at the first end of the bus bar 30. In this embodiment, the first connection portion 31 is positioned upright in the Z direction. The first connection portion 31 is a plate portion that runs along the Y and Z directions. The first connection portion 31 is adjacent to the electronic component 10 in the X direction. When viewed from the X direction, the first connection portion 31 includes a portion that overlaps with the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10. In another view, when viewed from the X direction, the first connection portion 31 includes a portion that overlaps with the fastening member 41 inserted into the terminal 13 or the washer 42 through which the fastening member 41 passes.

[0031] The first connecting portion 31 has a mounting hole 31h into which a fastening member 41 is inserted. The mounting hole 31h does not have, for example, a screw thread. The mounting hole 31h is, for example, a through hole that penetrates the first connecting portion 31 in the X direction. The mounting hole 31h of the first connecting portion 31 faces the mounting hole 13h of the electronic component 10 in the X direction. The fastening member 41 is inserted into the mounting hole 31h of the first connecting portion 31 along the X direction. The fastening member 41 passed through the mounting hole 31h of the first connecting portion 31 engages with the mounting hole 13h of the electronic component 10. With this configuration, the first connecting portion 31 of the busbar 30 and the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10 are physically and electrically connected.

[0032] (Second connection point) The second connecting portion 32 is the portion that connects to a second connection target (for example, another busbar 9). The second connecting portion 32 is located in the middle of the busbar 30 or at the second end of the busbar 30. In this embodiment, the second connecting portion 32 is parallel to the first wall portion 5a of the housing 5. The second connecting portion 32 is a plate portion that runs along the X and Y directions. The second connecting portion 32 overlaps with the end of the busbar 9 in the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the second connecting portion 32 includes a portion that overlaps with the fastening member 45 or the washer 46 through which the fastening member 45 passes, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the busbar 9 has a mounting hole 9h through which the fastening member 45 is inserted, penetrating the busbar 9 in the Z direction. The mounting hole 9h does not have, for example, a screw thread.

[0033] The second connecting portion 32 has a mounting hole 32h into which a fastening member 45 is inserted. The mounting hole 32h does not have, for example, a screw thread. The mounting hole 32h is, for example, a through hole that penetrates the second connecting portion 32 in the Z direction. The mounting hole 32h of the second connecting portion 32 faces the mounting hole 9h of the busbar 9 in the Z direction. The fastening member 45 is inserted along the Z direction into the mounting hole 32h of the second connecting portion 32 and the mounting hole 9h of the busbar 9. An engaging member 47 (for example, a nut) is engaged with the tip of the fastening member 45 that has passed through the mounting hole 32h of the second connecting portion 32 and the mounting hole 9h of the busbar 9. This configuration physically and electrically connects the second connecting portion 32 of the busbar 30 to another busbar 9.

[0034] Alternatively, instead of the above example, either the mounting hole 32h of the second connecting portion 32 or the mounting hole 9h of the busbar 9 may have a screw groove so that the fastening member 45 can engage with it. In this case, the engaging member 47 may be omitted.

[0035] (extension part) The extension portion 33 is provided between the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32. The extension portion 33 extends from the first connecting portion 31 toward the second connecting portion 32. The extension portion 33 extends across the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32. The extension portion 33 connects the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32.

[0036] Next, we will describe the arrangement of the multiple busbars 30. As shown in Figure 3, the electrical connection unit 1 has multiple busbars 30, including a first busbar 30A and a second busbar 30B. In the following, when the first busbar 30A and the second busbar 30B are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "busbar 30".

[0037] The first connection portion 31 of the first bus bar 30A is adjacent to the first terminal 13A of the electronic component 10 in the X direction. The first connection portion 31 of the first bus bar 30A is fixed to the first terminal 13A of the electronic component 10 by a fastening member 41 (fastening member 41A) inserted into the mounting hole 31h of the first connection portion 31 of the first bus bar 30A. The first bus bar 30A is an example of a "first wiring member". The mounting hole 31h of the first connection portion 31 of the first bus bar 30A is an example of a "first mounting hole". The fastening member 41A is an example of a "first fastening member".

