Electrical connection unit

Abstract

An electrical connection unit comprising: a plurality of first modules, each comprising an electronic component and a first rigid member on which the electronic component is mounted; and a second rigid member on which the plurality of first modules are mounted.

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. 2024-179667 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 Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-113184

[0004] By the way, an electrical connection unit may have a unique design for an external device. In a unique design, for example, the design of a resin component that integrally holds a plurality of electronic components may be required for each product. Therefore, it may be difficult to shorten the development period.

[0005] One embodiment provides an electrical connection unit that is easy to shorten the development period.

[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, and a second rigid member on which the plurality of first modules are mounted.

[0007] According to one embodiment, it is easy to shorten the development period.

[0008] A perspective view showing the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. A plan view showing the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. A perspective view showing the relay module of the first embodiment. A perspective view showing the fuse module of the first embodiment. A perspective view showing the terminal module of the first embodiment. A perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. A perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. A perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. A perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. A perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. A perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. A perspective view illustrating the manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. A perspective view showing the electrical connection unit of the second embodiment. A perspective view showing the relay module of the second embodiment. A perspective view showing the fuse module of the second 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 orthogonal to) the X direction in the plane along the base plate 2, which will be described later. The +Y direction is one of the Y directions. The -Y direction is the direction opposite to the +Y direction. Hereinafter, when the +Y direction and 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 base plate 2, which will be described later, toward each of the first modules 3, 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 Z direction is an example of the "first direction." The X direction is an example of the "second direction." Note that the "second direction" is not limited to the X direction, but may be the Y direction or other directions.

[0012] In the following, 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] (First 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 vehicle's motor, 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, a plurality of terminal modules 4, and a plurality of busbars 5. 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 11), which will be described later. In the electrical connection unit 1, the plurality of first modules 3, the plurality of terminal modules 4, and the plurality of busbars 5 are covered by the base plate 2 from the -Z direction and by the cover 6 from the +Z direction. That is, in the electrical connection unit 1, the plurality of first modules 3, 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 now be described. The base plate 2 is a holding member that integrally holds a plurality of first modules 3 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, for example, a metal product and has thermal conductivity. The base plate 2 is a plate-shaped member that is aligned horizontally. The base plate 2 may be made of a metal such as copper or aluminum.

[0016] The base plate 2 has a front and back surface, which is a pair of plate surfaces: a first surface 2a and a second surface 2b. 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.

[0017] <3. Configuration of the First Module> The multiple first modules 3 will now be described. The multiple first modules 3 are multiple units, each divided into functional units, so that each one is responsible for one of the smallest units of circuit function in the electrical connection unit 1 (interruption, switching, resistance, charging, sensing, conversion, etc.). The multiple first modules 3 are arranged along the first surface 2a of the base plate 2. Each first module 3 is placed on the base plate 2 with its bottom surface 3b facing the first surface 2a. Each first module 3 is provided on the first surface 2a side of the base plate 2. Each first module 3 may, for example, be placed on the first surface 2a.

[0018] Among the multiple first modules 3, each of some first modules 3 may have a gap between it and other adjacent first modules 3 in the X direction, for example. Among the multiple first modules 3, each of some first modules 3 may have a gap between it and other adjacent first modules 3 in the Y direction, for example.

[0019] Each first module 3 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 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The first rigid member 32 is fixed to the corresponding 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 module 3. 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Multiple first reinforcing ribs 37 support the peripheral wall 35 from its 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.

[0027] The multiple first modules 3 may include, for example, relay modules 3R. In this case, as shown in Figure 3, the relay module 3R includes a relay 31R as an electronic component 31.

[0028] 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. In the relay module 3R, at least one pair of the multiple notches 35n in the peripheral wall 35 may be cut out such that a pair of busbars 5 connected to the component terminals 39 can pass through the pair of notches 35n across the inside and outside of the first rigid member 32.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The multiple first modules 3 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] <4. Configuration of the Second Module> The multiple terminal modules 4 will now be described. The multiple terminal modules 4 are multiple units that are divided so that each one 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 connection to external equipment. As shown in Figure 5, each terminal module 4 is equipped with a connection terminal 41 and a terminal block 42.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 via a bus bar 5, other terminal modules 4, etc.

