Electrical connection unit

Abstract

An electrical connection unit according to one embodiment comprises: a plurality of first modules each comprising an electronic component and a first rigid member on which the electronic component is mounted; a second rigid member on which the plurality of first modules are mounted; a wiring member connected to the plurality of first modules; and a fastening member that fastens the electronic components and the wiring member. The second rigid member extends in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction. The fastening member is detachably attachable to the electronic components from a direction along a virtual plane formed by the first direction and the second direction. The wiring member is fixed to each electronic component by the fastening member. The second rigid member has a movement region in which the fastening member can move, said movement region being positioned between the electronic components and the outer edge of the second rigid member in the attachment / detachment direction of the fastening member with respect to the electronic components. The second rigid member has the plurality of first modules mounted thereon at positions away from the movement region.

Description

Electrical connection unit

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an electrical connection unit. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-179722, filed in Japan on October 15, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[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.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-113184

[0004] By the way, in an electrical connection unit, a forming bus bar may be used in order to cope with multi-variety and small-lot production. In this case, an improvement in assembly property such as connection between forming bus bars is expected.

[0005] One embodiment provides an electrical connection unit capable of improving assembly property.

[0006] An electrical connection unit according to one embodiment includes a plurality of first modules each including an electronic component and a first rigid member on which the electronic component is mounted, a second rigid member on which the plurality of first modules are mounted, a wiring member connected to the plurality of first modules, and a fastening member that fastens the electronic component and the wiring member. The second rigid member extends in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction. The fastening member is detachable from the electronic component in a direction along a virtual plane formed by the first direction and the second direction. The wiring member is fixed to each of the electronic components by the fastening member. The second rigid member is located between the electronic component and the outer edge of the second rigid member in the detachment / attachment direction of the fastening member with respect to the electronic component, and has a movement region in which the fastening member can move. The second rigid member mounts the plurality of first modules at a position outside the movement region.

[0007] According to one embodiment, assembly property can be improved.

[0008] A perspective view showing the electrical connection unit of the embodiment. A plan view showing the electrical connection unit of the embodiment. A perspective view showing the relay module of the embodiment. A perspective view showing the fuse module of the embodiment. A perspective view showing the terminal module of the embodiment. A plan view showing the positional relationship between the first module and the second module of the embodiment. A perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the embodiment. A perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the embodiment. A perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the embodiment. A perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the embodiment. A perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the embodiment. A perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the embodiment. A perspective view showing the base plate of the first modified example.

[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 the -X direction are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as the "X direction". The Y direction is a direction that intersects (for example, is perpendicular 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 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 perpendicular to) the X direction and the Y direction. The +Z direction is the direction from the base plate 2, which will be described later, toward each of the first modules 3, 3c, which will be described later (see Figure 1). The -Z direction is the opposite direction to the +Z direction. In the following, when the +Z and -Z directions are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as the "Z direction". The X direction is an example of the "first direction". The Y direction is an example of the "second direction". The Z direction is an example of the "third direction".

[0012] In the following, when the X and Y directions are not distinguished, they may be referred to as the "horizontal direction." 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 may be referred to as "down." However, these expressions are for the convenience 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 a vehicle such as an EV (Electric Vehicle), HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The electrical connection unit 1 is connected to a plurality of external devices located outside. The electrical connection unit 1 mediates the connection between the plurality of 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 motor of the vehicle, which is driven using the power 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 called, for example, an "electrical connection box" or a "junction box". However, the electrical connection unit 1 is not limited to a box-shaped device.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrical connection unit 1 comprises a base plate 2, a plurality of first modules 3, 3c, a plurality of terminal modules 4, a plurality of busbars 5, and a fastening member 50. The base plate 2 is an example of a second rigid member. Each busbar 5 is an example of a wiring member. Each terminal module 4 is an example of a second module. The electrical connection unit 1 may further include a cover 6 (Figure 12), which will be described later. In the electrical connection unit 1, the plurality of first modules 3, 3c, the plurality of terminal modules 4, and the plurality of busbars 5 are covered by the base plate 2 from the -Z direction and covered by the cover 6 from the +Z direction. That is, in the electrical connection unit 1, the plurality of first modules 3, 3c, the plurality of terminal modules 4, and the plurality of busbars 5 are housed in a housing which is a combination structure of the cover 6 and the base plate 2. Note that Figure 1 shows the electrical connection unit 1 with the cover 6 visible through it.