[0038] The second bus bar 30B is adjacent to the first bus bar 30A in the Y direction. The first connection portion 31 of the second bus bar 30B is adjacent to the second terminal 13B of the electronic component 10 in the X direction. The first connection portion 31 of the second bus bar 30B is fixed to the second terminal 13B of the electronic component 10 by a fastening member 41 (fastening member 41B) inserted into the mounting hole 31h of the first connection portion 31 of the second bus bar 30B. The second bus bar 30B is an example of a "second wiring member". The mounting hole 31h of the first connection portion 31 of the second bus bar 30B is an example of a "third mounting hole". The fastening member 41B is an example of a "second fastening member".

[0039] <A4. Heat storage member> Next, the heat storage member 50 will be described. The heat storage member 50 is a metal member attached to a wiring member (for example, the bus bar 30). The heat storage member 50 is a member that stores (absorbs heat) at least a part of the heat generated by the first connection target or the second connection target, and / or at least a part of the heat generated by the wiring member itself. Instead of / In addition to the above example, the heat storage member 50 may be a member that reduces heat interference from an external device (external connection bus bar) to the electronic component 10. The heat storage member 50 is, for example, made of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy, but is not limited to these examples.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the heat storage member 50 is positioned upright in the Z direction. The heat storage member 50 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped metal block along the Z direction. The length L50 in the Z direction and the width W50 in the Y direction of the heat storage member 50 are both greater than the thickness T50 in the X direction of the heat storage member 50. Also, the length L50 in the Z direction of the heat storage member 50 is greater than the width W50 in the Y direction of the heat storage member 50.

[0041] The heat storage member 50 is positioned parallel to the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30. The heat storage member 50 is adjacent to the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30 in the X direction. In this embodiment, the heat storage member 50 is located on the opposite side of the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30 from the electronic component 10. The heat storage member 50 is attached to the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30.

[0042] The heat storage member 50 has a mounting hole 50h into which the fastening member 41 is inserted. The mounting hole 50h is a through hole that penetrates the heat storage member 50 in the X direction. The mounting hole 50h does not have, for example, a screw thread. The mounting hole 50h of the heat storage member 50 faces the mounting hole 31h of the first connection part 31 in the X direction. The fastening member 41 described above is inserted into the mounting hole 50h of the heat storage member 50 along the X direction. In this embodiment, the fastening member 41 passes through the mounting hole 50h of the heat storage member 50 and the mounting hole 31h of the first connection part 31 and engages with the mounting hole 13h of the electronic component 10. The heat storage member 50 is fastened together with the first connection part 31 of the busbar 30 by inserting the fastening member 41 into the mounting hole 50h. In other words, the heat storage member 50 and the first connection portion 31 of the busbar 30 are fastened together to the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10 by the fastening member 41.

[0043] In this embodiment, the heat storage member 50 has a recess 50r around the mounting hole 50h. The recess 50r is recessed in the -X direction from the +X direction end face 50s of the heat storage member 50. The recess 50r is a housing portion that accommodates the head of the fastening member 41.

[0044] In this embodiment, the heat storage member 50 is a metal block arranged along the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30. The thickness T50 of the heat storage member 50 in the X direction is more than twice the thickness T31 of the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30 in the X direction (see Figure 1). The heat storage member 50 has a larger heat capacity per unit area compared to the bus bar 30.

[0045] The longitudinal direction of the heat storage member 50 is the Z direction. For example, the length L50 of the heat storage member 50 in the Z direction is more than half of the thickness T10 of the electronic component 10 in the Z direction.

[0046] Next, the arrangement of the multiple heat storage members 50 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the electrical connection unit 1 has multiple heat storage members 50, including a first heat storage member 50A and a second heat storage member 50B. In the following, when the first heat storage member 50A and the second heat storage member 50B are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "heat storage member 50".

[0047] The first heat storage member 50A is adjacent to the first connection portion 31 of the first bus bar 30A in the X direction. The mounting hole 50h of the first heat storage member 50A faces the mounting hole 31h of the first connection portion 31 of the first bus bar 30A in the X direction. The first heat storage member 50A is fastened together with the first connection portion 31 of the first bus bar 30A by inserting the fastening member 41A into the mounting hole 50h of the first heat storage member 50A. In other words, the first heat storage member 50A and the first connection portion 31 of the first bus bar 30A are fastened together with the first terminal 13A of the electronic component 10 by the fastening member 41A. The mounting hole 50h of the first heat storage member 50A is an example of a "second mounting hole".