[0035] 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 made of synthetic resin.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The pair of second flanges 44 extend from the -Z direction end of the main body portion 43 to both ends in one direction horizontally. 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 continuous plane that is flush with the surface, thereby forming a second bonding surface 42b as a whole.

[0039] Multiple second reinforcing ribs 45 support the main body portion 43 from the outer circumference. Each second reinforcing rib 45 may be a triangular rib that fits into the corner (concave angle) between the outer circumference 43a and each second flange 44 of the main body portion 43.

[0040] <5. Configuration of Wiring Members>A plurality of busbars 5 will be described. Each busbar 5 is a wiring member (electrical connection member) for electrically connecting between the first module 3 and the first module 3, between the first module 3 and the terminal module 4, or between the terminal module 4 and the terminal module 4. Each busbar 5 extends between the first module 3 and the first module 3, between the first module 3 and the terminal module 4, or between the terminal module 4 and the terminal module 4. Each busbar 5 is a metal product and has conductivity. Each busbar 5 may be made of a metal such as copper or aluminum, for example.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Some of the plurality of busbars 5 may be, for example, forming busbars that are bent in the horizontal plane and whose plate surface orientation 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 wired before being combined with the first module 3 or the terminal module 4.

[0043] Some of the plurality of busbars 5 may, for example, branch into a plurality on the way and head toward 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 or the terminal module 4.

[0044] Some of the plurality of busbars 5 may be flat plates having a rectangular plate surface facing the vertical direction. Some of the plurality of busbars 5 may be flat plates having an L-shaped plate surface facing the vertical direction.

[0045] Of 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. Of 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.

[0046] <6. Manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit> A manufacturing method of the electrical connection unit 1 will be described. The manufacturer performs the following first to sixth steps to manufacture the electrical connection unit 1.

[0047] (First step) As shown in FIG. 6, as the first step, the manufacturer prepares the base plate 2.

[0048] (Second step) As shown in FIG. 7, as the second step, the manufacturer attaches a plurality of first rigid members 32 and a plurality of terminal modules 4 to the base plate 2. The manufacturer may adhere a plurality of first rigid members 32 and a plurality of terminal modules 4 to the base plate 2.

[0049] (Third step) As shown in FIG. 8, as the third step, the manufacturer mounts some of the plurality of electronic components 31 to be mounted on the first rigid member 32 on the corresponding first rigid member 32. The manufacturer may fasten and fix the electronic component 31 to each first rigid member 32. As shown in FIG. 8, in the third step, the manufacturer may mount, for example, the relay module 3R among the plurality of electronic components 31 on the corresponding first rigid member 32.

[0050] (Fourth step) As shown in FIG. 9, as the fourth step, the manufacturer arranges a plurality of bus bars 5 with respect to the plurality of first modules 3 and the 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 FIG. 9, in the fourth step, the manufacturer may mount the fuse module 3F among the plurality of electronic components 31 on the corresponding first rigid member 32. Further, in the fourth step, the manufacturer may mount a part 31T of the remaining electronic components 31 to be mounted on the corresponding first rigid member 32.

[0051] (Fifth Step) In the fifth step, the manufacturer fastens multiple busbars 5 to multiple first modules 3 and multiple terminal modules 4. For example, as shown in Figure 10, 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.

[0052] (Sixth step) As shown in Figure 11, in the sixth step, the manufacturer attaches a cover 6 to the assembly on which the multiple first modules 3, multiple terminal modules 4, and multiple busbars 5 are attached to the base plate 2.

[0053] <7. Advantages> 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, which is an element module in the form of an electronic component, can be arranged on the base plate 2 in a free layout according to the function 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] In contrast to such comparative examples, the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment allows each first module 3 to be freely arranged according to the functions required for the product. Therefore, as described above, the development period can be shortened.