[0015] <2. Configuration of the second rigid member> The base plate 2 will be described below.

[0016] The base plate 2 is a holding member that integrally holds a plurality of first modules 3, 3c and a plurality of terminal modules 4. The base plate 2 has a plate shape that extends in a planar manner in the X and Y directions. The base plate 2 is a metal product made of, for example, metal, and has thermal conductivity. The base plate 2 is a plate-shaped member that is aligned horizontally. The base plate 2 may be made of a metal such as copper or aluminum.

[0017] The base plate 2 has a first surface 2a and a second surface 2b as a pair of front and back surfaces. The first surface 2a is a horizontal plane facing the +Z direction. The second surface 2b is a horizontal plane facing the -Z direction. The first surface 2a and the second surface 2b may be, for example, smooth planes. The base plate 2 is capable of mounting multiple components.

[0018] <3. Configuration of the First Module> The multiple first modules 3 and 3c will be described below.

[0019] The multiple first modules 3, 3c 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 first modules 3, 3c are arranged along the first surface 2a of the base plate 2. Each first module 3, 3c is positioned on the base plate 2 with its bottom surface 3b facing the first surface 2a. Each first module 3, 3c is provided on the first surface 2a side of the base plate 2. Each first module 3, 3c may, for example, be placed on the first surface 2a.

[0020] The first module 3 and the first module 3c are distinguished as follows: The first module 3 can fasten the bus bar 5 from the horizontal direction by fastening member 50 (details described later). The first module 3c is a first module that does not correspond to the first module 3. For example, the first module 3c can fasten the bus bar 5 from the Z direction by second fastening member 50c (details described later). In other words, the structure for fastening the bus bar 5 differs between the first module 3 and the first module 3c.

[0021] Among the multiple first modules 3, 3c, each of some first modules 3, 3c may have a gap between it and other first modules 3, 3c adjacent in the X direction, for example. Among the multiple first modules 3, 3c, each of some first modules 3, 3c may have a gap between it and other first modules 3, 3c adjacent in the Y direction, for example.

[0022] Each first module 3, 3c comprises an electronic component 31 and a first rigid member 32. One electronic component 31 is mounted on each first 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 first rigid member 32. Each first module 3, 3c may, for example, comprise only one electronic component 31 and one first rigid member 32 corresponding to (this one electronic component 31) from among the multiple electronic components 31 and multiple first rigid members 32 included in the electrical connection unit 1.

[0023] Each electronic component 31 is an electronic component mounted in accordance with the function required of the electrical connection unit 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, each electronic component 31 may be fixed to the corresponding first rigid member 32 by fastening to the corresponding first rigid member 32, for example. The electronic components 31 include fuses, relays (e.g., mechanical relays or semiconductor relays), resistors (pre-charge resistors, etc.), capacitors, various sensors (e.g., current sensors or voltage sensors), ferrite cores, etc. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, each electronic component 31 may be provided with, for example, a pair of component terminals 39.

[0024] The first rigid member 32 is fixed to the base plate 2. The first rigid member 32 may be bonded to the base plate 2, for example. The first 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 first modules 3, 3c. The first bonding surface 32b may be bonded to the first surface 2a, for example, by adhesive, thermocompression bonding, laser welding, etc., so that the first rigid member 32 is bonded to the base plate 2.

[0025] The first rigid member 32 comprises a pair of first flanges 33, a housing portion 34, and a plurality of first reinforcing ribs 37. The first rigid member 32 is an integrally molded product in which the pair of first flanges 33, the housing portion 34, and the plurality of first reinforcing ribs 37 are all integrated. The first rigid member 32 is a synthetic resin product formed from synthetic resin.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 surface of the bottom 36 facing the -Z direction and the surfaces of the pair of first flanges 33 facing the -Z direction may, for example, be flush with each other, thereby forming the first bonding surface 32b as a whole.

[0029] Multiple first reinforcing ribs 37 support the peripheral wall 35 from the outer circumference. Each first reinforcing rib 37 may be a triangular rib fitted into the corner (concave angle) between the peripheral wall 35 and each first flange 33.

[0030] The multiple first modules 3, 3c may include, for example, a relay module 3R. In this case, as shown in Figure 3, the relay module 3R includes a relay 31R as an electronic component 31.