[0048] The second heat storage member 50B is adjacent to the first heat storage member 50A in the Y direction. The second heat storage member 50B is adjacent to the first connection portion 31 of the second bus bar 30B in the X direction. The mounting hole 50h of the second heat storage member 50B faces the mounting hole 31h of the first connection portion 31 of the second bus bar 30B in the X direction. The second heat storage member 50B is fastened together with the first connection portion 31 of the second bus bar 30B by inserting the fastening member 41B into the mounting hole 50h of the second heat storage member 50B. That is, the second heat storage member 50B and the first connection portion 31 of the second bus bar 30B are fastened together to the second terminal 13B of the electronic component 10 by the fastening member 41B. The mounting hole 50h of the second heat storage member 50B is an example of the "fourth mounting hole".

[0049] <A5. Insulating portion> Next, the insulating portion 60 will be described. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F4-F4 of the structure shown in FIG. 1. The insulating portion 60 is an insulating member that electrically insulates between the first heat storage member 50A and the second heat storage member 50B. In the present embodiment, the insulating portion 60 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin and has insulating properties. The insulating portion 60 extends in the Z direction (see FIG. 3). The insulating portion 60 is connected to the insulating rib 11a of the electronic component 10 and is disposed between the first heat storage member 50A and the second heat storage member 50B.

[0050] In the present embodiment, a part of the heat storage member 50 is located on the +X direction side of the end face 11as on the +X direction side of the insulating rib 11a of the electronic component 10. The insulating portion 60 is a member that is connected to the insulating rib 11a and extends the insulating rib 11a in the +X direction. The insulating portion 60 protrudes on the +X direction side of the end face 50s on the +X direction side of the heat storage member 50.

[0051] 本実施形態では、蓄熱部材50の一部は、電子部品10の絶縁リブ11aの+X方向側の端面11asよりも+X方向側に位置する。絶縁部60は、絶縁リブ11aに接続され、絶縁リブ11aを+X方向に延長する部材である。絶縁部60は、蓄熱部材50の+X方向側の端面50sよりも+X方向側に突出している。

[0052] Note that the insulating portion 60 may be formed separately from the housing 5 (or the base member 6), or may be formed integrally with the first wall portion 5a of the housing 5 (or the base member 6). For example, the insulating portion 60 may be a rib that stands up in the Z direction from the first wall portion 5a of the housing 5 (or the base member 6).

[0053] In the present embodiment, the width W50 in the Y direction of the first heat storage member 50A is smaller than the width W31 in the Y direction of the first connection portion 31 of the first bus bar 30A. The width W50 in the Y direction of the second heat storage member 50B is smaller than the width W31 in the Y direction of the first connection portion 31 of the second bus bar 30B. In the present embodiment, the distance L2 in the Y direction between the first heat storage member 50A and the second heat storage member 50B is larger than the distance L1 in the Y direction between the first bus bar 30A and the second bus bar 30B. According to this configuration, it becomes easier to arrange the insulating portion 60 in the gap g1 between the first heat storage member 50A and the second heat storage member 50B. Note that the distance L2 in the Y direction between the first heat storage member 50A and the second heat storage member 50B may be the same as or smaller than the distance L1 in the Y direction between the first bus bar 30A and the second bus bar 30B.

[0054] <A6. Advantages> As a comparative example, consider a structure in which the heat storage member 50 does not exist. In such a structure, if sufficient heat capacity is not ensured in the electrical connection unit, a large temperature rise may occur in a part of the electrical connection unit, and / or the heat interference with respect to the first connection target or the second connection target may increase. For example, when a large transient current flows, a large temperature rise may occur in a part of the electrical connection unit, and / or the heat interference with respect to the first connection target or the second connection target may increase. Therefore, it may be difficult to improve the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit.