[0056] 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.

[0057] In contrast to such comparative examples, the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment allows each first module 3 to be constructed from standard components. Therefore, it has high versatility for use in other products and is easy to adapt to other products.

[0058] Furthermore, in the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, one of the electronic components used is mounted on one first rigid member 32. With this configuration, the first modules 3 can be reused among multiple electrical connection units 1 with different arrangements of the first modules 3, or within an electrical connection unit 1. Therefore, the quality and reliability of the electrical connection unit 1 can be improved.

[0059] Furthermore, with the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to use standard unit modules as multiple first modules 3. Therefore, lead time and cost can be reduced.

[0060] Furthermore, with the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, existing modules can be utilized as each first module 3. Therefore, the time and cost required for design and manufacturing can be reduced.

[0061] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, if improvements are needed in a specific set of first modules 3, efficient modifications can be made focusing on those specific modules 3. Therefore, this can contribute to improving the efficiency of maintenance work.

[0062] 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 are arranged on a base plate 2 of a specified size. Therefore, the electrical connection unit 1 can be configured freely, flexibly, and quickly.

[0063] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the first rigid member 32 is made of synthetic resin, which makes the electrical connection unit 1 lighter. On the other hand, because the base plate 2 is made of metal, deformation of the base plate 2 caused by the weight of the multiple first modules 3 is suppressed.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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 multiple first modules 3.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, multiple first modules 3 can be arranged on one side of the base plate 2. Therefore, the electrical connection unit 1 can be made lower in profile.

[0068] 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.

[0069] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Compared to the electrical connection unit 1 of the first embodiment, the electrical connection unit 101 of the second embodiment further comprises a pair of auxiliary busbars 30 in the first module 3. The configuration of the electrical connection unit 101 of the second embodiment, other than that described below, is the same as the configuration of the electrical connection unit 1 of the first embodiment.

[0070] As shown in Figure 12, the electrical connection unit 101 comprises a base plate 2, a plurality of first modules 3, a plurality of terminal modules 4, and a plurality of busbars 5, similar to the first embodiment.

[0071] The first module 3 comprises an electronic component 31 and a first rigid member 32, similar to the first embodiment. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, in this embodiment, each of several of the multiple first modules 3 further comprises a pair of auxiliary busbars 30. Each auxiliary busbar 30 is an example of an auxiliary cable routing member.

[0072] Each first module 3 may, for example, comprise only one electronic component 31, a pair of auxiliary busbars 30 corresponding to this one electronic component 31, and one first rigid member 32 corresponding to this one electronic component 31, from among the plurality of electronic components 31, plurality of first rigid members 32, and plurality of auxiliary busbars 30 included in the electrical connection unit 101.

[0073] Each auxiliary busbar 30 is an auxiliary wiring member (electrical connection member) for electrically connecting the component terminal 39 and the busbar 5. Each auxiliary busbar 30 extends between the component terminal 39 and the busbar 5. Each auxiliary busbar 30 is a metal product and is conductive. Each auxiliary busbar 30 may be made of a metal such as copper or aluminum.

[0074] Each auxiliary busbar 30 has a first end 30a and a second end 30b. The first end 30a of each auxiliary busbar 30 is electrically connected to the corresponding component terminal 39 by being fastened to the corresponding component terminal 39. The second end 30b of each auxiliary busbar 30 protrudes horizontally from the outer circumference of the first rigid member 32. The second end 30b is electrically connected to the busbar 5 to which the first module 3 is to be connected. The second end 30b faces the connection portion of the busbar 5 to which it is to be connected from the -Z direction. The second end 30b may be fastened to the connection portion of the busbar 5 to which it is to be connected. The second end 30b may be electrically connected to the busbar 5 by fastening members such as bolts, or by fastening to the busbar 5 by a mating structure.