[0031] In the relay module 3R, at least one of the multiple notches 35n in the peripheral wall 35 is cut out such that a pair of component terminals 39 are exposed from between the peripheral wall 35 toward the outside of the first rigid member 32. That is, 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 busbar 5 connected to the component terminals 39 can pass through the notch 35n between the inside and outside of the first rigid member 32.

[0032] In each relay module 3R, for example, a pair of component terminals 39 of the electronic component 31 may face outward from the electrical connection unit 1 via the cover 6. In each relay module 3R, for example, the electronic component 31 may be arranged such that one or both of the pair of component terminals 39 of the electronic component 31 face and are exposed to the inner surface of the cover 6 in the horizontal direction.

[0033] The multiple first modules 3, 3c may include, for example, a fuse module 3F. In this case, as shown in Figure 4, the fuse module 3F includes a fuse 31F as an electronic component 31.

[0034] In the fuse module 3F, at least one pair of notches 35n of the peripheral wall 35 is cut out so that a pair of component terminals 39 can protrude beyond the peripheral wall 35. The fuse module 3F may also include, for example, a pair of fixed terminals 38 that are fastened to the pair of component terminals 39. Each fixed terminal 38 is fastened to a corresponding component terminal 39.

[0035] <4. Configuration of the Second Module> The multiple terminal modules 4 will be described below.

[0036] 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 equipment. The terminal modules 4 are mounted on the base plate 2. As shown in Figure 5, each terminal module 4 includes a connection terminal 41 and a terminal block 42.

[0037] Each terminal module 4 may, for example, comprise only one connection terminal 41 and one terminal block 42 corresponding to this one connection terminal 41, out of the multiple connection terminals 41 and multiple terminal blocks 42 included in the electrical connection unit 1.

[0038] 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 first modules 3, 3c via a busbar 5, other terminal modules 4, etc.

[0039] The terminal block 42 comprises a main body 43, a pair of second flanges 44, and a plurality of second reinforcing ribs 45. The terminal block 42 is a single-piece molded product in which the main body 43, the pair of second flanges 44, and the plurality of second reinforcing ribs 45 are integrated. The terminal block 42 is a synthetic resin product formed from synthetic resin.

[0040] The terminal block 42 is fixed to the 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The pair of second flanges 44 extend from the -Z direction end of the main body portion 43 to both ends in one horizontal direction. The surface of the main body portion 43 facing the -Z direction and the surface of the pair of second flanges 44 facing the -Z direction may, for example, be a flush and continuous plane, thereby forming a second bonding surface 42b as a whole.

[0043] A plurality of second reinforcing ribs 45 support the main body portion 43 from the outer periphery. Each second reinforcing rib 45 may be a triangular rib that fits into the corner (concave corner) between the outer periphery 43a of the main body portion 43 and each second flange 44.

[0044] <5. Configuration of the cable member> A plurality of busbars 5 will be described.

[0045] Each busbar 5 is a cable member (electrical connection member) for electrically connecting the first modules 3, 3c to each other, the first modules 3, 3c to the terminal module 4, or the terminal module 4 to the terminal module 4. Each busbar 5 extends between the first modules 3, 3c and the first modules 3, 3c, between the first modules 3, 3c and the terminal module 4, or between the terminal module 4 and the terminal module 4. Each busbar 5 is a metal product formed of metal and has conductivity. Each busbar 5 may be composed of a metal such as copper, aluminum, etc., for example.

[0046] At least a part of each busbar 5 is in a plate shape. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, some of the plurality of busbars 5 may be, for example, plates that are bent throughout.

[0047] Some of the plurality of busbars 5 may be, for example, forming busbars that are bent in the horizontal plane and bent such that the direction in which the plate surface faces continuously changes from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction (or from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction). In that case, the busbar 5 that is a forming busbar may be pre-formed into the shape to be cabled before being combined with the first module 3, 3c or the terminal module 4.

[0048] Some of the plurality of busbars 5 may, for example, branch into a plurality in the middle and head in another path. Some of the plurality of busbars 5 may be, for example, an assembly in which a plurality of forming busbars are connected so as to branch into a plurality. In that case, the plurality of forming busbars to be combined may be connected in advance before being combined with the first module 3, 3c or the terminal module 4.

