Electrical connection unit

Abstract

An electrical connection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention has a connection target, a routing material, a heat dissipating part, and a blower. The routing material has a first mounting hole and is fixed to the connection target by a first fastening member which is inserted into the first mounting hole. The heat dissipating part is thermally connected to the connection target or the routing material. The blower blows air toward the heat dissipating part.

Description

Electrical connection unit

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electrical connection unit. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-206316, filed in Japan on November 27, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] An electrical connection unit having an electronic component and a wiring material electrically connected to the electronic component is known.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-037492

[0004] By the way, improvement in heat dissipation is expected for electrical connection units.

[0005] One embodiment provides an electrical connection unit capable of improving heat dissipation.

[0006] An electrical connection unit according to one embodiment has a connection target, a wiring material, a heat dissipation part, and a blower. The wiring material has a first mounting hole and is fixed to the connection target by a first fastening member inserted into the first mounting hole. The heat dissipation part is thermally connected to the connection target or the wiring material. The blower blows air toward the heat dissipation part.

[0007] According to one embodiment, heat dissipation can be improved.

[0008] Cross-sectional view showing the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment. Cross-sectional view taken along line F2-F2 of the structure shown in FIG. 1. Perspective view showing a part of the electrical connection unit of the first embodiment disassembled. Cross-sectional view taken along line F4-F4 of the structure shown in FIG. 2. Cross-sectional view showing a part of the electrical connection unit of the first modification of the first embodiment. Cross-sectional view showing a part of the electrical connection unit of the second modification of the first embodiment. Cross-sectional view showing a part of the electrical connection unit of the third modification of the first embodiment. Cross-sectional view showing a part of the electrical connection unit of the second embodiment. Cross-sectional view showing a part of the modification of the second embodiment. Cross-sectional view showing a part of the electrical connection unit of the third embodiment. Cross-sectional view showing a part of the first modification of the third embodiment. Cross-sectional view showing a part of the second modification of the third embodiment.

[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 terminal 13A to terminal 13B of the electronic component 10 (described later) (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, when the +Z direction and the -Z direction are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as the "Z 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] (A. First Embodiment) <A1. Configuration of the Electrical Connection Unit> Figure 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 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 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. The electrical connection unit 1 has, for example, a housing 5 and a main body MU.

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

[0015] Furthermore, instead of the box-shaped housing 5, the electrical connection unit 1 may have an insulating base member 6 that includes a 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 it may be a structure in which multiple ribs standing upright in the vertical direction are combined. Furthermore, instead of the box-shaped housing 5, the electrical connection unit 1 may have an insulating base member 7 that includes a second wall portion 5b and is open on the -Z direction side. The second wall portion 5b of the base member 7 may be a wall portion along the horizontal direction, or it may be a structure in which multiple ribs standing upright in the vertical direction are combined. In the following description, "housing 5" may be read as "base member 6" or "base member 7". Housing 5, base member 6, and base member 7 are each examples of "supports" that support the electronic components 10 or busbars 30, which will be described later.

[0016] In this embodiment, the housing 5 has a plurality of intake holes 5e and a plurality of exhaust holes 5f (see Figure 2). Each of the plurality of intake holes 5e and the plurality of exhaust holes 5f penetrates the wall portion of the housing 5 and communicates with the outside of the housing 5. The plurality of intake holes 5e are provided, for example, on the side wall portion of the housing 5. On the other hand, the plurality of exhaust holes 5f are provided, for example, on the second wall portion 5b of the housing 5 and face the discharge port 61b of the cooling fan 60, which will be described later.

[0017] The main unit MU is the part of the electrical connection unit 1 that performs the main function (for example, switching the electrical connection state or overcurrent protection). The main unit MU may also be referred to as a "circuit configuration". The main unit MU includes, for example, one or more electronic components 10, a plurality of busbars 30 (see Figure 2), a heat dissipation unit 50, and a cooling fan 60.

[0018] <A2. Cooling Fan> For the sake of explanation, the cooling fan 60 will be described first. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along the line F2-F2 of the structure shown in Figure 1. The cooling fan 60 is a device that blows air toward the heat dissipation section 50, which will be described later. The cooling fan 60 is an example of a "blower". The cooling fan 60 is, for example, an axial-flow type cooling fan. However, the cooling fan 60 may be replaced with a centrifugal-type cooling fan or the like.

[0019] The cooling fan 60 includes, for example, a case 61 and an impeller 62. The case 61 has an intake port 61a that opens downward and an exhaust port 61b that opens upward. The impeller 62 is housed inside the case 61 and is rotatable. When the impeller 62 rotates, the cooling fan 60 draws air from inside the housing 5 through the intake port 61a and discharges the drawn-in air upward through the exhaust port 61b. In this embodiment, the cooling fan 60 is positioned on the +Y direction side with respect to the electronic component 10.

[0020] <A3. Electronic Components> Next, the electronic components 10 will be described. The electronic components 10 are electronic components mounted on the main unit MU according to the required functions. The electronic components 10 are, for example, connectors, fuses, relays (e.g., mechanical relays or semiconductor relays), capacitors, branching components, various sensors (e.g., current sensors or voltage sensors), electronic control units, or electronic component units that unitize two or more of these. However, the types of electronic components 10 are not limited to the above examples. The electronic components 10 are, for example, heat-generating components that generate heat when energized.