[0055] On the other hand, the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment includes a first cable guide (e.g., a first busbar 30A) and a first heat storage member (e.g., a first heat storage member 50A). The first cable guide has a connection portion (e.g., a first connection portion 31). The connection portion has a first mounting hole (e.g., a mounting hole 31h) and is fixed to a first connection target (e.g., an electronic component 10) by a first fastening member (e.g., a fastening member 41A) inserted into the first mounting hole. The first heat storage member has a second mounting hole (e.g., a mounting hole 50h) facing the first mounting hole, and is fastened together with the first cable guide by inserting the first fastening member into the second mounting hole. When the direction in which the first connection target and the connection portion overlap is defined as the first direction, the thickness of the first heat storage member in the first direction (e.g., thickness T50) is at least twice the thickness of the connection portion in the first direction (e.g., thickness T31).

[0056] With this configuration, the heat storage capacity near the connection point of the first wiring member is enhanced by the first heat storage member. Compared to the configuration of the comparative example above, this configuration can suppress a large temperature rise in a part of the electrical connection unit and / or suppress increased thermal interference to the first or second connection target. For example, with this configuration, when a transient large current flows, it is possible to suppress a large temperature rise in a part of the electrical connection unit and / or suppress increased thermal interference to the first or second connection target. This configuration can improve the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first heat storage member is located on the opposite side of the connection portion from the first connection target. With this configuration, for example, by providing a recess (e.g., recess 50r) in the first heat storage member to accommodate the head of the fastening member, the length of the fastening member can be shortened. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the cost of the electrical connection unit.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first connection target is an electronic component (e.g., electronic component 10) including a first terminal (e.g., terminal 13A) and a second terminal (e.g., terminal 13B). The first wiring material and the first heat storage member are clamped together to the first terminal. According to such a configuration, part of the heat generated from the electronic component can be effectively transmitted to the first heat storage member through the first terminal. With this configuration, further improvement in the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit can be achieved.

[0059] In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit has a second wiring material (e.g., second bus bar 30B), a second heat storage member (e.g., second heat storage member 50B), and an insulating part (e.g., insulating part 60). The second wiring material has a connection part (e.g., first connection part 31). The connection part has a third mounting hole (e.g., mounting hole 31h) and is fixed to the second terminal (e.g., terminal 13B) by a second fastening member (e.g., fastening member 41B) inserted into the third mounting hole. The second heat storage member has a fourth mounting hole (e.g., mounting hole 50h) facing the third mounting hole, and the second heat storage member is clamped together with the second wiring material when the second fastening member is inserted into the fourth mounting hole. The insulating part is connected to an insulating rib (e.g., insulating rib 11a) of the electronic component and is disposed between the first heat storage member and the second heat storage member. According to such a configuration, the insulation between the two heat storage members 50 can be more reliably ensured by the insulating part. In other words, by providing the insulating part, while ensuring the insulation between the two heat storage members 50, the size of the two heat storage members 50 can be increased. With this configuration, further improvement in the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit can be achieved.

[0060] <A7. Variation> Next, some variations of the first embodiment will be described. In each variation, the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0061] <A7.1 First Variation> FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1 of the first modified example. In this modified example, the insulating portion 60 is integrally formed as a single member with one or both of the first heat storage member 50A and the second heat storage member 50B, for example, by insert molding. According to such a configuration, the attachment work of the insulating portion 60 can be performed along with the attachment work of at least one of the first heat storage member 50A or the second heat storage member 50B. With this configuration, the assemblability of the electrical connection unit can be improved.

[0062] <A7.2 Second Modified Example> FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1 of the second modified example. In this modified example, the heat storage member 50 is arranged in the X direction between the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10 and the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30. Even with such a configuration, the heat storage property of the electrical connection unit can be enhanced, and the improvement of the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit can be achieved.

[0063] (B. Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the heat storage member 50 and the metal plate 70 are thermally connected by the heat transfer member 80. The configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0064] <B1. Heat Dissipation Member and Heat Transfer Member> Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrical connection unit 1 according to a second embodiment. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the first wall portion 5a of the housing 5 (or base member 6) is formed by a metal plate 70. The metal plate 70 is, for example, made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a copper alloy, but is not limited to these. The metal plate 70 is a plate portion that extends horizontally. The metal plate 70 is, for example, exposed to the outside of the electrical connection unit 1. When viewed from the Z direction, the metal plate 70 overlaps with the heat storage member 50. The metal plate 70 is an example of a "heat dissipation member". The metal plate 70 may also be referred to as a "metal member" or a "rigid member". The term "heat dissipation member" as used in this disclosure is not limited to a metal member provided as part of the housing 5 (or base member 6). The term "heat dissipation member" as used in this disclosure may be a metal member provided separately from the housing 5 (or base member 6).