[0049] Among the plurality of bus bars 5, some of the bus bars 5 may be flat plates having a rectangular plate surface facing in the vertical direction. Among the plurality of bus bars 5, some of the bus bars 5 may be flat plates having an L-shaped plate surface facing in the vertical direction.

[0050] Among the ends of each bus bar 5, the end connected to the first module 3 may be fastened to, for example, the component terminal 39. Among the ends of each bus bar 5, the end connected to the terminal module 4 may be fastened to, for example, the connection terminal 41.

[0051] <6. Configuration of fastening member> The fastening member 50 will be described.

[0052] The fastening member 50 is a member for fastening the first module 3 (electronic component 31) and the bus bar 5. The fastening member 50 is, as an example, a screw, but its shape is not limited. For example, the fastening member 50 can be fixed so as to sandwich the bus bar 5 between the first module 3 (electronic component 31). Also, the fastening member 50 is detachable from the first module 3 (electronic component 31). A pair of the fastening members 50 are arranged facing the same direction. Note that a pair of the fastening members 50 may be arranged facing different directions.

[0053] The fastening member 50 can fasten the first module 3 and the bus bar 5 from the horizontal direction. That is, a pair of the fastening members 50 are arranged facing in the X direction or the Y direction. Also, a pair of the fastening members 50 may be arranged facing in a direction along a virtual plane formed by the X direction and the Y direction.

[0054] As a specific example, the fastening member 50 is a screw fixed to the component terminal 39 in the relay module 3R as shown in FIG. 3.

[0055] In the following, the direction in which the fastening member 50 moves when fastening or unfastening to the first module 3 (electronic component 31) is defined as the attachment / detachment direction of the fastening member 50 to the electronic component 31. That is, the fastening member 50 is movable relative to the electronic component 31 in the attachment / detachment direction. Furthermore, the fastening member 50 can be attached to and detached from the first module 3 (electronic component 31) by moving in the attachment / detachment direction. Also, the busbar 5 can be fastened to the first module 3 (electronic component 31) by the fastening member 50 from the attachment / detachment direction. In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment direction includes the X direction and the Y direction, and is the direction along the virtual plane formed by the X direction and the Y direction.

[0056] The second fastening member 50c is a member for fastening the first module 3 (electronic component 31) and the bus bar 5. The second fastening member 50c is a fastening member that does not fall under the category of fastening member 50. The second fastening member 50c is, for example, a nut, but its shape is not limited. For example, the second fastening member 50c can fix the bus bar 5 by sandwiching it between the first module 3 (electronic component 31). The second fastening member 50c is also detachable from the first module 3 (electronic component 31). A pair of second fastening members 50c are arranged, both facing the Z direction. In other words, the second fastening member 50c can fasten the first module 3c and the bus bar 5 from the Z direction. A specific example of the second fastening member 50c is a nut fixed to the fixing terminal 38 in the fuse module 3F as shown in Figure 4.

[0057] <7. Positional relationship between the first module and the second module> The positional relationship between the first module 3 and the terminal module 4 will be explained below.

[0058] Figure 6 shows the positional relationship between the multiple first modules 3 and the terminal module 4. The base plate 2 has a movable region Pv, ​​which is a region that the fastening member 50 can move to in order to fasten or release it from the first module 3 when viewed from the +Z direction. In this embodiment, the movable region Pv is the region in which the fastening member 50 and the tool for fastening the fastening member 50 (e.g., a screwdriver) move when the fastening member 50 is fastened or released from the first module 3. That is, the movable region Pv is at least wider than the width of the fastening member 50 when viewed from the +Z direction. In addition, in this embodiment, the movable region Pv is the region between the fastening member 50 fixed to the electronic component 31 and the outer edge of the base plate 2 in the attachment / detachment direction. The movable region Pv is a three-dimensional region (space) in the Z direction from the base plate 2 to the area where the fastening member 50 is located.

[0059] Furthermore, the movable region Pv is not limited to the region adjacent to the outer edge of the base plate 2. The movable region Pv may be formed at a position away from the outer edge of the base plate 2, as long as a range that allows the fastening member 50 to be moved in the attachment / detachment direction is ensured.