[0021] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a disassembled portion of the electrical connection unit 1. The electronic component 10 includes, for example, a case 11, a component body 12, a plurality of terminals 13, and a plurality of mounting parts 14 (only one is shown in Figures 2 and 3).

[0022] The case 11 is an outer casing that forms most of the external 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 body 12. The case 11 and the component body 12 may be formed as a single unit.

[0023] In this embodiment, the case 11 has insulating ribs 11a that protrude horizontally (for example, in the +X direction) and extend in the Z direction. The insulating ribs 11a are, for example, plate-shaped and aligned 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.

[0024] The main body portion 12 of the component is responsible for the main function of the electronic component 10. For example, if the electronic component 10 is a relay, the main body portion 12 includes a switching portion (e.g., a contact portion) that switches between a conductive state and a non-conductive state. For example, if the electronic component 10 is a fuse, the main body portion 12 includes a fuse that melts when an overcurrent flows. For example, if the electronic component 10 is a capacitor, the main body portion 12 includes a portion that stores electric charge.

[0025] 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".

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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). In this embodiment, the fastening member 41 is inserted into the mounting hole 13h from the X direction (e.g., from the +X direction side). 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, and may also be a hole without a screw groove.

[0028] (Mounting portion) The mounting portion 14 is a portion for fixing the electronic component 10. The mounting portion 14 is superimposed in the Z direction on a fixing portion 5k (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 an insertion hole through which the fastening member 19 passes. The mounting portion 14 is fixed to the fixing portion 5k 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 or base member 7 described above.

[0029] <A4. Busbar> Next, we will return to Figure 1 and explain the busbar 30. The busbar 30 is a wiring member that electrically connects multiple connection targets (connection target components). 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 a "first connection target" or "first component". The busbar 9 is an example of a "second connection target" or "second component". The busbar 30 is an example of a "wiring member". In this disclosure, "wiring member" is not limited to the busbar 30. In this disclosure, "wiring member" broadly means a member that electrically connects multiple connection targets. For example, a component (hereinafter referred to as "connecting component") that is placed between a first connection target (e.g., a busbar) and a second connection target (e.g., an electronic component or another busbar) and connects the first and second connection targets is an example of a "connecting component".

[0030] Furthermore, the first and second connection targets are not limited to the examples above. The first connection target is any one of the following: 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: 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 an electronic component 10 (first connection target) to another electronic component 10 (second connection target). Busbar 30 may electrically connect a connection component (first connection target) to another connection component (second connection target).

[0031] In the following, as an example of a busbar 30, a busbar 30 that electrically connects an electronic component 10 (first connection target) and another busbar 9 (second connection target) in the electrical connection unit 1 will be described. 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.

[0032] 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, by bending a single sheet of material).

[0033] (First connection portion) The first connection portion 31 is the portion that is connected to the first connection target (for example, 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 arranged in an upright position in the Z direction. The first connection portion 31 is a plate portion that is aligned with the Y and Z directions. The first connection portion 31 faces 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.

[0034] The first connecting portion 31 has a mounting hole 31h into which a fastening member 41 is inserted from the X direction (for example, from the +X direction). 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.

[0035] (Second connection portion) The second connection portion 32 is the portion that is connected to a second connection target (for example, another bus bar 9). The second connection portion 32 is located in the middle of the bus bar 30 or at the second end of the bus bar 30. In this embodiment, the second connection portion 32 is parallel to the first wall portion 5a of the housing 5. The second connection portion 32 is a plate portion that is aligned with the X and Y directions. The second connection portion 32 overlaps with the end of the bus bar 9 in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the bus bar 9 has a mounting hole 9h into which a fastening member 45 is inserted, penetrating the bus bar 9 in the Z direction. The mounting hole 9h does not have, for example, a screw thread.

[0036] The second connecting portion 32 has a mounting hole 32h into which a fastening member 45 (e.g., a screw or bolt) 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 (e.g., 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 connects the second connecting portion 32 of the busbar 30 to another busbar 9 both physically and electrically.

[0037] (Extended portion) The extended portion 33 is provided between the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32. The extended portion 33 extends from the first connecting portion 31 toward the second connecting portion 32. The extended portion 33 extends across the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32. The extended portion 33 connects the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32. In this embodiment, the extended portion 33 bends in the -X direction from the -Z direction end (lower end) of the first connecting portion 31 and extends along the X direction.

[0038] Next, the arrangement of the multiple busbars 30 will be described. 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".

[0039] The first connection portion 31 of the first busbar 30A is adjacent to the terminal 13A of the electronic component 10 in the X direction. The first connection portion 31 of the first busbar 30A is fixed to the 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 busbar 30A.

[0040] The second busbar 30B is adjacent to the first busbar 30A in the Y direction. The first connection portion 31 of the second busbar 30B is adjacent to the terminal 13B of the electronic component 10 in the X direction. The first connection portion 31 of the second busbar 30B is fixed to the 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 busbar 30B. The mounting hole 31h of the second busbar 30B is an example of a "first mounting hole". The fastening member 41B is an example of a "first fastening member".

[0041] <A5. Heat Dissipation Section> Next, the heat dissipation section 50 will be described. The heat dissipation section 50 is a member that promotes the dissipation of at least a portion of the heat generated by the first connection target or the second connection target, and / or at least a portion of the heat generated by the wiring material (e.g., the bus bar 30) itself. The heat dissipation section 50 is thermally connected to the first connection target (e.g., the electronic component 10) or the wiring material (e.g., the bus bar 30). In this embodiment, the heat dissipation section 50 includes a first metal plate 51 and a second metal plate 52. Each of the first metal plate 51 and the second metal plate 52 is made of, for example, copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy, but is not limited to these examples.