[0065] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the busbar 30 overlaps with the metal plate 70 when viewed from the Z direction. The busbar 30 is positioned with a gap g2 between it and the metal plate 70 to ensure insulation between the busbar 30 and the metal plate 70.

[0066] The heat storage member 50 overlaps with the metal plate 70 when viewed from the Z direction. The heat storage member 50 extends closer to the metal plate 70 than, for example, the bus bar 30. That is, the distance L4 (e.g., minimum distance) in the Z direction between the heat storage member 50 and the metal plate 70 is smaller than the distance L3 (e.g., minimum distance) in the Z direction between the bus bar 30 and the metal plate 70.

[0067] In this embodiment, a heat transfer member 80 (heat transfer member 80A) is disposed between the heat storage member 50 and the metal plate 70. The heat transfer member 80 (heat transfer member 80A) is a member for transferring the heat generated by the electronic component 10 during energization and / or the heat (Joule heat) generated by the bus bar 30 itself during energization from the heat storage member 50 to the metal plate 70. The heat transfer member 80 is, for example, a heat transfer sheet having elasticity (for example, a thermally conductive silicone sheet). The heat transfer member 80 is formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than, for example, the case 11 of the electronic component 10 or the second wall portion 5b of the housing 5. However, the heat transfer member 80 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 80 has insulation properties. The heat transfer member 80 is provided at a position overlapping the heat storage member 50 in the Z direction.

[0068] <B2. Advantages> As described above, the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment includes a heat dissipation member (for example, the metal plate 70) and a heat transfer member (for example, the heat transfer member 80). When the above heat dissipation member is viewed from a second direction (for example, the Z direction) different from the above first direction (for example, the X direction), it overlaps with the above first heat storage member. The above heat transfer member is disposed between the above first heat storage member and the above heat dissipation member in the above second direction (Z direction). According to such a configuration, part of the heat transmitted from the first connection target or the bus bar to the first heat storage member can be released from the first heat storage member to the heat dissipation member. Thereby, the heat dissipation performance of the electrical connection unit can be improved.

[0069] In this embodiment, the above first heat storage member extends closer to the above heat dissipation member than the above first wiring material. According to such a configuration, it is easier to thermally connect the heat storage member and the heat dissipation member more firmly. Thereby, further improvement in the heat dissipation performance of the electrical connection unit can be achieved.

[0070] <B3. Modifications> Next, a modification of the second embodiment will be described. In the modification, the configuration other than that described below is the same as the configuration of the second embodiment.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit 1 of a modification of the second embodiment. In this modification, the extending portion 33 of the bus bar 30 extends from the first connection portion 31 toward the +Z direction side and extends through between the electronic component 10 and the second wall portion 5b of the housing 5. In this modification, the electronic component 10 overlaps with the metal plate 70 when viewed from the Z direction. A heat transfer member 80 (heat transfer member 80B) is disposed between the electronic component 10 and the metal plate 70. The heat transfer member 80 (heat transfer member 80B) transfers the heat generated by the electronic component 10 during energization from the electronic component 10 to the metal plate 70.

[0072] In this modification, the bus bar 30 is not disposed between the electronic component 10 and the metal plate 70. Therefore, compared with the configuration of the second embodiment, the distance between the electronic component 10 and the metal plate 70 can be reduced, and the distance between the heat storage member 50 and the metal plate 70 can be reduced. When the distance between the heat storage member 50 and the metal plate 70 can be reduced, heat can more easily move from the heat storage member 50 to the metal plate 70. By this action, further improvement in the heat dissipation property of the electrical connection unit can be achieved.

[0073] (C. Third Embodiment) Next, the third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that instead of the bus bar 30, the connection component 90 and the heat storage member 50 are jointly fastened to the electronic component 10 by the fastening member 41. The configuration other than that described below is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0074] <C1. Connection Component> FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit 1 of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 has a connection component 90. The connection component 90 is a member that electrically connects the first connection target (electronic component 10) and the second connection target (bus bar 30). The connection component 90 forms a part of the current-carrying path of the electrical connection unit 1. The connection component 90 is made of metal (for example, copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy). The connection component 90 is an example of a "wiring material".