[0060] No objects are placed in the movable region Pv. In other words, the base plate 2 has the first module 3 mounted in a position outside the movable region Pv. Furthermore, the base plate 2 has components including the first module 3 mounted in a position outside the movable region Pv. Specifically, the first module 3, 3c and terminal module 4 are not placed in the movable region Pv. In other words, the first module 3, 3c and terminal module 4 are placed in a position outside the movable region Pv. That is, the first module 3 and terminal module 4 are positioned on the base plate 2 so as to avoid the movable region Pv, ​​allowing the fastening member 50 and the device for fastening the fastening member 50 to move freely.

[0061] Due to this positional relationship, the fastening member 50 fixed to the electronic component 31 is positioned so that it is visible from the outside of the base plate 2 when viewed from the attachment / detachment direction. In other words, when the electronic component 31 is viewed straight from the outer edge of the base plate 2 in the attachment / detachment direction, the fastening member 50 is positioned so that there is no obstructing member between the fastening member 50 and the outer edge of the base plate 2. Furthermore, the fastening member 50 is positioned so that its entirety is visible from the outside of the base plate 2 in the attachment / detachment direction.

[0062] <8. Manufacturing Method of Electrical Connection Unit> The manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit 1 will be described below.

[0063] The manufacturer manufactures the electrical connection unit 1 by carrying out the following steps 1 through 6.

[0064] (First step) As shown in Figure 7, in the first step, the manufacturer prepares the base plate 2.

[0065] (Second Step) As shown in Figure 8, in the second step, the manufacturer attaches the multiple first rigid members 32 and the multiple terminal modules 4 to the base plate 2. The manufacturer may also bond the multiple first rigid members 32 and the multiple terminal modules 4 to the base plate 2. Furthermore, the terminal modules 4 are attached in such a way that they are not positioned in the area where the fastening member 50 moves when the fastening member 50 is fastened.

[0066] (Third Step) As shown in Figure 8, in the third step, the manufacturer mounts some of the multiple electronic components 31 to be mounted on the first rigid member 32 onto the corresponding first rigid member 32. The manufacturer may fasten and fix the electronic components 31 to each first rigid member 32. In addition, the manufacturer mounts the electronic components 31 so that they are not located in the area where the fastening member 50 moves when the fastening member 50 is fastened. As shown in Figure 9, in the third step, the manufacturer may mount, for example, a relay module 3R from the multiple electronic components 31 onto the corresponding first rigid member 32.

[0067] (Fourth step) As shown in Figure 9, in the fourth step, the manufacturer places a plurality of busbars 5 on a plurality of first modules 3, 3c and a plurality of terminal modules 4. For example, in the fourth step, the manufacturer may mount some of the remaining electronic components 31 to be mounted on the corresponding first rigid member 32. For example, as shown in Figure 10, in the fourth step, the manufacturer may mount a fuse module 3F from the plurality of electronic components 31 on the corresponding first rigid member 32. Furthermore, in the fourth step, the manufacturer may mount a portion 31T of the remaining electronic components 31 to be mounted on the corresponding first rigid member 32.

[0068] (Fifth Step) In the fifth step, the manufacturer fastens multiple busbars 5 to multiple first modules 3, 3c and multiple terminal modules 4 using fastening members 50 and second fastening members 50c, etc. For example, as shown in Figure 11, in the fifth step, the manufacturer may mount the remaining parts of the electronic components 31 to be mounted onto the corresponding first rigid member 32.

[0069] (Sixth step) As shown in Figure 12, in the sixth step, the manufacturer attaches a cover 6 to the assembly on which the multiple first modules 3, 3c, multiple terminal modules 4, and multiple busbars 5 are attached to the base plate 2.

[0070] <9. Advantages> According to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the fastening member 50 is detachable from the electronic component 31 from a direction along a virtual plane formed by the X direction (first direction) and the Y direction (second direction). The bus bar 5 is fixed to the electronic component 31 by the fastening member 50. The base plate 2 is located between the electronic component 31 and the outer edge of the base plate 2 in the direction of attachment and detachment of the fastening member 50, and has a movable region Pv from which the fastening member 50 can move. The base plate 2 has the first modules 3, 3c mounted at a position outside the movable region Pv. With such an electrical connection unit 1, the fastening member 50 can be attached to and detached from the electronic component 31 from the horizontal direction. Therefore, it is possible to configure it without using individually customized first modules 3. That is, it is possible to improve the ease of assembly of the electrical connection unit 1 while using the highly versatile first module 3.