[0042] <A5.1 First Metal Plate> The first metal plate 51 is fixed to the first connection target together with the cable guide (e.g., bus bar 30B). The first metal plate 51 includes, for example, a base portion 51a and an extended portion 51b. The base portion 51a and the extended portion 51b are formed, for example, by bending a single plate material.

[0043] (Base) The base 51a is positioned on the +X side relative to the electronic component 10. The base 51a is positioned in an upright position in the Z direction. The base 51a is a plate portion that extends along the Y and Z directions. The base 51a overlaps with the electronic component 10 in the X direction. The base 51a is positioned parallel to the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30B. The base 51a faces the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30B from the X direction. In this embodiment, the base 51a is located on the opposite side of the electronic component 10 from the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30B.

[0044] The base portion 51a has a mounting hole 51h into which the fastening member 41B is inserted from the X direction (for example, from the +X direction side). The mounting hole 51h is a through-hole that penetrates the base portion 51a in the X direction. The mounting hole 51h, for example, does not have a thread groove. The mounting hole 51h of the base portion 51a faces the mounting hole 31h of the first connection portion 31 in the X direction. The above-described fastening member 41B is inserted into the mounting hole 51h of the base portion 51a along the X direction. In the present embodiment, the fastening member 41B is passed through the mounting hole 51h of the base portion 51a and the mounting hole 31h of the first connection portion 31 and engaged with the mounting hole 13h of the electronic component 10. The base portion 51a is clamped together with the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30B when the fastening member 41B is inserted into the mounting hole 51h. That is, the base portion 51a of the first metal plate 51 and the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30B are clamped together to the terminal 13B of the electronic component 10 by the fastening member 41B. Thereby, the first metal plate 51 is thermally connected to the terminal 13B of the electronic component 10 and the bus bar 30B. The mounting hole 51h is an example of a "second mounting hole".

[0045] (Extension portion) The extension portion 51b is located on the +Y direction side with respect to the base portion 51a. The extension portion 51b is bent and extended from the base portion 51a at the end on the +Y direction side of the base portion 51a. For example, the extension portion 51b is bent and extended from the base portion 51a so as to incline toward the -X direction side. The extension portion 51b is a plate portion along the Z direction. At least a part of the extension portion 51b is located above the discharge port 61b of the cooling fan 60 (see FIG. 4). The total horizontal length L2 of the extension portion 51b is larger than the total horizontal length L1 of the base portion 51a. The extension portion 51b is an example of a "first metal plate portion".

[0046] <A5.2 Second metal plate> The second metal plate 52 is fixed together with a wiring material (for example, the bus bar 30B) to the first connection target in the same manner as the first metal plate 51. The second metal plate 52 includes, for example, a base portion 52a and an extension portion 52b. The base portion 52a and the extension portion 52b are formed, for example, by bending one plate material.

[0047] (Base) The base 52a is arranged on the +X direction side with respect to the electronic component 10. The base 52a is arranged in a posture standing upright in the Z direction. The base 52a is a plate portion along the Y direction and the Z direction. The base 52a overlaps the electronic component 10 in the X direction. The base 52a is arranged parallel to the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30B. The base 52a faces the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30B from the X direction. In the present embodiment, the base 52a is located on the side opposite to the electronic component 10 with respect to the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30B.

[0048] The base 52a has a mounting hole 52h into which the fastening member 41B is inserted from the X direction (for example, from the +X direction side). The mounting hole 52h is a through hole penetrating the base 52a in the X direction. The mounting hole 52h does not have, for example, a screw groove. The mounting hole 52h of the base 52a faces the mounting hole 31h of the first connection portion 31 in the X direction. The above-described fastening member 41B is inserted into the mounting hole 52h of the base 52a along the X direction. In the present embodiment, the fastening member 41B is passed through the mounting hole 52h of the base 52a of the second metal plate 52, the mounting hole 51h of the base 51a of the first metal plate 51, and the mounting hole 31h of the first connection portion 31, and engages with the mounting hole 13h of the electronic component 10. The base 52a of the second metal plate 52 is clamped together with the base 51a of the first metal plate 51 and the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30B by inserting the fastening member 41B into the mounting hole 52h. That is, the base 52a of the second metal plate 52, the base 51a of the first metal plate 51, and the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30B are clamped together to the terminal 13B of the electronic component 10 by the fastening member 41B. Thereby, the second metal plate 52 is thermally connected to the terminal 13B of the electronic component 10, the bus bar 30B, and the first metal plate 51. The mounting hole 52h is an example of the "third mounting hole".

[0049] In the present embodiment, the base 52a of the second metal plate 52 is arranged on the +X direction side with respect to the base 51a of the first metal plate 51. The base 52a of the second metal plate 52 is in contact with the base 51a of the first metal plate 51.

[0050] (Extended portion) The extended portion 52b is located on the +Y direction side with respect to the base portion 52a. The extended portion 52b is bent and extends from the base portion 52a at the +Y direction end of the base portion 52a. For example, the extended portion 52b is bent and extends from the base portion 52a so as to be inclined toward the -X direction from the base portion 52a. The extended portion 52b is a plate portion along the Z direction. At least a part of the extended portion 52b is located above the discharge port 61b of the cooling fan 60 (see Figure 4). The total horizontal length L4 of the extended portion 52b is greater than the total horizontal length L3 of the base portion 52a. The extended portion 52b is an example of the "second metal plate portion".