[0075] The connecting component 90 includes, for example, a first connecting portion 91, a second connecting portion 92, and an extended portion 93. In this embodiment, the entire connecting component 90, including the first connecting portion 91, the second connecting portion 92, and the extended portion 93, is formed from a single sheet material (for example, by bending a single sheet material).

[0076] (First connection section) The first connecting portion 91 is the portion that connects to the first object to be connected (e.g., the electronic component 10). The first connecting portion 91 is located at the first end of the connecting component 90. In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 91 is positioned upright in the Z direction. The first connecting portion 91 is a plate portion that runs along the Y and Z directions. The first connecting portion 91 is adjacent to the electronic component 10 in the X direction. When viewed from the X direction, the first connecting portion 91 includes a portion that overlaps with the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10. In another view, when viewed from the X direction, the first connecting portion 91 includes a portion that overlaps with the fastening member 41 inserted into the terminal 13 or the washer 42 through which the fastening member 41 passes.

[0077] The first connecting portion 91 has a mounting hole 91h into which the fastening member 41 is inserted. The mounting hole 91h does not have, for example, a screw thread. The mounting hole 91h is, for example, a through hole that penetrates the first connecting portion 91 in the X direction. The mounting hole 91h of the first connecting portion 91 faces the mounting hole 13h of the electronic component 10 in the X direction. The fastening member 41 is inserted into the mounting hole 91h of the first connecting portion 91 along the X direction. The fastening member 41 passed through the mounting hole 91h of the first connecting portion 91 engages with the mounting hole 13h of the electronic component 10. With this configuration, the first connecting portion 91 of the connecting component 90 and the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10 are physically and electrically connected.

[0078] (Second connection point) The second connecting portion 92 is the portion that connects to the second connection target (e.g., the bus bar 30). The second connecting portion 92 is located at the second end of the connecting component 90. In this embodiment, the second connecting portion 92 is a plate portion that is aligned with the X and Y directions. In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 31 of the bus bar 30 is a plate portion that is aligned with the horizontal direction. The second connecting portion 92 overlaps with the first connecting portion 31 of the bus bar 30 in the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the second connecting portion 92 includes a portion that overlaps with the fastening member 45 or the washer 46 through which the fastening member 45 passes.

[0079] The second connecting portion 92 has a mounting hole 92h into which a fastening member 45 is inserted. The mounting hole 92h does not have, for example, a screw thread. The mounting hole 92h is, for example, a through hole that penetrates the second connecting portion 92 in the Z direction. The mounting hole 92h of the second connecting portion 92 faces the mounting hole 31h of the first connecting portion 31 of the busbar 30 in the Z direction. The fastening member 45 is inserted along the Z direction into the mounting hole 92h of the second connecting portion 92 and the mounting hole 31h of the busbar 30. An engaging member 47 (for example, a nut) is engaged with the tip of the fastening member 45 that has passed through the mounting hole 92h of the second connecting portion 92 and the mounting hole 31h of the busbar 30. This configuration connects the second connecting portion 92 of the connecting component 90 and the first connecting portion 31 of the busbar 30 both physically and electrically.

[0080] Alternatively, instead of the above example, either the mounting hole 92h of the second connecting portion 92 or the mounting hole 31h of the busbar 30 may have a screw groove so that the fastening member 45 can engage with it. In this case, the engaging member 47 may be omitted.

[0081] (extension part) The extension portion 93 is provided between the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92. The extension portion 93 extends from the first connecting portion 91 toward the second connecting portion 92. The extension portion 93 extends across the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92. The extension portion 93 connects the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92.

[0082] Next, the arrangement of the multiple connecting components 90 will be described. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a partially disassembled electrical connection unit 1. The electrical connection unit 1 includes, as a plurality of connection components 90, a first connection component 90A and a second connection component 90B. Hereinafter, when the first connection component 90A and the second connection component 90B are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as "connection component 90".