[0071] Furthermore, in the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the fastening member 50 fixed to the electronic component 31 is positioned so that it is visible from the outside of the base plate 2 when viewed from the attachment / detachment direction. With such an electrical connection unit 1, the fastening member 50 can be attached to and detached from the electronic component 31 smoothly without coming into contact with other parts. Therefore, the ease of assembly of the electrical connection unit 1 can be further improved.

[0072] Furthermore, in the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the terminal module 4 is positioned outside the area located between the fastening member 50 and the outer edge of the base plate 2 in the attachment / detachment direction. With such an electrical connection unit 1, it is possible to improve the ease of assembly of the electrical connection unit 1 while still providing terminals for external connections.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the fastening member 50 is a screw that can be attached to and detached from the electronic component 31. With such an electrical connection unit 1, the ease of assembly of the electrical connection unit 1 can be improved without requiring any special ingenuity in the shape of the busbar 5. In other words, a highly versatile busbar 5 can be used.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, each electronic component 31 is mounted on the base plate 2 via the first rigid member 32. With this configuration, the arrangement of multiple electronic components 31 on the base plate 2 can be freely set. With such an electrical connection unit 1, each first module 3, 3c, which is an element module at the electronic component level, can be arranged on the base plate 2 in a free layout according to the functions required of the product. In addition, with such an electrical connection unit 1, the electronic components 31 can be flexibly arranged on the base plate 2 in response to changes or modifications to the layout, for example. Therefore, the development period can be shortened.

[0075] 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.

[0076] In contrast to such comparative examples, the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment allows each of the first modules 3 and 3c to be freely arranged according to the functions required for the product. Therefore, as described above, the development period can be shortened.

[0077] 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.

[0078] In contrast to such comparative examples, the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment allows each of the first modules 3 and 3c to be constructed from standard components. Therefore, it has high versatility for use in other products and is easy to adapt to other products.

[0079] Furthermore, in the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, one of the electronic components used is mounted on one first rigid member 32. This configuration allows the first modules 3, 3c to be reused among multiple electrical connection units 1 with different arrangements of the first modules 3, 3c, or within an electrical connection unit 1. Therefore, the quality and reliability of the electrical connection unit 1 can be improved.

[0080] Furthermore, with the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to use standard unit modules as multiple first modules 3, 3c. Therefore, lead time and cost can be reduced.

[0081] Furthermore, with the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, existing modules can be utilized as the first modules 3 and 3c. Therefore, the time and cost required for design and manufacturing can be reduced.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, if improvements are needed in specific first modules 3, 3c among the multiple first modules 3, 3c, efficient modifications can be made focusing on those specific first modules 3, 3c. Therefore, this can contribute to improving the efficiency of maintenance work.

[0083] Furthermore, with the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to create a layout in which, for example, multiple first modules 3, 3c are arranged on a base plate 2 of a specified size. Therefore, the electrical connection unit 1 can be configured freely, flexibly, and quickly.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the first rigid member 32 is a synthetic resin product formed from synthetic resin, which makes the electrical connection unit 1 lighter. On the other hand, because the base plate 2 is a metal part, deformation of the base plate 2 caused by the weight of the multiple first modules 3, 3c is suppressed.

[0085] Furthermore, in the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the first rigid member 32 is equipped with a housing portion 34, thereby protecting the electronic component 31. Therefore, the electrical connection unit 1 can be made more robust.

[0086] 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.

[0087] Furthermore, in the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the first rigid member 32 is bonded to the base plate 2. With this configuration, the arrangement of each first rigid member 32 on the base plate 2 can be freely set. Therefore, the manufacturer can freely set the arrangement layout of the multiple first modules 3, 3c.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, multiple first modules 3, 3c can be arranged on one side of the base plate 2. Therefore, the electrical connection unit 1 can be made lower in profile.

[0089] Furthermore, in the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the busbar 5 is fastened to the component terminal 39. This configuration reduces the number of wiring members that electrically connect the multiple first modules 3, 3c.

[0090] (Various Modifications) Next, several modifications will be described. Note that in each modification, the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the embodiment described above.