[0051] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line F4-F4 of the structure shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the extended portion 52b of the second metal plate 52 is arranged parallel to the extended portion 51b of the first metal plate 51. A gap S1 is formed between the extended portion 51b of the first metal plate 51 and the extended portion 52b of the second metal plate 52. In this embodiment, the horizontal length (X direction) L3 of the base portion 52a of the second metal plate 52 is greater than the horizontal length (X direction) L1 of the base portion 51a of the first metal plate 51, so that a gap S1 is formed between the extended portion 51b of the first metal plate 51 and the extended portion 52b of the second metal plate 52.

[0052] In this embodiment, the gap S1 coincides with the discharge port 61b of the cooling fan 60 in the Z direction. The cooling fan 60 blows air at least toward the gap S1. For example, a portion of the air discharged from the cooling fan 60 passes through the gap S1 and heads toward the exhaust port 5f of the housing 5.

[0053] <A6. Advantages> The electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment includes a connection target (e.g., electronic component 10), a cable routing material (e.g., busbar 30B), a heat dissipation section (e.g., heat dissipation section 50), and a blower (e.g., cooling fan 60). The cable routing material has a first mounting hole (e.g., mounting hole 31h) and is fixed to the connection target by a first fastening member (e.g., fastening member 41B) inserted into the first mounting hole. The heat dissipation section is thermally connected to the connection target or the cable routing material. The blower blows air toward the heat dissipation section. With this configuration, the heat dissipation section is cooled by the air blown from the blower, which promotes heat dissipation from the connection target and / or the cable routing material. This improves the heat dissipation performance of the electrical connection unit.

[0054] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the heat dissipation section has a second mounting hole (e.g., mounting hole 51h) facing the first mounting hole, and the first fastening member is fastened together with the cable material by being inserted into the second mounting hole. The heat dissipation section includes a first metal plate section (e.g., an extended portion 51b of the first metal plate 51) and a second metal plate section (e.g., an extended portion 51b of the first metal plate 51) which is arranged with a gap (e.g., gap S1) between it and the first metal plate section. The blower blows air towards at least the gap between the first metal plate section and the second metal plate section. With this configuration, for example, compared to a configuration in which there is no gap between the first metal plate section and the second metal plate section, the cooling of the first metal plate section and the second metal plate section can be efficiently promoted. This makes it possible to further improve the heat dissipation performance of the electrical connection unit.

[0055] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation section includes a first metal plate (e.g., a first metal plate 51) and a second metal plate (e.g., a second metal plate 52). The first metal plate has a second mounting hole and a first metal plate portion, and the first fastening member is inserted into the second mounting hole and fastened together with the cable material. The second metal plate has a third mounting hole (e.g., a mounting hole 52h) facing the second mounting hole and a second metal plate portion, and the first fastening member is inserted into the third mounting hole and fastened together with the cable material. With this configuration, by providing a gap between the two metal plates that are fastened together with the same cable material, the cooling of the two metal plates can be efficiently promoted. This makes it possible to further improve the heat dissipation performance of the electrical connection unit.

[0056] <A7. Modifications> Next, several modifications of the first embodiment will be described. Note that in each modification, the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0057] <A7.1 First Modification> Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1 of the first modification of the first embodiment. In this modification, the heat dissipation section 50 includes a third metal plate 53 in addition to the first metal plate 51 and the second metal plate 52. The third metal plate 53 is made of copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy, but is not limited to these examples.

[0058] The third metal plate 53, like the first metal plate 51 and the second metal plate 52, is a member that is fixed to the first connection target together with the rigging material (e.g., bus bar 30B). The third metal plate 53 includes, for example, a base portion 53a and an extended portion 53b. The base portion 53a and the extended portion 53b are formed by bending a single plate material.

[0059] The details of the base 53a of the third metal plate 53 are the same as the details of the base 52a of the second metal plate 52. Therefore, the details of the base 53a of the third metal plate 53 can be described by replacing "second metal plate 52" with "third metal plate 53", "base 52a" with "base 53a", and "mounting hole 52h" with "mounting hole 53h" in the description of the base 52a of the second metal plate 52 described above.

[0060] The details of the stretched portion 53b of the third metal plate 53 are the same as the details of the stretched portion 53b of the second metal plate 52. Therefore, the details of the stretched portion 53b of the third metal plate 53 can be understood by replacing "second metal plate 52" with "third metal plate 53" and "stretched portion 52b" with "stretched portion 53b" in the above-mentioned explanation of the stretched portion 53b of the second metal plate 52. The stretched portion 53b of the third metal plate 53 is an example of the "third metal plate portion".

[0061] In this modified example, a gap S2 is formed between the stretched portion 52b of the second metal plate 52 and the stretched portion 53b of the third metal plate 53. In this embodiment, the horizontal length (X direction) of the base portion 53a of the third metal plate 53 is greater than the horizontal length (X direction) of the base portion 52a of the second metal plate 52, so that a gap S2 is formed between the stretched portion 52b of the second metal plate 52 and the stretched portion 53b of the third metal plate 53.

[0062] In this modified example, gaps S1 and S2 overlap with the outlet 61b of the cooling fan 60 in the Z direction. The cooling fan 60 blows air toward at least gaps S1 and S2. For example, some of the air discharged from the cooling fan 60 passes through gaps S1 and S2 and heads toward the exhaust port 5f of the housing 5.