[0083] The first connection portion 91 of the first connection component 90A is adjacent to the first terminal 13A of the electronic component 10 in the X direction. The first connection portion 91 of the first connection component 90A is fixed to the first terminal 13A of the electronic component 10 by a fastening member 41 (fastening member 41A) inserted into the mounting hole 91h of the first connection portion 91 of the first connection component 90A. The first connection component 90A is an example of a "first wiring member". The mounting hole 91h of the first connection portion 91 of the first connection component 90A is an example of a "first mounting hole". The fastening member 41A is an example of a "first fastening member".

[0084] The second connection component 90B is adjacent to the first connection component 90A in the Y direction. The first connection portion 31 of the second connection component 90B is adjacent to the second terminal 13B of the electronic component 10 in the X direction. The first connection portion 91 of the second connection component 90B is fixed to the second terminal 13B of the electronic component 10 by a fastening member 41 (fastening member 41B) inserted into the mounting hole 91h of the first connection portion 91 of the second connection component 90B. The second connection component 90B is an example of a "second wiring member". The mounting hole 91h of the first connection portion 91 of the second connection component 90B is an example of a "third mounting hole". The fastening member 41B is an example of a "second fastening member".

[0085] <C2. Heat storage member> The heat storage member 50 is arranged in parallel with the first connection part 91 of the connection component 90. The heat storage member 50 is adjacent to the first connection part 91 of the connection component 90 in the X direction. The mounting hole 50h of the heat storage member 50 faces the mounting hole 91h of the first connection part 91 of the connection component 90 in the X direction. In the present embodiment, the fastening member 41 is passed through the mounting hole 50h of the heat storage member 50 and the mounting hole 91h of the first connection part 91, and engages with the mounting hole 13h of the electronic component 10. When the fastening member 41 is inserted into the mounting hole 50h of the heat storage member 50, the heat storage member 50 is clamped together with the first connection part 91 of the connection component 90. That is, the heat storage member 50 and the first connection part 91 of the connection component 90 are clamped together to the terminal 13 of the electronic component 10 by the fastening member 41. The length L50 of the heat storage member 50 in the Z direction is at least half of the thickness T10 of the electronic component 10 in the Z direction.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the first heat storage member 50A and the first connection part 91 of the first connection component 90A are clamped together to the first terminal 13A of the electronic component 10 by the fastening member 41A. The second heat storage member 50B and the first connection part 91 of the second connection component 90B are clamped together to the second terminal 13B of the electronic component 10 by the fastening member 41B.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the heat storage member 50 is a metal block arranged along the first connection part 91 of the connection component 90. The thickness T50 of the heat storage member 50 in the X direction is at least twice the thickness T91 of the first connection part 91 of the connection component 90 in the X direction. The heat storage member 50 has a larger heat capacity per unit area than the connection component 90.

[0088] <C3. Advantages> According to such a configuration, similar to the first embodiment, the heat storage property near the connection part of the first wiring member (for example, the connection component 90) is enhanced by the first heat storage member (for example, the heat storage member 50). With this configuration, the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit can be improved.

[0089] (D. The Fourth Embodiment) Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that, instead of being clamped together with the electronic component 10, the bus bar 30 and the heat storage member 50 are clamped together with the connecting component 90. The configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the third embodiment.

[0090] <D1. Configuration of the electrical connection unit> In this embodiment, the connecting component 90 is an example of the "first connection target". The bus bar 30 is an example of the "first wiring material". In this embodiment, the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30 is a plate portion along the horizontal direction. The first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30 is adjacent to the second connection portion 92 of the connecting component 90 in the Z direction. The first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30 is fixed to the second connection portion 92 of the connecting component 90 by a fastening member 45 inserted into the mounting hole 31h of the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30. The mounting hole 31h of the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30 is an example of the "first mounting hole". The fastening member 45 is an example of the "first fastening member".

[0091] The heat storage member 50 is arranged parallel to the second connection portion 92 of the connecting component 90. The heat storage member 50 is adjacent to the second connection portion 92 of the connecting component 90 in the Z direction. The heat storage member 50 is located, for example, on the side opposite to the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30 (i.e., the upper side of the second connection portion 92) with respect to the second connection portion 92 of the connecting component 90. Instead of this, the heat storage member 50 may be located on the side opposite to the second connection portion 92 of the connecting component 90 (i.e., the lower side of the first connection portion 31) with respect to the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30. Alternatively, the heat storage member 50 may be located between the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30 and the second connection portion 92 of the connecting component 90.