[0075] Each auxiliary busbar 30 has a shape corresponding to the first module 3 between its first end 30a and second end 30b. As shown in Figure 13, in the relay module 3R, each auxiliary busbar 30 may be, for example, a curved plate extending from the first end 30a to the second end 30b. As shown in Figure 14, in the fuse module 3F, each auxiliary busbar 30 may be, for example, a flat plate extending straight horizontally from the first end 30a to the second end 30b.

[0076] Furthermore, in the electrical connection unit 101 of this embodiment, the busbar 5 is fastened to the auxiliary busbar 30. With this configuration, the auxiliary busbar 30 is responsible for a portion of the wiring path that electrically connects the multiple first modules 3. Therefore, the shape of the busbar 5 can be simplified.

[0077] (Various Modifications) Next, several modifications will be described. Note that, apart from the configurations described below, each modification is the same as that of the first or second embodiment described above.

[0078] (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 units 1 and 101 may include a base plate 102 instead of the base plate 2. In the base plate 102, for example, as shown in Figure 15, 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 units 1 and 101 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.

[0079] (Second Modification) In each of the embodiments described above, the electrical connection units 1 and 101 are provided with a base plate 2 as a second rigid member. However, the second rigid member may be configured in any way as long as a plurality of first modules 3 can be mounted. As a modification, the second rigid member may be a block, a box, or the like instead of the base plate 2.

[0080] (Third Modification) In each of the embodiments described above, the electrical connection units 1 and 101 are provided with busbars 5 as routing members. However, the electrical connection units 1 and 101 may be provided with any routing members as long as they can be routed to a plurality of first modules 3. As a modification, the electrical connection units 1 and 101 may be provided with wiring as routing members instead of busbars 5.

[0081] (Fourth Modification) In the second embodiment described above, each of several of the multiple first modules 3 is provided with an auxiliary busbar 30 as an auxiliary wiring member. However, each first module 3 may be provided with any auxiliary wiring member as long as it can be wired to the component terminals 39 and the busbar 5. As a modification, each first module 3 may be provided with auxiliary wiring as an auxiliary wiring member instead of the auxiliary busbar 30.

[0082] (Fifth Modification) In each of the embodiments described above, 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.

[0083] (Sixth Modification) In each of the embodiments described above, the multiple terminal modules 4 are bonded to the base plate 2. However, the multiple terminal modules 4 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.

[0084] Several embodiments and modifications have been described above. However, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the examples described above. For example, multiple embodiments may be implemented in combination with each other.

[0085] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, the development period can be easily shortened.

[0086] 1 Electrical connection unit 2 Base plate (second rigid member) 2a First surface 2b Second surface 3 First module 3b Bottom surface 3F Fuse module 3R Relay module 4 Terminal module (second module) 5 Bus bar (routing member) 6 Cover 30 Auxiliary bus bar (auxiliary routing member) 30a First end 30b Second end 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 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 101 Electrical connection unit 102 Base plate (second rigid member) 102a First surface 102b Second surface

Claims

1. An electrical connection unit comprising: a plurality of first modules, each each having an electronic component and a first rigid member on which the electronic component is mounted; and a second rigid member on which the plurality of first modules are mounted.

2. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1, wherein the first rigid member is a synthetic resin product and the second rigid member is a metal product.

3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first rigid member comprises a housing portion that houses at least a portion of the electronic components.

4. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second module having a connection terminal electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of first modules.

5. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first rigid member is bonded to the second rigid member.

6. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second rigid member has a first surface facing the plurality of first modules and a second surface facing the opposite direction from the first surface, and the surface roughness of the first surface is rougher than the surface roughness of the second surface.

7. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second rigid member has a first surface facing the plurality of first modules, and the plurality of first modules are arranged along the first surface.

8. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a routing member for connecting the plurality of first modules, wherein the electronic component has component terminals, and the routing member is fastened to the component terminals.

9. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a wiring member for connecting a plurality of first modules, wherein the electronic component has component terminals, each first module further comprises an auxiliary wiring member fastened to the component terminals, and the wiring member is electrically connected to the auxiliary wiring member.

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