[0063] With this configuration, by providing gaps between the three metal plates that are fastened together with the same cable material, the cooling of the three metal plates can be efficiently promoted. This further improves the heat dissipation of the electrical connection unit.

[0064] <A7.2 Second Modification> Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1 of the second modification of the first embodiment. In this modification, the electronic component 10 has a side surface 10s as the side surface on the +Y direction side. Also in this modification, a part of the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30B (the end of the first connection portion 31 on the +Y direction side) protrudes beyond the side surface 10s of the electronic component 10 on the +Y direction side. The end 31e on the +Y direction side of the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30B is located on the +Y direction side of the side surface 10s of the electronic component 10.

[0065] In this modified example, the first metal plate 51 is sandwiched between the electronic component 10 and the busbar 30B. The base 51a of the first metal plate 51 is located between the electronic component 10 and the first connection portion 31 of the busbar 30B.

[0066] In this modified example, the horizontal length (X direction) L1 of the base portion 51a of the first metal plate 51 is smaller than the horizontal length (X direction) L5 of the first connecting portion 31 of the busbar 30B. The boundary portion 51c between the base portion 51a and the extended portion 51b (the bent portion between the base portion 51a and the extended portion 51b) is located on the -Y direction side of the +Y direction end 31e of the first connecting portion 31 of the busbar 30B.

[0067] In this modified example, the second metal plate 52 is located on the opposite side of the bus bar 30B from the first metal plate 51. In other words, the second metal plate 52 is located on the opposite side of the bus bar 30B from the electronic component 10. The horizontal length (X direction) L3 of the base portion 51a of the second metal plate 52 is greater than the horizontal length (X direction) L5 of the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30B. The boundary portion 52c between the base portion 52a and the extension portion 52b (the bent portion between the base portion 52a and the extension portion 52b) is located on the +Y direction side of the +Y direction end 31e of the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30B.

[0068] With this configuration, the first metal plate 51 is positioned between the electronic component 10 and the busbar 30B, allowing the boundary portion 51c between the base portion 51a and the extended portion 51b of the first metal plate 51 to be located on the -Y side of the +Y end 31e of the first connection portion 31 of the busbar 30B. In other words, the shape of the first metal plate 51 can be set without being restricted by the size of the first connection portion 31 of the busbar 30B in the X direction. This makes it easier to miniaturize the electrical connection unit compared to the first embodiment.

[0069] <A7.3 Third Modification> Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1 of the third modification of the first embodiment. In this modification, the first metal plate 51 is fixed to the terminal 13B of the electronic component 10 together with the busbar 30B by a fastening member 41B, similar to the first embodiment. Terminal 13B is an example of the "first terminal". Fastening member 41B is an example of the "first fastening member".

[0070] In this modified example, the second metal plate 52 is fixed to the terminal 13A of the electronic component 10 together with the busbar 30A by a fastening member 41A. The second metal plate 52 has, for example, a base portion 52a, an intermediate portion 52d, and an extended portion 52b. The base portion 52a, the intermediate portion 52d, and the extended portion 52b are formed, for example, by bending a single sheet of material.

[0071] (Base) The base 52a is positioned parallel to the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30A. The base 52a faces the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30A from the X direction. The mounting hole 52h of the base 52a faces the mounting hole 31h of the first connection portion 31 of the bus bar 30A in the X direction.

[0072] The fastening member 41A described above is inserted into the mounting hole 52h of the base portion 52a along the X direction. In this modified example, the fastening member 41A is passed through the mounting hole 52h of the base portion 52a of the second metal plate 52 and the mounting hole 31h of the first connection portion 31 of the busbar 30A, and engages with the mounting hole 13h of the terminal 13A of the electronic component 10. The base portion 52a of the second metal plate 52 is fastened together with the first connection portion 31 of the busbar 30A by the fastening member 41A being inserted into the mounting hole 52h. That is, the base portion 52a of the second metal plate 52 and the first connection portion 31 of the busbar 30A are fastened together with the terminal 13A of the electronic component 10 by the fastening member 41A. As a result, the second metal plate 52 is thermally connected to the terminal 13A of the electronic component 10 and the busbar 30A. Terminal 13A is an example of a "second terminal". The fastening member 41A is an example of a "second fastening member". The mounting hole 52h is an example of a "third mounting hole".

[0073] Further details of the base 52a of the second metal plate 52, other than those described above, can be found in the description of the base 52a in the first embodiment by replacing "bus bar 30B" with "bus bar 30A", "terminal 13B" with "terminal 13A", and "fastening member 41B" with "fastening member 41A".

[0074] (Intermediate section) The intermediate section 52d is provided between the base section 52a and the extended section 52b. The intermediate section 52d is a plate portion that runs along the Z direction. The intermediate section 52d extends from the base section 52a toward the +Y direction. The intermediate section 52d extends, for example, to avoid the insulating rib 11a of the electronic component 10. An insulating member MS is provided between the intermediate section 52d and the fastening member 41B. The insulating member MS is, for example, an elastic insulating member. The insulating member MS electrically insulates the fastening member 41B from the second metal plate 52.

[0075] (Extended portion) The extended portion 52b is located on the +Y direction side with respect to the intermediate portion 52d. The extended portion 52b extends from the intermediate portion 52d by being bent at the +Y direction end of the intermediate portion 52d. For example, the extended portion 52b extends from the intermediate portion 52d by being bent so as to be inclined toward the -X direction from the intermediate portion 52d.