[0092] The mounting hole 50h of the heat storage member 50 faces the mounting hole 31h of the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30 and the mounting hole 92h of the second connection portion 92 of the connection component 90 in the Z direction. In the present embodiment, the fastening member 45 is inserted into the mounting hole 31h of the bus bar 30, the mounting hole 92h of the connection component 90, and the mounting hole 50h of the heat storage member 50. An engaging member 47 engages with the tip of the fastening member 45 passed through the mounting hole 31h of the bus bar 30, the mounting hole 92h of the connection component 90, and the mounting hole 50h of the heat storage member 50. Thereby, the heat storage member 50 and the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30 are clamped together with the second connection portion 92 of the connection component 90 by the fastening member 45.

[0093] In the present embodiment, the heat storage member 50 is a metal block arranged along the second connection portion 92 of the connection component 90. The thickness T50 of the heat storage member 50 in the Z direction is at least twice the thickness T31 of the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30 in the Z direction. The heat storage member 50 has a larger heat capacity per unit area than the bus bar 30. From another perspective, the thickness T50 of the heat storage member 50 in the Z direction is at least twice the thickness T92 of the second connection portion 92 of the connection component 90 in the Z direction. The heat storage member 50 has a larger heat capacity per unit area than the connection component 90.

[0094] <D2. Advantages> According to such a configuration, similar to the first embodiment, the heat storage property near the connection portion of the first cable member (for example, the bus bar 30) is enhanced by the first heat storage member (for example, the heat storage member 50). With this configuration, the thermal characteristics of the electrical connection unit can be improved.

[0095] Some embodiments and modifications have been described above. However, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the examples described above. For example, a plurality of the above-described embodiments or modifications may be combined and implemented.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0096] 1... Electrical connection unit 10... Electronic component (first connection target) [[ID=Z5]]13... Terminal 13A... First terminal 13B…Second terminal 13h... Mounting holes 30... Bus bar (rope material) 30A...First busbar (first cable member) 30B...Second busbar (second cable member) 31...First connection section 31h…Mounting holes 41… Fastening member 41A…Fastening member (first fastening member) 41B…Fastening member (second fastening member) 50…Heat storage component 50h…Mounting holes 70… Metal plate 80… Heat transfer components 90…Connecting parts (routing materials, first connection target) 90A...First connecting component (first cable material) 90B...Second connecting component (second cable material) 91...First connection section 91h... Mounting holes 92...Second connection section 92h... Mounting holes

Claims

1. A first cable member including a connecting portion having a first mounting hole and fixed to a first connection target by a first fastening member inserted into the first mounting hole, A first heat storage member having a second mounting hole facing the first mounting hole, the first fastening member being inserted into the second mounting hole and fastened together with the first cable member, Equipped with, When the direction in which the first connection target and the connection portion overlap is defined as the first direction, the thickness of the first heat storage member in the first direction is at least twice the thickness of the connection portion in the first direction. Electrical connection unit.

2. The first heat storage member is located on the opposite side of the connection portion from the first connection target, The electrical connection unit according to claim 1.

3. The first heat storage member is located between the connection portion and the first connection target, The electrical connection unit according to claim 1.

4. A heat dissipation member that overlaps with the first heat storage member when viewed from a second direction different from the first direction, A heat transfer member is disposed between the first heat storage member and the heat dissipation member in the second direction, Furthermore, An electrical connection unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first heat storage member extends closer to the heat dissipation member than the first cable member. The electrical connection unit according to claim 4.

6. The first connection target is an electronic component having a first terminal and a second terminal, The first cable member and the first heat storage member are fastened together to the first terminal. An electrical connection unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. A second cable member having a third mounting hole and including a connecting portion that is fixed to the second terminal by a second fastening member inserted into the third mounting hole, A second heat storage member is arranged alongside the first heat storage member and has a fourth mounting hole facing the third mounting hole, and the second fastening member is inserted into the fourth mounting hole and fastened together with the second cable member, An insulating portion connected to the insulating rib of the aforementioned electronic component and positioned between the first heat storage member and the second heat storage member, Furthermore, The electrical connection unit according to claim 6.

8. The first connection target is a connecting component placed between the electronic component and the first wiring material. An electrical connection unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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