[0091] (First Modification) In the embodiments described above, the first surface 2a and the second surface 2b of the base plate 2 are smooth planes relative to each other. However, the first surface of the base plate 2 may be configured in any way as long as each first module 3 can be placed on it. As a modification, the electrical connection unit 1 may include a base plate 102 instead of the base plate 2. In the base plate 102, for example, as shown in Figure 13, the surface roughness of the first surface 102a is rougher than that of the second surface 102b by applying a minute uneven surface treatment to the first surface 102a. The second surface 102b is a smooth plane similar to the second surface 2b of the base plate 2. Due to the large surface roughness of the first surface 102a, the base plate 102 can exert a fixing anchor effect on the first module 3 and terminal module 4 on which it is placed. In this case, each first module 3 may be bonded to the first surface 102a of the base plate 102, as in the embodiments described above. As a result of this effect, the first module 3 and the terminal module 4 are less likely to detach from the base plate 102. Therefore, the electrical connection unit 1 can be made more robust. As another modification, a minute uneven surface treatment may be applied only to the area of ​​the first surface 102a of the base plate 102 on which the first module 3 and the terminal module 4 are placed.

[0092] (Second Modification) In the above-described embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 includes a base plate 2 as a second rigid member. However, the second rigid member may be configured in any way as long as multiple first modules 3 can be mounted on it. As a modification, the second rigid member may be a block, a box, or the like instead of the base plate 2.

[0093] (Third Modification) In the above embodiment, the electrical connection unit 1 includes a busbar 5 as a wiring member. However, the electrical connection unit 1 may include any wiring member as long as it can be wired to a plurality of first modules 3. As a modification, the electrical connection unit 1 may include wiring as a wiring member instead of the busbar 5.

[0094] (Fourth Modification) In the above-described embodiment, the multiple first rigid members 32 are bonded to the base plate 2. However, the first 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 modification, the multiple first rigid members 32 may be fastened to the base plate 2.

[0095] (Fifth Modification) In the above-described embodiment, the multiple terminal modules 4 are bonded to the base plate 2. However, the multiple terminal modules 4 can be fixed in any way as long as they can be arranged on the base plate 2 in a free layout. As a modification, the multiple terminal modules 4 may be fastened to the base plate 2.

[0096] Embodiments and several modifications have been described above. However, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the examples described above. For example, the embodiments and modifications may be implemented in combination with each other.

[0097] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, it is possible to improve the ease of assembly.

[0098] 1 Electrical connection unit 2 Base plate (second rigid member) 2a First surface 2b Second surface 3, 3c First module 3b Bottom surface 3F Fuse module 3R Relay module 4 Terminal module (second module) 5 Bus bar (routing member) 6 Cover 31 Electronic component 31F Fuse 31R Relay 31T Part 32 First rigid member 32b First adhesive surface 33 First flange 34 Housing section 34s Housing space 35 Peripheral wall 35n Notch 35t End edge 36 Bottom 37 First reinforcing rib 38 Fixing terminal 39 Component terminal 41 Connection terminal 42 Terminal block 42a End surface 42b Second adhesive surface 43 Main body 43a Outer circumference 44 Second flange 45 Second reinforcing rib 50 Fastening member 50c Second fastening member 102 Base plate (second rigid member) 102a First surface 102b Second surface Pv Moving area

Claims

1. An electrical connection unit comprising: a plurality of first modules, each having an electronic component and a first rigid member on which the electronic component is mounted; a second rigid member on which the plurality of first modules are mounted; a routing member connected to the plurality of first modules; and a fastening member for fastening the electronic component and the routing member, wherein the second rigid member extends in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; the fastening member is detachably attached to the electronic component from a direction along a virtual plane formed by the first direction and the second direction; the routing member is fixed to each of the electronic components by the fastening member; the second rigid member is located between the electronic component and the outer edge of the second rigid member in the direction of attachment and detachment of the fastening member to the electronic component, and has a movable region on which the fastening member can move; and the plurality of first modules are mounted on the second rigid member at a position outside the movable region.

2. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1, wherein the fastening member fixed to the electronic component is positioned so as to be visible from the outside of the second rigid member when viewed from the direction of attachment and detachment.

3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an external connection terminal module mounted on the second rigid member, wherein the terminal module is positioned outside the region located between the fastening member and the outer edge of the second rigid member in the attachment / detachment direction.

4. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening member is a screw that can be attached to and detached from the electronic component.

Images