[0076] With this configuration, terminals 13A and 13B of the electronic component 10 can be cooled using a cooling fan 60 located on one side of the electronic component 10 (for example, the +Y direction side). This further improves the heat dissipation performance of the electrical connection unit.

[0077] (B. Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the heat dissipation section 50 is formed from a single plate material (metal plate 51). Other than what is described below, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0078] <B1. Configuration> Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1 of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the heat dissipation section 50 includes a metal plate 51. The metal plate 51 is formed by bending a single plate material MP. The metal plate 51 includes a base portion 51a and an extended portion 51b. The details of the base portion 51a are the same as the base portion 51a of the first metal plate 51 described in the first embodiment.

[0079] The stretched portion 51b of the metal plate 51 includes, for example, a first portion 51ba, a second portion 51bb, and a third portion 51bc. In this embodiment, the first portion 51ba, the second portion 51bb, and the third portion 51bc are formed by bending a single plate material MP. For the sake of explanation, the first portion 51ba, the third portion 51bc, and the second portion 51bb will be described in that order.

[0080] (First part) The first part 51ba is located on the +Y direction side with respect to the base 51a. The first part 51ba extends from the base 51a by being bent at the +Y direction end of the base 51a. For example, the first part 51ba extends from the base 51a by being bent so as to be inclined toward the -X direction from the base 51a. The first part 51ba is a plate portion along the Z direction. At least a portion of the first part 51ba is located above the discharge port 61b of the cooling fan 60. The first part 51ba is an example of the "first metal plate portion".

[0081] The first portion 51ba extends from the base 51a along the first extension direction D1. The first portion 51ba has a first end E1 and a second end E2 as its two ends in the first extension direction D1. The first end E1 is the end connected to the base 51a. The second end E2 is the end located on the opposite side of the first end E1 in the first extension direction D1.

[0082] (Third part) The third part 51bc is connected to the second end E2 of the first part 51ba. The third part 51bc is bent from the second end E2 of the first part 51ba in the second extending direction D2. The second extending direction D2 is a direction that intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) the first extending direction D1. The third part 51bc is a plate portion along the Z direction. The third part 51bc connects the first part 51ba and the second part 51bb. The third part 51bc is an example of the "third metal plate portion".

[0083] The third portion 51bc has a third end E3 and a fourth end E4 as its ends in the second extension direction D2. The third end E3 is the end connected to the first portion 51ba. The fourth end E4 is the end located on the opposite side from the third end E3 in the second extension direction D2.

[0084] (Second part) The second part 51bb is connected to the fourth end E4 of the third part 51bc. The second part 51bb is bent from the fourth end E4 of the third part 51bc along the first extending direction D1. The second part 51bb extends parallel to the first part 51ba with a gap S1 between them. The second part 51bb is a plate portion along the Z direction. At least a part of the second part 51bb is located above the discharge port 61b of the cooling fan 60. The second part 51bb is an example of the "second metal plate portion".

[0085] In this embodiment, the gap S1 coincides with the discharge port 61b of the cooling fan 60 in the Z direction. The cooling fan 60 blows air at least toward the gap S1. For example, a portion of the air discharged from the cooling fan 60 passes through the gap S1 and heads toward the exhaust port 5f of the housing 5.

[0086] <B2. Advantages> As described above, the heat dissipation section 50 of this embodiment includes a metal plate (e.g., metal plate 51) having a second mounting hole (e.g., mounting hole 51h) into which a first fastening member (e.g., fastening member 41B) is inserted and fastened together with a cable guide (e.g., bus bar 30B). The metal plate is formed by bending a single plate material (e.g., plate material MP) to include a first metal plate portion (e.g., first portion 51ba), a second metal plate portion (e.g., second portion 51bb), and a third metal plate portion (e.g., third portion 51bc) connecting the first and second metal plate portions. With this configuration, for example, compared to a configuration without the second metal plate portion, the cooling of the first and second metal plate portions can be efficiently promoted. This makes it possible to further improve the heat dissipation performance of the electrical connection unit.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the number of metal plates fastened together with the cable guide can be reduced compared to the first embodiment. This makes it possible to suppress the axial force loss of the fastening member (for example, fastening member 41) that occurs when the number of metal plates fastened together with the cable guide increases, while improving the heat dissipation of the electrical connection unit.

[0088] <B3. Modified Examples> Next, a modified example of the second embodiment will be described. In the modified example, the configuration is the same as that of the second embodiment, except for the configuration described below.

[0089] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1 of a modified example of the second embodiment. In this modified example, the heat dissipation section 50 includes a first metal plate 51 and a second metal plate 54. The second metal plate 54 is made of copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy, but is not limited to these examples.

[0090] In this modified example, the second metal plate 54 is fixed to the extended portion 51b of the first metal plate 51 at a position away from the bus bar 30 and the fastening member 41. The second metal plate 54 is not fastened together with the bus bar 30 by the fastening member 41. The second metal plate 54 has a base portion 54a, an intermediate portion 54c, and an extended portion 54b.

[0091] (Base) The base 54a is arranged parallel to the extended portion 51b of the first metal plate 51. The base 54a is a plate portion that is aligned in the Z direction. The base 54a is in contact with the extended portion 51b of the first metal plate 51. The base 54a has a mounting hole 54ah into which a fastening member 55 (for example, a bolt or screw) is inserted. The extended portion 51b of the first metal plate 51 has a mounting hole 51bh that faces the mounting hole 54ah. The base 54a is fixed to the extended portion 51b of the first metal plate 51 by the fastening member 55 that passes through the mounting hole 54ah and the mounting hole 51bh. The fastening member 55 is an example of a "fixing part". However, the fixing part that fixes the second metal plate 54 to the extended portion 51b of the first metal plate 51 may be a welded part or the like instead of the above example.

[0092] (Intermediate section) The intermediate section 54c is provided between the base section 54a and the extended section 54b. The intermediate section 54c extends at an angle with respect to the base section 54a in a direction away from the first metal plate 51.

[0093] (Extended portion) The extended portion 54b extends from the intermediate portion 54c. The extended portion 54b extends parallel to the extended portion 51b of the first metal plate 51, with a gap S1 between it and the extended portion 51b of the first metal plate 51. The extended portion 54b is a plate portion that is aligned in the Z direction. At least a part of the extended portion 54b is located above the discharge port 61b of the cooling fan 60. The extended portion 54b is an example of the "second metal plate portion".

[0094] With this configuration, the heat dissipation of the electrical connection unit can be improved, similar to the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, with this modified configuration, the number of metal plates fastened together with the cable guide can be reduced compared to the first embodiment. This makes it possible to improve the heat dissipation of the electrical connection unit while suppressing the axial force loss of the fastening member (for example, fastening member 41) that occurs when the number of metal plates fastened together with the cable guide increases.

[0095] (C. Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the heat dissipation section 50 is not fastened together with the busbar 30 and the electronic component 10. Other than what is described below, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0096] <C1. Configuration> Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1 of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the busbar 30B has a mounting portion 34 in addition to the first connection portion 31, the second connection portion 32, and the extension portion 33 described above. The first connection portion 31 faces the electronic component 10 from the X direction. The first connection portion 31 is an example of the "first portion".

[0097] The mounting portion 34 extends from the connecting portion 31. For example, the mounting portion 34 is bent and extends from the +Y direction end of the connecting portion 31 toward the -X direction. The mounting portion 34 faces the electronic component 10 from the Y direction. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 34 faces the electronic component 10 from a different direction than the connecting portion 31 and the extension portion 33. The mounting portion 34 is, for example, a plate portion along the X and Z directions. The mounting portion 34 is an example of the "second portion".

[0098] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation section 50 is fixed to the mounting section 34 of the busbar 30 and is thermally connected to the busbar 30. The heat dissipation section 50 includes a metal plate 51. The metal plate 51 includes, for example, a base portion 51a and an extended portion 51b.

[0099] (Base) The base 51a is positioned parallel to the mounting portion 34 of the busbar 30. The base 51a is a plate portion that is aligned in the Z direction. The base 51a is in contact with the mounting portion 34 of the busbar 30 from the Y direction. The base 51a has a mounting hole 51h into which a fastening member 56 (for example, a bolt or screw) is inserted. The mounting portion 34 of the busbar 30 has a mounting hole 34h that faces the mounting hole 51h. The base 51a is fixed to the mounting portion 34 of the busbar 30 by the fastening member 56 that passes through the mounting hole 51h and the mounting hole 34h. The fastening member 56 is an example of a "fixing part". However, the fixing part that fixes the metal plate 51 to the mounting portion 34 of the busbar 30 may be a welded part or the like instead of the above example.

[0100] (Extended portion) The extended portion 51b extends from the base portion 51a. The extended portion 51b is bent and extends from the base portion 51a in a direction away from the mounting portion 34 of the busbar 30. The extended portion 51b is a plate portion along the Z direction. At least a part of the extended portion 51b is located above the discharge port 61b of the cooling fan 60. The extended portion 51b is an example of a "metal plate portion".

[0101] <C2. Advantages> With this configuration, the heat dissipation of the electrical connection unit can be improved by providing a heat dissipation section. Furthermore, with the configuration of this embodiment, the number of metal plates fastened together with the cable material can be reduced compared to the first embodiment. This makes it possible to improve the heat dissipation of the electrical connection unit while suppressing the axial force loss of the fastening member (for example, fastening member 41) that occurs when the number of metal plates fastened together with the cable material is large.

[0102] <C3. Modifications> Next, several modifications of the third embodiment will be described. Note that in each modification, the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the third embodiment.

[0103] <C3.1 First Modified Example> Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1 of the first modified example of the third embodiment. In this modified example, the heat dissipation section 50 has a first metal plate 51 and a second metal plate 52. The details of the first metal plate 51 are the same as those of the metal plate 51 described in the third embodiment. The stretched portion 51b of the first metal plate 51 is an example of the "first metal plate portion".

[0104] The second metal plate 52 is fixed to the mounting portion 34 of the busbar 30B, similar to the first metal plate 51. The second metal plate 52 includes a base portion 52a and an extended portion 52b.

[0105] (Base) The base 52a is positioned parallel to the mounting portion 34 of the busbar 30B. The base 52a faces the mounting portion 34 of the busbar 30B from the Y direction. In this embodiment, the base 52a is positioned parallel to the base 51a of the first metal plate 51. The base 52a faces the base 51a of the first metal plate 51 from the Y direction. In this embodiment, the base 52a is in contact with the base 51a of the first metal plate 51 from the Y direction.

[0106] The base portion 52a has a mounting hole 52h into which a fastening member 56 is inserted. The mounting hole 52h faces the mounting hole 51h of the first metal plate 51. The base portion 52a is fastened together with the mounting portion 34 of the busbar 30 by the fastening member 56 which passes through the mounting holes 52h, 51h, and 34h. However, the fixing portion that secures the metal plate 52 to the mounting portion 34 of the busbar 30 may be a welded portion or the like instead of the above example.

[0107] (Extended portion) The extended portion 52b extends from the base portion 52a. The extended portion 52b is bent and extends from the base portion 52a in a direction away from the mounting portion 34 of the busbar 30. The extended portion 52b is a plate portion along the Z direction. At least a part of the extended portion 52b is located above the discharge port 61b of the cooling fan 60. The extended portion 52b is an example of the "second metal plate portion".

[0108] In this modified example, the extended portion 52b of the second metal plate 52 is arranged parallel to the extended portion 51b of the first metal plate 51. A gap S1 is formed between the extended portion 51b of the first metal plate 51 and the extended portion 52b of the second metal plate 52. The gap S1 coincides with the discharge port 61b of the cooling fan 60 in the Z direction. The cooling fan 60 blows air at least toward the gap S1. A portion of the air discharged from the cooling fan 60 passes through the gap S1 and heads toward the exhaust port 5f of the housing 5.

[0109] With this configuration, cooling can be promoted by multiple metal plates. This allows for further improvement in the heat dissipation of the electrical connection unit.

[0110] <C3.2 Second Modification> Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the electrical connection unit 1 of the second modification of the third embodiment. In this modification, the extended portion 33 of the busbar 30B is located on the +Y direction side with respect to the electronic component 10. The extended portion 33 of the busbar 30B faces the electronic component 10 from the Y direction. The heat dissipation portion 50 is fixed to the extended portion 33 of the busbar 30B. The extended portion 33 of the busbar 30B is an example of the "second part".

[0111] With this configuration, the heat dissipation of the electrical connection unit can be improved by providing a heat dissipation section. Furthermore, with the configuration of this embodiment, the number of metal plates fastened together with the cable material can be reduced compared to the first embodiment. This makes it possible to improve the heat dissipation of the electrical connection unit while suppressing the axial force loss of the fastening member (fastening member 41) that occurs when the number of metal plates fastened together with the cable material is large.

[0112] Several embodiments and modifications have been described above. However, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the examples described above. For example, the above-described embodiments or modifications may be implemented in combination with each other. For example, each of the first to third modifications of the first embodiment may be implemented in combination with the second or third embodiment. Each of the second embodiment and its modifications may be implemented in combination with the third embodiment.

[0113] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, heat dissipation can be improved.

[0114] 1...Electrical connection unit 10...Electronic component (to be connected) 13, 13A, 13B...Terminal 13h...Mounting hole 30...Bus bar (wire routing material) 31...First connection part (first section) 31h...Mounting hole (first mounting hole) 32...Second connection part 33...Extended part (second section) 34...Mounting part (second section) 41...Fastening member 50...Heat dissipation part 51...First metal plate 51a...Base part 51b...Extended part (first metal plate section) 52...Second metal plate 52a...Base part 52b...Extended part (second metal plate section) 53...Third metal plate 54...Second metal plate 51ba...First section (first metal plate section) 51bb...Second section (second metal plate section) 51bc...Third section 60...Cooling fan (blower) 61...Case 61a...Inlet 61b...Outlet 62...Impeller S1, S2...Gap

Claims

1. An electrical connection unit comprising: a connection target; a cable material having a first mounting hole and fixed to the connection target by a first fastening member inserted into the first mounting hole; a heat dissipation section thermally connected to the connection target or the cable material; and a blower that blows air toward the heat dissipation section.

2. At least a portion of the heat dissipation section has a second mounting hole facing the first mounting hole, and the first fastening member is fastened together with the cable material by being inserted into the second mounting hole, the heat dissipation section includes a first metal plate section and a second metal plate section arranged with a gap between them, and the blower blows air toward at least the gap between the first metal plate section and the second metal plate section, the electrical connection unit according to claim 1.

3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 2, wherein the heat dissipation portion includes a first metal plate having a second mounting hole and a first metal plate portion, the first fastening member being inserted into the second mounting hole and fastened together with the cable material, and a second metal plate having a third mounting hole facing the second mounting hole and a second metal plate portion, the first fastening member being inserted into the third mounting hole and fastened together with the cable material.

4. The electrical connection unit according to claim 3, wherein the first metal plate is sandwiched between the object to be connected and the cable material, and the second metal plate is located on the opposite side of the cable material from the object to be connected.

5. The electrical connection unit according to claim 3, wherein the object to be connected is an electronic component having a first terminal and a second terminal, the first metal plate has a second mounting hole and the first fastening member is fixed to the first terminal together with the wiring member by being inserted into the second mounting hole, and the second metal plate has a third mounting hole facing the second terminal and the second fastening member is fixed to the second terminal by being inserted into the third mounting hole.

6. The electrical connection unit according to claim 2, wherein the heat dissipation portion includes a metal plate having a second mounting hole into which the first fastening member is inserted and fastened together with the cable material, and the metal plate includes a first metal plate portion, a second metal plate portion, and a third metal plate portion connecting the first metal plate portion and the second metal plate portion, formed by bending a single plate material.

7. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1, wherein the cable material includes a first portion that faces the object to be connected from a first direction and has a first mounting hole, and a second portion that bends from the first portion and faces the object to be connected from a direction different from the first direction, and the heat dissipation portion is fixed to the second portion.

Images